Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you recovered

Last updated: June 10, 2026

Quick Overview

Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at LinkedIn, your actions, and measurable outcomes.

LinkedIn
Behavioral & Leadership
Software Engineer
LinkedIn
June 10, 2026
Software Engineer
Behavioral Round
Behavioral & Leadership
Medium

45

7

1,009 solved


Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at LinkedIn, your actions, and measurable outcomes.

During the Behavioral Round at LinkedIn, behavioral questions like this one help interviewers assess your collaboration skills, decision-making process, and growth mindset. They want evidence of impact, not just participation.

What the Interviewer Expects
  • Share a compelling story with specific details and measurable outcomes
  • Demonstrate leadership skills: influence without authority, mentoring, decision-making
  • Show empathy and emotional intelligence in conflict situations
  • Reflect on lessons learned and how you applied them going forward
  • Quantify your impact with concrete metrics where possible
Key Topics to Cover
STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Growth mindset and learning from failure
Conflict resolution and difficult conversations
Leadership and influence without authority
Cross-functional collaboration
How to Approach This
  1. Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
  2. Be specific about YOUR actions, not just the team outcome.
  3. Quantify your impact whenever possible (e.g., "reduced latency by 40%").
  4. Prepare stories for: conflict, failure, ambiguity, leadership, and technical trade-offs.
  5. Show growth mindset. Explain what you learned and how you changed your approach.
Possible Follow-up Questions
  • What would you do differently if you faced this situation again?
  • How did you support your team through this situation?
  • How did this experience change your leadership style?
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Sample Answer
What the Interviewer is Really Asking

The interviewer is assessing your ability to acknowledge mistakes, learn from them, and demonstrate resilience in a professional setting. They are interested in your growth mindset, how you navigate c...

Strong Answer Structure
  1. Situation: Describe the specific mistake made and the context. 2. Task: Explain your role and responsibility in the situation. 3. Action: Detail the steps you took to address the mistak...

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