In a culture that often celebrates success and hides failure, this question can feel like a trap. It can induce a moment of panic.

Your instinct might be to minimize, deflect, or present a "fake" failure. But the truth is, this question is not a trap. It is an invitation. It's an invitation to demonstrate humility, self-awareness, and your capacity for growth—three of the most sought-after traits in any professional.

In technology, failure is not the opposite of success; it is an integral part of the innovation process. If you aren't failing occasionally, you aren't pushing the boundaries. The interviewer knows this. They are not interested in the failure itself. They are interested in what you did next.

What Are They Looking For?