Debbie, This is actually NOT an unusual question. What they are trying to determine is how you would deal with failure and what adjustments you'd make to correct the problem. I'd simply answer it with "I'm one that learns from my mistakes and I don't make the same mistake twice". Though the situation may be different the next, at least in their mind you've embedded that you're one who learns from your mistake/failure and you will do whatever is necessary to correct it. Best wishes.

It is hard to fail ,but it is worse never to have tried to succeed. Don't get discouraged things will work. It's the possibility of having a dream that makes life interesting.

Failing is also a part of learning so, I would have to ask if the company shares that same philosophy.

Thats a trick question, I would probably answer that with. In life we all run into failures, but those of us who are looking to succeed welcome the challenges that are sure to lead one to success. Or, I welcome failure it is the road one must travel to gain success. Or "FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!" The word failure was designed to throw you off because no one plans to fail. Good question :)

I would have answered this question like fail??? I have no intention on failing my intention is always to do that best I can at whatever I do....crazy Ive never heard this asked at an interview but hey you never know these days..

If I thought I would accomplish anything short of success I wouldn't accept the position! I'm fully qualified for the position and have no doubt that from day one I would demonstrate that and only get stronger.

This is how I would answer this questions, The quoted section below would be directed to the interviewer/s

"it would depend on your definition of the word fail. I am always successful if I learn from the mistakes I make. I will only fail if I don't not have the sense and ability to implement these lessons in my job and if I do not learn from those mistakes. It is important to remember that it took Thomas Edison over 5000 attempts to make the first successful light bulb, now he is heralded as an electrical elite. We will all make mistakes but choosing to overlook the importance of them, I would only be failing myself at that point.

I would say the best way to answer this question is by saying, "I don't plan on failing at this job!" It shows that you are motivated!!

This is one of those questions meant to see how committed you are to the inherent difficulties of the job. I would use a little humor and say: "Wow, THAT's a loaded question! Honestly, I don't like to fail, even though I am aware that everyone does. I am the type of person who enjoys challenges, so if I got an unusually difficult job, I would begin by getting my team together so that we can review the project and begin breaking it into manageable pieces. Then we would begin setting realistic goals for each portion to be completed. I would check in periodically with each team member to ensure that everyone is progressing as expected. If not we can make adjustments as needed, because it's better to know sooner rather than later. After all the deadlines are met, we can begin to reconstruct the project and tie up any loose ends. If we end up not being able to complete the project, or if I am an abject failure then I would convene a meeting with the team so that we can deconstruct our plan of action, go through each component and attempt to determine where the points of breakdown occurred. Once we assess where the problems existed, we can then work similar solutions into the next project. So, I guess the bottom line is that I don't really consider a failure, a FAIL inasmuch as I consider it an opportunity for learning.

Mrs. Parker: I have heard of great scientists that failed miserably many times prior to achieving their quest, such as Einstein, many others went through bankruptcy several times before becoming millionaires, such as Rush Limbaugh. Think of Bill Gates, he started in the garage in his home and experienced many failures as well before becoming super famous with Microsoft Corporation. Life is not a steady line and the earth is not flat, some people assume that infinity is like a tilted 8 that revolves around self but the truth is, that is like an indefinite line without being able to see the beginning or the end. Life is made of experiences, circumstances, achievements and failures. For some, life presents itself easily, others struggle to find resolution in adversities. We are not here hopefully to condemn but to encourage. I have seen the difference that encouragement makes in the life of a person that has been set for failure. The influence of others and the way we tag one another with misconceptions and errors can set an individual to repeated failure. I have seen the difference that communication makes in addressing people, I have seen what respecting boundaries makes in the life of others of different ethnicities, I have seen what people can do to one another not only in a work environment but in highly respected places. I have seen what money can do in regards to values and integrity of character. I have seen what the abused of power can do to another. If an employer does not want an employee, don’t set them up to be ridicule or for failure to justify an agenda that only proofs their lack of integrity. Do not call them to be interviewed to tell them repeatedly “you failed” times a hundred. Consideration and kindness go along ways. Love does not know fear or so I heard. We are individuals called to survived and to keep trying, regardless. If this employer did not find profitable this prospect employee the least he could do is guide him, suggest avenues of improvement, encourage him, may be offer a part time job towards something better along the way or a temporary contract to oversee his work. What did he profit by antagonizing and discourage an individual that is looking for work? Be human. Nobody forces anyone to hire another, but be human.

All the best for 2016!