Did I screw up this interview?

[deleted877060]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I had a traditional interview that went well except for one question... It was along the lines of (keeping this vague due to non-disclosure agreement) "can you describe a time in your life when you ________ (saw someone doing something unethical/had to choose between self-interest and the greater good)" I thought about it but couldn't come up with a good example right there so I answered honestly like "well, I'm sorry I can't think of an example from my life right off the top of my head, but hypothetically if I were to encounter a situation like that, I would _______(statements about evaluating how my decisions might impact others, how I would be considerate/uphold moral values)." The interviewer responded like "that's okay, I know it's hard to think of examples from your life. I appreciate your attempt there."

I can't stop thinking that I gave a bad non-answer that destroyed my chances here. 🙁 Am I reasonable in overanalyzing this??

 

[deleted1063986]

Sounds like you did fine.

 

[DNAJB6]

These interview questions are hard. The questions are along the lines (in my mind at least) if you had two children and one of them must die, which one would you save (e.g. first born v. baby)?

 

[DNAJB6]

I think you did fine, or at least, I don't think it will adversely affect any rubric or recommendation the recommender makes. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

 

[Deltasidearm]

Given that you could not come up with an example, I think you handled it the best way possible. Obviously, it would have been better to have an anecdotal experience but you made the best of a bad situation. Regardless, no point in stressing over it now.

 

[Goro]

Am I reasonable in overanalyzing this??

Yes. Chill.

 

[LunaOri]

Breathe. You did fine!

 

[sparkysparkyboomman]

At one of my interviews, I was asked about a similar question, and had a similar answer. They seemed to appreciate my honesty and I was actually accepted lol. (not saying that this was the reason I was accepted but simply saying honesty is always best)