How to Answer “Tell Me About a Research Failure”

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

Facing the question “Tell me about a research failure” can feel intimidating. It’s not just about admitting something went wrong; it’s about showing how you handle setbacks and grow from them. I’ve been there, and I want to share how to turn this tricky question into an opportunity to highlight your resilience, learning, and problem-solving skills.

Research workspace showing notes and laptop, symbolizing a challenging research phase

Why Interviewers Ask About Research Failures

Interviewers want to see how you respond when things don’t go as planned. Research rarely follows a straight path. Experiments fail, data doesn’t support your hypothesis, or unexpected problems arise. Your answer reveals your mindset and ability to adapt.

They look for:

• Honesty about challenges

• Reflection on what went wrong

• Actions taken to address the failure

• Lessons learned to improve future work

  
  

Showing you can handle failure thoughtfully is often more impressive than only sharing successes.

Choosing the Right Failure to Discuss

Pick a failure that:

• Is relevant to the role or field you’re applying for

• Shows a clear challenge or obstacle

• Ends with a positive takeaway or lesson

• Does not involve ethical issues or major professional misconduct

  
  

For example, you might talk about an experiment that didn’t produce expected results or a project where your initial approach was flawed.

Structuring Your Answer Using a Personal Story

I find it helpful to use a simple story structure to keep your answer clear and engaging:

1. Set the scene: Briefly describe the research project and your role.

2. Explain the failure: What went wrong? Be specific but concise.

3. Describe your response: How did you react? What steps did you take to fix or learn from the failure?

4. Share the outcome: What was the result after your intervention?

5. Highlight the lesson: What did you learn, and how has it shaped your approach since?

   
   

Example Answer

Here’s an example based on my own experience:

During my master’s thesis, I worked on developing a new method to analyze soil samples for contaminants. Early on, I realized my data was inconsistent and didn’t match expected patterns. After reviewing my process, I discovered that the sampling technique introduced contamination. I paused the project, consulted with my advisor, and redesigned the sampling protocol. Although this delayed my timeline, the new method produced reliable data. This experience taught me the importance of validating every step in a research process and being ready to pivot when something doesn’t work.

This answer shows honesty, problem-solving, and growth.

Tips for Delivering Your Answer

• Be concise: Keep your story focused and avoid unnecessary details.

• Stay positive: Frame the failure as a learning experience, not a disaster.

• Show ownership: Take responsibility for your part without blaming others.

• Use clear language: Avoid jargon or overly technical terms that might confuse the interviewer.

• Practice: Rehearse your story so it sounds natural and confident.

  
  

What to Avoid When Talking About Research Failures

• Don’t claim you never failed: Everyone encounters setbacks.

• Avoid blaming others: This can come across as unprofessional.

• Don’t dwell on the negative: Focus on what you did to improve the situation.

• Avoid overly technical explanations: Keep it accessible unless you know the interviewer has the same expertise.

  
  

Research notebook open with detailed notes and sketches, illustrating reflection on research process

Final Thoughts

Answering “Tell me about a research failure” well shows your ability to learn and adapt, qualities every researcher needs. By sharing a clear, honest story about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it, you demonstrate resilience and critical thinking. Next time you face this question, remember it’s your chance to show how setbacks have made you a stronger researcher.