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Coming in at #1: Interview Prep: How to Answer “Tell Me About a Time You Made A Mistake”

Here we are with the final episode of our Season 12 countdown! We’ve been revisiting the top 12 most-loved episodes of all time. And today’s episode has been downloaded thousands and thousands of times more than any other in the Flourish Careers catalog.

A heartfelt thank you for counting down with me. Revisiting these episodes through fresh eyes has been one of my favorite things—and your continued engagement means everything.

“Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work.”

→ Cue the sweaty palms, the blank mind, and that strange phenomenon where every mistake you’ve ever made either vanishes completely or suddenly feels way too big to share.

Here’s the thing: interviewers aren’t asking this question to catch you off guard. They want to understand how you handle challenges, how self-aware you are, and whether you have the capacity to learn and grow.

This episode, from the 5 Minutes to Flourish series, walks you through exactly how to turn one of the most dreaded interview questions into one of your strongest moments. With a simple, structured, and memorable framework, you’ll actually remember it when it counts.

Key Takeaways From Today’s Episode

+ Owning a mistake with composure humanizes you. It builds trust. It shows a kind of maturity that a perfectly polished answer never could.

+ The OAR framework gives you a reliable structure.

+ Self-awareness is the real skill being tested. Interviewers aren’t looking for someone who’s never failed. They’re looking for someone who knows how to learn, recover, and grow.

Your 5 Minutes to Flourish Tiny Action:

Write down your response to this question right now, before you need it. Use the OAR framework. Write it out first, then say it out loud. Practice once or twice. That’s it. You’ll thank yourself later.

What’s Next

Season 13 is coming in just a few weeks. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about where this podcast goes next and where my work is heading more broadly (hint: career + seasons 🌿) Stay close.

Last chance! I’m giving away complimentary In Season planners to listeners in the U.S.

Here’s how: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts about your favorite episode. Screenshot it and send it to jennifer.smith@flourish.careers, or tag me on social. I’ll send you the link to grab your planner—just cover shipping. Here’s to your next season 🌿 P.S. If you’re listening in the future, this giveaway is for 2026 only.

🌟 The Flourish Careers Podcast is proudly highlighted in the Top Career Podcast Guide

Ways to work with me:
+ Join Fried to Flourishing, the self-paced career change course or virtual coaching experience.
+ You’re invited to the Gathering Ground, an insider circle where careers take root, grow, and flourish.
+ Browse around the shop and check out the playbooks: Make The Leap, Ultimate Playbook for Heart-Based Career Change | The Complete Interview Prep Playbook | Jumpstart Your Job Search, Gift for Grads

5 Minutes to Flourish

You’ve Got To Nourish To Flourish!

Five minutes a day to a healthier, happier, and more well-rounded you.
That’s all it takes. Your family, your friends, and your colleagues will love you for it.
You will love you for it!

ACCESS THE DOWNLOAD HERE

Want more career wisdom? Check out these podcast episodes/blog posts!

+ Want to Change Careers? Here’s How Informational Interviews Can Help
+ Setbacks into Stepping Stones: From Interview Rejection into Lucky Opportunities
+ Introvert Career Diaries: Interview Strategies

For more insider stories, quick tips, and #CareerTalk, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @flourish.careers.

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