Prepping for superdays and struggling with the failure question. Every time I try to structure mine using STAR, it comes off robotic. I heard some members mention using raw peer examples from the community to show authentic growth. How do you weave in setbacks from high-pressure situations without sounding like you’re reading a script? What specific details do interviewers actually care about here?
they dont care about your perfect failure story. just share that time you messed up a model and had to pull an all-nighter to fix it. bonus points if you admit you cried in the bathroom. authenticity > polished bs. bankers smell fakeness from miles away.
i saw this post where someone used a group project conflict example? maybe try that? idk still learning
You’ve got this! Highlight what you learned – growth mindset wins!
Had a nightmare where I mixed up EBITDA multiples mid-interview. Used that as my failure story – turns out showing you can laugh at yourself works. Just don’t pick anything that makes them doubt your basic competence.
Analysis of 23 successful IB failure responses shows 82% involved technical errors (not interpersonal). Average story length: 90 seconds. Recommend focusing on analytical missteps with clear metrics on improvement.