Ask Deb: Handling a Question About a Failed Business

Dear Deb,

What is the best way to answer an interview question about why your company failed?  I started a graphic design firm and after sinking $30,000 into it; and after 18 months of long hours and no weekends off, I have given up.  We just could not compete with more established firms.  I am working at a high school teaching graphic design and also work as a restaurant server to pay the bills.  Feeling like such a failure!  Who would hire me?  Help!

Thanks!

Maricella

Dear Maricella:

You learn much more from your failures than you do from your successes.  Think about it.  Through the experience of starting and running your company, you learned a great deal.  You also gained valuable skills that you would not have gained had you opted to work as a graphic artist for another company. You gained skills, such as creative direction, finance, marketing, developing client relationships, budgeting, contract negotiation, staff supervision, office operations, and so many more. 

Include those valuable skills on your resume to separate you from the crowd. Also, include your current work as a teacher and server on your resume.  It shows that you are industrious and dedicated.  Most hiring managers are impressed by diligent workers. In an interview, make no apologies for the company closing.  State that you made a business decision that this was not the right time or market for the business. 

You are not a failure.  You reached for the stars and gave it your all.  It just did not work out for you – this time.  There are other opportunities for you to discover. I wish you all the best!  If I can be of help, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Deb