What is the ideal answer to: "Tell me about a time when you had a deadline and couldn't meet it. How did you deal with this?"

Tell them when and how it happened and what did you do !! 

There is no point in making stories :)

You can send a letter or memo to those concern appologising for not meeting to dateline promise them such will not happen again

I made sure to inform my boss before the deadline about the delay and ask for more time.

Thanks for invitation

deal with situation ask help of others and try to arrange your work so that it helps you achieve your deadline goals

I said:

"Is it possible to get a little time? to deliver the work as best as possible"

I would love to see the answers of the experts.

The reason for the delay should be explained and presented convincingly and the reason for delay should not be a personal cause

If we know how to manage our time we would never pass through this . Time management is really important . 

This question is asked because everyone has some experience. Of course, poeple with good time management have less of these experiences. Am ideal answer would:

1. Sound honest.

2. Show your ability to communicate in a timely manner (tell your boss as early as possible that you will not make the deadline).3. Show how you learned from the experience, so that the chance of being late with the next deadline was reduced.

The best way forward in a situation like this is

1.  To talk to your immediate upline manager and ask for some time. 

2.  Get a team member who can work it out with you and

3.  On completion submit it with a memo or letter appreciating their understanding,

4.  And thank them too.