Interviews can vary greatly depending on the individual.
For a newcomer, the interviewer will attempt to discern whether the candidate has the necessary skills and attributes to work with the organization.
For experienced individuals seeking new employment, the interviewer will consider whether the candidate would be a suitable fit for the organization, and the questions will differ as a result.
One of the most critical questions that interviewers pose is, “What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?” This question is essential for both the interviewer and the interviewee.
- It offers you an excellent opportunity to provide additional information about yourself.
- While for the interviewer, it is an excellent chance to learn more about the candidate’s background and significant accomplishments that may make them a good fit for the job.
This article will guide you in crafting a winning response with tips for answering the ‘greatest accomplishment’ interview question.
Why Interviewers Ask About Accomplishments
So, why do interviewers ask about previous accomplishments? The primary reason is relevance.
Although the interviewer may be inquiring about the candidate’s past accomplishments, what they are truly interested in is what the candidate can do for the company right now.
Based on the candidate’s experience and accomplishments, the interviewer may assume that if they did it once, they can do it again. As a result, the interviewer may ask the candidate to provide specific examples.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Answering the ‘Greatest Accomplishment’ Interview Question
When answering this question, it is critical to discuss past accomplishments in a way that demonstrates relevance to the specific job for which you are applying and interviewing.
- Carefully read the job description and make a note of the requirements and qualifications listed. You should aim to target these as much as possible when developing your response.
- The interviewer wants to hear a good story that provides them with a better understanding of you as a candidate, so choose an accomplishment that effectively “sells” oneself.
- When responding to this question, it is acceptable to discuss both professional and personal accomplishments that are relevant to the job in question.
- It is critical to avoid appearing arrogant. Always remember to give credit where it is due. If your colleagues or friends aided you in your accomplishments, keep them in mind and acknowledge their contributions.
The answer given to the question about the greatest accomplishment may become one of your best “selling points.”
Telling Your Success Story: Using Specific Examples to Showcase Your Achievements
While taking the time to talk about your proudest, most rewarding, or significant accomplishments, keep in mind the marketing tip: “Facts may tell, but stories sell.”
This is the perfect time to provide a specific example, a good (but brief) story that the interviewer will remember. Explain how you utilized your relevant skills and qualifications to achieve what you did.
While telling your story, make sure to relate your competencies to the job.
Here are some tips on how to prepare answering the question:
A.) From Brainstorming to Results
Start by brainstorming all your significant achievements from your previous jobs. Think about how you improved things or made a difference while you were working there. Consider the following:
- Did you have any great initiatives or fresh ideas?
- Did you shake up old methods and develop new procedures or programs?
- Did you achieve sales targets or reach new clients?
- Did you establish good working relationships with customers or demonstrate great teamwork?
- Did you develop new quality standards or improve the accuracy of budget forecasts?
B.) Discuss your Actions.
After identifying your achievements, think about the actions you took to achieve them. Consider every single step you took to accomplish your objectives, including:
- The tasks you performed during the activity.
- Your personal management activities.
- The changes and difficulties you handled effectively.
You may also talk about how your target goals were measured and who initiated them –
C.) Highlight the value and performance.
- Were you the one who came up with the idea, or was it your boss?
- What did your boss say after you achieved your goals?
Lastly, discuss the results of your achievements –
C.) Discuss the Results
- Did you improve the quality of performance or reliability?
- Did you make any difference in sales numbers, costs, and profits?
- What about customer satisfaction?
- Did you improve the level of support service or productivity, efficiency, and the company’s reputation?
Remember, when answering this question, it’s important to present an achievement that reflects-back on the job requirements and the company to which you are applying.
You want to tell a success story where you faced a challenge and achieved an impressive result. This will gain the employer’s interest, and they’ll be more likely to think that if you did it once, you can do it again.
In conclusion –
When asked about your greatest achievements, take the opportunity to showcase accomplishments that tells a compelling story and demonstrates how you could benefit the organization.
Finally, give credit where credit is due, and avoid appearing arrogant.