One of the questions that can be asked in a job interview is “Who influenced you?” or “Who is your hero?” Whether it’s an interview for a government position or a private organization, it is a frequently asked interview question.
Before considering how to answer the question, it’s important to understand the interviewer’s intent.
Influential Figures: Who Inspires and Motivates You? Best
What employers want to know when they ask – who influenced you?
The employer aims to assess your character, value system, and personality. Therefore, be thoroughly prepared by identifying the person you want to speak about and the specific traits or achievements of this person that you admire.
Once you have this knowledge, you can strategically highlight the common values between you and your hero to distinguish yourself from the competition.
This article provides the best examples of who to talk about when asked “who is your hero?”
Read on –
How to Answer –
Who inspires you in your life and why?
Who influenced you the most and in what way?
Here’s a suggested approach:
1. Plan your move: Determine which personal traits or values you wish to showcase that are relevant to the job in question. For example, if you have applied for the job of a firefighter, you may want to emphasize traits such as courage and reliability.
– Good example: “I have always been inspired by the legendary Greek hero Leonidas. Despite facing grave dangers and the possibility of losing his life, he courageously took a giant leap for the sake of his countrymen.”
– Bad example: “My hero is my piano teacher. He has a knack for understanding human feelings and expresses them through his music.”
Now that you understand how to answer, let’s consider the characteristics most employers look for. Here are some examples: adaptability, good interpersonal communication, leadership, creativity, innovativeness, honesty, and dedication.
When listing inspirational heroes, it’s important not only to name them but also to explain why they inspire you and provide specific examples of the positive qualities you have learned from them.
Additional tips for listing inspirational heroes:
WARNING: Be cautious when naming a celebrity, politician, or any other controversial person as your hero.
Why? Employers may have preconceived notions or biases towards certain individuals that you may be unaware of.
Neglecting this fact could lead to a negative impression and a challenging situation.
For example, if you have always been impressed by someone’s achievements and consider them your hero, it is advisable not to mention them to an employer who happens to be a woman, especially if she might hold strong opinions about that person’s personal life choices.
Opting for safer choices by referring to individuals whom the interviewer might not know is usually a better approach.
– Good example: “My father is my hero. He knows how to value people and help them to the best of his ability. He plans ahead, works hard, and always gives his best in any situation. He firmly believes that anything can be achieved with the right intent and a willingness to learn.”
To conclude, when answering this question, it’s essential to align your response with the qualities and values sought by the employer, while also being mindful of potential biases or sensitivities.
Who is Your hero and how they inspire you?
Exploring Different Types of Inspirational Figures
When considering who influences and inspires us, it’s important to note that heroes can come in various forms. They may not always be well-known historical figures or celebrities.
In fact, your hero could be someone close to you, such as a family member, a teacher, a mentor, or a community leader. These individuals may have had a significant impact on your life and have served as a source of inspiration and guidance.
Remember, it’s not always about fame or recognition, but rather the qualities and values that resonate with you.
1. Personal Growth and Learning from Role Models:
One aspect to consider when discussing your hero is how they have contributed to your personal growth and development.
Think about the specific lessons you have learned from them and how their influence has shaped your values, beliefs, and behavior. This can demonstrate your ability to learn from others and apply those lessons to your own life and career.
By sharing these insights, you showcase your openness to growth and your receptiveness to positive influences.
2. Cultural and Historical Icons:
In addition to personal heroes, cultural and historical icons can also be a significant source of inspiration.
These figures may have left a lasting impact on society through their achievements, contributions, or leadership. When discussing such heroes, it is important to highlight the qualities and values they embody that resonate with you.
By referencing historical or cultural icons, you demonstrate your awareness and appreciation of their legacy and its relevance to your own aspirations.
3. Evolution of Heroes:
Heroes and sources of inspiration can change over time as we grow and evolve. It’s worth mentioning that the heroes we look up to may differ depending on the stage of our lives or the goals we pursue.
What might have inspired us in our early years may have evolved into new sources of inspiration as we gained more experiences and developed new interests. Highlighting this evolution demonstrates your ability to adapt and learn from a diverse range of influences.
4. Influence of Heroes on Decision-Making:
An important aspect to discuss when talking about your hero is how their influence impacts your decision-making process. Explain how their values and principles guide your choices and actions, especially in professional settings.
This shows that you are capable of making ethical and value-driven decisions, which is highly valued by employers. Discussing real-life situations where you drew inspiration from your hero can further strengthen your response and provide concrete examples of your character and integrity.
Conclusion
When discussing your heroes and sources of inspiration, it’s essential to convey genuine admiration and respect.
Be authentic in your response and ensure that your examples and explanations align with the qualities and values sought by the employer.
By showcasing the positive influence of your heroes, you demonstrate your potential to bring those same qualities to the workplace and make a meaningful impact.