How to Answer the “Greatest Personal Achievement” Interview Question
You’ve landed an interview for your dream job, and you’re feeling confident until the dreaded “greatest personal achievement” question comes up. You freeze, not sure what to say that won’t come across as bragging or insignificant. However, with thoughtful preparation, you can impress your interviewer with a well-crafted answer that highlights your skills, values, and accomplishments.
Understanding the Purpose of the Question
Before crafting your answer, it’s essential to understand why interviewers ask this question. The “greatest personal achievement” question aims to assess your self-awareness, motivation, and passion for your work. It also reveals your ability to set goals, overcome obstacles, and work collaboratively towards a common goal. Therefore, your answer should demonstrate your unique strengths, values, and experiences that align with the job’s requirements and company culture.
Choosing a Relevant and Meaningful Achievement
When selecting your personal achievement, focus on one that highlights your skills and qualities relevant to the job you’re applying for. Your accomplishment should also be meaningful, have had a significant impact, and demonstrate your contribution to a team or community. Consider selecting an achievement from your recent work history that aligns with the job’s requirements or a personal achievement that demonstrates your resilience and determination.
Crafting a Powerful Answer
To craft a strong answer to the “greatest personal achievement” question, follow these steps:
1. Start with a brief introduction that sets the context for your achievement, including a description of the project, task, or challenge you faced.
2. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your achievement. Begin by outlining the situation or task that required your skills, the action you took, and the result or impact you made.
3. Explain the skills and qualities you utilized to achieve your success. Emphasize your leadership, problem-solving, communication, or teamwork skills, depending on the achievement’s context.
4. Reflect on what you learned from the experience, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Include specific examples of your resilience, creativity, or innovation.
Examples of Strong Answers
Here are some examples of strong answers to the “greatest personal achievement” question:
1. “My greatest personal achievement was leading a team of designers to develop a new website for our company that increased our online sales by 30%. I identified the need for a new website, assembled a diverse team with different design skills, and ensured that we met our deadlines on time. I also communicated with stakeholders, incorporated their feedback, and made sure that the website aligned with our brand values. I learned how to manage different talents, ensure effective communication and collaboration, and achieved a tangible result that benefited the company.”
2. “My greatest personal achievement was completing a marathon after training for a year despite facing numerous physical and mental challenges. I had to overcome injuries, fatigue, and personal doubts, but I persevered by setting small goals, seeking support from my running community, and maintaining a positive mindset. The experience taught me how to manage time, stay motivated, grit, and determination, which are qualities I bring to my work.”
Conclusion
The “greatest personal achievement” interview question can be daunting, but with thoughtful preparation and a clear structure, you can highlight your unique skills, values, and accomplishments. Remember to choose an achievement that is relevant, meaningful, and demonstrates your ability to overcome challenges and achieve success. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be sure to impress your interviewer and secure your dream job.
