Tell me about a difficult workplace goal you set. What steps did you take to achieve that goal?
Setting goals for yourself (and taking the steps necessary to achieve them) shows that you are serious about your personal and professional growth. This question is your opportunity to emphasize your motivation and ability to see a goal through from the planning stages to actually achieving it.
"Since I do not have any formal work experience, I'll give you an example relating to my education. In my senior year of college, I set a goal to graduate with a grade point average of 4.0 on a scale of 4.0. I knew this would be a tough goal to achieve, and I also knew I would need a plan to achieve this goal. At the start of the year, I mapped out what classes I would take, and as I received the syllabus, I built a road map and used a planner to color code assignment deadlines and milestones. I planned "distraction-free" periods where I could study in quiet and get my work done without receiving texts or being distracted by my roommate. I set short and long-term goals and celebrated the milestones and achievements along the way. I think my planning and dedication to sticking to the plan helped me succeed in graduating with a 4.0 and honors!"
Demonstrate that you are willing to put in the hours and the effort to achieve your goal. Discuss with the interviewer two to three steps you took to help you get closer to that challenging goal. Be sure to highlight the results to show you made it!
"I took it upon myself to pursue my master's part-time while working full-time at my previous position. Working towards my master's had been a goal of mine for a long time, and it was also something that my boss had encouraged me to do for my own professional growth. While it was challenging to balance different responsibilities, I learned so much through this experience and was proud of myself for accomplishing this goal. The scope of my responsibilities increased vastly after this as I was able to tackle more challenging work."
"I set a goal to be promoted to manager of the tech team at my current company. I knew it would take time since I was only working in a fill-in lead position. I studied outside of work to learn more about the systems we worked with. I also let my manager know that I wanted to take on more responsibility. Within two years I was promoted to Systems Manager."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I set a difficult workplace goal: getting my PCP certification while working full-time. It was really hard to balance school and also working full-time while still having a life outside of work. But it has really helped me with my career growth.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a great goal to share with the interviewer. If you can, share what steps you took to achieve this goal. Did you block off time each day to study? Did you work during the day and do coursework at night? Those kinds of details will help highlight your time management and goal-planning abilities.
Anonymous Answer
At the end of 2019, I set a goal to become a leader in the restaurant industry. Despite COVID and the difficulties quarantine posed, I kept pursuing this goal and earned certificates in Hospitality and Tourism Management, BarSmarts, and TIPS. I was hired and promoted to a Key Holder at __________ during the height of COVID, where I was a vital role in the restaurant's opening success.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a fantastic goal to share, and the steps you took to achieve it. Well done!
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