What do you consider being your greatest accomplishment?
By defining your self-defined greatest work accomplishment, this question evaluates your standard for putting your all in and seeks to answer if your greatest work accomplishment fits the parameters of what they consider being an overachiever. It also clues them into your values, your personality, and your motivators, providing insights as to how you'd contribute.
"While onboarding at my last job, they trained me on the general methods previous employees in my position used to tackle their work. I soaked it up and spent my time evaluating those systems for getting the work done. I changed or reinvented them in ways that made more sense to me. I'm all about increasing productivity only where it doesn't sacrifice the quality of my work. Sometimes I hit the mark, and sometimes it's close but not perfect, and when that's the case, I learn what I can. Well, the head of our division visited our department and evaluated our workflow. They challenged us to increase our department's productivity within the next month. At my first opportunity, I showed my team leader the system's approach I used for my work, in case they'd want to get ideas for how'd they'd meet this challenge. They loved what I'd done so much they had me form a team on how to adopt these systems to the rest of the department in a way where these systems could be adapted to each and everyone's unique personality and work style. Once everyone was up to speed, our productivity increased and we met this challenge. We increased our department's productivity, exceeding the goals they challenged us with. Even better, a few months later, everyone in our department received a bonus. So, I'd call that one of my greatest work-related accomplishments."
Remember, the road to self-improvement is never-ending. So frame your achievement as a milestone towards your future goals. Offer what milestones you hope to accomplish next, building off of your previous accomplishments. Evaluate what they are looking for in their ideal candidate based on how they've advertised their position, and frame yourself as an above-average fit by how you deliver your example.
Unlock all 30 Department of Energy questions
Prepare for questions on nuclear security, climate initiatives, and federal energy programs.
Get Started