"Once, my job needed volunteers for a project that was lacking in direction and information. So, I volunteered and expressed to our leadership that I wanted to have a sit down before I embarked on the project to determine not just what they wanted but what they needed and what the trajectory for this project was. I worked with them for all the big-picture "need to know basis" intel on what we were shooting for with this project and why. It took some work to get all the details from them, but once I had all of that, I knew what to shoot for. That helped me establish a guideline for what I was shooting to achieve. Any time something raised the question of what direction I should take with the project, I simply padded the job. As long as I wasn't exhausting company resources, I explored every avenue. Once my tasks were complete, I handed over my work. It turned out I was so thorough that I'd even completed the parts of the project that the leadership was responsible for. They were extremely pleased with my work. But that's my standard--to be as consistent as possible in being an above-and-beyond performer."

Some employees evaluate their performance by crossing off items on a list and accomplishing short-term goals. Others feel as if they've underperformed by putting in the bare minimum. You want to convey that going "above and beyond" is your norm. Communicating how you weigh success is the aim. Break down what success means to you across all fronts; short-term goals, long-term goals, the big picture, and how you go about achieving your goals. It's okay to boast a little when answering this question. Be proud yet humble. Describe how this achievement acts as a milestone towards your goals and why you regard it as a success in your personal development.