FBI Mock Interview
Master 40 FBI interview questions covering security clearances, investigative scenarios, and ethical judgment.
Question 15 of 40
Tell me about an achievement you are proud of. What skills did you use to achieve this goal?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Remember To
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Entry Level
Community Answers
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The FBI wants to hire people who set goals and work hard to achieve them. The interviewer would like to know that you can set goals and reach them, which shows your determination and focus. Give an example of a time you overcame obstacles to complete a career-related goal that seemed impossible, or share a time you received an award and talk about the most challenging parts of earning that recognition.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Focus your answer on a work-related achievement rather than a personal achievement since the interviewer is more interested in hearing about a professional achievement than a personal one. Highlighting a professional achievement will allow the interviewer to determine if you are a strong candidate for the job. Even though personal achievements are to be commended, many candidates are vying for this position, and you want to stand out from the crowd.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
As mentioned in the other answer advice, you should avoid describing a personal achievement over a professional one. The interviewer may find it interesting that you won the National Spelling Bee three years in a row, but they may not feel that your personal achievement will benefit you as a Special Agent.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
When responding to this question, highlight your top professional achievement and the skills you used to achieve your goal. This question has two parts, and you must remember to answer the question completely.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"Last year, I earned the Denver Police Medal of Honor for my actions while stopping a bank robbery. I was surprised by this honor and also humbled. I believe that my bravery was part of what earned me the reward, but also my ability to react quickly under pressure."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I'm proud of the fact that I was promoted the fastest in my police departments' 50-year history. When I took the position, I set the goal for promotion within twelve months. I achieved that within six months by using my organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills. As you can see, I set lofty goals for myself and am sure to create milestones and check-ins with my superiors to ensure I'm doing what I need to reach these goals."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"I'd say my greatest accomplishment so far is completing my undergrad, and having attained my PhD. I graduated with honors, which another huge accomplishment, as is the accomplishment of sitting here with you today interviewing for this internship opportunity."
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Anonymous Answer
This past night shift while working as a patrolman, I responded to a stabbing. Upon arriving at the scene the victim was responsive and alert. As EMS was treating the victim before they took him to the hospital, he advised the suspects in the case were both wearing black hoodies. One male subject wearing blue jeans while the other was wearing sweat pants. After leaving the scene I proceeded to patrol my district. While waiting at a red light I noticed two male subjects who loosely matched the description walking away from my unit. Once the light turned green I made a U-turn in an attempt to make contact with the individuals. This was approximately 13 miles away from the crime scene. Once I made the U-turn I couldn't find the individuals on the main road. At that moment, I decided to check a nearby neighborhood in case the subjects may have attempted to evade police. While entering that neighborhood I saw both subjects walking on the side of the road. It was at this moment, I shined my flashlight on the individuals. I noticed blood on one of the individual's hoodies and a small laceration on the other subject's wrist. After immediately calling for backup it was later determined that these subjects were the ones responsible for the aggravated robbery and assault on the victim. (I could elaborate more in detail on the interrogation part of the story which would illustrate problem-solving, initiative, and communication).
Krista's Feedback
Wow, you had me hooked with this story! I like how you delivered this example, and it is certainly a job well done that you should be proud of. For this particular question, you could certainly elaborate on the interrogation part of the story to illustrate the skills you used in this example. In the end, you can tie it up nicely by connecting the skills you used to the skills required to succeed with the FBI.
Anonymous Answer
When I played varsity lacrosse, I was not named captain my senior year due to the fact that I was not "overly expressive" or "a loud mouth" according to my coach. I thought I was deserving of it, as I worked harder than the guys who were named captain. I worked harder then ever to prove to my coach that he made a mistake and through my gameplay and leadership of the team, he awarded me the unsung hero award and admitted that he had underestimated me.
Krista's Feedback
Good start. You are using an example that demonstrates how you've overcome a poor perception of your character.
Anonymous Answer
As a corpsman attached to a Marine unit, the only way you get respect from your Marines is to wear the Fleet Marine Force badge. To do this, you dedicate yourself to learn about the history, mission, and overall tactics and weapons know-how of the Corps. You have to get each section signed off and once those are completed, there is a rigorous session to test your knowledge led by your peers. My peers initially believed I was not ready to board, but I was given the opportunity to partake and I was the only person among my colleagues that received a perfect score. With this, I earned the respect of my peers and more importantly my Marines. And with dedication and perseverance, I was able to achieve this very important milestone in my military career.
Krista's Feedback
This is an excellent achievement you've shared! If the role you're applying for is as a civilian, you may consider sharing how this unique accomplishment would translate into a non-military setting. Additionally, you may wish to expound a bit on the specific skills that used to achieve this goal (example: persistence, work ethic, etc.)
Anonymous Answer
I was able to get my name on the Dean's List when I was in undergrad. I made sure to study and do well in my classes so that I could maintain A's in all my classes.
Krista's Feedback
That's wonderful that you were named to the Dean's List! That's an awesome accomplishment. To improve your response, consider focusing on the specific skills that you used to achieve that goal (example: dedication, time management, self-advocacy.) I have included an example below of how this response could be restated.
One accomplishment that I'm especially proud of was being named to the Dean's List as an undergraduate student. In order to achieve this goal, I maintained a number of important skills, including perseverance, work ethic, time management, and self-advocacy. I tried my hardest and learned which classes required the most time spent studying, so I could allocate my time accordingly. Whenever I experienced difficulty with a new concept, I would attend my professor's office hours; this was an impactful way of advocating for myself and my own learning. I am very confident that the same skills that helped me earn a spot on the Dean's List will come in useful in my next role professionally.
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