How do you define success in your work?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Stay Away From
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example
Community Answers

The interviewer is trying to assess your work ethic, your career goals, and insights into your personality. This will help them determine what motivates you and how you'd fit into the culture of their brand.

Prior to your interview, put thought into how you define success. Study the job posting and job description. Exude confidence and speak comfortably.

Avoid generic answers like, 'Getting the job done.' They want to know if you go the extra mile versus putting in the bare minimum. Whether or not you go the extra mile with your answers to these interview questions will be a tell-all.

"I define success by my ability to reach the goals that are set out for me. On a personal level, the things I wish to achieve in my life define success for me. On a work level, the targets that are set out for me, along with the professional development that I seek are what I consider to be a success on the job."

"For me, success on the job comes in many different forms. Most importantly, I define success as providing positive results for the end customer. This comes through overall sales and satisfaction of customers and my work always takes into consideration the needs of the customer. At Johnson & Johnson, I would take a great sense of pride in helping to better the lives and wellbeing of your customers in my work."

Anonymous Answer

"For me, success is the ability to evolve continually, personally, and professionally. Success is to be pleased with your life and the people around you. On a work level, success is to feel motivated and keep setting new goals."

Rachelle's Feedback

Your response shows a true desire to grow in your work and personal life. Well said!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"On the work level, success means twofold: first is to accomplish tasks and projects on time with good quality and acknowledged by co-workers and supervisors; second, have clear ideas of what to do and lead the whole team to success. On a personal level, it means improving myself continuously and making meaningful contributions to society."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent answer! Consider strengthening your definition of success with an example or two of times you've experienced it. This will give you the opportunity to talk about your accomplishments with the interviewer while also supporting your descriptions of success.

Anonymous Answer

"In the medical engineering industry experiments and data don't always get the results we desire but this can mean we can rule something out or understand more about the problem, therefore, my success is measured by how well I personally feel I have contributed to my work. While I love to have goals, they are not the full measure of success, knowing that you have done everything you could."

Amanda's Feedback

You're right. When it comes to research, achieving success doesn't always correlate to a particular outcome. You've shared that success often means doing everything you can to produce high-quality work. Now, make your answer even stronger by pivoting to relate an achievement that showcases what you mean. This makes your answer more unique and memorable.

Anonymous Answer

"I think success depends on each and every situation. For me success in some aspects it’s just whether or not I learned from the situation and it gives me room to grow in other aspects success is the pride I feel after accomplishing a task and how that task affected each and every individual involved."

Amanda's Feedback

You’ve provided a flexible definition of success that allows you to find the positive in every situation. You can give your answer more impact by pivoting to relate an achievement that showcases what success has looked like in a learning situation, when you accomplished a goal, or when you overcame an obstacle. This makes your answer more memorable and unique to you.