MockQuestions

Competency Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your next job interview, here are 25 interview questions and answer examples focused on how competent you are in your profession.

Competency was updated by on March 7th, 2018. Learn more here.

Question 11 of 25

How has your current job changed over the years?

The interviewer wants to know more about your career progression. Additional responsibilities, promotions, and changes in your job title all indicate that you were competent and successful in your role. This question gives you an opportunity to go more in-depth about how your job has evolved. If nothing has changed much over the past couple of years in your position, focus on what you have learned. Are you better at managing teams now that you have gone from supervising one to five people? Are you exceptionally good at problem-solving now that you've learned to troubleshoot IT related problems? Talk about how the changes in your job have taught you new skills and helped you develop the ones you already have.

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How to Answer: How has your current job changed over the years?

  • 11. How has your current job changed over the years?

      How to Answer

      The interviewer wants to know more about your career progression. Additional responsibilities, promotions, and changes in your job title all indicate that you were competent and successful in your role. This question gives you an opportunity to go more in-depth about how your job has evolved. If nothing has changed much over the past couple of years in your position, focus on what you have learned. Are you better at managing teams now that you have gone from supervising one to five people? Are you exceptionally good at problem-solving now that you've learned to troubleshoot IT related problems? Talk about how the changes in your job have taught you new skills and helped you develop the ones you already have.

      Answer Example

      "When I initially started my job four years ago I was a junior level associate. Today, I am responsible for leading a team of 8 junior associates. My role does not look the same at all, and I am thankful for the growth opportunity that my current company has offered me. In addition to the change in leadership responsibilities, I have also enjoyed two major promotions. I attribute this to hard work and dedication."

      Admin

      "Change is a constant in my current role as I work with a rapidly growing organization. In the beginning, I was the one doing the bulk of the administrative work where over the years, I began leading a team to accomplish those same goals. You could say I grew professionally as much as the business did!"

      Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019

      Manager

      "I have grown exponentially in my position. I went from a one-person show to a department of three, with me in charge. We have increased our product line offerings, so my team has had to increase its workload repeatedly."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019

      Marketing

      "In my current role, I was initially hired to write blog posts, take photos, and execute social media copy that had already been planned out for me. A few months in, I was tasked with planning the posts as well. Now, I am in charge of planning out the marketing calendar for the entire year, including all posts, topics, and promotions."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019

      Retail

      "Initially, I was hired as a part-time sales associate. I graduated college and received a promotion to full-time key holder, then assistant manager. My role now includes correspondence with our corporate head office, interviewing candidates, and training new hires. I love to learn new process and look forward to the challenges this role will offer."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019

      Sales

      "Since graduating, I have held various positions, always leaving one for another with greater responsibility, whether within the same organization or another. I have learned a lot in each position, and without any of the previous ones, I would not have earned the promotions I have enjoyed to date. I began as the lowest on the totem pole and have since lead teams from one to five direct reports; I began in inside sales and had since piloted an outside sales program that previously did not exist. I am grateful for all of the lessons I have learned in each position that have equipped me for the next move I'm looking to make, and I look forward to using this knowledge to make an impact at ABC if given the opportunity."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019

      Teacher

      "In the past near-decade of teaching, I've seen the shift towards more standardized testing and quieter, less exciting methods of teaching. I have seen my job almost be eliminated a few times for budgetary concerns, despite the rhetoric that the board values the department- something the community made clear that they do value. All the while, I've done everything I can to evolve with the times but keep in mind the needs of my students."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I started as a test technician and learned all the testing procedures and troubleshooting of modules and board, took responsibility on some daily activity, have participated in first aid and emergency responder team, So, I became first aid responder and later on my position I got promotion as a lead test technician."

      Kevin's Feedback

      It sounds like you had some excellent progression in this role. Very good detail of your progression. But go a little deeper with the on-the-job life lessons you've learned that have aided in your development as a leader and a team player. Were you promoted because you were next in line? Or, were you promoted on your merits? How has your time management, multi-tasking and communication skills improved? How has your leadership and interpersonal skills improved?
      "“I began as a test technician and was promoted to lead test technician. I consistently try to make going above and beyond my bare minimum. I took on any additional responsibilities I could, such as joining the first aid and emergency responder team, for one example. I’d do this careful to not sacrifice the quality of my work, or take on more than I could handle. I worked hard to make my comfort zone that of stepping outside of my comfort zone. Early on, I learned some hard lessons, but I took those in stride and powered on learning everything I could. I am motivated to be the best person I can be. I am not that person yet, but I am driven to become that person. I think that attitude is partly what I contribute to my success.”"