Would your former or current boss describe you as a worker who gladly goes the extra mile to complete their tasks?

"My former boss would describe me as an employee who goes the extra mile. In my most recent position, I was always available on my email, and many of my service clients had my cell phone number just in case of an after-hours emergency. When you call my reference he will be happy to expand on that for you, I am sure."

"I am always creating new ways for myself and my team to maximize efficiency in our day. I often like to try out a new process to ensure that the owner of the company is getting his money's worth from our work. He will be a great reference for me when we get to that stage."

"I fully believe that my current employer would describe me as a diligent go-getter. I like to work on upcoming projects without being asked. For instance, I will re-merchandise before the scheduled time so that we aren't scrambling when our new inventory comes in."

"We recently had a client who wanted an expert in Facebook algorithms. I was a bit rusty, so I enrolled myself in a half day webinar to ensure I had the level of knowledge the client was expecting. I certainly believe my boss would have great things to say about my level of diligence."

"I initiated a faculty-wide meeting so that we could all discuss the concerns our students had surrounding a couple of cyber-bullies that had surfaced. All of the teachers met after school and brainstormed how we would address the issue and put an end to it. The plan was successful; we identified the perpetrator who we expelled. I will always go the extra mile and be an advocate for my students. My principal will attest to this when you call for a reference."

You can say that you will go the extra mile, but it's best to give a real-life example to the interviewer about a time when you did just that. Offer up your references as well and discuss with the interviewer what you feel your most recent employer would say about you. Give examples of how you go the extra mile in the workplace.

Here are some ways that employees will go the extra mile:

- Starting on an upcoming project ahead of time, without being asked.
- Taking action on any feedback, they receive from their manager. Taking action means attending a class to improve a skill or reading a self-development book to help with communication skills at work.
- Coming to meetings ready to brainstorm or, better yet, with ideas already jotted down
- Creating new ways for themselves or their team to maximize efficiency
- Going out of their way to make their customers happy

"Going the extra mile is something that I deliver, and expect from my team. When everyone puts in 100% of their energy into a project, incredible things can happen. When you call my references, they will most certainly discuss my dedication to my work."