How to Answer: Tell me about a time you felt successful.
3. Tell me about a time you felt successful.
The Goal
The interviewer wants to discover how you define success. They also want to understand how you systematically reached your proudest objective. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you are a results- and goal-focused team member who will be an excellent addition to the hiring company.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a vague response that fails to provide a memorable story-based example of your success. For instance, instead of saying, 'I feel successful every time I make a customer happy,' you could say, 'I felt successful last month when I worked closely with a disgruntled customer to ensure they did not close their account and move to our competitor.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Pro Tip
Everyone defines success differently. Your example of success does not need to be an over-the-top 'I saved the world' moment. You may feel successful when you help someone else achieve an important goal. Perhaps you finished your post-secondary education at the top of your class despite struggling with a learning disability, or maybe you felt successful when you earned an exciting promotion.
Tell the interviewer about a time you felt successful. Describe the situation and outline the actions you took to achieve this success. Then, highlight why you felt successful at that moment.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Last year, I made Presidents' Club for reaching the top 10 for sales revenue generation out of 500 territory sales reps. I felt a lot of pride in my hard work and was thrilled to receive this accolade. Overall, I feel the most successful at work when I exceed my goals and targets."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"Last month, at Company XYZ's annual kickoff meeting, I was presented with a teamwork award. I earned recognition for being a helpful coworker and a resource for many new trainees starting their careers. I measure my success by how people feel when they are around me. It felt so wonderful when my employer and teammates recognized me for being a kind person who was willing to help others."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
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