What steps have you taken this year to encourage your professional development?
The interviewer wants evidence that you have taken responsibility for your career path by being accountable for your personal and professional development. The goal of your response is to take the interviewer through the steps you have actively taken this year to contribute to your professional development.
"At the beginning of each year, I make a plan for what I would like to accomplish in my personal and professional life. This year, my plan included attending two industry conferences and expanding my local network by attending more business commerce meetings. I also enrolled in a course on leadership to learn new ways to boost team productivity through relationship building. I am so glad that I took these initiatives this year as I believe the skills I developed will significantly contribute to my success with Company ABC."
"This year, I have been accepting more responsibilities at work and taking on more tasks without being asked. I committed to perfect attendance at work this year and have been reading more business books in my personal time. I have a list of top 25 leadership books, and I plan to get through the list before the end of the year. So far, I have completed the first eight books and have noticed a boost in my professional performance already!"
Avoid giving an excuse-based response like, 'I have been so busy this year, it's been impossible for me to focus on my professional development.' Yes, you have likely been busy; however, the interviewer wants to hear more about your interest in your growth versus how overworked you feel. Instead, be prepared to talk about even one small thing you do to contribute to your success. Your response doesn't have to be grand. For instance, perhaps you recently listened to a podcast on boosting your communication skills, or maybe you have started to seek out a mentor.
There are many straightforward ways to take advantage of professional development. These opportunities include:
- Reading books and articles from thought leaders in your industry
- Taking online courses to gain new skills
- Attending industry conferences to grow your network
- Listening to podcasts and audiobooks related to your professional interests
At the end of your response, be sure to spotlight how your professional development initiatives will contribute to your success in this new role.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I listen to speakers and podcasts.
I read books to grow and learn.
Kevin's Feedback
Your answer needs more. Always ask if you would hire you based on your answers. Most interviewers will choose the candidates who go above-and-beyond with their answers. Anyone can claim to listen to speakers and podcasts and read to grow. By offering that as your answer, how have you sold them on your merits? Try offering up details on the speakers and podcasts you listen to the most. When it comes to books, which are your favorite? Also, what is your approach to your professional development on the job?
“In my off hours I listen to podcasts, and read everything I can to stay up to date on all the developments in the industry. If you’re interested, I can make a list of the podcasts and TED Talks I’m into. I enjoy sharing those with others in the field who’d appreciate them. But, as far as encouraging my self development on the job, that’s easy to answer.
I’m careful to not take on too much work at any given time. I am never the kind of worker who over-promises and under-delivers. But when I have enough room on my plate, and my time management skills are outstanding, I will take on any work that falls outside of my comfort zone. If it feels attainable, and it also feels scary, then I go for it. That is the perfect combination for developing oneself professionally. That, and ever constant clear communication.”
Anonymous Answer
To take on more responsibility and leadership duties. This will allow me to look at situations from a management mindset and help me in my PDP.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are great goals to have and very achievable. Are there any specific duties within leadership that you would like to take on in your next role?
Anonymous Answer
I have enjoyed being a territory manager in the 15 years that I have been in sales. However, I strive to be the best at what I do. I find it key to learn from the best; my senior colleagues, education on the internet in courses on selling, and the mindset, taking advantage of courses available to us over our company hub, coursework on understanding our customer's environment. I found this to be extremely developmental in my career this year.
Cindy's Feedback
Great! Describing both informal and formal learning is a great approach. You may want to reference something that you learned recently and use the topic as a way to turn the interview into a conversation. Are there new developments in your industry that would be of interest to the interviewer?
Anonymous Answer
I am continuously looking for ways to improve and to stand out. I have a natural passion for the healthcare industry, and I am fascinated by medical technology. I enjoy listening to medical podcasts, TED talks, and I have enrolled in LinkedIn training courses to improve my skills in leadership further. I also make it a point to volunteer and assist in various projects to learn new networking skills.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is a very well-rounded and detailed response. Good for you for continuing to develop yourself!
Anonymous Answer
I made my manager aware that I would like some more responsibility because I don't want to feel like I'm plateauing. I was then given a new project and territory, with responsibilities very similar to TMs. I requested to attend TM sales training as a trainer.
Marcie's Feedback
What is a TM? Make sure not to use too many acronyms so you don't confuse the interviewer who might not be familiar with all of them. That's great that you asked for more responsibility and then were rewarded with that and additional training. This shows your initiative. It also indicates that you are motivated and proactive. Excellent!
Anonymous Answer
When I decided to transition my career into medicine I knew that I would have to start with a much more junior role than I was used to due to my lack of experience. I went back to school, started with a job as a trauma surgeon making less money, kept my eyes open for better opportunities with more room to grow, and have diligently been reviewing job boards for positions that can utilize my current skill set and help me grow my career in medicine.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! It sounds like you have taken many different steps recently to grow professionally. The interviewer will undoubtedly be impressed by this. Great job!
Anonymous Answer
This year, I have watched numerous videos, read instructions on how to, and volunteered with other professionals to learn how to properly use a skid steer and numerous attachments other than just a bucket. Personally, I have read some great books, "Love Is Letting Go Of Fear, Green Lights, The Anatomy Of Peace, The Energy Bus, and The Five Levels Of Attachment", which I believe all translate over to professional life.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is a great response! It's wonderful to see the ways that you've focused on professional growth and development.
Anonymous Answer
My development for the past two years has been different than previous years because of Covid. I have been using the Corn Ferry book FYI to identify competencies that I will focus on developing this year. I sat down with my boss and together we outlined opportunities to gain experience specifically for development in those areas. Two of my primary competencies for this year are Business Acumen (communicating), and Managing Ambiguity.
Stephanie's Feedback
The past two years have presented a lot of professional challenges, and it's clear that you've done a good job of learning new skills, despite the challenges that the pandemic has created.
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