How to Answer: What have you done to professionally improve yourself in the past year?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Court Clerk job interview.
37. What have you done to professionally improve yourself in the past year?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to see if you value continuing education and are motivated to improve professionally. When you embrace professional growth, it shows the interviewer that you strive to improve yourself and stay up to date on new legislation, case law updates, technological advancements, and workers' compensation and safety issues for all employees. The interviewer wants to see that you have the qualities they are looking for in a Court Clerk.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 2nd, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on any blogs or publications you subscribe to, podcasts you listen to, classes you have taken, or conferences you have attended in the past year that have improved you professionally. The interviewer wants to hear that you have goals for professional growth.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 2nd, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid saying you have done nothing in the past year to grow professionally. Be sure to mention at least one or two things at the minimum that you have done in the past year that show the interviewer you value professional growth. Even if you read law books to understand the terminology better or have read a leadership book to enhance your leadership skills, those are ways that you are trying to improve yourself in this field.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 2nd, 2022
Entry Level Example
"In the past year, I completed my bachelor's training and received my degree in Political Science. I also listen to a podcast called 'Legal Talk Network' to learn about changes in the law, litigation practices, and updates in legislation."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"In the past year, I attended a three-day summer conference sponsored by the Administrative Office of the Courts. I learned about new legislation, case law, and technology updates. It was a very informative conference, and I am signed up to attend next year. I also joined Toastmasters International to enhance my public speaking and leadership skills."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 2nd, 2022
Experienced Example
"I am a member of the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks, and I attended their annual meeting last summer. It was a six-day conference covering updates in technology, leadership, cybersecurity, ethics, and management skills. I also completed training to become a certified expert in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 2nd, 2022