Tell me about a professional goal you have set and achieved. What personal qualities and characteristics helped you achieve that goal?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Answer Example
Community Answers

Some professional goals you may have made include improving student achievement, increasing graduation rates, implementing new educational programs, ensuring a safe and positive learning environment, managing budgets effectively, and fostering positive relationships with staff, parents, and the community. Or you may also strive to stay up-to-date on the latest research and trends in education, attend professional development opportunities, and work towards obtaining advanced degrees or certifications. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of setting professional goals and that you have what it takes to achieve them

"The most recent professional goal I set for myself was to have our school district be the top-ranked in the state. We achieved that goal by the second year, bringing us up from the third-place spot. I achieved these goals, along with the school board and leadership team, through dedication to the vision. I have a healthy competitive streak and the ability to get other people very excited about playing their part in our school's success."

Anonymous Answer

"I am most proud of earning my doctorate degree within three years. It was probably the hardest thing I have ever achieved, but my husband's support and my sheer determination and refusal to fail helped me attain this goal. Through this process, I learned the benefit of networking with people in different industries."

Rachelle's Feedback

Wow - this is quite the feat and one that should certainly make you proud. You certainly stand out as determined. When it comes to networking, try being more descriptive regarding the impact this had on your success.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I wanted to become a high school principal. The personal qualities that helped me achieve that goal were hard work, perseverance, and the patience to wait for the right opportunity. I just tried to listen and learn until my opportunity presented itself."

Rachelle's Feedback

It seems you are a diligent, patient, and focused individual :) To help bring this response from 'telling' to 'showing and telling,' I recommend adding some examples of how you do so. I have provided a starter for you below.

"One of my primary professional goals was to become a high school principal. I achieved this goal through hard work, perseverance, patience, and listening and learning until the right opportunity presented itself. For instance, while I was working toward this goal, I...(discuss some measurable actions that you took and the difference they made in your journey to becoming a high school principal)."