Veterinary School Mock Interview
Master 54 Veterinary School interview questions covering clinical experience, animal ethics, and your commitment to veterinary medicine.
Question 34 of 54
Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done. What was the reason behind this, and what was the outcome?
How to Answer
Example Answer
Community Answers
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
If your interviewer asks you to give an example of a time that you felt you went above and beyond the call of duty, they are not necessarily interested in the example itself. Instead, they want to ensure that you are the type of worker that will work hard to get the job done properly, rather than just to get the job done. Additionally, they want to know what your definition of 'going above and beyond' is. Because the interviewer is most interested in ensuring that you have the quality they are looking for, your answer should focus on that quality. In this case, you should focus on dedication and hard work.
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
"At my last job, I was given a project and the expectations for it, but I knew that the minimum requirements were not going to get the job done properly. I had to work weekends, but I did it how I knew it had to be done. That is how I define 'going above and beyond': doing what needs to be done and not just what is expected of me. "
Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
Typically responds within 24 hours.
0 - Character Count
Anonymous Answer
At my last job, at Sephora, I was under no obligation to learn the uses of all of the ingredients or which products were best for different skin types, yet I wanted to so that I had a better understanding of my job and I was able to provide the best service for customers with relevant and correct information.
Rachelle's Feedback
This example is a good one! Nice work. I have reworded slightly, for impact.
"When working for LUSH, I was under no obligation to learn the uses of all ingredients, or which products were best for specific skin types. I wanted to learn this information so that I could better serve my customers. So, I took the time to learn about the dozens of products and ingredients in our most popular products."
Anonymous Answer
Doing what needs to be done and not just what is expected is a big part of going above and beyond. I did this a lot in school. When I took organic chemistry in college, I knew that I needed to improve my overall chemistry understanding. I worked day and night on my labs and study materials. I made the highest grade in the class on every exam, and I achieved an A in the class. From this, I learned needed study skills and confidence in my ability to get things done when I set my mind to it.
Rachelle's Feedback
An excellent example of doing more than was expected of you to achieve the best possible outcome. You must have felt very proud of your accomplishment!
Anonymous Answer
When I was working within a group to prepare science-based lessons for primary children, the plans weren't being made and lessons organized. So I decided to find ideas, plan the number of materials needed, create a rota, and organize group meetings to ensure the lessons would run smoothly. My group wasn't as enthusiastic or interested as I'd hoped, and did not meet deadlines, so I took matters into my own hands.
Rachelle's Feedback
The fact that you took matters into your own hands shows a lot of initiative, confidence, and leadership capabilities. All of these are critically important qualities for a Veterinarian to have as well! This was a good example to use.
Anonymous Answer
While working at my first job as a pizza cook/manager, I had to do what would benefit the restaurant. One day one of my coworkers did not show up to work. Since I opened the restaurant at 8 a.m., this individual would have been closing. The coworkers and I finished the dinner service, but since I was the manager, I stayed to close the restaurant because I did not think it was fair to ask them to stay. I worked a 16 hour shift that day to help the restaurant and my staff. My boss was very proud that I took responsibilities as a manager and did not try to get out of it.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's very nice that you did what you felt you needed to, on behalf of your employer and staff. Your answer shows a lot of integrity!
Anonymous Answer
In my genomics course in college, my teacher instructed us to search genetic sequences in a large database for our class. However, he only asked us to set up our searches in the format needed for the program to search. It would take a few hours per search, and it was near the end of the semester. Because of this, I did my best to help my teacher by downloading Linux for the program, learning how Linux runs programs, downloading the genetic databases onto my computer, and searching my genetic sequences as well as my classmates' to help my teacher get through this assignment.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is an excellent example of going the extra mile! What this response is missing, however, is the outcome. What occurred as a result of your efforts? What was the outcome of this situation?
Anonymous Answer
When working at a pharmacy I had to take a role in going above and beyond to get the job done as I answered the phone and a carer was extremely worried about their patient as they had run out of medication and had forgotten to order a repeat of the items, therefore they wouldn't be able to get it in time. The carer couldn't drive therefore was unable to pick the prescription up, so I had to help in the dispensing of an emergency prescription right before closing time. The delivery driver had already gone out so he had to come back for the prescription last minute.
Amanda's Feedback
This is a good example of showing empathy for others and taking action to resolve a customer's issue. You can strengthen it further by talking about the skills you used to go above and beyond such as a sense of urgency, clear communication, problem-solving, etc.
Anonymous Answer
When working at the pub we had one evening that was really busy, because of this we didn't get chance to do the usual waitress duties that we would do alongside serving people, for example folding napkins and polishing knives and forks for the next day. This was on a Saturday night and as Sunday is busy as soon as it opens I stayed later on Saturday night to make sure everything was ready, this made sure Sunday went smoothly with everything prepared.
Chad's Feedback
Good answer! Your example clearly demonstrates to the interviewer that you are the type of person who will work hard to ensure a job is done properly, and go the extra mile when required.
Anonymous Answer
When I was volunteering as a kindergarten camp counselor, the activities that I was given to do were not age-appropriate. They were too difficult. I took it upon myself to find ideas, create activities, and makeup games that the children would enjoy. I also made sure to create backup ideas in case my plan A activities did not captivate the kids. The goal of the camp was to be creative and fun, something that I made sure of.
Chad's Feedback
This is a great example of a time you took the initiative to go beyond the call of duty, but it is unclear from your response if you were ultimately successful in providing enjoyable activities for the children. I suggest using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) formula as the framework for your example. This method will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information, including the outcome that resulted from your actions. We have a guide that you may find helpful in organizing your response - https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/5 Behavioral Based Interview Questions You Should Prepare For/
Unlock All 54 Veterinary School Questions
Unlock expert responses for questions admissions committees actually ask applicants.
Get StartedJump to Question
