How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you influenced the outcome of a project by taking a leadership role.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Wildlife Biologist job interview.
17. Tell me about a time when you influenced the outcome of a project by taking a leadership role.
How to Answer
Always review the job posting before the interview to familiarize yourself with the duties involved. If the interviewer asks such a question, it is likely that the position entails leadership duties - current or future - which will most likely already be outlined on the job posting. As such, he/she will assume you applied to this role upon having adequately read the job posting, and that you have an interest in leadership/team management and/or some sort of leadership/team management experience.
Tell the interviewer about your leadership or team management experience, should you have any, in a professional, volunteer, or educational capacity (alternatively). Should you have none, mention that you are more than willing to gain leadership skills and would love to take on a leadership role - and why you would be a great leader able to influence the outcome of any project.
Provide an example of a situation when you influenced the outcome of a project as a result of your leadership skills, preferably related to the position/industry you applied for. If you cannot do so, provide any example by telling the interviewer you are positive your skills acquired in a previous position will easily be transferable.
Answer Example
"I lead a team of individuals when working as (X position title) for (X organization). In this role, I was responsible for (X number of professionals) and (X further related duties, relevant to the job posting). As a result of my leadership and team management skills, we were able to complete the projects ahead of the deadlines and my employer proved highly satisfied."