“Tell us about a major challenge you’ve overcome.”

In my last post I explored how you might respond to the interview question “What are you most proud of?” by drawing on your successes.

In this post I’m concentrating on the kinds of events that will enable you to answer the question “Tell us about a major challenge you’ve overcome.” I shared an exercise called the Lifeline, where you can plot both the highlights and low points in your life to date.

Here’s a reminder of how to create your lifeline:

1. Take a large sheet of paper- A3 or bigger.
2. Draw a horizontal line across the page.
3. On the far left, either put a zero or the year you were born.
4. At the far right your age now or the current year.
5. Your key achievements in life go above the line-the higher the line, the greater your success.
6. Below the line are your lows; things that have not gone well, relationship endings, loss and disappointments.
7. Next join the dots up. Typically you’ll have a zig-zag pattern.

Above the line

Your examples may include exam success, sporting triumphs, promotions, formal recognition, finding true love, buying your first house. A mix of both the professional and personal.

Below the line

Often your greatest personal growth comes from those things which have gone badly, been especially challenging, disappointing and perhaps distressing.  Often you don’t have the same degree of control over these events. However you do have a choice over how  you respond to them. Your below- the- line events will provide you with a number of rich examples you can draw on.

Ask yourself these questions about 3 of your examples below your Lifeline.

• How did I respond to the situation/event?
• What did I learn about myself?
• Did what I learn inform my responses to subsequent situations/events?

Here is one of mine to illustrate:

A few years’ ago I experienced the end of a relationship. I was also unhappy in my job, grieving my loss and unsure of a way out. As a result of the relationship ending I also needed to sell the house.

• How did I respond to the situation/event?

I took time to think hard about what was important to me. I spent a lot of time reflecting and planning a change of direction. I completed a coaching course, applied for a new job on a temporary contract, sold the house and  moved to a completely new area knowing nobody.

• What did I learn about myself?

How resilient I was. The situation made me appreciate that life is too short to spend in a job which didn’t feel meaningful.

The investment I made in my personal and professional development paid dividends. I took a (calculated) leap of faith and it paid off.  

I realised I was able to make things happen. I knew that if the contract didn’t lead to a permanent job that I had the ability to find another job.

• Did what I learn inform my responses to subsequent situations/events?

Yes. It made me bolder and more confident. I am willing make tough decisions and pursue what’s important. And not to stress over the small stuff.

In conclusion

Which scenario you decide to choose is up to you. If a recent example feels too raw, even though it may highlight admirable qualities, select a different one. The point is to be able to demonstrate  what you learned about yourself. The qualities you developed will help to illustrate to recruiters a number of the kinds of attributes they value. These include resilience, patience, persistence and a willingness to handle change.

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to chose our response. In our response lies our grown and our freedom.

Viktor. E. Frankl.