There are some interview questions that can catch you off-guard. This is one such example. It’s easy to be caught, blinking like a rabbit in the headlights, if you’ve not thought how you’d respond to it.
What’s the best way to prepare for this question? It’s fundamentally looking to draw out not just what you’ve achieved, but what you’ve learned about yourself. The skills and qualities you’re able to illustrate through your example will help the panel determine how you will perform in the job role.
A good way to identify these moments of pride is to complete an activity called the Lifeline.
The Lifeline activity
- Take a large sheet of paper- A3 or bigger.
- Draw a horizontal line across the page.
- On the far left, either put a zero or the year you were born.
- At the far right your age now or the current year.
- Your key achievements in life go above the line-the higher the line, the greater your success.
- Below the line are your lows; things that have not gone well, relationship endings, loss and disappointments.
- Next join the dots up. Typically you’ll have a zig-zag pattern.
You now have the raw material from which to draw your examples.
Taking the time to reflect on those moments that filled you with pride will give you a confidence boost. There are probably more examples than you’d remembered. Ask yourself the following questions about 3 of your top achievements.
- What contributed to my success?
- What did I learn about myself?
- Did what I learn contribute to future successes?
My Lifeline example
Above the line
I initiated ‘Inspiring Women’ at Warwick- a series of high-profile female speakers designed to encourage and motivate Warwick’s female staff. Events were promoted informally and venues sought from supportive contacts. The events were hugely popular from the start, often attracting 80+ attendees.
- What contributed to my success?
I collaborated with other (more) senior female staff to secure their support. Our combined network of contacts ensured we were able to identify speakers who would attract attendance. The events took place over lunchtime and mid-week so more women including part timers could attend. I approached the (female) Provost when she was appointed to secure funding. Her contacts and support further raised the institutional profile of the events.
- What did I learn about myself?
That I had more informal power and influence than I’d thought and that taking action is sometimes the best way to bring about change. I ended up doing most of the organising and logistics myself and should have identified others to help.
- Did what I learn contribute to future success?
Yes. We are now a team of three who co-ordinate and promote events. These are online post-pandemic which has increased attendance. The dialogue now continues beyond the events themselves through a Teams group and others can influence future topics and speakers and share resources.
In my next post, I’ll explore how to approach your examples from below the line and how you can use them to respond to the question “Tell us about a major challenge you’ve overcome.”
