What is your greatest accomplishment?

This is a question that some hiring managers ask.

It can be difficult to answer because growing up, we are often taught to practice humility. That others find it rude when we are boastful about ourselves.

Then, as adults, subconsciously we worry about coming across as obnoxious or unlikable.

In this instance, it isn’t a trick question. The person hiring you isn’t asking to see if you’re arrogant or not, they really just want to know what makes you great.

Simultaneously, this question gives the interviewer a glimpse into what you value and how you view success as well as ambition.

Up until this point, the dialog has been limited to how the interviewer wants the conversation to go. With this question, they have pretty much opened up the floor to allow you to highlight a story in the interview.

The power is in now in your hands to influence how they might see you.

When choosing an accomplishment, here are somethings to keep in mind:

• Highlight your values and best qualities
• Choose an accomplishment that alights with either the job or the company
• Be honest
• S.T.A.R. Approach
• Be specific

The relevancy and recently of the accomplishment might be considered but think about anything that required you to work to overcome something while contributing to someone or something else around you.

Life is full of obstacles, each with their own set of challenges. With that there’s bound to be some great stories to share.

I recommend having 3-5 good stories prepared, beforehand.

For practice, let’s start right here.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

If you can’t think of one, follow one.

“Every accomplishment begins with the decision to try.”