Do you have a job interview scheduled? Are you worried about the type of questions you might be asked while on that hot seat? Worry not, we’ve all been there. If you’ve stumbled across this blog, then you’re on the right track to getting ready for your interview to the best of your ability.
Now, In the world of job interviews, every word matters, you will be evaluated on how well you communicate and answer the questions. But there can be certain questions that can leave you feeling a bit stuck and confused.
One such interview question “What Is Your Biggest Achievement?” is the type of question that makes you think of a long list of your best achievements. But how do you pick the one that describes your professional achievements, skills, and personality?
Don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll help you figure out how to approach this interview question with sample answers like a pro. Let’s dive in and learn how to impress your interviewer and stand out from the crowd!
Understanding The Interview Question – “What is Your Greatest Achievement”
Before you start preparing the approach to answering “What is your greatest achievement” or “What is your biggest achievement”, let’s first understand the purpose behind the interviewer posing such questions.
Interviewers ask about your achievements in interview to understand if you are suitable for the position and to evaluate you accordingly.
So, here are a few things that will be taken into consideration when evaluating you:
Problem-solving skills
The interviewers want to know your ability to overcome challenges and your determination to achieve results.
Value contribution
Interviewers seek insights on how you performed in your previous roles and your potential to contribute to the new role and the organization if hired.
Personal attributes
How you answer your greatest achievements provides them with insights about your resilience, leadership qualities, and initiatives to achieve.
Related: How to Describe Yourself for an Interview – Sample Answers and Examples
Tips on How to Answer “What is Your Greatest Achievement” in Interview
Talk about your experiences
Begin by highlighting your career journey and significant professional achievements. Discuss the valuable lessons you’ve learned from your previous roles, as well as any academic and personal achievements that align with the job role you are applying for.
Choose your achievements wisely
When asked about your best achievements, it’s normal that you’ll have a bucket list of things that you’d like to mention. But during an interview, you need to talk about the achievements that are professional and relevant to the job role. It should demonstrate your unique skills and abilities that set you apart from the crowd.
Quantify the impact
We all love numbers especially when it results in growth. Therefore, It’s best to quantify the impact of your achievements. Discuss your accomplishments using metrics or numbers as this adds more credibility to your response and most definitely impresses the interviewer.
Highlight the impact
Emphasize your personal achievements while acknowledging the contribution of team members and the organization. Discuss the value and influence of your individual contributions. Showcase your strengths, leadership qualities, and problem-solving skills.
Structure to Answer “What is Your Greatest Achievement” – The STAR Technique
The right structure to answer this interview question is to follow the STAR technique. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This method provides clarity and a framework for organizing your response.
Here, you can describe the situation or challenge, the specific tasks involved, the actions you took to address the challenge, and the results or outcomes achieved.
What is Your Greatest Achievement Sample Answers
Sample Answer For a Fresher
Situation:
As a recent graduate entering the professional world, I was eager to begin my professional journey and make a meaningful impact through internships.
Task:
My task was to gain practical experience through internships and entry-level positions, allowing me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting.
Action:
During my internships, I actively participated in various projects and tasks, seeking opportunities to learn and contribute. I volunteered to assist team members, took on extra responsibilities, and proactively sought feedback to improve my skills. Additionally, I invested time in self-learning and exploring online courses and industry resources to expand my knowledge.
Result:
As a result of my dedication and hard work, I was able to complete my internships with positive feedback from supervisors. One notable achievement was contributing to a marketing campaign that resulted in a 20% increase in customer engagement. This experience not only reinforced my passion for the field but also equipped me with valuable skills and insights to kickstart my career.
Sample Answer For an Experienced Professional
Situation:
As an experienced professional with several years in the profession, I have had the opportunity to tackle numerous challenges and achieve significant milestones.
Task:
My task has been to excel in my roles, continuously learn and grow, and deliver results that contribute to the success of my team and organization.
Action:
Throughout my career, I have taken on diverse projects and responsibilities, leveraging my expertise and leadership skills to drive positive outcomes. I have consistently sought opportunities for professional development, attending training programs, obtaining certifications, and staying updated on industry trends. Additionally, I have mentored junior colleagues, led cross-functional teams, and implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Result:
As a result of my efforts, I have been able to achieve several notable accomplishments. One example is leading a successful product launch that exceeded sales targets by 25% within the first quarter. Another achievement was optimizing marketing strategies that resulted in a 30% increase in lead generation and customer acquisition. These accomplishments have not only bolstered my confidence and reputation but also reinforced my commitment to excellence in my profession.
Sample 3
Situation:
In my previous role as a Digital Marketing Manager, our company aimed to expand its online presence and drive higher engagement and conversion rates.
Task:
My task was to develop and implement a comprehensive digital marketing strategy to achieve these goals.
Action:
I conducted a thorough analysis of our existing digital channels, identified areas for improvement, and formulated a strategic plan. I revamped our social media campaigns, optimized our website for better SEO performance, and launched targeted email marketing campaigns to reach our audience more effectively. Additionally, I collaborated with the creative team to produce engaging content and utilized analytics tools to track campaign performance and make data-driven decisions.
Result:
As a result of these efforts, we saw a significant increase in website traffic, social media engagement, and conversion rates. Our organic search rankings improved, leading to a 30% increase in website visits within the first three months. Our email marketing campaigns also achieved a higher open and click-through rate, contributing to a 20% increase in online sales. Overall, my strategic approach to digital marketing not only met but exceeded the company’s objectives, positioning us as a leader in our industry.
Sample 4
Situation:
My biggest achievement was leading a cross-functional team in implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system to streamline our sales process. Our company was experiencing inefficiencies in managing customer data and tracking sales leads, which was hindering our growth potential.
Task:
My objective was to identify a suitable CRM solution and oversee its implementation to improve our sales efficiency and customer engagement.
Action:
I initiated a thorough assessment of available CRM platforms, collaborated with stakeholders to define our requirements, and led the selection process. Once we chose the CRM system, I organized training sessions for team members, developed customized workflows, and ensured seamless integration with existing systems. Throughout the implementation phase, I provided guidance, addressed concerns, and maintained open communication with the team.
Result:
As a result of our efforts, we saw a 30% increase in lead conversion rates within the first three months of launching the CRM system. Our sales team reported improved productivity, with a 25% reduction in administrative tasks related to data entry and tracking. Additionally, customer satisfaction scores rose by 15%, reflecting the enhanced level of service and responsiveness. Our successful implementation not only boosted sales performance but also strengthened our relationships with customers.
Final Thoughts
Preparing an impressive response to answer the question “What is your biggest achievement?” requires a strategic selection of your professional achievements and solid communication skills to put forward your thoughts and accomplishments effectively. By following these tips and STAR techniques, you can confidently prepare for the interview and create a positive impression on the interviewer. Finally, remember to be honest, focus on your contributions, and show the value you can bring to the role.
Read More: How to Skillfully Answer the Question: “What Is Your Current CTC?”
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