The question “Who is your role model and why?” is a common interview question asked by recruiters or interviewers to understand your values, aspirations, and mindset. Your answer provides insight into the qualities you admire, the kind of person you strive to become, and the values you hold close to you. Hence, crafting a thoughtful response can leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.
This blog will guide you on how to approach this job interview question, common mistakes to avoid, and sample answers that you can personalize while preparing for a job interview.
Why Do Interviewers Ask You to Describe Your Role Model?
Interviewers include this in their common interview questions to understand you better. Your response helps the hiring manager assess the qualities you admire and how they align with the role and company culture. Here’s why this question is commonly asked:
- To Understand Your Values: Who you choose as your role model reflects the qualities you admire or the traits you carry as an individual.
- To Learn About Your Aspirations: The person you choose often hints at your goals, ambitions, and motivation to work towards achieving them.
- To Gauge Your Self-Awareness: Your explanation reveals how well you know yourself and what drives your personal and professional growth.
Answer Structure for Role Model Interview Questions
Identify the Role Model
When answering, begin by stating who your role model is. This gives a clear statement to your interviewer and helps them understand who you will be talking about. A role model could be a well-known public figure, a mentor, a family member, or even a fictional character who has inspired you. Be specific, as this helps the interviewer understand your values and what kind of influence you seek in life.
Explain Why You Admire Them
Once you mention who your role model is, start describing the qualities that make them stand out. Are they resilient, hardworking, compassionate, or visionary? Have they achieved something remarkable or overcome significant challenges? Sharing a personal story or an example of how their actions have impacted you can make your answer more engaging.
For example, if you admire Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, you could mention his humility despite being one of India’s greatest scientists and his unwavering dedication to education and innovation. If your role model is a family member, you might talk about how their perseverance and kindness shaped your values.
Connect Their Qualities to Your Own Personal and Professional Growth
This is the most important part of your answer. To answer this question effectively, make it clear to your interviewer why you have chosen this person as your role model, what inspired or influenced you from their work, and how they have shaped your career choices, problem-solving approach, or leadership style.
For example:
- If you admire an entrepreneur, you could explain how their risk-taking and vision inspired you to pursue a startup or develop innovative solutions at work.
- If your role model is a teacher who believed in you, share how their encouragement led you to build confidence and mentor others in your field.
- If you look up to a historical leader known for perseverance, explain how their determination motivates you to push through challenges in your career.
By making a strong connection between their influence and your path, you’ll show the interviewer that your role model is more than just an inspiration; they have played a real role in shaping who you are today. This approach helps you craft one of the best interview answers while effectively showcasing your career aspirations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing for a job interview, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can weaken your response. Here’s what you can avoid:
- Giving a Generic Answer: Avoid vague responses like “I admire my parents because they worked hard.” Instead, provide specific examples.
- Choosing a Role Model Irrelevant to the Role: Ensure the traits or lessons align with the job or industry you’re applying for.
- Being Unrealistic: While it’s okay to dream big, your answer should remain relatable and authentic.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you can craft one of the best interview answers that effectively showcases your values and career goals.
5 Sample Interview Answers to “Who Is Your Role Model and Why?”
Role Model: Ratan Tata
“My role model is Ratan Tata because of his visionary leadership and commitment to ethical business practices. He not only transformed the Tata Group into a global brand but also prioritized social impact, ensuring businesses contribute to the greater good. His humility, philanthropy, and ability to take calculated risks inspire me to approach my career with a balance of ambition and integrity. I admire how he values innovation while staying grounded in strong moral principles, which is something I aim to emulate in my professional journey.”
Role Model: Sundar Pichai
“I admire Sundar Pichai as my role model because of his humility, innovation-driven mindset, and leadership style. Coming from a modest background in India and rising to lead one of the world’s biggest tech companies, he has shown that knowledge, perseverance, and adaptability can take you far. His ability to handle challenges, lead diverse teams, and drive technological advancements while maintaining a calm and composed demeanor inspires me to approach my career with the same growth mindset and problem-solving attitude.”
Role Model: Virat Kohli
“My role model is Virat Kohli because of his unwavering dedication, discipline, and leadership on and off the field. His ability to stay focused, work relentlessly on self-improvement, and lead by example is truly inspiring. Despite facing challenges early in his career, he transformed himself into one of the greatest cricketers of all time through sheer hard work and perseverance. His fitness regimen, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure motivate me to bring the same level of commitment and resilience to my professional life.”
Role Model: Priyanka Chopra
“Priyanka Chopra is my role model because of her determination, versatility, and ability to break barriers on a global level. She has excelled in multiple industries, from Bollywood to Hollywood, proving that talent and hard work can create limitless opportunities. Her confidence, adaptability, and willingness to take risks inspire me to step out of my comfort zone and pursue my goals fearlessly. Additionally, her philanthropic work and advocacy for social causes remind me of the importance of giving back to society while chasing personal success.”
Role Model: A Former Manager
“My former manager, Mr. Ramesh, is my role model. He had a unique ability to lead with empathy while ensuring the team stayed productive. I learned the value of clear communication, teamwork, and the importance of recognizing people’s efforts from him. His leadership style inspires me to create a positive and motivating work environment wherever I go.”
Role Model: Mother
“My role model is my mother. She managed to juggle multiple responsibilities while always prioritizing our family’s well-being. Her work ethic, resourcefulness, and ability to remain calm in stressful situations have taught me how to handle challenges with grace. These qualities are something I try to bring into my professional life as well.”
Conclusion
Answering the “Who is your role model and why?” question is an opportunity to showcase your values and aspirations. Be authentic, specific, and align your response with the qualities relevant to the role you’re applying for. Whether it’s a global icon or someone personal to you, your role model should inspire you and reflect the traits you strive to emulate.
With this approach, you can leave an impression that resonates long after the interview ends. And if you’re looking for the next step in your career, download the Apna app today or visit the Apna website and take a step closer to your professional goals!
