Interested in knowing how to answer “what is your greatest accomplishment?” interview question?
You will definitely find many interviewers asking you this question, “What is your greatest accomplishment?” a question that often catches candidates off guard, and answering this question can be the most difficult. However, getting ready for this question can turn it into an opportunity for you to talk about your skills, experience, and values.
This article shall guide you on how to answer “what is your greatest accomplishment?” interview question, while also providing some sample answers to help you.
Also See: How To Answer “Why Should We Hire You” Interview Question (+Examples)
Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question? “What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?”
Before going into the specifics of how to answer the “What is your greatest accomplishment?” interview question, let’s see the seasons why this question is always asked during job interviews.
This type of question is usually asked to evaluate what you have accomplished and how well you have performed in particular roles.
This is what interviewers want:
- Particular instances that showcase the abilities and experiences you possess.
- Results of previous job activities that are relevant to the position sought.
- Clarity of the candidate’s advantages and for what purpose they were received.
- Assess your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
How to Answer “What is Your Greatest Accomplishment?”
How to Structure Your Answer
Use the STAR Method
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a systematic way to answer behavioral interview questions.
It helps you provide concise and structured responses.
- Situation: Describe the context within which you achieved something.
- Task: Explain the challenge or responsibility you were tasked with.
- Action: Detail the steps you took to address the task.
- Result: Share the outcome or impact of your actions.
Be Relevant
Relate an achievement that has a direct bearing on the job that you are seeking. In this way, the candidate also demonstrates to the interviewer that he possesses the skills and experiences that will be useful to the organization.
Be Specific
Be specific about your responsibilities and how they contributed towards that success. Avoid general statements and instead, aim at qualitative outcomes.
Practice Your Answer
Make sure to rehearse your reply to enable you articulate it well and in a conversational manner during the interview.
Sample Answers for “What is Your Greatest Accomplishment?”
Sample Answer 1:
Situation: As a project manager in my previous job, our team had to postpone the product launch for a considerable period of time owing to some unforeseen technical complications.
Task: I was responsible for modifying the schedule of the project, convincing myself and other team members that the project would meet the new deadline without forgoing quality.
Action: I set up daily stand-up meetings to provide an overview of progress, worked with different departments, and introduced a new project management tool to streamline our workflow.
Result: Two weeks ahead of the revised schedule we accomplished a successful launch of the product which led to a rise in customer satisfaction by 15%.
Sample Answer 2:
Situation: When I was a sales executive with the company, I noticed that the company did not come close to its quarterly sales target.
Task: I was given the responsibility to develop and implement a strategy to boost sales.
Action: I performed an analysis of the market in search of potential areas for growth, prepared the sales team for new approaches, and initiated incentive reward systems to inspire the team.
Result: I was given the “Employee of the Quarter” award because my strategies resulted in a 25% rise in sales over the next quarter, which was higher than our expectations and earned me the honor.
Sample Answers For Different Job Roles
#1. Software Engineer
“I was involved in the design, development and implementation of the new scalable e commerce system, which led to an increase of sales by 30 % and a decrease in maintenance costs by 25% in less than 9 months. This exemplifies my knowledge in software architecture, leadership and management, and problem resolution.”
#2. Data Analyst
“I created a data visualization dashboard that increased sales forecasting efficiency by 20% and decreased reporting time by 30%. Using data analysis, I performed an in-depth analysis of sales patterns as well as the behavior of the consumers to find process optimization opportunities, which led to savings of N1`00,000 per year. This achievement reflects my skills in data analysis as well as data visualization.”
#3. Graphic Designer
“I devised a rebranding campaign that saw an increase of 40% in website visitorship and a 200% increase in social media engagement metrics. I appreciated the need to establish a unique visual identity and helped the company create an online identity. This success shows a good level of my creativity, skills, and comprehension of design.”
#4. Operations Manager
“I improved warehouse management, achieving a 15 percent reduction in inventory costs and increasing shipping operations by 20 percent. When the process changes were made and the employees were educated, my order fulfillment in a month was 95 percent, over the industry level. This achievement reflects my practical capabilities and skill at making things work more efficiently.”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Asked “What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?”
Lack of Specificity
Avoid vague answers; provide specific details and metrics.
- Example to avoid: “I increased sales”
- Improved answer: “I put in place a sales strategy that enabled sales to grow by 25% in 6 months.”
Irrelevance to the Job
Make sure each of the feats you are including concurs with the job description.
- Example to avoid for a marketing position: “I won a cooking contest”
- Improved answer: “I planned and ran a successful social media campaign which led to 50 percent more engagement.”
Overemphasis on Team Efforts
Use teamwork advantages and balance it with your contributions.
- Example to avoid: “My team did a great job”
- Improved answer: “I was a central member of the team’s project leading to a 30% improvement in productivity.”
Unrealistic or Exaggerated Claims
Say the truth, and things as they are, and avoid impressing figures.
- Example to avoid: “I was the one who doubled the revenue of the company.”
- Improved answer: “I was part of the team which contributed to the increase of revenue by 15 percent.”
Negative or Critical Comments
Positivity is the key and thus never go hanging on the negatives of a colleague or a previous employer.
- Example to avoid: “I helped save the project by correcting a mistake made by my colleague.”
- Improved answer: “I worked together with my team to help overcome such issues with the project.”
Lack of Context
Frame what you have done.
- Example to avoid: “I was awarded a certain award”
- Improved answer: “I was awarded a certain award for developing and applying a cost reduction process that saved the company 20%.”
Keep your answer short and make your points clear.
- Example to avoid: Trivially Explaining all aspects and events only tangentially related to the topic.
- Improved answer: “I made X happen by performing Y, which lead to Z.”
Failure To Show Impact
Put your emphasis on the change you made and what was the result of your achievement.
- Example to avoid: “I submitted the project successfully.”
- Improved answer: “I led a project and delivered it 2 weeks earlier than scheduled while combining excellent client satisfaction.”
Not Highlighting Transferable Skills
Connect your accomplishment to relevant skills.
- Example to avoid: “I won an award for best salesperson.”
- Improved answer: “I utilized my negotiation and communication skills to close deals, resulting in a 20% sales increase.”
Lack Of Enthusiasm
Bear and show some healthy pride and excitement for your achievements.
- Example to avoid: Flat tone and lack of expression.
- Improved answer: “I’m proud to have achieved X, which demonstrates my capabilities in Y.”
By steering clear of these common problems, you will be able to concentrate on your greatest level of achievement and convince the hiring manager of your worthiness as a prospective candidate.
Tips For Answering “What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?”
Responding to the question “What is your greatest accomplishment?” can be easy or difficult depending on how much effort you have put into preparing yourself. Use the following tips to your advantage:
- Make sure you think about all the instances and categorize appropriate achievements in your job life that would be useful.
- These can include your professional career as well as your academic and non–paid work.
- Look for reference of the job in the job description and the job requirements section.
- Go for an accomplishment that has relevance to the current position.
- Use the STAR Method: Answer through the use of the following structure: Situation-Task-Action-Result.
Example: “In my former workplace, (S) I was given (T) some responsibilities and so at my own initiative (A) I performed (R).”
- Describe explicitly the aspects of your achievements and provide metrics on them.
- Mark the previously gained accomplishment that is appropriate to the position that is being sought for.
- Do not be afraid to show your pride when discussing an achievement.
- Make eye contact and smile.
- Keep it Concise
- Time yourself but this should not exceed 1-2 minutes.
- Highlight the achievements and the impact they had.
- Focus on Your Role
- Stress on your part of the output and not the whole team effort.
- No need to overemphasize what the team did.
- Eliminate Passive Voice and Use Action Verbs: Begin the response with ”Accomplished,” ”Created,” or ”Enhanced.”
- Practice Makes Perfect: Your answer should be practiced to avoid misunderstanding and instill confidence.
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Conclusion: How To Answer “What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?” Interview Question (+Sample Answers)
To effectively answer the ‘What is your greatest accomplishment?’ question, one needs relevance, specificity, and prior preparation. Using the STAR approach and highlighting some of your top achievements can help you sell yourself to the interviewer. Prepare for this question, and hopefully, you will be glad at the end of your interviews.