What might the interviewer look for as you answer?
Think about your answer to “what’s your greatest accomplishment?” as an interviewer would view it. Here’s what I might look for as I listen:- Why did you choose this particular accomplishment?
- What steps went into making your greatest accomplishment happen?
- Do you seem sincerely proud of what you’re talking about?
- Does this feel real or like a canned answer?
- Does your accomplishment reflect qualities required by this job?
- Did you show any leadership qualities?
- Did you show resourcefulness?
- Do you give any credit to teammates or even mention them?
How to handle the greatest accomplishment question
As with any question, I would take a second to show I’m thinking about it (no matter how well you’ve prepared). Then look right at the interviewer’s eyes with a small smile (you are proud of this after all), and begin to answer.- Choose something that connects well with what your new job requires.
- Summarize the outcome something like this: “When I worked at ____, I led / developed / created / solved _____.”
- Then talk about what you did to make it happen.
- Include insights / skills / things you quickly learned / new processes you instituted, etc.
- Add anything the company especially appreciated (increased revenues, savings, customer raves, recognition from executive mgt, etc.)
- Mention how you worked with people to make it happen.
- Finish by tying it to why you’re so excited about the new job.