Interviews can be tough. It’s hard to walk that fine line of “this is why I’m an exceptional employee and you should hire me” and totally bragging. A question that employers like to ask is “What accomplishment are you most proud of?” This is a great question- it allows the employer to see what excites you and get to know you outside of your skills. However, it can be a stumbling block for the candidate being interviewed, because that fear of bragging always seems to creep in. In an article posted on Careerealism, Peggy McKee shares wonderful insight on how to appropriately answer this question.
McKee urges interviewees to use recent examples from their work experience- which, for a college student, could be changed to college experience that is relevant to the position. Although you may be proud that you got accepted to college, or got an A in a particularly difficult class, they don’t necessarily highlight the skills or values the employer is looking for. However, if it’s a company that emphasizes team work, you could share an example of how you motivated your team before a big game, used practices to focus on drills, and called plays to highlight everyone’s strength, and the team won the game. This shows your ability to work on a team for success. Or, if it’s a company that’s very customer service-driven, you could share an example from your off-campus job as a server, where you have to make sure you take orders correctly, anticipate needs for things like drink refills, and deliver food quickly so it stays warm- all while providing service with a smile, even when the restaurant is packed! To help you determine what skills a company may focus on, look at the job description and their company website to see what their values are.
McKee also recommends that, while framing your answer, you use the STAR method. This will help you stay focused. With the STAR method, you highlight the Situation or Task, Action, and Result. So, with our teamwork example, your Situation would be a big game, the Action would be using the practices to work on drills, motivating your teammates, and effectively calling plays. Your Result would be that you won! With the server position, your Task is to always provide excellent customer service. Your Action is to take correct orders, smile, anticipate needs, and be timely. Your Result is when customers leave happy and return- and maybe even ask to sit in your section!
For more examples and tips from McKee, check out her article here: http://www.careerealism.com/interview-question-proudest-accomplishment/
ALBRIGHT ELCDC 