How to Answer Interview Questions

Interviewers want you to answer interview questions about what success means to you in a job. This helps them to assess what you work towards and what motivates you. They can determine if your idea of success fits with what the company considers as success.

How do you define success in your job?

The best way to handle this job interview question is to provide an accepted definition of success and then support this with good examples of your success. One of the well-accepted definitions of success is goal attainment. Achieving a challenging goal or set of goals would be considered success by most people.

It is important to relate your job interview answer in some way to the position you are interviewing for. Measurable and specific examples of success are more convincing.

You can use this sample answer to help prepare your own interview answer for this question.

"Success means the achievement of a challenging and measurable goal that I have set for myself or that has been delegated to me. In my previous position I had specific sales targets to meet every quarter. I set myself the goal of been up on my monthly targets by 5 percent. I managed to exceed my quarterly targets by 8 percent on average. That, for me, was success!"

Get help with employer interview questions that ask "What has been your greatest achievement to date?"

Prepare to answer interview questions that ask:

Describe your ideal job

The key to how to answer interview questions about your dream or ideal job is that your response should be in line with the characteristics of the job and company you are interviewing with.

Answering this question requires you to consider your strengths and weaknesses, what you have liked and disliked about your current and previous jobs, and what your career ambitions are.

A more general answer will help ensure a fit with the vacant position.

For example:

"My ideal job is one where my knowledge and skills are put to good use.
A job where I will learn and grow as a person and an employee and where I am given challenges that test my potential."

You can also take this approach.

"I believe a job is what you make of it. Each position and company has unique characteristics that give meaning and value to that job. If you work hard and make the most of the opportunities given, you will find job satisfaction.
I am enthusiastic about a position that allows me to learn and grow and to make a positive and meaningful contribution."

Find good answers to Typical Interview Questions about what you like and dislike most in your job.

How would you enrich your current job?

Demonstrate how you strive to add value to your job. Describe your search for new opportunities to challenge yourself and to utilize your skills and abilities.

For example:

"The sales team had to meet a big launch deadline and I volunteered to help out with preparing the presentations. I worked overtime to successfully complete the project. They were very pleased with my work and I received a commendation from the Sales Director."

Click here for Job Interview Answers to tough interview questions.

Prepare for Competency Based Interview Questions

Answers to Behavioral Interview Questions

Use the Job Interview Guide for job-specific interview questions and answers.

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Knowing how to answer interview questions that come up time after time in interviews sets you up for job interview success.

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