You know that question, “What’s your biggest accomplishment?”—it’s a classic interview moment where you get put on the spot to share your most impressive achievement. Sounds a little intimidating, right? But don’t worry; we’re here to help you knock it out of the park!
Whether you’re just starting your career or have a list of accomplishments that could fill a page, it’s important to know why interviewers love this question and how to answer it in a way that really shows them who you are. Here’s the thing: they aren’t looking for you to brag or one-up other candidates. Instead, they want to get a peek into what truly matters to you. The accomplishment you choose tells them a lot about what you care about, how you define success, and the ways you’ve made a difference.
And let’s be real—the actual accomplishment does count, too! Interviewers want to know that you’ve made a positive impact on the teams or projects you’ve been a part of. So, think about a moment where your hard work made a real difference. Ready? Let’s dive in and get you prepared to share your biggest win!
What interviewers want to hear about your accomplishments
When an interviewer asks about your biggest accomplishment, they’re listening closely to pick up on the skills that are important for the job. Whether they’re looking for technical skills like data analysis or people skills like communication, they want you to paint a picture of how you used these abilities to get real results.
But it’s not just about what you achieved—it’s also about how you did it. Choose an example where you put in the effort and maybe even faced some challenges along the way. Showing that you worked hard and pushed through tough moments highlights your resilience, which is a trait every employer values. Your story should show that you’re not just capable but also driven to make things happen, no matter what’s thrown your way.
How to answer “What is your biggest accomplishment?”
Look carefully at the job description
The job description is like a treasure map for answering this question, showing you exactly which skills the company values most. Start by picking out two or three of these key skills, then think back to an accomplishment where you used them.
For example, if the job requires teamwork and critical thinking, you could share a story about leading a team on a tough project with a tight deadline. Describe how you handled each step, what decisions you made, and how you worked with your team to hit that goal.
Craft a compelling story
Think about your favorite action movie hero. They don’t just solve the big problem right away; instead, they face obstacles, come up with a plan, and tackle setbacks before achieving victory. This “hero’s journey” makes their win feel even more epic! Use this same storytelling style for your answer, taking the interviewer through each step and showing how you overcame obstacles to achieve your accomplishment.
Quantify your impact
Choose an accomplishment where you didn’t just do a good job—you made a real impact. Numbers and stats can help show exactly how your work helped the company. Maybe your project increased efficiency by 30% or saved the team five hours a week. Quantifying your success gives the interviewer a clear picture of the difference you made.
How not to answer
Avoid choosing a personal accomplishment
Sure, achievements like raising kids or finishing a marathon are awesome, but they don’t quite hit the mark in a job interview. While they show dedication and resilience, these types of personal stories miss an opportunity to showcase why you’re perfect for this role. Instead, focus on accomplishments that tie directly to what the job needs.
The one exception? If your personal accomplishment is super relevant to the position. For example, if you won “Volunteer of the Year” for organizing community events, and the job involves event planning, that’s a great match!
Sample answers to “What is your biggest accomplishment?”
Example #1
“My biggest accomplishment was creating a successful campaign for my college’s annual charity event. Each year, the event struggled to meet its donation goals, and I wanted to help change that. I suggested we expand our reach by creating a social media campaign to spread awareness. I led a team of volunteers to develop a catchy hashtag, designed posts, and even made some short videos with other students talking about why they supported the cause.
By the event date, we had doubled our usual reach on social media and brought in 30% more donations than the previous year. It felt amazing to know I played a part in such a positive change.”
Why this example works:
This answer highlights several valuable skills, like leadership, creativity, and social media marketing. It’s an accomplishment that directly shows initiative and teamwork, skills that most employers look for in new hires. The candidate also used specific results (30% more donations) to show how their efforts made a real difference, making the impact clear and measurable.
Example #2
“I’m very proud of how I helped improve my last company’s online reputation. When I joined, I noticed many of our online reviews were negative, especially about slow service. I knew this was hurting our brand, so I suggested a couple of changes to improve customer experience.
First, I proposed adding a “wait time” clock in our reception area, so customers knew what to expect. I also updated our website and Google listing with our busiest hours so customers could choose to come at quieter times. These changes helped set better expectations, and over six months, our Google rating went from 3.8 to 4.5 stars. It was rewarding to know my ideas helped turn things around.”
Why this example works:
This answer is effective because it showcases problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative. The candidate noticed an issue, found creative solutions, and helped improve the company’s image. They also quantified the success (improving the rating from 3.8 to 4.5 stars), which gives the interviewer a clear view of their impact.
Example #3
“My biggest accomplishment so far was leading a project for my college internship that streamlined the company’s filing system. The system was outdated and made it hard for employees to find important documents, which slowed down work. My supervisor asked if I had any ideas, so I researched some tools that could help.
After creating a new digital filing structure and teaching the team how to use it, we noticed things were much more organized. By the end of my internship, I’d helped reduce time spent looking for files by 25%, making everyone’s job a little easier.”
Why this example works:
This example shows off organization, problem-solving, and the ability to work independently—qualities that are valuable in any role. The candidate also provides a specific outcome (25% time reduction), giving the interviewer a clear understanding of the positive impact. This example works well because it’s relatable for new grads, showing how small but meaningful improvements can make a big difference.
By showcasing relevant skills, crafting a captivating story, and demonstrating your impact, you’ll impress an interviewer with your accomplishment and give them a compelling idea of how you can achieve similar results as part of their team.