Interview Question: How Do You Evaluate Success?
Posted March 18, 2014 & filed under Interviewing
One of the most open-ended questions a hiring manager can ask during the interview is, “How do you evaluate success?” It’s a straightforward question that doesn’t conceal its actual meaning, but it doesn’t really have a right answer either. Tackling this question requires you to know the company just as well as you know yourself.
Don’t wax philosophical about it
It’s best to leave out Nietzsche’s ideas on Perspectivism or anything to do with Einstein’s theory of relativity. Yes, everything is relative, including one’s perception of what success entails, but the interviewer isn’t asking to be pushed headlong into a conversation about metaphysics. He or she is likely seeking an honest answer as to how you define success.
Money and power are not your friends, yet…
You may be inclined to immediately tell the interviewer that you are seeking a management position, but leading with this can broadcast that you put too much emphasis on rank.
Your answer relies just as much on the order of your priorities as the priorities themselves. It’s good to reveal that you want to move up in the company, but it should not be your sole definition of success.
A tailored approach is best
When preparing for your interview, ask yourself, “How would a person in this position define success?” If you are applying for a management position, you might tie your success to that of your team. If it is an entry level position, success might mean learning new skills on the fly.
Another approach is to ascertain how the company defines success. Usually the answer lies in fulfilling a service or providing a product for a customer or client. Regardless of what position you are applying for, the company goals should be important to how you evaluate success.
Add a personal touch
Although these generalized answers will likely get you past the question, you shouldn’t lose yourself in the process. Think long and hard as to what your personal goals would be if you were offered this position. The strongest answer will always come from you personally. Make it something that the interviewer will remember you by.
How you evaluate success can change daily. Maybe getting the job is the most important thing for you. Perhaps you just want to get past the application process and score an interview. No matter what your definition of success is, our recruiters can help you achieve it. Contact them today.
By Kevin Withers
