What is a big career goal that you achieved recently

Introduction

Interviewers often ask, “What is a big career goal that you achieved recently?” to understand your ambition, goal-setting abilities, and the drive behind your professional achievements.

Why Interviewers Ask This Question

This question is asked to:

• Assess your capability to set and achieve significant career goals.
• Understand what you consider as a significant achievement and why.
• Gauge your passion, commitment, and the effort you put into your career.

How to Answer the Question

1. Select a Notable Achievement: Choose a recent career goal that had a significant impact on your professional development.
2. Use the STAR Method:
   • Situation: Describe the context of the goal.
   • Task: Explain what the goal was and why it was important.
   • Action: Detail the steps you took to achieve the goal.
   • Result: Share the outcome and its impact on your career.
3. Highlight Personal Growth: Emphasize how achieving this goal contributed to your professional development and skillset.

Example Answer

“Recently, I achieved my goal of becoming a certified project manager. I had set this goal last year to enhance my project management skills and take on more significant responsibilities in my role. I dedicated several months to studying and preparing for the certification exam while balancing my regular work duties. Successfully earning this certification has not only improved my project management skills but also increased my confidence in leading larger projects. It also resulted in my promotion to a senior project manager role.”

Takeaway Messages

• Ambition and Determination: Demonstrate your dedication to setting and achieving ambitious career goals.
• Skills and Professional Growth: Highlight the skills you developed in the process and how they contribute to your professional growth.
• Impact of Achievements: Discuss the positive outcomes of your achievements and their impact on your career.

This question offers you a chance to showcase your recent successes and how they align with your long-term career aspirations.