There is a reason behind almost every question an interviewer asks. They want to learn as much as they can about you in the short amount of time they have with you during the interview. One thing that is important to all employers is finding people who are self-starters. They want talent who will take the initiative, will make suggestions, be innovative, and will go above and beyond their job description.
Are you a self-starter? Are you self-motivated? It’s important for you to effectively communicate this during job interviews. In our more than a decade of experience working on thousands of recruiting projects, our executive recruiters have seen firsthand that there are a lot of ways interviewers can determine if you are a self-starter. Some are not as obvious as others, so you need to be prepared for all types of questions about your motivation.
Below, we’ll briefly define
- What is a self-starter?
- Why do employers ask questions about being a self-starter?
- Top 5 questions interviewers use to assess self-starter skills (and sample answers)
What is a self-starter?
A self-starter is a person who doesn’t need other people or sources to get them motivated. Self-starters are highly motivated and proactive. They take initiative without needing extensive guidance or supervision. Self-starters can quickly identify tasks, set goals, and follow through on responsibilities independently.
In the workplace, self-starters are valued for their ability to take charge and make progress on tasks, contributing effectively to team or organizational objectives.
Why do employers ask questions about being a self-starter?
Companies want to fill their organization with people who will go above and beyond. They want people who are adaptive, resilient and motivated. These are the type of people who thrive in challenging situations. When companies hire these types of people, they seek better performance and results.
As a candidate, you need to show how you are a self-starter in your interview. You can do this by communicating your leadership skills. You need to show that you have a track record for taking the initiative and provide examples of how you are a problem solver. Show that you achieve the goals you set.
Top 5 questions interviewers use to assess self-starter skills (and sample answers)
There are many ways that interviewers can ask candidates about their level of motivation. Here’s a list of the most common questions used by hiring companies:
1. What is the first thing you do when you are assigned a task with little or no direction from your manager?
This question is designed to see how you take initiative when you are not provided with specific instructions. Here’s a sample answer:
“When I’m assigned a task with limited direction, my first step is to clarify the objective. I might review any available resources or documentation to understand the context. I ask clarifying questions to ensure I’m aligned with expectations. If guidance isn’t available, I outline a plan based on the task’s goals, prioritize key deliverables, and proceed while regularly updating my manager on progress.”
2. Tell us about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What happened? What steps did you take?
This can be a tricky question to answer. It’s important to show that you can learn from your miscalculations. Here’s a sample answer:
“During a previous project, I underestimated the time required to compile data from multiple sources, which caused me to miss a deadline. Once I realized the delay, I immediately communicated the situation to my manager, explaining the reasons and suggesting a revised timeline. To ensure it didn’t happen again, I implemented a habit of creating detailed project timelines with buffer periods for unexpected challenges.”
3. Have you ever proposed changes or innovations to the way your job is done? Were they implemented?
This question aims to see if you are willing to go above and beyond, even without prompting. Here’s a sample answer:
“Yes, I once noticed inefficiencies in how we tracked team deliverables using outdated methods. I proposed transitioning to a collaborative project management tool. I presented the idea with a comparison of benefits, such as better tracking and team accountability. After getting approval, I led a pilot project, which demonstrated improved productivity.”
4. Tell us about your 5-year plan. What are some of your personal and professional goals?
This question seeks to understand how you think. Interviewers want to see if you are a planner. Here’s a sample answer:
“In the next five years, my primary goal is to advance in my career by taking on leadership roles that allow me to mentor others and drive impactful projects. Professionally, I aim to deepen my expertise in [specific skill or field], by earning [XYZ] certifications. I want to have a better healthy work-life balance. Overall, I plan to grow continuously, both as a professional and as an individual.”
5. Tell us about a time when you were up against a tight deadline but you still got things done. What steps did you take?
This question wants to uncover how you work under pressure and tight deadlines. Here’s a sample answer:
“While working on a client presentation, I was informed of a last-minute deadline change, leaving me with half the usual time to prepare. I quickly prioritized the most critical components, delegated tasks where possible, and stayed focused on delivering high-quality content. I broke down the task into smaller milestones and maintained communication with my team to ensure alignment.”
A final word about self-starter and motivation-based interview questions
Self-starter questions are designed to help interviewers learn about the candidate’s level of experience. They require you to provide examples and show how you are a self-starter. Questions like this provide insight into whether or not you have the ability to complete the job you are interviewing for. Show you’re a self-starter by preparing for these types of questions.
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