There are many questions that are common during interviews, regardless of the role. These include why you’re a good fit, discussing your strengths and weaknesses, and explaining why you want to work for a particular organization. Another one that can come your way during these conversations is to talk about a time “you went above and beyond.”
How do you best answer this question, so you impress the hiring manager? Here are some do’s and don’ts:
Do understand why they’re asking this question.
When a hiring manager asks this question, it’s important to be prepared. If you don’t have an answer, it will communicate to them that you’re not the kind of worker who’s willing to go the extra mile. So simply by having an example and being able to articulate it effectively, you’ll go a long way in making a positive impression on the interviewer.
Do prepare an answer ahead of time.
Expect to get asked this question during an interview. However, don’t offer the same response for each position you’re interviewing for. Instead, ahead of time, think of an example that’s most relevant to the company and the role. Then practice your answer, explaining the situation, what you did, and why it mattered. When the question comes your way, you won’t get flustered, but will respond with confidence.
Don’t be vague or short on details.
While you don’t want to offer a long-winded answer, don’t be too vague, either. This is a time when you’re going to want to get specific and dig into the details as to what happened, why you chose to go above and beyond, and the ways it helped out a co-worker, your boss, your company, or a customer.
Don’t lie or exaggerate your role.
It’s tempting to lie or exaggerate the reality of what happened. Keep in mind though that a hiring manager can check this when they are verifying your references. So be honest when answering this question.
For instance, if other co-workers were involved, don’t take the sole credit for the outcome. Talk about how you worked together as a team to achieve an important result for your employer.
Here’s one example to help you understand how to answer this important question:
“As a customer service representative, my job is to take care of my customers. I want them to feel special and know how important they are. Several months ago, one of our top customers had an issue with the order they received. There was some damage to the materials, which they needed to complete a critical project. Once they told me about the situation, I called the supplier immediately. After talking with multiple representatives and spending several hours on the phone, I was able to secure a new shipment for our customer, which they received within two days.”
Do you need more help finding a new job or answering tough interview questions?
Future Force is here for you. As one of the area’s leading temporary hiring agencies, we’ll help you polish your resume, connect you with top jobs, and prepare you for the interview process. You’ll be more comfortable and confident, making a great first impression. Search our jobs now to learn more about our openings!
