Tell me about a time when you had to work independently to achieve a goal. How did you stay motivated?

Sample answer to the question

There was a time when I had to work independently to achieve a goal. I was assigned to create a detailed sales report for our top client within a tight deadline. To stay motivated, I set specific daily targets and rewarded myself with short breaks every time I accomplished a task. I also visualized the end result and reminded myself of the positive impact it would have on our client's satisfaction. Additionally, I reached out to my manager for regular check-ins and feedback, which kept me accountable and motivated to meet the goal.

A more solid answer

In my previous role, I had to work independently to achieve a goal of increasing customer satisfaction ratings. I was responsible for implementing a new customer feedback system and analyzing the data to identify areas for improvement. To stay motivated, I created a detailed project plan with specific milestones and deadlines. I regularly reviewed my progress and celebrated each milestone achieved. I also sought feedback from my colleagues and team members, which helped me stay focused and motivated. Additionally, I utilized time management techniques such as setting priorities and breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This allowed me to track my progress and maintain a sense of accomplishment throughout the project.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific details of a past experience where the candidate had to work independently and stay motivated. It highlights the steps taken to maintain motivation and achieve the goal. However, it can be further improved by linking the experience to the skills and requirements mentioned in the job description.

An exceptional answer

As a Client Partner in my previous role, I had to work independently to achieve the goal of maximizing client satisfaction. One particular instance was when I was assigned to resolve a complex issue a client was facing with our software. I took ownership of the problem and conducted extensive research and analysis to identify the root cause. To stay motivated throughout the process, I reminded myself of the positive impact resolving the issue would have on the client's business and our long-term relationship. I also sought guidance from senior colleagues and collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather insights and potential solutions. By working independently and staying motivated, I successfully resolved the issue within the agreed timeline, exceeding the client's expectations and strengthening our partnership.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes beyond a normal everyday experience and provides a specific example that demonstrates the candidate's ability to work independently, stay motivated, and achieve a goal. It showcases their problem-solving skills, collaboration with others, and the direct impact of their work on client satisfaction. Additionally, it highlights the candidate's ability to exceed expectations, which aligns with the job description's emphasis on customer relationship management and meeting sales targets.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on your past experiences where you had to work independently to achieve a goal. Think about the specific details and examples that you can share during the interview.
Consider the skills and requirements mentioned in the job description. How have you demonstrated these in your previous work? Prepare examples that showcase your ability to work independently and stay motivated.
Practice storytelling. Structure your response in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the situation, your actions, and the results achieved. Make sure to emphasize the positive impact of your work.
Think about potential challenges you faced while working independently and how you overcame them. Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company's expectations for working independently and staying motivated in the role of a Client Partner.

What interviewers are evaluating

Ability to work independently
Motivation