Interview Questions And Answers Forum

alisiddiqui

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Registered: 2015-02-23

Posts: 949

How to Answer Interview Question "What Is Your Definition of Success at Work?"

Tips For Answering Interview Question "What Is Your Definition of Success at Work?"

An Overview:

This question can be asked by an interviewer in your upcoming job interview or either can be asked in many other occasions. Before answering this open-ended question, it will be better to develop some clarity on meaning of “success”.
If you look around, you will find there are people in your family, in your friend circle, at your work space who seem to be unhappy. Though they may earn six figure salaries, have gorgeous families and it seems that there’s nothing to feel bad about, yet they appear to be discontented.

How Do You Define Success At Work?

Why ‘success’ in career, or at work, is hard to get? So, where do you think the problem lies in?
On deeper contemplation, you would realize that almost all of us live as per the success definition laid down by others and not by ourselves. Success per se, is either defined by our families, our friends, our colleagues, by society or by the culture we dwell in.
In order to be successful, we make decisions based on our perception about what we think people expect from us. Instead of following our heart and trying out things to achieve what we truly desire for; we go on, on a wild goose chase and this creates stress within us. We no longer feel committed to the work we are assigned to. Slowly we become fatigued. Ultimately, the entire purpose of the work assigned to us, fails.
In order to be successful, you need to first find out what success means to you. It may not be a huge salary package, owning a posh penthouse in NY or having a loving family but it may be something seemingly trivial yet worth “dying” for.

Definition Of Success And Discovering The Purpose In Life

Find Your ‘One Thing’:

Every individual has a certain purpose in life. The purpose is the sole driver to his/her actions, expectations, dreams and aspirations. Having been exposed to competitive environments wherein everyone seems to tie down expectations on you; it is all the more necessary to try and figure out one thing that drives you. Once you figure out that one thing, your vision becomes clear and you begin following up to achieve the same.

Example:

If you love to interact with people but unfortunately have been caught up in a job that has virtually no public interaction, you will tire out soon. You need to try and find out a possibility wherein you can work upon that ‘One Thing’. Perhaps, a sales job can be an ideal match for you.
In the same line, if you would like to communicate, communicate. If you love to work in a team, go for it. If you are one-man-show and love to work alone, then individual jobs might be your best bet.
Therefore, a good answer would be – “It is all about knowing the things that motivate you to wake up each and every morning and go to work – The work environment that fits your purpose in life.”