Now, I've been speaking to the fabulous guys over at

Firebrand Talent Set.

And we wanted to create a video that would really add

value to job seekers who were going for interviews.

So we're going to talk about my favorite interview

question, which is tell me about your biggest

achievement.

OK, so some career coaches and recuiters might advise you to

pick something from your professional life.

However, unless the interviewer tells you to do

that, I think it's absolutely fine to pick an achievement

from your personal life.

Some of the best answers I've ever had have been personal

achievements.

Now the reason is that it's really important that you pick

something that's genuine to you-- something that you're

really, really proud of.

Because when you start telling a story like that, you'll

still reliving all of the emotion that you

felt during that time.

You'll probably get a big smile on your face.

You'll probably sit up in your chair.

Your energy levels will rise, and you'll become more

engaging with the interviewer.

The way that you make that interviewer feel through body

language is also just as important

as what you're saying.

People remember the way you make them feel sometimes more

than when you actually say to them.

So as long as you're really genuine and passionate about

what you're talking about, that should be great.

Great answer.

However, keep the benefit in mind.

So we're having this interview, and we're probably

getting on great, but I'm always thinking about what's

the benefit to me?

What's the benefit to the job that you are applying for.

So if you are going to pick something from your

professional life, say, maybe, talk about

your leadership skills.

You were manager of the year.

That's brilliant.

And I suppose I get that benefit.

But if you tell me about something from your personal

life, the benefit might not be as obvious.

So make sure that if you tell me, maybe you've run a

marathon, tell me the benefit to me.

So that's when you would come in and say, well, everything I

put my mind to, I achieve.

I'm really self-motivated.

I don't like failing.

And that's the benefit, then, to me.

So just keep that in mind.

I would also say, keep it quite recent.

I remember asking a lady that was probably about 35, asked

her this question, and she told me her greatest

achievement was moving away to university,

moving away from home.

And yes, that was an achievement for me as well.

But I was thinking it was probably about 15 years ago.

And I'm looking for something more recent.

Also, this is going to sound quite harsh, and I don't mean

to sound harsh, but be careful not to become a victim during

this answer.

I know that sometimes people can focus on the negative

nitty-gritty of the situation they overcame, rather than the

positive of the actual achievement.

So just be really aware of that.

And don't make it too personal.

I know that sometimes people can talk about, maybe, an

achievement is getting through a really messy divorce and

standing on your own two feet or getting over an illness--

all really, really great achievements.

I get that.

But just remember that certain people are more judgmental

than others.

And you just have to keep it really, really professional

and positive, really upbeat.

And my favorite ever answer to this was the chap that told me

his achievement-- that he sold the benefit back to the job he

was applying for, but then tell he told me that he felt

his greatest achievement was yet to come.

He hoped it would be yet to come.

And I loved that.

Absolutely loved it because that told me that he's one of

those guys that just wants to always go out and better

himself, always wants to achieve more

tomorrow than he did today.

And that's a great mentality to have when somebody's

recruiting into their team.

So hopefully that's added some value.

If you want to look at some more of my videos and get some

advice, this is my website.

Or if you want to go and catch up with the guys over at

Firebrand Talent Set, this is their website.

Thank you very much for watching.

Good luck with those interviews, and take care.