What are your main achievements in previous positions?
When you face the question "What are your main achievements in previous positions?" in an interview, it is your golden opportunity to showcase your professional impact. To answer it powerfully, do not just list tasks — focus instead on specific, quantifiable accomplishments that demonstrate your value. The best approach is to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate how your efforts led to positive, measurable outcomes. Your answer must convince the recruiter that your past successes are a solid indicator of your future contributions to their organization.
Why is this question important?
Recruiters want to know if you have concrete results to share. They are looking to measure your ability to reach objectives, solve problems, and bring solutions. This question is crucial for assessing your potential to excel in the role you are applying for.
Tips
Prepare a few specific, quantifiable examples to demonstrate the impact of your achievements.
What to avoid
Do not answer in generalities. The recruiter wants precise, measurable facts.
How to structure your answer
1. Choose relevant achievements
Select achievements that are directly linked to the role you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a project management role, highlight the projects you led and the results obtained.
Example
"In my previous role as marketing manager, I led a campaign that increased sales by 30% in three months."
2. Be specific and quantifiable
Numbers and concrete data are solid proof of your success. Mention performance indicators such as revenue increases, cost savings, or improved customer satisfaction rates.
Examples of phrasing:
- "I contributed to increasing revenue by 25% in one year through process optimization."
- "I led a team of 10 people to reduce operating costs by 15%."
graph TD
A[Professional achievements] --> B[Choose relevant achievements]
B --> C[Use precise numbers and data]
C --> D[Link results to the target role]3. Use the STAR method to structure your example
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is an excellent way to structure your achievements clearly and concisely.
- Situation: Describe the context in which you had to act.
- Task: Explain the objective you needed to reach.
- Action: Detail the steps you took to achieve that objective.
- Result: Highlight the concrete, measurable outcome of your actions.
Tips
Practise answering using the STAR method to guarantee structured and impactful responses.
4. Connect your achievements to the role's mission
Show how your past achievements prepare you to succeed in the role for which you are being interviewed. This direct connection helps the recruiter understand how you can contribute to their team.
Example
"The complex project management and operational cost reduction I achieved in my last role will allow me to effectively handle the challenges your team is facing."
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Not quantifying results
Recruiters want measurable results. Do not just say "I improved performance" — be specific: "I improved performance by 20%."
2. Not explaining the actions taken
Do not stop at mentioning the results. Explain what you did to achieve them and how you overcame obstacles.
3. Being too modest
If you achieved something significant, do not be afraid to highlight it. Your mission is to sell your skills and achievements.
What to avoid
Avoid saying "I cannot really quantify my results." Every achievement has a measurable impact, even if it involves improving a process or internal communication.
Adapting your achievements to the role
For a technical role
Highlight successful projects where you solved complex technical problems, or optimized production or development processes.
For a sales role
Focus on sales growth, development of new markets, or customer retention.
Tips
Choose achievements that match the key skills of the role you are targeting.
Conclusion
The question "What are your main achievements in previous positions?" is an opportunity to shine by showing the concrete impact of your work. Prepare quantifiable examples, structure your answer with the STAR method, and link your achievements to the role you are applying for. By doing so, you will demonstrate just how much added value you can bring to the company.
Practice now
Now that you have the keys to answering this question, practice with our analysis tool! Get personalized feedback and improve your answering technique.