“Tell me about your greatest accomplishment.”
It sounds like a simple behavioral interview question—but it’s one of the most powerful opportunities you’ll get to sell yourself.

Unfortunately, many candidates fumble it. Why?
Because they’re either unprepared or uncomfortable talking about themselves.

Let’s fix that.

Why This Question Matters

Interviewers aren’t just trying to hear a feel-good story—they’re assessing what sets you apart from the other qualified candidates. They want to understand what kind of impact you’ve made in the past and what kind of value you’ll bring to their team.

It’s your job to make it easy for them to see.

First Things First: Don’t Wing It

Very few people are naturally great at “bragging” in a confident, genuine way. If you wait until the interview to come up with something on the spot, chances are you’ll either:

• Undersell yourself

• Ramble without direction

• Skip over the best parts of your story

Instead, prepare in advance so you can speak naturally and enthusiastically—without sounding arrogant or awkward.

Step 1: Choose Your “Greatest Hit” Story

Start by identifying at least three accomplishments that make you proud. These are your “greatest hits”—the stories that show off your most impressive, interesting, and relevant achievements.

You don’t need to limit yourself to leadership or teamwork examples. Your greatest achievement could highlight your creativity, resilience, technical expertise, or even your ability to navigate a challenge.

Pick the one that best showcases why you’re a strong fit for this particular job at this particular company.

Step 2: Use the STAR Framework

To structure your story in a clear, engaging way, use the STAR method:

• Situation – What was going on? Set the scene.

• Task – What was the challenge or goal?

• Action – What steps did you take?

• Result – What was the outcome? Quantify it if possible.

Example Answer

Situation: “In my last role as a manager at a seasonal restaurant in Nantucket, we were packed nearly every day for three months straight.”
Task: “We had to keep operations running smoothly without burning out the staff.”
Action: “I created a strict shift schedule we followed 100%, introduced a reward system for covering shifts, and personally stepped in when needed.”
Result: “Customer satisfaction stayed above 99%, and we didn’t get a single bad review all summer.”

This story highlights leadership, problem-solving, and dedication—all in one example.

Pro Tips for Telling Your Story

• Lead with your strongest example. Don’t wait for the interviewer to ask the perfect question. Look for natural ways to work in your best story.

• Be specific. Vague answers are forgettable. Include interesting details that show who you are and how you work.

• Stay concise. STAR keeps you focused so your answer stays on track. No rambling!

• Practice, practice, practice. Out loud. In front of a mirror. With a friend. It’s one of the best ways to boost your confidence and polish your delivery.

This question is your moment to shine. Don’t shy away from it—own it. The right story, told well, can be the difference between blending in and getting the offer.