How do you define success? It’s a tricky question, isn’t it? Success is a highly subjective concept, with each person likely having their own unique perspective.
Trying to articulate what success means can be challenging, even for the most qualified individuals. It’s a deeply personal idea, making it difficult to express clearly.
We understand the struggle. When a hiring manager asks you to define success, it can feel like a bit of a trap.
Fortunately, in most cases, it isn’t. While there’s no definitive right or wrong answer, some responses are certainly stronger than others. If you want to ensure you navigate the “how do you define success” question effectively, let’s explore how to approach it.
What Is the Meaning of Success?
Before getting into how you define success, it’s important to take a step back and consider what “success” really means. You can’t effectively talk about it if you don’t understand the concept itself. To help with that, let’s turn to the Merriam-Webster dictionary for some guidance.
The first definition—”degree or measure of succeeding”—might not be particularly useful. However, the next one—”favorable or desired outcome”—is more insightful. For many people, success means achieving a goal, completing a task, or accomplishing what they set out to do.
If you explore the definition of “succeed,” you’ll find a similar idea. One of the definitions is “to turn out well,” which is straightforward and positive.
In essence, something is considered a success when the outcome is positive, desirable, or favorable. Beyond that, how you define success is personal.
Even if your view differs from others, your definition of success matters. It influences your motivation and drive. In terms of your career, how you perceive success impacts your decisions and priorities, ultimately shaping the direction you take.
Why Does the Hiring Manager Ask This Question?
Before we dive into how to answer the question “How do you define success?” let’s pause and consider why the hiring manager is asking it in the first place. It’s not the most common question, so there must be a reason behind it, right? Exactly.
Typically, the interviewer is trying to get a sense of who you are. Your response offers insights into your work ethic, priorities, preferences, and motivations. It gives them a glimpse into your values and highlights key traits that define you.
Need a clearer example?
Think of it this way: If you’re interviewing for a sales position and you say that success is exceeding your sales quotas, the hiring manager might see you as independent. On the other hand, if you say success is achieving team goals, you’ll come across as more collaborative. Neither answer is wrong; they just paint different pictures of how you might fit into the role.
Your answer helps the hiring manager assess how well you’d fit into the team and the company’s culture. If your definition of success aligns with the organization’s, team’s, or manager’s views, you’re likely a better fit.
Common Mistakes When Answering This Question
Before we answer “How do you define success?” there’s one more thing to consider: knowing what not to say is just as important as knowing what to say.
Why? Because in an interview, one wrong move can cost you the opportunity.
First, make sure you’re sharing your definition of success—not the dictionary’s, not your last boss’s, and not a famous entrepreneur’s. It’s important to get personal and avoid relying on someone else’s perspective instead of your own.
Does this mean you should never mention anything outside of your professional life? Not necessarily. If you’ve built a good rapport with the hiring manager, you might be able to sprinkle in a bit of personal detail—but do so with caution. For example, if most of your answer is professional and you briefly joke about your Madden aspirations at the end, it could work and even add a touch of humor. Just make sure the interview’s tone allows for that. If you’re unsure, stick to a professional focus.
Lastly, don’t try to present yourself as the perfect embodiment of your definition of success. There should always be room for growth. If you act like you’ve already reached your peak, the hiring manager may worry that you won’t be open to feedback or strive for improvement, which could work against you.
Tips for Answering This Question
1. Define, Then Show
When defining success, don’t spend all your time just explaining your definition. Instead, touch on it briefly, then shift your focus to an achievement that illustrates what you mean. This is the “show, don’t tell” method for answering this question. Plus, it’s an excellent way to highlight another accomplishment, and you don’t want to let that opportunity slip by.
2. Quantify Your Details
In an interview, numbers often speak louder than words. By quantifying your achievements, you give them more impact. For example, compare “I led a big team” with “I led a 12-person team.” The latter is much more compelling, right?
Adding specific numbers makes your answer stronger and more precise. If you have impressive metrics, be sure to include them in your response.
3. Reference the Company’s Definition
While your definition of success should be your own, it can be beneficial to reference the company’s definition as well. If you can acknowledge their perspective before sharing your own, you’ll show that you’ve done your research.
This approach demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to understand the company. If your definition of success aligns with theirs in some way, highlight that connection.
However, don’t change your definition just to match theirs. Instead, find and emphasize common ground so that the hiring manager can see the alignment.
How Do You Define Success – Example Answers
By now, you’re likely eager to see some examples. These will help you understand what a strong answer looks like and give you a framework to build your own response.
When it comes to answering behavioral interview questions like this one, using the STAR Method and the Tailoring Method is usually your best bet. These techniques ensure your answer is both detailed and engaging, which will work to your advantage.
If you’re curious about how to apply these strategies, here are some sample responses to guide you.
1. Entry-Level Jobs
“I see success as a journey rather than a destination. At this early stage in my career, every milestone—whether big or small—propels me forward, helping me build stronger skills and improve my performance. In my previous role, I regularly volunteered for new projects and seized every learning opportunity. As a result, I not only expanded my skillset but also exceeded my sales goals by 30 percent. Each time I grew professionally, I contributed to the company’s success, and that sense of accomplishment is something I look forward to experiencing again and again.”
2. Upper Management Roles
“As a leader, I define success in two key ways. First, by contributing to the company’s achievement of its major goals, which then paves the way for setting even more ambitious objectives. Second, by enhancing employee engagement and fostering their commitment to ongoing growth. In my previous role, I implemented cultural improvements that significantly transformed the workplace, leading to a 10 percent increase in productivity. This progress not only propelled us toward a brighter future but also gave me a sense of pride in being part of that journey.”
Conclusion
Defining success is undoubtedly a challenging question. However, by applying the tips provided, you can ensure you’re well-prepared to answer it effectively in your next interview.
Good luck!
