Proudest Achievement Question

Fruitloops

lulu650 wrote: »

I've had cancer, was treated and have now reached the 5 year all clear. I've never thought of it as beating or fighting cancer. I've actually done nothing other than be subjected to invasive surgery and treatment through no fault of my own. Just thinking back is depressing, let alone talking about it in interview

I appreciate you feel differently though OP

I really like uknick's answer re ticking off the person skills specification.

I'm pleased to hear you're clear, that's wonderful

I do somewhat agree with what Proc said and this thread has made me really think how I view the whole experience. I suppose it's a different kind of achievement, if that is even the right word to use, and I definitely relate when you say you were subjected to treatment. There's a feeling of helplessness for sure.

I think what I meant by achievement is the struggle to stay positive, though I realise that's not really at home on an application form. The only reason I talk about it is when I have to explain why I had to give up work and now have a big employment gap, though I'd rather avoid it.

Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it

mountainofdebt

Actually I was asked this question in an interview and I replied that I was proud of the fact I'd completed the moonwalk (for those that don't know its a 26.2 mile walk) earlier in the year

Couldn't you turn it around and say you beat cancer, kept your sense of humour (even if you didn't) and kept on top of your work as much as the treatment allowed?

Fruitloops

mountainofdebt wrote: »

Actually I was asked this question in an interview and I replied that I was proud of the fact I'd completed the moonwalk (for those that don't know its a 26.2 mile walk) earlier in the year

Couldn't you turn it around and say you beat cancer, kept your sense of humour (even if you didn't) and kept on top of your work as much as the treatment allowed?

I chose to put something work related on the form, but that's certainly a good idea for when it gets brought up in interviews. Point out any positives from it, absolutely.

The moonwalk marathon sounds excellent by the way. XD

mountainofdebt

Fruitloops wrote: »

The moonwalk marathon sounds excellent by the way. XD

Oh it is ...brillant atmosphere - and even OH got admiring looks as he walked around Edinburgh in his bra :rotfl::rotfl:

Doing it all again next year where OH is going as Wonder Woman......what have I started??

Tiddlywinks

Fruitloops wrote: »

I do think there's an element of self involved in recovery, but I see your point of course. You're right in that it should be something I achieved on my own without assistance. A true individual achievement.

Sorry to go off topic but...

This sort of belief does make me a little angry... as someone who has lost two very positive and bubbly people to cancer.

Yes, a positive attitude helps to deal with the treatment BUT people who maintain that 'beating' cancer is all about 'Positive Mental Attitude' are talking rubbish. Even very cheerful, positive and thoroughly fab people can succumb for no fault of their own... to say otherwise is cruel and plain rude... that is the cancer lottery.

Mrs_Ryan

When I was asked this last time, I replied that I helped to deliver a baby when I was a student. (This job was telephonist for a transport company so it definitely wasn't work related) However I got a really positive reaction from that so I guess it depends on the situation.

Fruitloops

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

Sorry to go off topic but...

This sort of belief does make me a little angry... as someone who has lost two very positive and bubbly people to cancer.

Yes, a positive attitude helps to deal with the treatment BUT people who maintain that 'beating' cancer is all about 'Positive Mental Attitude' are talking rubbish. Even very cheerful, positive and thoroughly fab people can succumb for no fault of their own... to say otherwise is cruel and plain rude... that is the cancer lottery.

You're absolutely right and I didn't mean to offend. Although, I wasn't saying having a positive attitude helps to heal, just that mind state does assist in the process of dealing with it, as you pointed out. Perhaps I worded things incorrectly. Having gone through it myself, I would never intentionally imply or believe that a positive attitude makes all the difference, I know that isn't true, so please don't misunderstand me if I've put it across all wrong. I didn't exactly say what you've noted and I certainly didn't mean that.

londonTiger

AP007 wrote: »

Yes I would say keep it work related as you don't really want to get emotional in an interview situation.

Hope you are cancer free for ever by the way!!!

i disagree. you can make it about personal reasons. struggle with cancer can show your fighting spirit, determination and dedication to your family (e.g. if you have children, you would want to stay alive and be there to raise your children, this is a plus in business because you're anchored down and in it for the long haul).

There should be a healthy balance between keeping your answers professional and personal. HR dont just select people based on qualificiations and achievement. They want someone who will fit into the company personality wise and someone whose inspiring amongst other things.

on a sidenote, most of these questions sound quite selfish. the narcissist would answer these from the POV of their personal gain. My degree, my bonus, my cancer. Always frame these around how your greatest achievement helped others. How it helped your family, how it helped turn things around for your company, how your volunteering helped improved the lives of x.

when people talk about their personal gains it can be off putting and difficult to relate.

Evilm

My view on the mentioned issues:

Cancer- difficult to mention but you dealt with a stressful situation, and it helps build the person you are today. The line on talking about it will be whether you can talk about it from an emotive standpoint or a practical one. If you can keep it above the negativity/sympathy line and the 'will they get ill again' then whilst not totally a great topic of conversation is just about acceptable.

Moonwalk - training, fundraising and aiming for a completion date - all good things to note for a employee. As well as the physical duress and focus to do it.

Baby Delivering - taking on the situations at hand without fear to act, seeing a need and filling it, potentially shows you are cool headed and adaptable.

It is all in the *way* you talk about them and what you say though.

Fruitloops

londonTiger wrote: »

Always frame these around how your greatest achievement helped others. How it helped your family, how it helped turn things around for your company, how your volunteering helped improved the lives of x.

Evilm wrote:

It is all in the *way* you talk about them and what you say though.

These are both good points. I'm in agreement about being positive with an answer, whatever it may be in reply to, and directing your response towards how you've helped others is important.

Excellent input from all of you in this thread, certainly food for thought. Thank you.