Positive Indicators

• Shows pride in work and in achievements.
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter.
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.
• Remains calm in stressful situations.

Negative Indicators

• Is less motivated than others to achieve.
• Appears less knowledgeable to others about subject matter or field.
• Is complacent about achievements.
• Sets easy targets and personal objectives.
• Allows pressure to get to him/her.
• Tends to find it hard to bounce back after setbacks and difficult challenges.

Sample Questions

Give me an example of when it has been important for you to appear knowledgeable about your area of specialty.

• Why was this so important?
• How did you go about establishing credibility?
• When has your approach been less successful?
• What would you do differently?
• To what extent are you considered to be competent in your field?
• How do you know this?

Give me an example of when you have experienced a setback.

• Describe what happened.
• How did you react to the problem?
• To what extent did others see how you were feeling?

How do you define success in your current role/previous work?

• Can you give me a specific example of when this has occurred?
• What specifically do you wish to achieve?
• How do you know when you have achieved success?

Give me an example of when you have set yourself an ambitious target

• What made it so ambitious?
• How did it compare with other targets you had ser yourself
• How well did you do?

Tell me about a time when you worked especially hard in your current role/work

• Which aspect of the situation motivated you to work hard?
• Which aspect of the situation demotivated you?
• What feedback did you have on your performance?
• What kinds of professional concerns motivate you?