Who has inspired you in your life and why?

This question is something that you should have an answer ready for at all times. Perhaps you look up to a parent who was a hard worker, or a teacher who encouraged you to become who you are today. Whomever this inspiring person may be, remember that the interviewer is looking for a heartfelt response.

Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, a celebrity, author - literally anyone! Talk to the interviewer about who has inspired your life and why.

Points to Emphasize !

When responding to this question, you will want to choose your examples carefully and with an eye to what your response will reveal to the interviewer.

1. Do choose someone who truly inspired you in order to ensure a more authentic response.

2. Discuss a figure that is appropriate for the position you are seeking.

3. Provide specific examples of how this person inspired you.

4. You don’t have to tell a long story here but do provide some context about your own personal characteristics that led you to admire this person.

This is a very common interview question so you should make sure to prepare beforehand.

Mistakes You Should Avoid !

Here are a few tips to avoid sabotaging yourself during your response.

1. Don’t choose a widely known and beloved figure unless this person truly is your idol. Otherwise, you risk sounding canned and unconvincing.

2. Keep your answer clear and avoid explaining too much. Just tell the employer why you like this person and stop so that you avoid rambling.

3. Don’t pick a person with a particularly tragic or morbid life history unless you are using him or her as an example of someone who overcame great hardship.

4. If you choose a family member, and there’s nothing wrong with doing so, be sure you have a good explanation so you avoid sounding overly sentimental or insular.

This question is a good one for revealing more about your personality than can be expressed with your typical interview questions.

Who has inspired you in your life and why?

Possible Answer #1:

“I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the person who has most greatly inspired me has been my grandmother. She always had a smile on her face no matter how hard she worked and she loved everyone. She was well respected and always gave more than she received. I try to live like she did, as much as I can."

Possible Answer #2:

“My parents inspired me in my life. They are the only one in the whole world who have always supported and motivates me to achieve my goals. Through thick and thin my parents have walked with me shoulder to shoulder. They taught me to see dreams and inspired me to achieve through endeavor. They always say nothing comes in your hand without hard work, believe in hard work, never ever loose hope in you life. I know I can't give them back what they have done for me at least I can make them happy with my success."

Possible Answer #3:

“My mom is my inspiration because she has very good character and a hard working mind. She always help others and faces all the problems with a cute smile. She always says that her smile is her strength."

MIND IT !

Remember that a question of this sort is often asked because the hiring manager wants to get to know you better and understand your thought process. Be honest, open and confident and you’ll go a long way to getting the job.

All the best