What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

Interview questions can be extremely difficult to answer. It is common for them to have some hidden meaning, or for the information the interviewer is trying to gain not to be apparent. One of these confusing interview questions is, “What is a personal mission statement?”

The question may seem strangely specific, and yet vaguely off topic. Knowing how to answer is tricky. This question is a simple way for interviewers to learn a great deal about you in a very short time. It reveals your passions and priorities, and how you deal with a difficult question is also important. When tackling this question, you should just try to remain calm.

• What do you think a ‘personal mission statement’ means?
• How does it involve the things that you are passionate about?
• Why would this be something your employers would be interested in learning about?

Points to Emphasize

Choose your words carefully, but realize that your attitude and tone speak volumes about you as well. Follow these tips to come up with a strong answer.

• Be honest. You might want to come up with a personal statement before beginning the interview. Regardless, do not try to tell them what they want to hear.
• If possible, be applicable to the job. If your life goals involve the job you are applying for, highlight it. If not, you can emphasize general qualities, such as passion, motivation, dedication, or patience.
• Be passionate. Whatever your statement actually is, be excited about it. You want them to realize that you put your all into everything you do.
• Be brief. Completely answer the question, but do not talk about yourself too long.

• What are you passionate about?
• Think of things that you are passionate about in your personal life.
• Compare these to things you are passionate about in your professional goals

Mistakes You Should Avoid

There are also some pitfalls that you should avoid. These are some common mistakes that many people make.

• Do not always try to be relevant. It is not bad if your personal mission statement does not include the job you are applying for specifically.
• Avoid being wishy-washy. You should have a definitive answer and not have to think very hard to provide it. Your statement should already affect your life, after all.
• Do not exaggerate or skew your answer to try and make it apply to the position more.
• Do not forget to prioritize communication. Your ability to communicate complex ideas is on display with this question.

• How do your passions relate to the job you’re applying for?
• How do your passions help you stand out for the job?
• Edit your answer for concise language and less emotion

Sample Answer

By the nature of this question, a very personal answer is necessary. This is just a generic answer, but a strong response will likely be similar to it.

“My personal mission statement is to apply myself, wholeheartedly, to everything I do. Whether it is a personal or occupational goal, I want it to be clear to everyone around me that I am trying my best. I feel that anything less is simply a waste of time.”

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.