When preparing for an interview, questions about your previous responsibilities provide an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your reliability, independence, and professional growth. Employers use these questions to understand not only what you were accountable for in past roles but also how you managed those responsibilities and learned from challenges.
Below are some common examples of responsibility-related interview questions and tips on how to answer them effectively.
1. What are some of the biggest responsibilities you’ve had in the past?
This question allows you to highlight the trust and accountability you’ve been given in your career. Be specific when describing your responsibilities—outline the tasks, reporting lines, and frequency of deliverables.
Example Response:
“In my previous role as an Account Manager at Company A, I was responsible for billing $X,XXX each month, along with meeting KPIs such as the number of client meetings and leads generated. I reported directly to the Sales Director, with formal weekly check-ins and ongoing informal updates throughout the week.”
2. Describe a time when you had to figure out a difficult problem by yourself.
This is your chance to show that you can work independently and take initiative. Emphasise your problem-solving skills, your ability to move projects forward without supervision, and the value you added through your approach.
Tip: Highlight the steps you took to resolve the issue and the positive impact it had on your team or company.
3. Describe a time when you felt you didn’t meet your responsibilities.
This type of question can feel challenging, but it’s an opportunity to demonstrate accountability and resilience. Employers want to see that you take your responsibilities seriously and can learn from setbacks.
Example Response:
“In January earlier this year, I didn’t meet my billing target. I was disappointed that my activities didn’t reflect on my results for the month. However, I remained focused on completing the KPIs and activities required, and by February I exceeded my billing target by 40%. This experience reinforced that consistency is key—if I stay committed to the right actions, the results will follow.”
In summary, questions about your previous responsibilities are designed to assess how you handle accountability. By being specific, showing initiative, and demonstrating that you can learn from challenges, you’ll position yourself as a trustworthy and capable professional.
