Are you a competitive person? This question can come up in interviews, and it’s important to know how to answer it. Some people see competition as a positive thing, while others see it as a negative thing. It all depends on your perspective.
If you enjoy competing and strive for excellence, you should say you are competitive. However, if you don’t enjoy competition or feel like it gets into your work, you should say that you’re not competitive. In either case, back up your answer with examples from your past experiences.
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Why does the interviewer ask this question?
The interviewer is likely trying to gauge your level of ambition and drive. They want to know if you’re the type of person who will be motivated to work hard and excel in their organization. Your answer should demonstrate that you are a self-motivated individual who works hard, no matter the situation.
Focusing on the positive aspects of competition rather than the negatives is also important. Show that you understand the value of friendly competition and how it can help you succeed.
How to prepare an answer to this question?
Before an interview, think about your experience with competition and how it has helped shape who you are today. Have you ever competed in a sport or other activity? How did it make you feel? Did it push you to do better, or did it bring out the worst in you?
Think of specific examples demonstrating your ability to stay focused and motivated when faced with competition. Show that even if things don’t always go your way, you stay positive and keep pushing forward. This will give the interviewer a better sense of your character and attitude towards competition.
At the same time, it’s important, to be honest about how you feel about competition. Let the interviewer know if you don’t enjoy it or find it doesn’t motivate you. Show that you recognize the value of it and understand how it can benefit others but that it’s not necessarily your cup of tea.
In the end, be confident in your answer and demonstrate your self-awareness. Explain why you do or don’t consider yourself competitive without sounding arrogant or dismissive. This will show the interviewer that you have thoughtfully considered the question and are ready to tackle challenges head-on.
7 Example Answers to “Are you a competitive person?” Interview Question
Example 1
“I’m competitive in a constructive way. I believe competition should bring out the best in people; this has been my experience so far. I strive for excellence by setting incremental goals to reach a larger goal. For example, when studying for an exam, I would break it down into smaller chunks and reward myself with something small for each chunk I completed.”
Example 2
“I’m not particularly competitive, but I understand the value of it in certain situations. For instance, when I was studying for my degree, there were a few classes where competition played a role. When it did, I pushed myself to improve and worked hard to stay ahead of the pack. However, I don’t believe in playing unfairly or letting it get in the way of my relationships.”
Example 3
“I think competition can be beneficial, especially to motivate and challenge yourself. I’m constantly striving for personal growth and improvement, pushing myself to do my best every day. For example, when I was studying for an exam, I created a study plan that allowed me to stay ahead of the competition and ensure I was prepared.”
Example 4
“I’m not highly competitive; I don’t feel the need to always come out on top. However, I understand the importance of friendly competition and what it can do to help people improve and grow. I’m always up for a challenge and strive to do my best in all situations. For example, when I was learning to play the piano, I set modest goals to motivate myself and challenge my skills.”
Example 5
“I’m a very competitive person, but only in the sense that I strive for excellence. I like to set high goals and work hard to achieve them. However, I don’t think competition has to be about beating someone else or outdoing them. It’s more about improving yourself and challenging your skills.”
Example 6
“I’m not a fan of competition in most cases, as it can lead to negative feelings like envy or hostility. I understand that healthy competition can be beneficial, so I try to use it to motivate myself to do better. I believe that’s the key to achieving success in any field.”
Example 7
“I’m a competitive person but in a healthy way. I like to challenge myself and set high standards for myself. At the same time, I don’t let competition consume me or become an unhealthy obsession. I understand that celebrating success is important, regardless of whether you win or lose.”
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How competitive are you? Give examples.
Yes, I believe that I am a competitive person. I thrive off of the challenge of competing with others, and I’m always looking for opportunities to better myself. This competitive nature has helped me excel in many fields, from academics to athletics. For example, when it comes to my studies, I usually study hard to get the highest score possible on tests and exams and maintain my position at the top of the class.
Additionally, competitive sports have provided me many advantages on and off the field. On the field, competitive sports have strengthened my physical skills and allowed me to take chances more confidently, knowing I will receive training if I fail. This is particularly important for competitive sports such as Basketball, where risks are rewarded with points. Off-field competitive sports have also rewarded me greatly since they often provide great social networks which help me stay motivated during difficult situations, as well as inspirational examples set by other competitors who strive even harder than me despite higher levels of success or awareness.
In short, being competitive has helped bring out the best in not just myself but also those around me by creating an environment where success isn’t limited by failure or mediocrity but is encouraged by them. It is this unique perspective that has made competitiveness an invaluable asset throughout my life so far.
To Conclude
No matter how you answer the question, it’s important to be honest, and demonstrate that you understand the value of healthy competition and self-improvement. Doing this will show the interviewer that you are an ideal candidate for the job. Good luck!