In the world of job interviews, some questions are straightforward and some make you pause and reflect. One such question is: “Who has impacted you the most in your career, and how?” It may sound personal, but this is a strategic question designed to uncover your values, learning style, and professional influences. In the US and UK job markets, how you answer can make or break your impression.
This guide will help you:
- Understand why employers ask this question
- Learn how to structure a strong response
- Avoid common pitfalls
- Access ready-to-use example answers
Table of Contents
Why Employers Ask “Who Has Impacted You the Most in Your Career?”
- Your professional influences: Who shaped your work ethic, leadership style, or technical expertise?
- Your ability to learn from others: Do you take feedback and apply it to improve?
- Your values and priorities: Do you admire innovation, resilience, empathy, teamwork?
- Your self-awareness: Can you articulate your personal growth journey?
📌 A hidden goal: They also want to see if your influences align with the skills and values needed for their company.
How to Structure Your Answer
To give a strong, memorable answer, follow this 3-step framework:
1. Identify the Person or Event
Choose someone (or something) that truly shaped your career:
- A mentor who helped you develop leadership skills.
- A teacher who sparked your passion for your field.
- A family member who modeled resilience.
- A colleague who inspired teamwork.
- A life event that forced adaptability.
2. Describe the Impact
Don’t just name them explain exactly what they taught you:
- Skills: “He taught me to lead projects confidently.”
- Values: “She showed me the importance of empathy in leadership.”
- Mindset shifts: “This event taught me to adapt quickly under pressure.”
3. Connect It to the Role You’re Applying For
Close your answer by showing how the lessons you learned will benefit the company. This turns a personal story into a hiring advantage.
💡 Example bridge:
“The communication skills I learned from my mentor will help me build strong client relationships in this role.”
Examples of Strong Answers
Example 1: The Supportive Supervisor
“My first manager, Alex, had a profound impact on my career. I was new to the industry and unsure of my abilities, but Alex consistently challenged me while providing guidance. He taught me how to break complex problems into manageable steps and encouraged me to lead projects early on. Those experiences gave me confidence and shaped my leadership style. I still use his approach today, and I believe those skills will help me lead successful cross-team initiatives in this role.”
Example 2: The Mentor
“The person who has impacted me the most in my career is my first supervisor, Alex. He pushed me to take on challenging projects early in my career, taught me how to break complex problems into manageable steps, and modeled a collaborative leadership style. I still apply those skills today, and they’ll help me contribute effectively to your cross-functional projects.”
Example 3: The Teacher
“My high school science teacher impacted me the most in my career path. Her enthusiasm and ability to connect theory to real-world problems inspired me to pursue engineering. I now use her approach when explaining technical solutions to clients, ensuring clarity and understanding.”
Example 4: The Life Event
“The most impactful moment in my career was when my small business closed due to a natural disaster. It was devastating, but it taught me resilience, adaptability, and the ability to innovate under pressure. Those lessons have guided me through every challenge since, and I believe they’ll be valuable in your fast-paced environment.”
Example 5: The Team Experience
“Rather than a single person, my biggest career influence was the diverse team I worked with in my last role. We came from different industries and backgrounds, which led to creative problem-solving. They taught me to listen actively, welcome constructive conflict, and adapt my communication style for different perspectives. Those skills are essential for the collaborative work your company values.”
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Mistakes to Avoid
When answering “Who has impacted you the most in your career?”, avoid:
- Being vague – “My old boss was great” isn’t memorable. Be specific.
- Choosing irrelevant examples – Link the influence to the role you want.
- Blaming others – Keep it positive, even if lessons came from challenges.
- Purely personal stories – Connect every detail back to professional skills.
Linking Your Answer to the Job
For the strongest impact:
- Review the job description: Identify required skills and values.
- Choose an influence that aligns: For example, if they value innovation, talk about someone who encouraged your creativity.
- End with how you’ll apply it: Make it clear you’ll bring these skills to their team.
FAQs
Q1: What is the best answer to ‘Who has impacted you the most in your career’?
A: Choose someone who genuinely influenced you, explain the skills or values they taught you, and connect them to the job you’re applying for.
Q2: Can I mention a family member?
A: Yes, as long as you tie their influence to relevant workplace skills like resilience, communication, or leadership.
Q3: Should I talk about negative influences?
A: Focus on positive impacts. If lessons came from challenges, frame them as growth and skill-building.
Q4: Can an event impact my career more than a person?
A: Absolutely. Career-defining moments such as promotions, relocations, or business challenges can be powerful examples.
Q5: How long should my answer be in an interview?
A: Keep it between 60–90 seconds. Use the structure: Person/Event → Impact → Job Connection.
Q6: Is it okay to have multiple influences?
A: You can, but for interviews, focus on one for clarity and impact.
Final Takeaway
The question “Who has impacted you the most in your career?” is more than a trip down memory lane it’s a strategic opportunity. By sharing a meaningful influence, explaining the lessons learned, and connecting them to the job, you position yourself as self-aware, adaptable, and aligned with the company’s needs.
Preparation is key reflect on your journey, choose the right example, and deliver your answer with confidence.