(5/2/25) Last week I participated in a panel interview with four people who are peers of the position I was interviewing for. It’s tricky to connect and dive into a meaningful conversation with five people (including me) in a virtual room together. So at the end, I asked, “Is there anything we didn’t cover that may be leaving you with any doubt or concern about my qualifications?”
Surprisingly, one of the panelists flipped my question and replied, “Better yet, is there anything we didn’t ask you that we should have?”
I had prepared (but was not asked) answers to the typical, what’s your greatest strength, what’s your greatest weakness, what’s an example of having to deal with conflict, etc.
Instead, with seconds to make a choice, I answered the unasked question, “What are you most proud of in your career?” Here was my response:
My answer would be very different over the years. Early on, my answer probably would have focused on promotions and awards. But, having sold my 15-year-old agency just 6 months ago, I’ve been watching from the sidelines and reflecting a lot on the team and clients I left behind – all of whom have stayed on with the new owner. So I take great pride in the process of selecting the new owner and not just the first or highest offering price, the pride of knowing the clients saw value in the agency as a whole and not just me as the “face” of the agency, and particularly the team that has continued to maintain – and build upon – the brand and reputation of Red Apples Media since I departed.
Ironically, I learned shortly before writing this, I did not advance to the next round of interviews for that particular position… But I’m standing by my final answer.