Interview Questions – ‘Who is your role model?’

For Service-leavers who haven’t got recent interview experience, the prospect can seem daunting. Here, we dissect another of the more common but no less difficult interview questions so that you can show your best side to interviewers and land your next post-Services role.

‘Who is your role model?’

The ‘why’ is implied
This is far more about ‘why’ you chose your role model, than who it actually is. 

This is a question about values.

Your answer should be used as an opportunity to discuss qualities you admire – and that ideally, you share with your role model.

Company values
You should aim to select a role model who has values that would be useful in the role you’re aiming to land. 

It’s not that complicated
If you’re going for a management role, select a leader. If you’re new to the sector, pick someone with strong attributes that you can learn from – or again, match the attributes associated with the role – operating under pressure or empathy, for example.

Don’t say…
I’m an admirer of Nils Bohlin. Who..? Well exactly; he was the completely admirable developer of the three-point seatbelt, but let’s be honest, nobody’s going to buy it. If you really must, don’t forget to mention that in 1974, he was awarded The Ralph Isbrandt Automotive Safety Engineering Award, and in 1989 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Safety and Health (thanks Wikipedia).

Steer away from controversy
You simply don’t know enough about the interviewer. They might consider your choice as a hero, or a villain. 

Sidestep the obvious
Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa are all justifiable choices but are likely to send the interviewer to sleep, having heard someone talk about them for the umpteenth time. 

Beware of sounding too sweet
Some people regard close friends or family as their role models. Perhaps they’ve achieved something impressive or overcome great odds. In any case, because they are 

popular choices, you’ll need a compelling reason that stands out to avoid sounding a bit predictable and dull.

Back it up
Use compelling reasons as to why you’ve selected your role model as well as examples of their qualities, values and what you’ve learnt from them – and how you’ve applied it – or will be applying it, in the role you’re being interviewed for.