Job interviews are a critical opportunity to showcase not just your skills but your mindset. Angela Beatty, Chief Leadership and Human Resources Officer at Accenture, has a go-to question that reveals whether candidates are truly prepared and eager to grow. In a competitive job market, her approach highlights what sets exceptional candidates apart. Here’s the question she loves, why it matters, and how you can prepare to shine in your next interview.
The Power of Curiosity
Beatty, who oversees talent strategy at a global professional services giant, values candidates who demonstrate a hunger for learning. Her favorite interview question is designed to uncover a candidate’s curiosity and ability to connect their skills to the role’s demands. While the exact question isn’t specified, it likely probes how candidates approach challenges or stay adaptable—something like, “How have you sought out new knowledge to solve a problem?” or “What’s a recent skill you’ve learned to improve your work?” This aligns with her emphasis on growth, as noted in her interviews with CNBC.
Beatty, who oversees talent strategy at a global professional services giant, values candidates who demonstrate a hunger for learning. Her favorite interview question is designed to uncover a candidate’s curiosity and ability to connect their skills to the role’s demands. While the exact question isn’t specified, it likely probes how candidates approach challenges or stay adaptable—something like, “How have you sought out new knowledge to solve a problem?” or “What’s a recent skill you’ve learned to improve your work?” This aligns with her emphasis on growth, as noted in her interviews with CNBC.
Why does this matter? In today’s fast-evolving workplaces, companies like Accenture prioritize employees who don’t just perform tasks but actively seek to improve and innovate. Beatty wants to see that you’ve thought deeply about how you’ll contribute, not just that you’ve memorized the job description.
The Red Flag She Watches For
One of Beatty’s biggest turn-offs is when candidates know little about the role they’re applying for. “It looks like they’re blanketly applying to anything without caring much where they end up,” she says. This lack of preparation signals disinterest, a sentiment echoed by other HR experts like Jolen Anderson, who warns that failing to research the company makes it seem like a “backup choice.”, If you can’t articulate how your experience aligns with the role’s needs, you risk appearing uncommitted.
One of Beatty’s biggest turn-offs is when candidates know little about the role they’re applying for. “It looks like they’re blanketly applying to anything without caring much where they end up,” she says. This lack of preparation signals disinterest, a sentiment echoed by other HR experts like Jolen Anderson, who warns that failing to research the company makes it seem like a “backup choice.”, If you can’t articulate how your experience aligns with the role’s needs, you risk appearing uncommitted.
How to Ace This Question
To impress an interviewer like Beatty, preparation and authenticity are key. Here’s how to approach her style of questioning:
To impress an interviewer like Beatty, preparation and authenticity are key. Here’s how to approach her style of questioning:
- Research Thoroughly
Before the interview, dive into the company’s mission, recent projects, and the role’s responsibilities. Check their website, LinkedIn posts, and news articles. For example, if applying at Accenture, note their focus on digital transformation or sustainability. Tailor your answers to show you understand their goals. - Showcase Your Learning Mindset
Prepare a story that highlights your curiosity. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a time you learned a new skill or tackled an unfamiliar challenge. For instance, “I taught myself basic data visualization to improve our team’s reporting, which boosted engagement by 15%.” - Ask Thoughtful Questions
Beatty values candidates who are engaged. Ask questions like, “How does the team encourage continuous learning?” or “What skills will be most critical for this role in the next year?” This shows you’re already thinking about growth, a green flag for her. - Avoid Generic Responses
When asked about your contributions, don’t give vague answers. Be specific—quantify achievements (e.g., “I streamlined a process, saving 10 hours weekly”) and tie them to the role. This demonstrates you’ve done your homework, unlike the red-flag candidates Beatty avoids.
Why This Approach Resonates
Beatty’s focus on curiosity reflects a broader trend in hiring: companies want adaptable, proactive employees. As Sabina Nawaz, a former Microsoft HR exec, notes, vague or unprepared answers can sink your chances, while clear, impactful stories highlight your strengths. By showing you’ve researched the role and are eager to learn, you signal you’ll thrive in dynamic environments like Accenture’s.
Beatty’s focus on curiosity reflects a broader trend in hiring: companies want adaptable, proactive employees. As Sabina Nawaz, a former Microsoft HR exec, notes, vague or unprepared answers can sink your chances, while clear, impactful stories highlight your strengths. By showing you’ve researched the role and are eager to learn, you signal you’ll thrive in dynamic environments like Accenture’s.
Prepare for Success
Before your next interview, practice answering questions about your learning experiences. Reflect on moments when you went beyond your job duties to grow or solve problems. Write down two to three examples, and rehearse delivering them concisely. Equally important, research the company and role thoroughly—knowing the specifics will set you apart.
Before your next interview, practice answering questions about your learning experiences. Reflect on moments when you went beyond your job duties to grow or solve problems. Write down two to three examples, and rehearse delivering them concisely. Equally important, research the company and role thoroughly—knowing the specifics will set you apart.
Beatty’s favorite question isn’t just a test; it’s a chance to show you’re ready to contribute and evolve. How do you demonstrate curiosity in your work? Prepare to share that story, and you’ll leave a lasting impression.