Which celebrity or public figure do you look up to?

I agree with what Lindsey and Cindy both stated. When you are in an interview, they are never just asking questions out of idle curiosity. The interviewer is trying to find something out about you.

This question may have been asked to get an idea of your values and influences and stated above, but may also just have been to see if you can choose someone and back up your answer with a well thought out reason why you chose that specific person.

In an interview, remember that everything you do from the moment you walk in the door is part of the interview.

Some things to make your self stand out:

1. Stand up when the interviewer comes to get you from wherever you check in.

2. Shake their hand and say something to the effect of "I am very happy to meet you".

3. Bring extra resumes. You may not need them, but you'll have them if asked.

4. Answer thoughtfully. Take your time and fully answer the question.

5. Be yourself, but remember you are talking to a potential employer, not your friend.

6. Prepare by looking at the company website and searching for the company in the news.

7. Make sure you have a few questions to ask the interviewer. Ask about a recent acquisition and the impact on the company or ask about some other piece of information you found in your research.

8. Send a thank you note to the interviewer.

Good luck in your job search!

Hi Mireira! Great question... it is important to understand that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. I think interviewers would be looking for a couple of things with this question. They are likely looking for the why you chose a particular celebrity/public figure and the how you articulate your reasons for choosing that particular individual.

Different celebrities/public figures mean different things to each individual, so after you have selected who yours is; providing detailed, thoughtful, authentic reasons for your choice is important. Be concise, confident, and clear....it is your answer! I have seen this mentioned in other responses and I cannot stress enough to be honest..the worst thing you could do is to say something (or chose someone) who you think the interviewer would deem as "cool", "creative", or "impressive". They are asking this question to understand what you are motivated by, and how you can ascertain certain traits from well known public figures that share your values.

If I were asked this question, I might choose John Lennon as we both share(d) a passion for music, human rights, and the anti-war movement. I could discuss further how my interest in music, human rights, anit-war, have shaped my values that I carry today, and how it encourages me to keep working at a variety of important goals I have in my life and career. John Lennon's legacy is something that still lives on today and encourages many people with a very hopeful message. I hope this helps! Continue to remain curious and humble, and you will be just fine. Good Luck!

Hi Mireia,

Congrats on the interview! Whether you felt prepared or surprised by the question, it is great that you had the experience and can now give the question more thought.

Through that question, I believe the interviewer/employer was trying to get a better sense of your values. To ultimately gather whether your values align with the values and mission of the organization. Another reason they may have asked about public figures is to assess your knowledge of current events, news/media, politics, etc.

Some best practices for future interviews would be to review the organization's website for information on their mission, history, and press/media coverage. Speak on their values, growth, and any affiliations they may have with public figures. Perhaps you can identify a public figure that you admire and equally embodies some of the values or qualities of the organization. Interviewers will be impressed by your research and your response will make it clear that you are the right fit.

Best Wishes,

Amanda

I look up to strong advocates for human rights. I tend to research celebrities off the stage to see who they are when they are not performing. It makes it easier for me to support their art if I have a better idea that they are a good person.

I think the person you pick to answer this question says a lot about who you are as a person and what you believe in. In this scenario, I would chose someone who's morals and ethics lined up with mine as those are attributes I'd want to showcase to a potential employer and this question is a great way to convey that message.