Job Interview Question & Answer: What’s the Most Valuable Skill You Learned in School?
Why Interviewers Ask About Your Education
Hiring managers may ask about the most important lesson you learned in school because they want to get a sense of your character. The knowledge or education you value most can show interviewers who you are and the skills you possess. This question also allows you to demonstrate your confidence and aptitude for the job.
How to Respond
The first step in crafting a quality response to this question is to consider the job requirements. You should find a way to connect your education to the company to highlight how your knowledge base makes you a strong candidate. You’ll also want to show interviewers how you’ve put your education to use by providing specific anecdotes from previous experiences.
Answers to Avoid
Above all else, never imply that you didn’t learn anything useful or applicable in school. This can suggest to supervisors that you are a poor or inattentive student, which can translate to being difficult to train or lacking in communication skills. It’s also important to stay away from rambling, unfocused responses instead of offering specific and relevant points.
Examples of How to Answer, “What is the Most Important Thing You Learned at School?”
Everybody has a unique background, so it’s important to personalize your response to the question, “What is the most significant thing you learned in school?” Whether you have a GED, high school diploma, or a college degree, there are plenty of effective ways to discuss your education. Check out these examples to help you form your own answer to this interview question:
Sample Answer 1 – Home Health Aide
“While the education I received in my certification classes was invaluable, I think the most important thing I learned was how to stay calm in stressful situations. You can have all of the training in the world, but if you can’t apply your knowledge during an emergency, it’s useless. Knowing how to keep a cool head is an asset that will help me protect my patients’ health and safety.”
Sample Answer 2 – Daycare Teacher Assistant
“One of the most useful things I learned in school was patience, both for other people and myself. Science was never my strong suit, so some concepts were difficult for me to grasp. Once I forced myself to slow down, I understood the steps and could help classmates who also struggled. I feel this is an important skill now, particularly when working with small children.”
Have an Open Mind
If you’ve been out of school for a while, a question like, “What is the most important thing you gained from your education?” can seem tricky. Remember that you can discuss specific subjects, such as math or writing if they apply. Additionally, you can bring up transferable skills like communication or teamwork. Remember to provide concrete examples to support your point.
