Tell me about a time you taught yourself a skill

In this question, the interviewer is trying to understand your initiative and proactivity, your capacity to learn and adapt, and your problem-solving skills. They want to know if you are the type of candidate who seeks new knowledge independently, or relies solely on structured, formal education. To properly answer this question, you should describe a specific instance where you taught yourself a new skill:

1. Define the skill or knowledge gap: What did you need to learn and why?
2. Describe the learning process: How did you go about learning this skill?
3. Explain how you applied the skill: Where were you able to implement this new-found ability?
4. Discuss the achievement or outcome: What were the results or benefits of learning this skill?

Each detail helps build a story that showcases your initiative, enthusiasm, and tenacity.

I experienced a significant knowledge gap during my last job where I needed to conduct data analysis but lacked the necessary skills in Excel and advanced statistical methodologies. So, I decided to teach myself. I started by purchasing a couple of highly-rated books on Amazon, watched Youtube tutorials, and even signed up for a few MOOCs on Coursera related to data analysis and Excel.

After several weeks of study, I was able to start applying my newfound skills in my job. I utilized Excel to start analyzing customer data, identifying trends that previously went unnoticed. The results were encouraging; our team was able to make projections on customer behavior that improved our sales by 15% in the following quarter. This experience showed me that with dedication and self-direction, I can quickly adapt to new situations and learn the necessary skills.

When I started my marketing job as a content creator, I soon realized there was a demand for graphics and visual aids to support my work. The designing was usually handled by someone else but due to limited resources, I decided to teach myself graphic design to deliver comprehensive content.

I began with online tutorials alongside using free trial versions of design software like Adobe Illustrator and Canva. I would spend a few hours during the weekends experimenting with different features and creating sample designs.

In the next few months, I was able to create graphics to accompany my texts, making my work more engaging and comprehensive. My manager appreciated the initiative and as a result, I was given the responsibility of heading the digital content creation in our team. This experience taught me the power of autodidactism and how it can significantly improve work productivity. Furthermore, I still continue to sharpen and develop this ability to this day.