This question can provide insight into a candidate's attitude, particularly with regards to taking initiative. A self-starter is likely to understand that going above and beyond their duties and demonstrating mastery of necessary skills are important leadership qualities. There's a good chance they'll ask what the procedure for getting promoted is. What to look for in an answer:

• Prepared to go beyond the scope of their job description

• Self-awareness about their current abilities compared to the requirements for a promotion

• Having the confidence to put themselves forward

This question taps into the emotional intelligence of the candidate. By using the word ‘frustrating’, you can catch out someone who isn't a self-starter and is more likely to be annoyed in this situation. A self-starter would see the challenge as an opportunity and be confident enough to suggest a new way of doing things. What to look for in an answer:

• Confidence in approaching senior team members with suggestions

• A positive response

• Humility

This self-starter interview question quickly identifies someone without a go-getter approach to work. The right candidate is likely to see this as a compliment and be grateful for the opportunity to develop a new skill. Your applicant should be confident in their ability to perform new duties and find it exciting to be asked. What to look for in an answer:

• Passion when it comes to learning new skills

• Confidence in their abilities

• Ambition and desire for career development

One of the best ways to determine if an applicant is a self-starter is by asking about their research into your company. Self-starters want to understand the role they're applying for and make the effort to find out if they're a good fit. What to look for in an answer:

• Thorough research

• Genuine interest in and passion for your brand

• Alignment between brand values and their values

In fast-paced environments, changes are likely to take place on a regular basis. Self-starters roll with the punches and enjoy the dynamic nature of such a workplace. They demonstrate that they're happy to contribute to making positive refinements and don't respond negatively to the idea of plans that shift and change. What to look for in an answer:

• A positive attitude toward dynamic workplaces

• Desire to contribute and make suggestions

• Adaptability

Self-starters won't hesitate to help a colleague who's struggling or doing something incorrectly, and they'll do it in a positive, constructive manner. A desire to bring the team up to a standard is a clear leadership quality, and it shows that an applicant may be interested in or ready for a promotion. What to look for in an answer:

• Confidence without arrogance

• The ability to communicate in an uplifting, empowering manner

• Desire to lead

Personal development is a priority for self-starters. While they might not have a plan mapped out entirely, a clear sense of direction for the future demonstrates initiative. The most consistent self-starter candidates are goal-oriented and reflect this in their work and personal life. What to look for in an answer:

• A future-focused attitude

• Motivation

• Ambitious and realistic goals

The concept of failure fills many people with fear, but not self-starters. Driven, motivated individuals see mistakes as learning opportunities and bounce back quickly from failure. You can learn a lot from this question about a person's attitude at work. Resilience is one of the defining characteristics of a self-starter. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding that everyone makes mistakes

• Willingness to learn

• Resilience

This is a good indicator of how balanced the candidate is between being a self-starter and respecting hierarchical structures. While initiative is an excellent trait in employees, they must be able to take direction and have patience. Overly confident team members can undermine senior staff and create a fractious environment. What to look for in an answer:

• Humility and an understanding of hierarchies

• Patience and self-belief

• Conflict resolution skills

Self-starters don't rush to do everything as quickly as possible. Instead, they break down large tasks into small, manageable chunks and set themselves a timeline for each. They also communicate clearly with their line manager about any roadblocks or delays and seek advice where necessary. What to look for in an answer:

• A positive attitude towards large, time-consuming tasks

• A methodical approach

• Intention to communicate about issues