My supervisor was absent once when I was in charge of a soccer game. An actual assault took place at the game. A player hit the referee. With no supervisor to turn to, I immediately called the police, who quickly restored order to the situation. I felt I made an effective decision.
0 x. O3 W# n: J6 k- M1 CAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.1 E2 F) X5 }% _# u
72. Recall a time when you were assigned what you considered to be a complex project. Specifically, what steps did you take to prepare for and finish the project? Were you happy with the outcome? What one step would you have done differently if given the chance?
8 l0 P5 k/ m$ h& a* j7 ZSample excellent response:1 p2 f/ o6 W1 ~: n% i6 i3 E0 y
I had to give a marketing presentation while attending community college. The project was about Anheuser-Busch. We were assigned to report on key management personnel (CEO, Chairman of the Board, President, key VPs), divisions and subsidiaries, major products/brands/services, key financials for the most recent year (sales revenue, expenses, total income, net income, sales growth or loss for the last year), market share, key competitors, mission statement, product positioning, and number of employees. Among the steps I took were visiting the company's Miami branch to interview employees and gather visual aids for the project. I spent a lot of time organizing and writing the presentation. Then I spent time reviewing my speech over a period of several days. As a result I was calm while giving the presentation and received an "A" for the project. The one additional step I perhaps wish I'd taken would have been to talk to some consumers and store owners about the product.( H: {7 ~% r% I- }0 z
73. What was the most complex assignment you have had? What was your role?7 X" z6 K: H5 x4 q* _) U
Sample excellent response:
/ _$ }5 g1 _2 V: n7 g! |* _2 e% c6 fMy senior research was my most complex assignment. It took two semesters to complete and was made up of many components. I had to make many critical decisions along the way that would affect the outcome of my research. I made these decisions independently with minimal influence from my professor. I was very successful and happy with my final product.
5 x n8 k! R* ~& W3 e5 b6 @Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
! N! Q* S4 v6 F1 Y' b$ `& L' E0 N: ]74. How was your transition from high school to college? Did you face any particular problems?. P n: h/ ]8 o
Sample excellent response:6 n& E S- y; F: ~; f: `) \+ N
The transition was somewhat challenging for me because I traveled a great distance to attend college. To help myself adapt, I got involved with as many organizations as I could. I also made it a point to get to know my professors. I used my interpersonal and communication skills to the best of my ability to make a lot of friends, and college became one of the best experiences of my life despite a beginning that seemed a bit overwhelming.4 z" D7 g J* M V7 j
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.% i7 A; |9 d) X( F% N, M9 M! k8 x( c
75. Tell of some situations in which you have had to adjust quickly to changes over which you had no control. What was the impact of the change on you?0 P0 D# G, Q0 f. X6 P. H R( g- c
Sample excellent response:
* T0 X! o& M& z/ D* @. L! N& ^The bank in which I worked instituted a policy that centralized the lending process. An application was to be taken from the client and sent off to be approved/declined, processed, prepared, and returned to the branch to be signed by the client. While the process was streamlined, it also took away valuable face-to-face knowledge about the client and the loan. If the employee did not have any prior lending experience, he or she couldn't answer simple loan questions from the client. While I appreciated the newly created time on my schedule, I felt that the clients were being slighted. I did adjust quickly to the new procedure and did my best to help those around me by sharing my knowledge.7 x2 g0 C, m. S8 f( s, Q
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.- s* z. W4 T: W5 ?) i- A3 j8 `: S
76. Compare and contrast the times when you did work which was above the standard with times your work was below the standard.
, v9 r! e3 O% ?6 k% j9 SSample excellent response:# D& @7 }: o( x6 r
I was involved in two group projects in a psychology class. In the first, we had to decide on a research experiment to conduct and garner results from it. The group I was in was not very motivated, and the members wanted to do a simplistic comparison on color preferences of men and women. I felt that project was below the standard I was capable of. For the second project, I proposed a study in which we compared how people of different age ranges valued money. I knew the project would go over well with the teacher and would not be difficult to conduct. I proposed the idea in a way that sounded fun. Instead of collecting data in someplace boring, I suggested we could go to the mall. The group agreed and worked relatively well on the project. Discussion is the key to mediation, and the key to my achieving a second project that I felt was above the standard.
1 k9 z5 j8 X0 N& Z7 }Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
" S: F8 M0 _7 Y77. Describe some times when you were not very satisfied or pleased with your performance. What did you do about it?# a) u" @3 \0 X! X
Sample excellent response:% S3 \+ I) l- G5 W' q
I failed my first business calculus test, which made me very unhappy. I wasn't going to let this incident set the trend for the rest of the semester. I went to my counselor and arranged to meet with a tutor once a week. My tutor helped me out incredibly. My grades soon improved, and I went on to redeem myself from my one slip-up on the first test.
* C r J: J0 `: C* x6 j' p' x/ }Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.# ~+ N* H) G+ ]& T& o
78. What are your standards of success in school? What have you done to meet these standards?' y8 s3 G! E, R: \% K
Sample excellent response:/ l1 U7 H' `- ]( d7 S% A
I don't believe in trying to get by with the least possible effort, and I am always willing to ask questions to learn how to perform an assignment successfully. In my human-resources management class, for example, we were assigned a paper on "Why corporate culture is a practical way to increase income and productivity." All of the literature on the subject was written in the language of PhDs. I asked some other students what they were doing, and they said just writing their opinions and not doing any research to back up the claims. I felt I could do better. So I worked closely with my professor, who "translated" the academic literature for me, and over time I understood what was being written. Working with the professor's guidance, I turned in a very good paper. Asking questions is one thing I am not afraid to do and realize that without them I will be turning in work that is not as beneficial as it could be.2 [2 _. O3 q7 l6 A/ ?0 A
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.3 ~" a( _2 }2 u9 {4 t( i
79. How have you differed from your professors in evaluating your performance? How did you handle the situation?
# _; E @! {# K( t7 nSample excellent response:% M* _/ K$ P2 p( Q4 q
After I wrote a paper for an English class, my professor told me that I was not doing the paper in the proper format or with the proper content. I went to him and asked if he would help me learn the correct way so that I could succeed with the paper. He did help me, and I ended up doing well in the course.
' M7 W2 f9 E7 ^0 K* P& W' i; `Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.2 a' x8 S6 y: ~" ?" p
80. Give examples of your experiences at school or in a job that were satisfying. Give examples of your experiences that were dissatisfying.
2 U4 ]& @3 M# |& J6 aSample excellent response:. o4 C: b3 e& }& q! O2 j- I5 D
I turned a dissatisfying experience into a satisfying one when I was on the cross-country team in college and had never run the whole race in under 30 minutes. With only a month left in the season, I decided that I would run the race in 25 minutes. I ran every day to build up my stamina, and in that last race I achieved my goal time of 25 minutes, which was a very satisfying experience.
# ~' X& ?9 M2 Q6 S' E81. What kind of supervisor do you work best for? Provide examples.
* U" x& A5 ]# VSample excellent response:* x6 ~" g0 H6 j
I like to work for a supervisor who allows me the autonomy to perform my job to the best of my abilities. I also like constructive criticism and feedback so I can improve myself and the organization. One example was my boss at a university. He hired me as an administrative coordinator because of my administrative and organizational skills. He knew that I had many new ideas and allowed me the opportunity to implement many new programs. Of course, I kept him constantly informed and sought advice when needed. I improved communications in the department by implementing a departmental Web page. I also streamlined the check-in process by preparing the amount of work that could be done the day before. I improved staff morale by implementing a desk-assistant-of-the-month, which led to lower turnover. These are just a few examples. I was given the Recognizing Outstanding Student Employees Award for my efforts and unique ideas. I gained not only my boss's confidence and support but his respect as well.
! K1 J' N* H$ F5 L# F. R* ~Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
4 l: i( Q+ H0 C0 w$ s82. Describe some projects or ideas (not necessarily your own) that were implemented, or carried out successfully primarily because of your efforts.
) Y- a8 U* B9 e# y5 xSample excellent response:
' C2 R0 q f. ~+ A. w/ f" r; ]: H5 ^I had been recently given the duty of being the head swim team coach for the YMCA I was employed with. A swim meet was just around the corner, but only five swimmers had enrolled for the program, none of whom had ever been a part of an organized team. Funding would be cut for the team if more interest could not be generated. So I decided that I would take action and actively recruit people to join. Not only did I have to run the practices and correct any technical mistakes the swimmers were making, but I had to contact other local swim teams to invite then to join the meet. I had to meet with the parents and the children separately and organize a way to help pay for t-shirts, swimsuits, goggles, and swim caps. By the third week of the program, I had gained 15 more swimmers and every single one had beat his or her own time in practice. When the meet came, I organized the events, ordered ribbons, and recruited volunteers. At the end of the meet, my team had come in first place among four other teams. The parents were delighted, and the profits from the swim team had skyrocketed to the approval of the board of directors.
; x3 z( T* k z& y. W# @* sAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
# b! X: Z* T3 i9 _83. Describe a situation that required a number of things to be done at the same time. How did you handle it? What was the result?
! L$ G5 `. ^% KSample excellent response:+ ]! j) |! { y( Q% @' y
In my current job, I have to handle multiple responsibilities in developing new projects, maintaining existing ones, and maintaining good client relations. I allocate a certain amount of time for each area daily. That way clients can see very clearly that projects are progressing, and I have more satisfaction in accomplishing multiple tasks under pressure.6 A2 {/ Q* I# w/ C& s1 s/ Q
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
8 q& J, R. u7 M84. Have you found any ways to make school or a job easier or more rewarding or to make yourself more effective?, d ]: i" u+ n& A! y
Sample excellent response:3 s# d# H: J/ {0 `& B8 a
I find that taking a proactive mindset to recognizing and solving problems before they happen make any job more rewarding. It not only saves time and effort but gives me a sense of accomplishment and ownership in my job. I demonstrated my proactiveness when I worked with Food Lion. As a bookkeeper, I was responsible for the offices. The safe was kept outside of the office in front of the cash registers, where anyone could get inside of it if I or another office associate had it open to drop a deposit or get money in and out. I realized that the situation was a security hazard. Although we could not move the safe to the inside of the office where it was more secure, I ordered a timelock compartment and had it installed, and the safe could be opened only at a specific time when the store closed each day. Only money could be dropped through a slot in the compartment door. We kept large sums of money in that compartment. We kept operating cash on hand since we needed some excess money to perform daily functions. One month after I left that store to attend college, I learned that it was robbed. Because of my efforts and foresight, the robbers only got a small amount of cash. My previous supervisor thanked me for my efforts, which gave me a great feeling, and I carried this proactive mindset to my other jobs thereafter.
9 x* c, S5 a( S- b1 H2 U. L! N; `Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
) E& c7 T7 u3 C+ `3 r5 G, g85. How do you determine priorities in scheduling your time? Give examples.+ j+ f& j, w) c' @2 ?
Sample excellent response:$ P( `, b6 }0 d. t4 r( K
I took a time-management course in which I learned to prioritize all tasks on A, B, or C lists. I always try to tackle the A list first. In every working situation, co-workers have always complimented me on how well I manage my time. I enjoy the social atmosphere of the office, but I make it a point not to waste much time on chitchat with colleagues. I've also learned that the average office worker spends about an hour a day handling e-mail. I make it a point not to deal with my e-mail more than once or twice a day, and I filter my messages into folders so I can prioritize the way I deal with them.
* U3 b# S5 \9 A# }: eAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.$ L w$ l2 ~+ ^ j* U9 c- I. J2 D
86. Tell of a time when your active listening skills really paid off for you -- maybe a time when other people missed the key idea being expressed.
. ?2 j* j- V1 z! R3 cSample excellent response:$ ]5 F* l* |3 [8 ^) W# j
When I presented my senior research in college, I was questioned by the members of my major department as a "panel." My grade was determined largely on my ability to answer the questions effectively and smoothly, which depended very much on my ability to listen carefully to what was being asked. I had seen other students slip up when they misunderstood what the panel was asking because they didn't listen well enough. I succeeded in listening well and did well on my presentation.3 U8 W# n- z+ X# k6 ]1 V. b$ ?
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.4 f/ P( g# M: Q* u0 i3 c5 |
87. What has been your experience in giving presentations? What has been your most successful experience in speech making?8 C& ~! V9 k) p$ A
Sample excellent response:' @5 c& r. W0 l* g5 V7 j
I have grown to be a confident presenter. My most successful presentation took place at my university when I was responsible for presenting a leadership-development program for a class of Resident Assistants. The point of my program was to teach each RA his/her leadership style, so he/she knew how to interact on his/her floor as a student leader. The most significant aspect of this program is that it taught them about their leadership styles without their knowing it. Each student filled out a general questionnaire that asked about preferences. Each person according to his/her responses were assigned to a group with a general name. I then gave each group a book to read. Each group had to read it aloud. After each group read each book, I then explained how each group tackled the task. They all had handled the task differently. Each student successfully understood how they approached tasks and from that how they would approach their job as a RA. Not only did I engage the audience in what was being presented, I have since seen the program adapted in other presentations by RAs in that class. Not only did they enjoy it, they learned something about themselves that would help them help their residents.
, M8 h+ F" q3 y4 XAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.- e0 }3 s* C" _5 p$ f8 f
88. Tell of the most difficult customer service experience that you have ever had to handle -- perhaps an angry or irate customer. Be specific and tell what you did and what was the outcome.& Q* p2 p4 q- Y2 V. d# u0 U
Sample excellent response:' U3 u* f0 n& s
I was making business phone calls behind the membership office at the YMCA when an angry man came up to the counter demanding a refund. He began yelling at the membership workers and complaining about the swimming program, saying that it was a rip-off. The other workers were flustered, and even though membership services were not my department, I calmly asked the man what was wrong. He that his son had been in swimming lessons for four weeks and was still afraid of the water. Instead of instantly giving him the refund, I offered to personally give his son private swim lessons for a week, explaining to him that sometimes children react differently to each instructor's teaching techniques. He finally agreed to accept without the refund. After a week of private lessons, his son was no longer afraid of the water and he could swim nearly a lap of the pool. At the end of the lessons, not only did he sign his child up for another paid session of private lessons, but he bought a family membership and apologized to me for his behavior the week before.- r2 f, |; l4 ~
89. Give an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with. Why was this person difficult? How did you handle that person?
4 A! Q' c2 E) r; _1 ^Sample excellent response:
$ N, O2 ?9 v8 f& X7 jAs a Resident Advisor, I had another RA who often sought me as a person to confide her complaints to and shared quite a bit of information about activities she'd engaged in that violated the rules. Although I did not mind being a resource for this person, I knew that I could not compromise my integrity or her residents' safety. Although she became very outraged and angry with me, I talked to her about the situation and and told her that I would have to tell my supervisor. She eventually understood my responsibility and why I had to come forward with information. She knew that what she had done was against the rules, but never realized before I talked to her that she had jeopardized her residents' safety.6 [ `6 \% F0 X3 x4 \4 X
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
, L7 r8 T. r# h* ^: A# i+ g7 S90. Describe a situation where you found yourself dealing with someone who didn't like you. How did you handle it?
0 E; @* q+ V1 D; zSample excellent response:8 p3 L6 F9 @% d3 H! a- e6 v3 z: V' z
When I first began working at the YMCA, I was the youngest member of the staff. An older woman really "knew the ropes" of the place. When I first got there she barely acknowledged my presence, and through word of mouth I discovered that she thought that I was too young to successfully fulfill my duties because I was so inexperienced. She assumed I was immature. I did my job and took every opportunity to make a good impression. I was a very diligent worker and behaved in a highly professional manner at all times, learning quickly the best way to do things. After about two weeks of the silent treatment from her, she came up to me and told me how impressed she was with me. She told me that I had done an excellent job and was the fastest learner that she had ever seen. She apologized to me for ignoring me and took me under her wing and shared what she knew with me.
2 N& b0 u/ E% X+ M2 y& l0 pAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.7 r* _/ x: e3 L3 u8 F- ~- y( t
91. Give me a specific example of something you did that helped build enthusiasm in others.
: \. l* x9 g' h. h( t6 e# t% VSample excellent response:" |: I: Z1 y1 M: h: ]
When I was coaching my swim team at their first swim meet, the swimmers on my team were intimidated by the other team because they were bigger and obviously more experienced. The other team members looked like pros in their matching swimsuits, unlike my swimmers' mismatched suits. I encouraged them and told them that they had practiced for so long and so hard that they deserved just as much respect as those other teams. I told them that it didn't matter whether we had matching swimsuits or not and that I would stand behind them 100 percent no matter what. They were so excited and pumped after my speech. They cheered each other on, and not only did every child break his or her own record, but my team won first place in the meet among four other teams that had been together for a much longer time.
: j8 v8 T/ Y3 g) H+ m0 eAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
" c# h" J( V% l9 s4 `" y( p92. Tell me about a difficult situation when it was desirable for you to keep a positive attitude. What did you do?$ c! H+ w4 @) Y0 y& v
Sample excellent response:
$ z3 a& k/ u5 j, T2 qWhile directing a play, I was faced with numerous problems. The sets were not coming together; the performers were fighting and not working hard; the technical aspects of the play were far from complete, and in general it was a mess. I was the "stage manager," which means that I tell people when to go on stage and tell the crew when to bring pieces of the set on stage. So I organized everything and told people to do specific jobs and asked them in a firm yet positive manner. People began to have fun, and the production went on extremely well (all performances sold out). The play was regarded as one of the smoothest shows to have been produced by the group.6 N% P- p6 L! m+ a' o
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.* d8 G( u7 g) G* ^
93. Give me an example of a time you had to make an important decision. How did you make the decision? How does it affect you today?9 c4 H+ U5 c, t8 Z
Sample excellent response:" m/ ^- p: R1 W
My sophomore year was about to begin and I had to decide on a major. I could not waste any more credits figuring out what I was interested in. I took some personality and career assessments to get a better handle on my interests, skills, and values. I talked to faculty in several departments to decide which faculty members I was most comfortable with. I studied the course offerings to see which courses appealed to me the most. I decided on communications studies and feel it is the best decision I ever could have made.
$ I/ c) D5 ]7 d. t% k- T0 OAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
* s% j; s( \# n, k! V94. Give me an example of a time you had to persuade other people to take action. Were you successful?; D' e2 A" F* Z0 [! o
Sample excellent response:
( w) |" S5 ^' A; bI was the leader of my macroeconomics group in college. As leader, I had to delegate parts of the assignment to other group members. Not only did I do a written part for each paper, but I gathered all of the props we needed for our oral presentation, and I typed all of the five papers assigned. I was also taking four other classes at the time. By the fourth paper, I decided to persuade some of the other group members to edit and finalize it. I learned a lot about delegation and leadership when I discovered that they were happy to help out.
, c# p( U0 K# S- CAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
# l" K4 O) ]6 H6 a$ ]7 t. A95. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult person. How did you handle the situation?" B g* H( g& g! _( R8 }
Sample excellent response:, K7 @) G7 V1 G' u) j
I have participated in several groups throughout my academic career. Recently, I had to work with a group in my statistics class and I had some personality clashes with one of the group members. However, I realized the importance of completing the assignment in a prompt and efficient manner. I made it a point to put my differences aside and complete my part, along with offering assistance to the other group members. As a result, we finished our assignment without any conflict.! O. p" P% ?3 `, H( x' M
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
# Q* o3 }/ ?9 b! o$ p96. Tell me about a time you had to handle multiple responsibilities. How did you organize the work you needed to do?8 Y7 K/ F: `: i7 _# D( m! m; K/ l
Sample excellent response:4 w0 M! \, o5 |: j/ h' n) D: R
While attending college, I also worked at a law firm. I was successful because I practiced good time-management skills and I made a to-do list every day. As I completed each task, I checked it off the list. It is funny how something so simple can keep you so organized. As a result of my to-do lists, I was able to visualize my daily progress.
# Z7 C2 c9 [; f3 k; |( F97. Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision, but didn't have all the information you needed.
2 b6 C |5 } Z- ~ y1 A! d4 cSample excellent response:9 y+ }# N( { f* N
I had to make a decision recently between two configurations on one of our routers. Time was quickly moving away from me, and I had to have all the equipment back up in a matter of minutes. I chose the configuration that I had the most data on because I knew at least that I could better troubleshoot it if there was a problem. My decision was the right one.
0 B" k' E1 c: g& R* QAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
1 j. }3 E: e; V3 N98. What suggestions do you have for our organization?
: M: T# u! S. r$ _Sample excellent response:
& Z x! n5 g4 U5 dAfter examining several sources, including your company's annual report and Web site, as well as some of your competitors' sources, I see that you have a strong product line with good demographic segments, in a growing industry. I did notice that your competitors seem to direct more of their efforts to the baby boom market, and while that is certainly a large market for your products, I think you have a great opportunity to expand your target market and increase your market share by marketing your product line to the Baby Boomers' kids -- Generation Y. These teens and preteens are extremely brand conscious and have a high discretionary income -- and you are in a great position to attract them to your product and build a very large core of brand loyal consumers on top of your existing customer base.
/ t; w5 ] n; t$ j* E99. What is the most significant contribution you made to the company during a past job or internship?
" A) d! s5 L* e8 x' [, `Sample excellent response:* G. {! a; K+ K' Q% y( a
My organization was undergoing an accreditation process. I developed two detailed accreditation self-evaluation reports that documented how the organization met accreditation standards. These self-evaluations served as basis for accreditation site visits and enabled all eligible programs to be accredited in record time.1 ~% k) g$ U0 d; ~
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.! M7 L. e9 H" f9 N" ]
100. What is the biggest mistake you've made?
' x, k( h5 F) nSample excellent response:1 }& S D' `/ U7 {
The biggest mistake in my life that I have made is taking for granted the sacrifices my parents endured for me. I look back and realize that everything they did for me was so that I could succeed in life. I am thankful now and do everything to my best ability to make them proud because I am so thankful that they have been there for me so that I can give back to society and to my job the opportunities that they never had.
5 A! C9 V/ l* O5 n/ a, d S: dAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
$ a+ X4 Q) l( Y8 w& E2 X' m* m8 R101. Describe a situation in which you had to use reference materials to write a research paper. What was the topic? What journals did you read?9 S7 {: \( j( i, H: L6 E
Sample excellent response:! h* |3 e, M3 G( l$ v- |
In my academic career I have had to write several research papers. The most recent one I wrote was on whether zero-tolerance policies about drugs and weapons in high schools are reasonable. To answer this question, I went to several high schools and interviewed their principal or top-level employees. I also interviewed students and parents. I visited the Health Department to gather data. Finally, I conducted the remainder of my research on the Internet. As a result, I was able to get perspective from every group this topic would effect.
5 x9 Z* W0 g7 xAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.4 a% {" v2 l6 P6 _. l
102. Give me a specific example of a time when a co-worker or classmate criticized your work in front of others. How did you respond? How has that event shaped the way you communicate with others?. {9 f" [8 a7 j I) S
Sample excellent response:. k# N$ _$ X f3 h. Q. A7 b
Another manager became upset with me since some projects were not being completed. Without discussing the situation with me first, she criticized me in front of one of the employees I directly supervised. I was upset that she made me look bad in front of my workers, but I remained calm and asked her to step into the office so that we could talk about it in more detail. We discussed the problem, and she learned that the non-completion of the tasks was not my fault. Another manager did not receive his instructions telling him the tasks he needed to complete. After that I learned not to jump to conclusions when dealing with others that I work and that sometimes a miscommunication can lead to a much larger problem. I've learned to get the complete facts.% o5 z6 m( { a% V$ h9 s! i
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
. B( Q) l9 B# P% f4 X. H8 G! X6 U103. Give me a specific example of a time when you sold your supervisor or professor on an idea or concept. How did you proceed? What was the result?( F& @3 J$ I: u1 R
Sample excellent response:
1 o0 I% V% W% ?1 m tLast summer, I wanted to help organize a summer camp for local low-income children. My supervisor knew the demand would be there but feared we would not have enough staff. I convinced her that since I went to the facility daily, I could network with acquaintances and convince them of the importance of this camp. My supervisor trusted me. We had hundreds of children sign up for the program, and I had reached so many people that we were able fully staff the camp, as well as have a backup supply of people who were willing to volunteer their time and services to the organization.
$ | {1 { a3 M7 u q. |Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.5 q) H, d1 j0 A$ g8 ~
104. Describe the system you use for keeping track of multiple projects. How do you track your progress so that you can meet deadlines? How do you stay focused?$ b5 P" c, ]4 f0 C8 q" P
Sample excellent response:5 b) p9 t1 H# J7 g* Q) J4 k2 g
I keep an electronic hand-held organizer that I synchronize with a schedule on my computer. I keep track of each task in order of priority and due date. I use an electronic organizer because it is very portable and has an alarm to remind me of about what is due so I don't have to waste time by looking at my organizer every hour. I start with the projects with the closest due date and the highest priority. I take these tasks and then schedule times in my calendar for me to work on them to ensure I meet deadlines. I stay focused by going over my organizer each night before bed so I know immediately what I have accomplished and where I need to start the next day. Here let me show you...4 Z% ^; [2 O$ h3 \, M8 r
105. Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your company/class/organization was facing. What was the challenge? What role did others play?
) ~3 R$ A% j" i3 d9 gSample excellent response:* ]% |* ~- m7 w: [1 s7 r9 b1 U+ B
The trucks at Wal-Mart come loaded by personnel at by a distribution center, box-by-box. After receiving a few trucks, I noticed that my employees were unloading broken merchandise that took a lot of time to clean up before the rest of the truck could be finished. The broken glass, paint, or whatever material it was prevented the employees from preceding farther into the truck, causing more person-hours than normal. I noticed that the merchandise was broken because heavier boxes were on top of lighter boxes. After a couple of days of this situation, productivity decreasing, I learned that the rest of the stores in my district faced the same problem. As a result, I asked each store to take pictures of the mess so the distribution centers could see exactly what was happening. I also asked each one to write down how many additional person-hours it took to clean up the mess. After we gathered this information for a four-week period, we had a pretty a good estimate of how much the company was losing, approximately $9.50 per person-hour...an average of $125 per store times 15 stores times 30 nights a month amounted to a substantial sum. We took the information as a group to our district manager. Once he realized how much money his district was losing each month because of broken merchandise in the trucks, he contacted his regional manager, and the trucks after that were loaded more carefully. The district made our Profit and Loss the next month by a 9 percent increase.6 ] k3 f: e. v, ^. F4 m
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.
' l q$ [6 X [3 d% ]106. Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer or professor. How did you approach the problem? What role did others play? What was the outcome?% G7 u0 C {! |3 D) Q/ d
Sample excellent response:
C2 f& d- V6 lWhen I was working as a receptionist at an apartment complex, a tenant argued that he had turned in his rent payment the day it was due. He stated that he had slipped it under the door because our office was closed for the day. I decided to consult my manager because I realized that maybe the office needed a sign that stated that we did not accept rent money that is slipped under the door. My boss agreed, and we posted the sign. We never again had a problem with tenants who claimed they'd paid their rent that way." T. d4 B0 M$ U7 b
107. Describe a time when you got co-workers or classmates who dislike each other to work together. How did you accomplish this? What was the outcome?$ X9 d: e L6 K. M% j, u
Sample excellent response:
8 U4 M6 D( p+ T+ q$ g% a7 VWhen I worked for a law firm, my co-workers and I had a huge mailing to complete. We had the choice of working more efficiently as a team -- or individually in a much more time-consuming manner. My two co-workers did not care for each other and they wanted to complete the mail-out on an individual level. When I presented them with the evidence that we would finish at least an hour earlier by working together, they decided that working together was the right path to take. As a result, we finished the mail-out in a short period of time and could work on other tasks that day.
+ [8 k! s% O4 o$ p4 U& j0 u* H& gAlso, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story.! R7 |3 M/ i2 M# {1 @
108. Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What things did you fail to do? What were the repercussions? What did you learn?
- R O3 O4 g7 H" H/ |, e1 s6 DSample excellent response:1 X% d# F2 }+ s% E. p
I recently failed to meet a deadline in my communications course with a project I had to do on the Internet. I did not meet the deadline because I underestimated the amount of time the assignment would take me to complete. Therefore, the assignment was incomplete when I turned it in. As a result I lost points on my final grade.I learned the importance of examining tasks more carefully so I can better estimate the amount of time required to complete them. I also learned to build some flex time into projects so that if my estimates are wrong, I'll still have time to complete the tasks.- K& I! `9 x! N: _7 n
Also, remember the S-A-R (situation-action-result) technique and see a sample S-A-R story./ o4 g6 b! G0 x# w
109. Describe a time when you put your needs aside to help a co-worker or classmate understand a task. How did you assist him or her? What was the result?. T% X% U. d, D& I, x4 k+ g1 C
Sample excellent response:
1 f5 c) G; D( ~+ XI was studying right before a major finance test. As the class came into the classroom a couple of students indicated that did not understand a concept that I did. Although there was a small section of material that I had not completely mastered, I realized that I knew enough about that section that I could perform well enough to earn a good grade. I knew that the section that the other students did not understand was a major portion of the exam since the professor had an interest in this particular subject. I stopped what I was doing to explain to the small group about the Multiplier Effect of Bank Reserves on the overall supply of money. Those students learned enough from what I taught them that they did well on the exam. I missed a few points on the section of material that I had not mastered, but I did well enough to get an A, and the satisfaction I got from teaching others the concept made me feel proud.3 X! ?; {* ]& Y# v1 z
8 C H4 [$ a7 ~5 v$ }! m4 x% f4 L& |' c* O1 ?
Example Job Interview Questions and Answsers4 l& d5 i4 K+ A5 ]0 U- t' \
Congratulations! You have applied for a job and now you are getting ready for that important job interview. Your English is excellent and you are looking forward to making a good impression on your future (hopefully) boss. Now, you need to make sure that you also have the right type of English for that job interview.5 k& V5 N5 I0 l, G3 C1 m9 k: M, _
The job interview in English contains specific questions and appropriate answers. It also requires a certain flexibility in your usage of tenses. This feature provides tips on job interview questions and answers in English.7 Q: V0 @6 D4 H5 k
When you walk in the room the very first impression you make on the interviewer can have a great influence on the rest of the interview. It is important that you introduce yourself, shake hands, and are friendly. The first question is often a "breaking the ice" (establish a rapport) type of question. Don't be surprised if the interviewer asks you something like:- `! f: j, o4 H7 S: W* V5 W
• How are you today?
2 E3 K5 S+ X' ]* k' M+ m& [• Did you have any trouble finding us?% ?$ A f9 @3 U
• What do you think of the weather lately?& h& q2 U) N6 y- U$ V& F
Don't be surprised by the friendly tone. The interviewer wants to put you at ease (help you relax). Answer the question without going into too much detail. The language you use should be simple but polite, for example;
5 B" G" j O3 x) jHow are you today?
* m5 Y1 G1 ^5 y& c2 gGOOD
* G9 d' ~8 L+ O# H" C1 @9 D" G: E7 X! UI'm fine thank you, and you?
% Y7 P8 g A/ w/ uI'm well thank you.
1 h$ N3 g; x# `' ]BAD
+ s% \7 U" _, S1 {* ?So, so1 F( ^9 B7 [, N3 K! V6 i* T
OK$ d9 h$ y) x: z; i6 R# Y
Not so well
3 v5 [- Y0 \. PWhat is most important?
" c* B0 m+ O; u. G+ jTalking about your experience and credentials (qualifications) is the most important part of any job interview. Your qualifications include your education from High School on and any special training you may have done in the past. Your experience is any work that you have done that is directly or indirectly related to the job you are applying for. |
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