I am usually a calm and even-tempered person, and it
takes a lot to actually make me angry.
If I had to think of a situation that would make me
angry, it would be having an employee who was undermining
the work of others and the department as a whole.
Employees that try to cheat, steal and lie their way to
the top usually get derailed along the way.
I try to make the best out of all the positions that I hold.
I realize that it is not the employer's goal in life to be
sure that I am entertained at all times.
After all, that's why it's called "work," not "play. "
But I guess the least exciting time was in a
position in which I was not allowed to use any creativity
or initiative.
The company strongly resisted any changes, even when the
changes would have drastically improved customer service.
When I discovered this resistance to change,
I decided that I would be better off with a company
that would welcome change.
I do enjoy details, but I don't overlook the
"big picture. "
I have always been successful in balancing both views.
When I was in college, I had a problem with procrastination.
I took a time-management class and learned how to
break projects down into manageable chunks and set
internal deadlines.
More importantly, I learned to motivate myself to stick
to the deadlines I set.
My grades improved from B's to A's, and more importantly,
I learned an important skill that I've carried over into
my business life as well.
A challenge.
I like doing what other people have given up on.
Even in the most simple of everyday tasks, I strive to
do things faster, better, and in more creative ways.
On a scale of one to ten, I would say that I'm at
least a nine.
I rarely leave my home without my organizer book with me.
In it, I keep track of just about my entire life: projects
I am working on, birthdays, addresses, and even a gift
shopping list that I add to as I come up with ideas.
Being so organized is an amazing time-saver, both in
my personal and professional life.
When I am on the job, I am not there just to have fun.
I realize that some tasks are more interesting than others,
and I try to put the same amount of enthusiasm into each
task I am committed to.
When I'm on the job, I first find out if there's a company
policy that will help me make my decision.
If there is, I tend to rely on what the company says the
best choice would be.
If there is not, and I have a few moments to think, I
usually write out lists of pros and cons of the
different decisions I could make.
Looking over these lists, I can usually see which
decision would be the best one to make in the situation.
Yes, I've been keeping in touch with my references
throughout my job search.
My teachers would likely tell you about my academic
successes and how well I helped to lead
class discussions.
My previous manager and peers would probably tell you about
my ability to successfully handle several projects at
one time.
I have known each of my references for at least
five years.
If I were in a position in which I could contribute to
the company's bottom line, grow professionally and work
with co-workers with similar goals, I would be very happy.
The greatest honor I've ever had occurred several
years ago.
My manager asked me to participate in a panel
discussion with him and two other industry experts.
It was quite an honor to be regarded as one of his peers
rather than a subordinate.
Yes, I have been happy in the positions I have held in
the past.
I always look for the positive in any situation.
The happiest times I have experienced in any position
have been those times that I helped the company achieve
its goals quickly and efficiently, and those times
that I encouraged fellow employees
to achieve their potential.
I view criticism as another type of feedback - a feedback
that I will use to enhance my productivity and performance.
When it is presented in a constructive and clear manner,
I wholeheartedly welcome criticism.
If it is unclear, however, I will ask questions to get at
the heart of that person's concern.
Though I work well in all situations, I work especially
well when I'm under pressure.
I like having deadlines.
For example, when I was in college, I earned my best
grades during the times that I was working a part-time
job and taking a full-load of classes.
I would set internal deadlines for myself in any
project I was undertaking.
The projects were much easier to manage when I would break
them into segments - each segment with its own deadline.
I continued this process of making internal deadlines
when I left college and began my career, and I still do
so today.
What I admire most about my best friend is her loyalty.
We have been friends since childhood.
We moved to different towns in high school, and we have
kept in touch ever since.
Many people would not be able to maintain a long-distance
friendship like ours, but when something is worth it,
you work for it.
I enjoy working on projects from concept to completion.
Once I get started on a project, I dive right in and
get going.
Sometimes I end up working very long hours without ever
realizing it because I get so involved in my work.
I know how to take a stress-break so that I do not
get burned out, but I am always anxious
to get back to work.
Several strengths are important in this field, and
I have these strengths.
I communicate well in a variety of situations, and I
even enjoy speaking in public.
I also write well and am proficient in the latest
computer technologies.
It may sound odd, but yes, I do enjoy budgeting.
I get a sense of satisfaction from setting goals and
fulfilling those goals.
I have a personal budget that I stick to.
In addition, I was responsible for authorizing
all purchases of office supplies in my last position.
Because of my diligent cost-cutting manner, my
company saved 15% on office supplies.
Not only is conflict inevitable, it is also healthy.
A company full of "yes men" does not come up with new
ideas; it simply perpetuates the old ways of doing things.
When conflict is handled well, it helps, rather than harms,
a company.
To handle conflict well, one must be open-minded and
willing to listen to differing opinions without
being judgmental.
I enjoy the pressure of deadlines.
However, I do not put off projects until the last minute.
When I was in college and had a term paper due, I would
create milestones for writing the paper that I would
keep up with.
By breaking a project into logical steps, it is much
easier to keep on track and not get behind.