Getting to Know You

"TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF."

·    Professionally : Hard working, ambitious, do every thing I can 2 improve myself more , I appreciate serious and hardworking people and enjoy working (and learning ) from them .

·    Personally : I have few, but wonderful, friends.  We meet at week ends & we make wonderful journeys and hang outs.

·    "I have over 15 years experience as a Document Controller. Last year I was promoted to lead document controller, and I currently supervise 8 DCs.   My strength is problem solving. I do whatever it takes to get the problem solved as quickly and efficiently as possible."

 

"HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?"

·    "I would say that I am knowledgeable about computer programs and that I have a strong ability to solve problems. Also I stay focused and on track when I am working on a project."  "I'd describe myself as a person who is upbeat. I try not to let little things in life get to me. I'm known for my positive attitude at work. I'm also looked to for information. People know that they can come to me with their problems and that I will listen and try to do what I can to solve them."   "Anybody who has ever worked with me would tell you that I am a fun person to be around. I also know when to be serious and when it is important to be focused on what I am doing. I think I am a balanced person who enjoys my work and my surroundings."

 

"WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE THAT QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS JOB?"

·    "I have a total of 15 years experience, with the majority of my experience in Documentation. When I read the job posting, I felt confident that I would be qualified and could bring added value to this job, particularly in the area of curriculum development.   I have also gained a reputation within the Oil & Gas industry as a key player when it comes to hard and sincere work."

·    "First, my excellent communication skills and my ability to work with all types of people. This is important because of the interaction within various departments involved in projects. Next, I am very organized with strong coordination skills. It takes the ability to prioritize and to be adaptable in order to succeed in this type of position. Last are my strong coordinating skills that are necessary to keep on track and on schedule."

 

WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR THIS ORGANIZATION?

·    I want to work for this company because you are a leading & fastest-expanding company.  Hence it is a logical progression for me to join this comp with my abilities. This is not only a fine opportunity, but this company is a place where my qualifications can make a difference.   The work I find most stimulating allows me to use both my creative & research skills. The buzz on this comp is that it rewards people who deliver solutions to substantial problems.

 

WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU

·    Because I sincerely believe that I'm the best person for the job. I realize that there are many others who have the ability to do this job.   I also have that ability. But I also bring an additional quality that makes me the very best person for the job--my attitude for excellence. Not just giving lip service to excellence, but putting every part of myself into achieving it.

 

WHY DO YOU THINK YOU ARE A GOOD MATCH FOR THIS JOB?

·    "My 15 years of experience in this Documentation Field make me feel confident that I can do this job and bring added value. "If you asked any of my coworkers at my last job, they would tell you that 'I am good with people, conscientious about my reports, and very organized. 'From what I've read about this position, that more than qualifies me as a good match for this job."   "I'm a person who is passionate about what I do. I am fortunate that I have found work where I can help people have better lives. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to help someone move out of a bad situation and find a new direction."

 

WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?

·   "When I compared your requirements with my qualifications, I found that they were a very good match. You are looking for 10 years experience, and I have over 10 years of experience. You are looking for someone with excellent communication skills.    "My 15 years of experience in Documentation provide me with the perfect skill set that you are seeking. I have a proven record of being top performer in my company for the past years. I know I have what it takes to do this job. 

 

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?" OR "WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?"

·   I would like to see myself as a professional who is well equipped with knowledge, who can perform at his best and would like to lead a group of people who are ambitious and can work towards the fulfillment of their ambitions and help them in developing creative thoughts and contributing them towards the growth of my society, my organization & for my people.

·   My goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contributing positively to the organization i would be working for. I would develop new skills and ability and would like more responsibilities because i think that’s the result of your personal growth and development.

·   I see myself as a top performing employee in a well-established organization, like this one. I plan on enhancing my skills and continuing my involvement in (related) professional associations.

·   "My career path is not set in stone. One thing I have learned is to stay flexible to opportunities. I have read your literature and visited your Web site, and know that there are open opportunities with someone with my background and education. I know that whatever I do, I will continue to take on additional responsibilities and challenges."

 

"WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF IN YOUR CAREER?"

·   "I am very goal-oriented and have completed all the goals I have set for myself in past jobs. My long-term goal is to become a Documentation specialist in the field of Documentation."

·   "When I look at goals, I like to remain somewhat flexible. I have found that the world is changing so rapidly that it is not a good idea to lock oneself into specific goals that may not be achievable. I do know that I want to continue to advance and become more and more of an expert in my field. I would eventually like to take on more responsibility as a Document Manager."

·    "I am looking beyond what I do at my current company & want to advance when I am ready & someday move into a management position. From what I know about this company & your vision for employees, it is exactly the company that I am looking to join. I know it will take time & hard work, but I am ready & willing to do whatever it takes."

 

"HOW DO YOU SEE OUR COMPANY HELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?"

·    "I've done extensive research on the kind of company that I want to be affiliated with so that I can achieve my career goals. Your company is among the top five companies that I have set my sights on. I believe the values of this company are very much in line with the values that I have set for myself."

·    "I see this company as one that values its employees and the contributions that employees have to make. I have had several friends who have worked here, and they have shared some great employer stories with me. I know this is a company where I could work collaboratively with bright people to achieve my goals."

 

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS.

·    I plan on gaining additional skills by taking related classes and continuing my involvement with a variety of professional associations.

·    I noticed that this company provides in-house training for employees and I would certainly be interested in taking classes that would be relevant.

·    I will continue my professional development by participating in conferences, attending seminars.

"WHAT INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE THAT QUALIFIES YOU TO DO THIS JOB?"

·    "My knowledge and experience in this industry encompasses a total of 15 years. I see real value in my years of experience with a company that has similar Documentation. I have built strong relationships throughout my career that will help me hit the ground running at this company."    "I consider myself an expert in the field of Documentation.  As you can see from my résumé, I have worked nationally and internationally as a consultant. I have a broad scope of experience and expertise to pull from to analyze and solve problems of a broad scope."

 

"WHAT CAN YOU BRING TO THIS JOB FROM YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?"

·    "My extensive experience and educational background qualify me as an expert. My past success and accomplishments speak for the value I can bring to this type of position."

·    I  pride myself on my Documentation skills, including follow-through and experience. I am very thorough, with strong attention to detail. I enjoy thinking 'outside the box' and coming up with new ways to look at old problems—either on my own or as a team member."

 

"HOW DOES THIS JOB COMPARE AND CONTRAST WITH WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IN THE PAST?"

·    "This job is very similar in that I would be doing in your organisation.  The company is different and the software’s are new, but I know I have what it takes to do this job. In my last position within two months of being hired I was on the top-performer list."

·    "The job I was performing in my last company was almost a perfect match with this job. I really loved that job and was sorry when I was laid off.  The company went through many changes, and eventually my job was affected. What I liked most about the job was that I worked in a team environment with some really great people. I know that this job has a similar team envint, & that's why I'm interested in pursuing the opportunity."

 

"WHAT WOULD YOUR BOSS SAY ABOUT YOUR PERFORMANCE IN YOUR LAST POSITION?"

·    "My boss would give me the highest praise. He would say that my achievements and my thorough understanding of mergers and acquisitions have made me an invaluable member of the Documentation team."

·    "He would tell you that I have exceeded all my goals for the past years. He manages me from an off-site location and depends on me to manage my area independently. We have a very trusting relationship, and He would tell you that I have always been reliable and dependable.  "He would be sure to tell you that I stay current and abreast of the latest changes in the field.  That's one of my strengths. I like research and knowledge, and everyone knows that they can come to me for answers to questions on current rules and regulations."

 

"WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR STRENGTHS?"

·    "I have several strengths I can bring to this job. First of all my background—experience and education—are a perfect fit for this position. Second, I have excellent written and oral communication skills. And last, I am very flexible and adaptable to new situations."  "One of the strongest points is my ability to work with a diversity of people. Regardless of the situation, I have the ability to adapt and work under any circumstances. In my last job I worked in a small room with 10 people all speaking various languages, and still managed to stay focused."

·    "My strength is my ability to remain calm in chaotic situations. I have had to keep my cool in every job I have ever held. Fast-paced environments are no longer a challenge to me; they are a way of life. I manage to stay centered no matter what is happening, and as a result the people around me feel calmer."

 

"WHAT SKILLS CAN YOU BRING FROM YOUR PREVIOUS JOBS?"

·   "I have worked effectively in three different industries and have been able to make the transition with minimum downtime. My ability to learn quickly and 'hit the ground running,' has made a huge impact on my career."

·   "One of the skills that I take pride in is my ability to listen to people and really hear what they say.

·   "My key strengths are my strong analytical skills and my ability to use those skills to see all sides of a problem. Problem solving is my strength and greatest asset."

 

DEADLINES OR PRESSURE ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THIS JOB. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS?"

·    "I think deadlines are the most important part of any sup­port person's job. If I don't meet my deadline, it will affect everyone up the chain of command. I am very conscien­tious about deadlines."

·    "Two things I pride myself on are my ability to meet dead­ lines and my punctuality. Both require some forethought and planning. If at all possible I will get whatever project I am working on in by the deadline." "I consider myself a responsible, hard worker. Part of get­ ting any job done is meeting obligations expected of you on time. Whether it's getting to work on time or getting information and following up with a customer, I always will do everything I can to observe time demands and dead­ lines."

·   Yes off course, I enjoy working under pressure as only then I am able to bring out my best. Ones just needs to break tasks, start achieving them one by one with commitment and concentration. And the joy is more when you get success.

 

SKILLS SET

?  Knowledge-based skills are skills learned through experi­ence or education, such as computer programs, graphics, languages, and writing

?  Transferable skills are portable—you can take them with you to almost any job. Examples are communication, listen­ing, decision-making, judgment, initiative, planning, and organizing. Chances are that you are probably taking for granted some of the skills that make you unique.

?  Personal traits are qualities that make you who you are — flexibility, integrity, friendliness, dependability, good attitude. These skills cannot be taught, even though some employers would like to teach them, and they should be valued as important. When you are trying to establish what makes you unique, think of all three categories and where you want to focus to let the interviewer know that you are the best person for the job and why.

 

ASSERTIVENESS

"HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ASSERTIVENESS?"

·    "I have been able to step up to the plate on more than one occasion when no one else would lead a project. I guess you could consider that initiative as well. When I see that there is a problem and that I can solve that problem, I move forward. I am careful to work with the team if that is the situation that I am in."

·    "My open communication style has allowed me to be assertive on several occasions when things became tense among employees or when there was a problem between another employee and me. I firmly believe that talking something through in a non confrontational style is the best solution most of the time."

·    "At my last company I was promoted to lead person because of my ability to speak up when I saw a problem and to suggest a solution whenever I had one. I have learned to speak up when I see a more efficient way of doing things, as long as I am not stepping on someone else's toes."

 

ABILITY TO WORK WITH OTHERS

"HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ABILITY TO WORK WITH OTHERS?"

·    "i know that if you were to ask any of my coworkers, they would tell you that one of my strongest traits is my ABILITY TO GET ALONG WITH ALMOST everyone. I even get along with people who others consider difficult to work with."

·    "Whenever I start at a new company or job, the first thing I do is find out who the people are whom I will need to know in order to get things done. For example, I made friends with the guy in the mailroom within my first two weeks at my last job, and that relationship really paid off. He was a person who knew a lot about what went on in the company and was able to direct me when I needed a resource."   "I'm not going to say that I get along with everyone because the truth is that at each company where I've worked there have been one or two people who were diffi­cult to get along with. But I will say that I maintain a profes­sional relationship with all the people I work with regardless of their personality or attitude."

FLEXIBILITY

"THIS JOB REQUIRES A LOT OF FLEXIBILITY. HOW DO YOU DO IN THIS TYPE OF ENVIRONMENT?"

·    "I believe 'change' is the name of the game these days. In my last job I had seven different bosses in five years. Because I am self-disciplined and motivated, I have been able to adjust my style to the needs of each boss I have had—and done it with success."

·    "Anyone who doesn't realize that the 'job' as we have known it in the past has changed has been living under a rock. I welcome variety and change, and I work hard in whatever environment I am placed. I consider myself a very adaptable and flexible person." 

·    "I happen to thrive on change and variety. No matter what company I have worked for or what position I have held, I have been able to adapt quickly to change. I have worked for three companies that have gone through mergers or acquisitions, and I was very successful in adapting to the new environments without any problem."

 

"DESCRIBE YOUR ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS."

·    "The first thing I do in the morning is check my list of things I want to accomplish that day. I then prioritize them according to urgency. I allow time for the unexpected, and if all goes according to plan and I don't use the extra time, then I have time for the proactive things I like to do.

·    "I have been responsible for planning many events that I couldn't have possibly done without being organized. I use a word processing system and Excel spreadsheets to plan my projects and to track the progress day to day. One of my strongest skills is being organized and using the tools necessary to be that way."

 

"YOUR RÉSUMÉ STATES THAT YOU ARE ORGANIZED. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ORGANIZATIONAL STYLE?"

·    "My coworkers would tell you that they call me 'Ms. Organized, 'because I always have a schedule and a plan. I have to admit that I prefer to plan and not be rushed. I can also adapt quickly and change my plans if I have to, but I like to start out with a plan to begin the day."

·    "I have a very organized system that I can access any information that I require to do my job. I've always been a very organized and detail-oriented person. My bosses have rewarded me when my skills have saved them from making the wrong decision because of a lack of information. All they have to do is ask, and I can provide what they need. I take great pleasure in doing that." ? "I would describe my organizational skills as excellent. My key strength is my ability to organize and coordinate proj­ects or events. I get great satisfaction when I can bring order to a space or to a situation."

 

 

Exercises for the Perfect Phrase

ANSWERS

Previous Post
What to wear to a job interview Next Post
Tips For Your Job Placement