Dated July 6, 2005
"What was the most difficult part of your job? How did you deal with it?" What should one keep in mind while answering such question?
AJAY
New Delhi
Here the interviewer's concern is, "Can this candidate do the job? How will he get along with others on the job?
The focus should be on how you handled difficult issues and what you accomplished, keeping your responses positive. You could respond by saying that "The most difficult aspect of my job was counselling clients who did not want to attend sessions. Although at times this was difficult, the end result of being able to help and assist a client to succeed was extremely rewarding."
How should one tackle an interview question like, "Think about something you consider a failure in your life, and tell me why you think it happened?"
PROMILA ADITYA
Thirupur
This is another way of asking about weaknesses. Failure implies error. Answers that point out a negative trait should conclude with a success. For example, "In my last job, I was given an assignment to coordinate all travel plans for an international conference. Halfway through the process, I realised I had not gathered enough information to help attendees make good travel and lodging decisions. I had to take time out to do the research, which put me under a severe time crunch. I learned to do my research sooner. I haven't had any problem like that since."
"Why do you think that customer service is an important issue?" How should one tackle this question?
MANISH
Hyderabad
The interviewer is trying to determine if the candidate understands the importance of customer service in establishing a positive image in the marketplace, and its impact on new business sales. Outstanding customer services are also a great help in establishing long-term clients and repeat business - the profitable company's bread and butter. The longer the relationship, the greater the possibility of earning profits.
"Service is a major contributor to customer satisfaction; just as important as, or maybe even more important than, cost. If a customer isn't receiving a level of service that meets or exceeds his or her expectations, that customer won't be a customer for very long. In addition, that customer's experience with your company may influence how potential customers in the marketplace view your company.
People do talk and share information. This may affect not only profits but future sales as well. In many instances, service may be the aspect that distinguishes a company from the competition. A bad reputation for service may compromise a company's position in the marketplace."
How would you rate your persuasive skills? Give me proof of your persuasiveness.
PRITHVI
Bangalore
This is a question about leadership, but try not to use an example in which you were the designated leader. If possible, describe a time when you didn't really have authority but instead used your powers of persuasion to get people on your side. Describe your goal and the outcome of your efforts. Why did people trust or believe you?
"During my internship I was assigned the task of conducting a benchmarking study for all the communication expenditures for a major utility. I had to get the consensus of employees in several different departments. Unfortunately, they resented the fact that I was just a summer intern, and they refused to cooperate. I had to schedule individual meetings with every employee and persuade each one that I was doing what would be ultimately to his or her own department and to the company. After a frustrating month, I finally got everyone's cooperation, the project went off well, and in the end I received a bonus for my efforts."
I attended an interview last week and one of the questions the panel asked me was, "What is the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness?" I answered but the interviewer was not satisfied with my reply. What exactly is the difference?
CHANDRAMOULI
Karwar
Two important keys to effective assertiveness are cordiality and cheerfulness.
These two attributes are wonderfully disarming: who can resent someone who asks something of them in a genuinely friendly way, or who gently refuses a request that would cause unnecessary inconvenience? Assertiveness doesn't mean developing a snarling, gruff demeanour. That's aggressiveness. Assertiveness means standing up for your rights politely, effectively, and in a way that is most likely to elicit the desired behaviours in others.
Being cheerfully assertive actually means that you are most likely to gain the goodwill of others.
People respect those who stand up for their rights in a polite, yet confident way. Assertiveness means allowing the other person to "save face," while saving face yourself.
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to the C&K Management Ltd. P.O. Box 2178, Secunderabad-500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
AJAY
New Delhi
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Opportunities
