Quick Interview

There are many common questions during the interview process, and I have answered a few of the more non-job specific ones below.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I see myself having worked up to a leadership/management role of a small team or unit.

Q. What are your strengths?

My resourcefulness, self awareness/emotional intelligence, communication skills and flexibility.

Resourcefulness is what has allowed me to have so many self-taught skills. It also means that when I face an obstacle, rather than give up, I am able to find an alternative solution to any problem.

Self awareness and emotional intelligence may sound like a strange thing to rate highly, however it has proved invaluable in the workplace when dealing with a wide variety of staff and clients. I am keenly aware of the expectations and needs of others, and this allows me to work with all individuals in the most effective way possible, dispelling any potential conflict and ensuring the forming of positive relationships in the workplace.

I am a high level communicator, being able to communicate with a wide variety of people in many capacities. Self awareness and emotional intelligence skills also feed into my ability to communicate well, as they allow me to interpret how a person wants to be communicated with and alter myself accordingly – I have found this adaptability to be critical in relationship forming as well as customer service.

Flexibility is at the core of my skill set.  I am often known as a ‘Jill of all Trades’ (though master of many, rather than none!) and don’t limit myself in what I can do.  I strongly believe I have the ability to do almost anything, and as such have cultivated a skill set that is wide and varied.  I am a fast and willing learner and have a ‘can do’ attitude in the workplace.  Even if I have to teach myself how to do something on the spot, I will do so if it means getting the job done.  As a result, it is typical that I become the ‘go to’ person at work for all sorts of matters.

Q. What are your weaknesses?

So far in my career I haven’t had as much opportunity as I would like to learn from an expert in my field, and while I wouldn’t consider this a ‘weakness’, it is definitely something that I am looking to change.

Up until my most recent position, I considered the fact that I had only worked for small start-up organisations as a weakness, however I have now worked for one of the largest employers in South Australia and have overcome this inexperience.

On a personal front, I would regard my inability to be succinct a weakness, and am definitely verbose in my verbal and written communication.  I also have the tendency to get frustrated easily when I am unable to work efficiently, however counteract this by always finding ways to increase efficiency, productivity and effectiveness in the workplace.

Q.  What are the top 3 things you can offer the company?

1.  I care about the success of the company, and how my role contributes to that.  I am constantly aware that it is the worker bees that build the hive, and no matter how small my part in the process, I take my work seriously.

2.  My wide and varied skill set gives you a flexible all-rounder who is always willing to learn and do more.

3.  I am honest, and greatly value integrity and professionalism in the workplace.

Q.  How would your friends describe you?

You would have to ask them (see the Testimonials page).

Q.  How do you approach self improvement and learning?

The world is constantly changing, particularly technology and everything in the IT/web world.  In 2011 I will be embarking on a postgraduate qualification so I can hone my skills and narrow down my field of expertise in preparation for the future of my career.  I enjoy learning, and appreciate companies that support personal and professional development.  I also read widely on my topics of interest and my chosen fields of digital and online marketing, content management and organisational behaviour.

Q.  How do you work under pressure and handle deadlines?

Coming from an early background in online gambling, I am used to working under pressure.  I also believe that if you’ve survived completing a uni degree, then you’re well equipped to handling competing deadlines.  I am used to working in an environment where everything is needed yesterday, and have learned I am one of those people who works best under pressure.

Q.  Do you work best in a team or autonomously?

I’ve worked in both situations, and my personality allows me to feel equally comfortable in both.  Naturally this depends on who is in the team, as some people are easier to work with than others, however I feel I have the communication skills that allow me to overcome any issues encountered in a team environment.  I endeavour to be supportive of my fellow team members, and where appropriate, I lead without domination.  I’ve also had the opportunity to work from home and find I am able to motivate myself while working autonomously and receiving limited direction and guidance.

Q.  If someone at work was causing conflict that prevented you from getting on with your job, how would you resolve it?

My policy is always to speak to the person directly first – calmly and considerately.  I try to give a time frame for when I would like the issue to be resolved (where applicable), and if it is not resolved in that time, I will ask again, and let them know that I will escalate the issue if necessary.  If the problem still isn’t resolved, I will take it up with my immediate supervisor.

Q.  What kind of leader are you?

I believe in leadership without domination.  I prefer to lead by example and in such a way that empowers my team to get the job done, and done well.  I endeavour to play to an individuals strength within a team, and be fair and equitable with workload and tasks.

Q.  How do you handle criticism?

Criticism, or constructive feedback is a necessary part of any job or project.  I find that criticism itself is never the problem – rather it only ever becomes an issue if critcism is handed out unfairly, or in an ineffective or rude manner.  Everybody has different knowledge and skills, and feedback allows you to take advantage of all of the expertise that is available in your workplace.