1.How would you describe yourself?Sampleexcellent response:Mybackgroundtodate has beencenteredaroundpreparingmyselftobecometheverybestfinancial consultant I can become.Letmetell you specificallyhow I've prepared myself.I am an undergraduate student infinanceand accounting atUniversity.Mypastexperiences has been in retail and higher education. Bothaspectshavepreparedmewellforthiscareer.2. What specific goals,including those related to youroccupation,haveyou establishedforyour life?Sample excellent response:I want to be working for anexcellent company likeyours in ajob in whichIammanaginginformation.Iplan to contribute my leadership, interpersonal,and technical skills. My long-range career goal is to be thebestinformationsystemstechnicianI canforthecompanylwork for.3. How has your college experience prepared you for abusinesscareer?Sample excellent response: I have prepared myself totransition into the thework force through real-worldexperienceinvolvingtravel abroad,internship,andentrepreneurial opportunities. While interning with a privateorganization inEcuador,I developed a 15-page marketingplancomposedinSpanishthatrecommendedmoreeffectiveways the company could promote its services. Ialso traveledabroad ontwootheroccasionsinwhichIresearchedtheindigenous culture of the Mayan Indians in Todos Santos,Guatemala, and participate din a total language immersionprogram inCostaRica.Asyoucansee frommyacademic,extracurricular,andexperientialbackground,I haveunconditionally committed myself to success as a marketingprofessional
1. How would you describe yourself? Sample excellent response: My background to date has been centered around preparing myself to become the very best financial consultant I can become. Let me tell you specifically how I’ve prepared myself. I am an undergraduate student in finance and accounting at_University. My past experiences has been in retail and higher education. Both aspects have prepared me well for this career. 2. What specific goals, including those related to your occupation, have you established for your life? Sample excellent response: I want to be working for an excellent company like yours in a job in which I am managing information. I plan to contribute my leadership, interpersonal, and technical skills. My long-range career goal is to be the best information systems technician I can for the company I work for. 3. How has your college experience prepared you for a business career? Sample excellent response: I have prepared myself to transition into the the work force through real-world experience involving travel abroad, internship, and entrepreneurial opportunities. While interning with a private organization inEcuador, I developed a 15-page marketing plan composed in Spanish that recommended more effective ways the company could promote its services. I also traveled abroad on two other occasions in which I researched the indigenous culture of the Mayan Indians in Todos Santos, Guatemala, and participate din a total language immersion program in Costa Rica. As you can see from my academic, extracurricular, and experiential background, I have unconditionally committed myself to success as a marketing professional
4.Please describe the idealjob foryou followinggraduation.Sample excellent response (equates ideal job withjob he'sinterviewingfor):My ideal job is onethatincorporates bothmy educationand practical work skills tobethebest I canbe.Namely combiningmy education in finance with my workingknowledge of customer serviceoperations,entrepreneurialabilities,computer skills, and administrative skills.I want toutilize my analytical expertise to help people meet theirfinancial goals. This is exactly why I am convinced thatIwould bea very valuablemember of theMerrill Lynchteam.5. What influenced you to choose this career?Sample excellent response:My past experiences haveshown me that I enjoy facing and overcoming the challengeof making a sale. Without a doubt, once I have practiced mypresentation and prepared myself for objections,I feel veryconfident approaching people I don't know and convincingthem that they need my product.Lastly,I like sales becausemypotentialforsuccessislimitedonlybyhowmuchofmyself I dedicate toward my goal. If any profession isfounded on self-determinism, it surely must be sales.6.At what pointdid youchoosethis career?Sample excellentresponse:Iknewthat I wanted to pursueinformationsystemstechnologyaboutmysophomoreyearincollege.It was then that I realized that my that my hobby(computers) was taking up most of my time. My favoritecourses were IT courses.I also realized thatI was doingcomputer-oriented work-study thatIenjoyed so much wouldhavedoneitforfree7.What specificgoalshaveyouestablishedforyourcareer?Sample excellent response:My goals include becoming aCertified Financial Advisor so I can obtain a better workingknowledge offinancialresearchanalysis,whichwouldallowme contribute to my client base as a better financial
4. Please describe the ideal job for you following graduation. Sample excellent response (equates ideal job with job he’s interviewing for): My ideal job is one that incorporates both my education and practical work skills to be the best I can be. Namely combining my education in finance with my working knowledge of customer service operations, entrepreneurial abilities, computer skills, and administrative skills. I want to utilize my analytical expertise to help people meet their financial goals. This is exactly why I am convinced that I would be a very valuable member of the Merrill Lynch team. 5. What influenced you to choose this career? Sample excellent response: My past experiences have shown me that I enjoy facing and overcoming the challenge of making a sale. Without a doubt, once I have practiced my presentation and prepared myself for objections, I feel very confident approaching people I don’t know and convincing them that they need my product. Lastly, I like sales because my potential for success is limited only by how much of myself I dedicate toward my goal. If any profession is founded on self-determinism, it surely must be sales. 6. At what point did you choose this career? Sample excellent response: I knew that I wanted to pursue information systems technology about my sophomore year in college. It was then that I realized that my that my hobby (computers) was taking up most of my time. My favorite courses were IT courses. I also realized that I was doing computer-oriented work-study that I enjoyed so much I would have done it for free. 7. What specific goals have you established for your career? Sample excellent response: My goals include becoming a Certified Financial Advisor so I can obtain a better working knowledge of financial research analysis, which would allow me contribute to my client base as a better financial
consultant since I would have that extra insight into thecompanies they are seeking to invest in.Also this is thefoundation blocktoadvancingmy careertoportfoliomanagerorevenbranchofficemanager.8. What will it take to attain your goals, and what steps haveyoutakentowardattainingthem?Sampleexcellentresponse:I'vealreadydonesomeresearchonotherworkers atMerrill Lynchtoseehowtheyachievedsimilar goals.I know that Merrill Lynch encourages thepursuit and will reimburse for tuition of a graduate degree.IplanonpursuingaMBAtogivemeanevenmoreextensiveknowledgeofbusinessandfinancialanalysis9. What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?Sampleexcellentresponse:Ibelievesuccessful salespeopleput forth that extra effort that turns potential clients intofirst-time customers. Salespeople who attend to the detailsby doingwhatever it takesto win overaprospectivecustomer distinguish themselves from the countless otherswho don't go to any extra effort. Second, I think that if youlabel success as an attainable goal, you will neverconsistentlyremain successful.Youcanonlysucceedifyoulearnall thereis to learn aboutyourproduct,yourcompetitorsand personal selling. Since this learning process iscontinuous, it's an unattainable goal. With good reason,salespeople should not consider success an attainableending point but an objective that will always linger slightlybeyondtheirreach.10.How do youdetermine or evaluate success?Give me anexampleofoneofyoursuccessfulaccomplishments.Sampleexcellentresponse:Last semester I was hired by by university's Council forStudent Activities. The group negotiates contracts ofentertainers, sets up sound equipment,markets theentertainers to students, and generally decides what kind of
consultant since I would have that extra insight into the companies they are seeking to invest in. Also this is the foundation block to advancing my career to portfolio manager or even branch office manager. 8. What will it take to attain your goals, and what steps have you taken toward attaining them? Sample excellent response: I’ve already done some research on other workers at Merrill Lynch to see how they achieved similar goals. I know that Merrill Lynch encourages the pursuit and will reimburse for tuition of a graduate degree. I plan on pursuing a MBA to give me an even more extensive knowledge of business and financial analysis. 9. What do you think it takes to be successful in this career? Sample excellent response: I believe successful salespeople put forth that extra effort that turns potential clients into first-time customers. Salespeople who attend to the details by doing whatever it takes to win over a prospective customer distinguish themselves from the countless others who don’t go to any extra effort. Second, I think that if you label success as an attainable goal, you will never consistently remain successful. You can only succeed if you learn all there is to learn about your product, your competitors, and personal selling. Since this learning process is continuous, it’s an unattainable goal. With good reason, salespeople should not consider success an attainable ending point but an objective that will always linger slightly beyond their reach. 10. How do you determine or evaluate success? Give me an example of one of your successful accomplishments. Sample excellent response: Last semester I was hired by by university’s Council for Student Activities. The group negotiates contracts of entertainers, sets up sound equipment, markets the entertainers to students, and generally decides what kind of
programming should be done. When I got hired, I didn't knowthe first thing about how fill any of those responsibilities. Idecided, however,thatI wasn't going to fail.Four monthslater, I have become the Webmaster for the group.I alsowrite our campus newsletter and created Game Night, astudent competition of table games. That event yielded thebiggest audienceeverfor a non-concertevent.11.Do you havethequalificationsand personalcharacteristicsnecessaryforsuccess inyourchosen career?Sampleexcellent response:IbelieveIhavea combination ofqualities to be successful in this career. First, I have a stronginterest.backed bya solid.well-rounded,state-of-the-arteducation, especially in a career that is technically oriented.This basic ingredient, backed by love of learning,problem-solvingskills,well-roundedinterests,determinationto succeed and excel, strong communication skills, and theability to work hard, are the most important qualities that willhelp me succeed in this career.To succeed, you also need anatural curiosity about how systems work the kind ofcuriosityIdemonstratedwhenIupgradedmytwocomputersrecently. Technology is constantly changing, so you must afast learner just to keep up or you will be overwhelmed. All ofthese traits combine to create a solid team member in theever-changing field of information systems. I am convincedthatI possess these characteristics and am ready to be asuccessfulteammemberforyourfirm.12.Whathas beenyourmost rewardingaccomplishment?Sampleexcellentresponse:ArecentsatisfyingaccomplishmentIwassenttooneofourbranchbanksthatwas notorious for not growing their loan base.The branchhadlogged$75,000innewloans inan18-monthperiodpriorto my arrival. Having a reputation as a “hired gun"when itcametoloanproductionIwas successful inthesolicitationand booking of $700,00o in my first six months at the branch
programming should be done. When I got hired, I didn’t know the first thing about how fill any of those responsibilities. I decided, however, that I wasn’t going to fail. Four months later, I have become the Webmaster for the group. I also write our campus newsletter and created Game Night, a student competition of table games. That event yielded the biggest audience ever for a non-concert event. 11. Do you have the qualifications and personal characteristics necessary for success in your chosen career? Sample excellent response: I believe I have a combination of qualities to be successful in this career. First, I have a strong interest, backed by a solid, well-rounded, state-of-the-art education, especially in a career that is technically oriented. This basic ingredient, backed by love of learning, problem-solving skills, well-rounded interests, determination to succeed and excel, strong communication skills, and the ability to work hard, are the most important qualities that will help me succeed in this career. To succeed, you also need a natural curiosity about how systems work — the kind of curiosity I demonstrated when I upgraded my two computers recently. Technology is constantly changing, so you must a fast learner just to keep up or you will be overwhelmed. All of these traits combine to create a solid team member in the ever-changing field of information systems. I am convinced that I possess these characteristics and am ready to be a successful team member for your firm. 12. What has been your most rewarding accomplishment? Sample excellent response: A recent satisfying accomplishment I was sent to one of our branch banks that was notorious for not growing their loan base. The branch had logged $75,000 in new loans in an 18-month period prior to my arrival. Having a reputation as a “hired gun” when it came to loan production I was successful in the solicitation and booking of $700,000 in my first six months at the branch
13.Ifyoucould do so,how wouldyou planyour collegecareerdifferently?Sample excellent response:I wouldn't change anything.Allthat I have done was a great learning experience that I willcarryforward throughoutthe rest of my life.14. Are you more energized by working with data or bycollaboratingwithotherindividuals?Sample excellent response:I like the validity of informationand also likethe energythatcomes withworkingwithpeople.The best thing about working in a group is combining thegreat minds from different perspectives and coming up withsomething extremely great, compared with when you'reworking alone. At the same time, information can generatevitality intheproject you're working on.No matterhow manyheads you've got together, without information, you can't govery far. The perfect situation would be a combination ofworking with information and people, and I'm confident of myabilities in bothareas.?[Submitted by"Stacey"]15.Howwould youdescribeyourself interms of yourabilitytoworkasamemberofateam?Sampleexcellent response:Ihavehadmanyopportunities inboth athletics and academicstodevelop my skills as a teamplayer.Mytenure as a rower with my college's crewteamserves as a good example.I learned a great deal aboutteamwork while rowing because all the rowers in the boatmust act as one, which meant that we incessantly worked tokeep each movement in the boat synchronized. On anindividual basis, we still worked toward group goals throughweightlifting and land-rowing.My experience as a marketingresearchteam leader also helped me to learn the role of“"team player."I viewed my position as that of group leaderand of group member. I ensured that everyone in the grouphad equal opportunity to contribute, maintained excellent
13. If you could do so, how would you plan your college career differently? Sample excellent response: I wouldn’t change anything. All that I have done was a great learning experience that I will carry forward throughout the rest of my life. 14. Are you more energized by working with data or by collaborating with other individuals? Sample excellent response: I like the validity of information and also like the energy that comes with working with people. The best thing about working in a group is combining the great minds from different perspectives and coming up with something extremely great, compared with when you’re working alone. At the same time, information can generate vitality in the project you’re working on. No matter how many heads you’ve got together, without information, you can’t go very far. The perfect situation would be a combination of working with information and people, and I’m confident of my abilities in both areas.? [Submitted by "Stacey"] 15. How would you describe yourself in terms of your ability to work as a member of a team? Sample excellent response: I have had many opportunities in both athletics and academics to develop my skills as a team player. My tenure as a rower with my college’s crew team serves as a good example. I learned a great deal about teamwork while rowing because all the rowers in the boat must act as one, which meant that we incessantly worked to keep each movement in the boat synchronized. On an individual basis, we still worked toward group goals through weightlifting and land-rowing. My experience as a marketing research team leader also helped me to learn the role of “team player.” I viewed my position as that of group leader and of group member. I ensured that everyone in the group had equal opportunity to contribute, maintained excellent
communication among group members, and coordinatedtheir energies toward reaching our team's goal.16.What motivates you to put forth you greatest effort?Sample excellent response: You would think that becauseIam interested in sales, only financial compensation wouldmotivate me to achieve.Although monetary rewards areimportant to me,I am driven to succeed internally.More thananything,Iwanttoberespectedbymyfriends and coworkersfor being the best at what I do. Whether I am considered tobethe bestcardetailer in my hometown orthe best columnistfor my college newspaper, I want to be recognized as thebest.17.Giventhe investment our companywill make inhiring andtraining you, can you give us a reason to hire you?Sample excellent response: I sincerely believe that I'm thebest person for the job.I realize that there are many othercollege students who have the ability to do this job. I alsohave that ability.But I also bring an additional quality thatmakesmetheverybestpersonforthejobmyattitudeforexcellence. Not just giving lip service to excellence, butputting every part of myself into achieving it. In college and atmyprevious jobs,I have consistently reached for becomingthe very best I can become.I think my leadership awardsfrom my college, and my management positions are theresult of possessing the qualities you're looking for in anemployee.18. Would you describe yourself as goal-driven?Sample excellent response:Yes,and I demonstrated mygoal orientation as president of the local Jaycees, acommunity service organization.Iam very proud of thefactthat Isetagoal of signing50 new membersbytheend of theyear,and I accomplishedthat
communication among group members, and coordinated their energies toward reaching our team’s goal. 16. What motivates you to put forth you greatest effort? Sample excellent response: You would think that because I am interested in sales, only financial compensation would motivate me to achieve. Although monetary rewards are important to me, I am driven to succeed internally. More than anything, I want to be respected by my friends and coworkers for being the best at what I do. Whether I am considered to be the best car detailer in my hometown or the best columnist for my college newspaper, I want to be recognized as the best. 17. Given the investment our company will make in hiring and training you, can you give us a reason to hire you? Sample excellent response: I sincerely believe that I’m the best person for the job. I realize that there are many other college students 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. In college and at my previous jobs, I have consistently reached for becoming the very best I can become. I think my leadership awards from my college, and my management positions are the result of possessing the qualities you’re looking for in an employee. 18. Would you describe yourself as goal-driven? Sample excellent response: Yes, and I demonstrated my goal orientation as president of the local Jaycees, a community service organization. I am very proud of the fact that I set a goal of signing 50 new members by the end of the year, and I accomplished that
19.Describe what you've accomplished toward reaching arecentgoalforyourselfSampleexcellentresponse:My first few years in banking had me on the fast track tobranch management.Irealized at some point along the waythat my truepassionwas in offeringfinancial advice notlimited to checking accounts and loans.It was at that pointthat I made the necessary arrangements to go back to schoolfull-time to pursue my goal, which I am just about to achieve.2o. What short-term goals and objectives have youestablishedforyourself?Sampleexcellentresponse:Myshort-termobjectivesaretograduatefromtheProfessionalDevelopmentProgrambeforethe standard two years and begin developing a clientele.Asan intern,I prepared ahead of timeby studying for the Series7 and Series 64 exams that constitute a majority of abeginning financial consultant's time. I'd like to make makethe company that hires me wonder what it ever did withoutme.21.Can you describe your long-range goals and objectives?Sample excellent response:My primary objectives are tolearn as much as possible about your company's productoffering,organizational structure, and professional salestechniques so that I may become the most productivememberofyoursalesteam.22. What do you expect to be doing in five years?Sample excellent response: Although it is hard to predict thefuture, I sincerely believe that I will become a very goodfinancial consultant.Ibelievethat myabilities will allowmetoexcel to the point that I can seek other opportunities as aportfolio manager (the next step)and possibly evenhigher.My ultimategoal continuesto beand will always betobe the best at whatever level I am working at within MerrillLynch'scorporatestructure
19. Describe what you’ve accomplished toward reaching a recent goal for yourself. Sample excellent response: My first few years in banking had me on the fast track to branch management. I realized at some point along the way that my true passion was in offering financial advice not limited to checking accounts and loans. It was at that point that I made the necessary arrangements to go back to school full-time to pursue my goal, which I am just about to achieve. 20. What short-term goals and objectives have you established for yourself? Sample excellent response: My short-term objectives are to graduate from the Professional Development Program before the standard two years and begin developing a clientele. As an intern, I prepared ahead of time by studying for the Series 7 and Series 64 exams that constitute a majority of a beginning financial consultant’s time. I’d like to make make the company that hires me wonder what it ever did without me. 21. Can you describe your long-range goals and objectives? Sample excellent response: My primary objectives are to learn as much as possible about your company’s product offering, organizational structure, and professional sales techniques so that I may become the most productive member of your sales team. 22. What do you expect to be doing in five years? Sample excellent response: Although it is hard to predict the future, I sincerely believe that I will become a very good financial consultant. I believe that my abilities will allow me to excel to the point that I can seek other opportunities as a portfolio manager (the next step) and possibly even higher. My ultimate goal continues to be — and will always be — to be the best at whatever level I am working at within Merrill Lynch’s corporate structure
23. What do you see yourselfdoing in ten years?Sample excellent response: Ten years from nowI see myselfasa successful consultantforaworld-classfirmlikeyours.Iwanttohavedevelopeda wonderful bond withmyemployerlwill have proven myself ahighlycompetent systems analystand will represent my company in helping others findsolutionstotheirinformation-systemsneeds ina professionalandtimelymanner.24.How would you evaluate yourability to deal with conflict?Sample excellent response:IbelieveIam quite good athandling conflict.Working in retail and in the residence hallsrequired that I make many unpopular decisions at timeswhether it was terminating an associate or taking judicialactiononaresident.Often thepersoninconflict withmewould be upset and sometimes physically outraged.I wouldalways make sure that I fully explained the situation, thepolicies behind my decision, and why those policies exist.Usuallybytheend of theconversation,thepersoncould seetheothersideofthesituation.25. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor orinstructor?Howdidyouresolvetheconflict?Sample excellent response:Yes,Ihad an incident with mySpanish professor. I turned in an essay that she said was toogood to be mine. I was honest with her; I told her that I had anative speaker review the essay,but he made very fewcorrections. However, I had broken the Golden Rule ofSpanishCompositiontheessaymustnoteventouchthehands of a native speaker.To provetoher that I was capableof producing an essay that exceeded her expectations of anon-native speaker, Iofferedto re-write anotheressay inheroffice.learnedanA-minus.26. Tell me about a major problem you recently handled.Wereyousuccessful inresolving it?
23. What do you see yourself doing in ten years? Sample excellent response: Ten years from now I see myself as a successful consultant for a world-class firm like yours. I want to have developed a wonderful bond with my employer I will have proven myself a highly competent systems analyst and will represent my company in helping others find solutions to their information-systems needs in a professional and timely manner. 24. How would you evaluate your ability to deal with conflict? Sample excellent response: I believe I am quite good at handling conflict. Working in retail and in the residence halls required that I make many unpopular decisions at times, whether it was terminating an associate or taking judicial action on a resident. Often the person in conflict with me would be upset and sometimes physically outraged. I would always make sure that I fully explained the situation, the policies behind my decision, and why those policies exist. Usually by the end of the conversation, the person could see the other side of the situation. 25. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor or instructor? How did you resolve the conflict? Sample excellent response: Yes, I had an incident with my Spanish professor. I turned in an essay that she said was too good to be mine. I was honest with her; I told her that I had a native speaker review the essay, but he made very few corrections. However, I had broken the Golden Rule of Spanish Composition — the essay must not even touch the hands of a native speaker. To prove to her that I was capable of producing an essay that exceeded her expectations of a non-native speaker, I offered to re-write another essay in her office. I earned an A-minus. 26. Tell me about a major problem you recently handled. Were you successful in resolving it?
Sample excellent response: While working at K-mart, I wasone of three people to work in the electronics department.One day upon arriving at work, I was told the district managerwas coming the next day to do a store inspection.The twootherpeople whoworkedinelectronicswerebothover55.Neither could lift heavy objects, and one refused to work at all.As a result, the electronics department was usually left to meto keep stocked with product and kept in order.I had aboutfive hours of work time to gettheentire department in orderThose five hours passed around, and there was still asubstantial amount of work to be done. I asked the storemanager if Icould stayand work after hourswhile theovernight stockers were there.He said that because of theemployment budget, he could not let me. I was faced withbringing the entire store's rating down, so I suggested acreative staffing solution, allowing me to work the extra hourswhile temporarily reducing the hours of the other twomembers of the department. Because of this solution, in amatterofhours,thedepartmentwasintip-top shapeandstill under budget. And the results? The electronicsdepartmentgotascoreof95outof100.27. Would you say that you can easily dealwithhigh-pressuresituations?Sample excellent response:Yes.Mypast experience as anAdministrativeCoordinatorrequiredmeto deal withmanyserious situations sinceIheld emergency on-call dutiesas asupervisor.Oneexample was whenIwas called by aResident Assistant to deal with an attempted suicide on herresidence hall floor. The situation required that I think clearlyand quickly in this life-and-death situation. I had to weigh themanytasksthatneededtobecompleted.IhadtoassignRAsto call 911,make sure thatEMScould get into the lockedbuilding, while at the same time applying first aid, andensuringthat the rest of the residents onthefloorwereOK.1also had to make sure theprivacy ofthe resident in need was
Sample excellent response: While working at K-mart, I was one of three people to work in the electronics department. One day upon arriving at work, I was told the district manager was coming the next day to do a store inspection. The two other people who worked in electronics were both over 55. Neither could lift heavy objects, and one refused to work at all. As a result, the electronics department was usually left to me to keep stocked with product and kept in order. I had about five hours of work time to get the entire department in order. Those five hours passed around, and there was still a substantial amount of work to be done. I asked the store manager if I could stay and work after hours while the overnight stockers were there. He said that because of the employment budget, he could not let me. I was faced with bringing the entire store’s rating down, so I suggested a creative staffing solution, allowing me to work the extra hours while temporarily reducing the hours of the other two members of the department. Because of this solution, in a matter of hours, the department was in tip-top shape — and still under budget. And the results? The electronics department got a score of 95 out of 100. 27. Would you say that you can easily deal with high-pressure situations? Sample excellent response: Yes. My past experience as an Administrative Coordinator required me to deal with many serious situations since I held emergency on-call duties as a supervisor. One example was when I was called by a Resident Assistant to deal with an attempted suicide on her residence hall floor. The situation required that I think clearly and quickly in this life-and-death situation. I had to weigh the many tasks that needed to be completed. I had to assign RAs to call 911, make sure thatEMScould get into the locked building, while at the same time applying first aid, and ensuring that the rest of the residents on the floor were OK. I also had to make sure the privacy of the resident in need was
respected.Ibasically prioritized and dealt with each task byits importance. I delegated responsibility to RAs for thingsthat they were capable of handling because I could notphysically be in many places at once.Once the resident wastaken to the hospital,I was responsible forpaperworkandfollowuptomakesurethestaffmembers,residents,andtheresident-in-need adjusted back to“normal"life.Iknow this isan extremeexample not found in the financial consulting field;however,it shows justhowwell I candeal withextremepressure.28. What quality or attribute do you feel will most contribute toyourcareersuccess?Sample excellent response: My greatest strength is myflexibility.I have learned that work conditions change fromday to day and throughout the day, as well, no matter where Ihave worked in the past. I also have realized that certainprojects require individual attention and others involve ateamwork approach.These are just a few examples of thechanges that happen in the financial consulting field, as youare well aware. My flexibility to adapt to the differentdemands of the job has allowed me to surpass mysupervisorsexpectations.29. What personal weakness has caused you the greatestdifficultyinschooloronthejob?Sample excellent response (shows how he recognized hisweakness and workedto improve):My greatest weaknesshad been delegation. I would take it upon myself to do manysmall projects throughout my shift as a manager that couldhave been done by others in an attempt to improve myworkers'efficiency.OnceI realized thatI was doing morework than the other assistant managers, and they wereachieving better results,I reevaluated what I was doing.IquicklyrealizedthatifIassigned eachperson justonesmall
respected. I basically prioritized and dealt with each task by its importance. I delegated responsibility to RAs for things that they were capable of handling because I could not physically be in many places at once. Once the resident was taken to the hospital, I was responsible for paperwork and follow up to make sure the staff members, residents, and the resident-in-need adjusted back to “normal” life. I know this is an extreme example not found in the financial consulting field; however, it shows just how well I can deal with extreme pressure. 28. What quality or attribute do you feel will most contribute to your career success? Sample excellent response: My greatest strength is my flexibility. I have learned that work conditions change from day to day and throughout the day, as well, no matter where I have worked in the past. I also have realized that certain projects require individual attention and others involve a teamwork approach. These are just a few examples of the changes that happen in the financial consulting field, as you are well aware. My flexibility to adapt to the different demands of the job has allowed me to surpass my supervisor’s expectations. 29. What personal weakness has caused you the greatest difficulty in school or on the job? Sample excellent response (shows how he recognized his weakness and worked to improve): My greatest weakness had been delegation. I would take it upon myself to do many small projects throughout my shift as a manager that could have been done by others in an attempt to improve my workers’ efficiency. Once I realized that I was doing more work than the other assistant managers, and they were achieving better results, I reevaluated what I was doing. I quickly realized that if I assigned each person just one small