Initiative

Job seeker should show a strong sense of responsibility, that they can take actions and initiatives, and that they can act upon them without having to be told.

Interviewers ask this question to see if your activities and hobbies might help the company and to get an idea of what kind of person you are outside your work life. Describe any volunteer work you do and any hobbies or interests that might relate to the job in some way. Stick to active hobbies, such as playing sports, carpentry,gardening, etc. Avoid mentioning inactive and non-creative activities such as watching television.

Job seeker should find ways of improving systems at work; be able to recognize areas that need improvements. They should also have the management skills and philosophy to improve performance.

Answer should show that the applicant wants to keep updated on latest developments and has a strong belief in life-long learning.

Candidate should show a strong sense of commitment and the tenacity to overcome obstacles. They should also have the ability to formulate imaginative steps to solve problems. Candidate should also learn and get inspired by personal success.

Answer should show consistency in initiating positive actions. Job seeker should be able to contribute innovative thoughts and actions to improve different aspects of the company.

Use your fingers and count off the skills-1...2...3...

Using your fingers, name a skill then list your qualifications. Move to the next skill.

Do not get into this subject unless you are forced to. Even then you want to leave an impression that you are flexible in this area.

► Travelling.

► Foreign languages.

► Football.

► Winning any competitions i.e. chess, karate.

► Running marathons.

► A member of any societies or charities.

These should be your transferable skills such as:

► Reliable,

► Punctual,

► Organized,

► Friendly,

► Honest,

► Cooperative,

► Outgoing,

► Easy to get along with,

► Hardworking,

► Energetic,

► Take pride in my work,

► Responsible,

► Respected,

► Dedicated.

► I hope to become very good at my job and perhaps take some schooling to become more skilled in my field of work.

► I intend to learn (name of area or skills) very well so that I can be promoted to a higher position in (name skill or department).

This question indicates that the job involves working with money or valuable merchandise. Very likely the employer's insurance company requires that only bondable people be hired as a condition of their insurance policy.As long as you do not have a criminal record, and you have not previously been denied a bond, you should answer "yes" to this question.

Caution: If you answer yes when you are not legally bondable it is very likely that the employer will discover this.

► The advantages of working in a group. Explain how the various individuals in a group complement one another in carrying out certain tasks.

► Give specific examples of your personal experience in a group.

Talk about your experience, qualifications, and accomplishments-Not your childhood, family and friends.

Focus on work, not character weakness. Turn it into a positive, I'm accused of being a workaholic. I like to stay and get caught up on the odds and the ends before I go home.

It's not illegal to ask this question if it has a bearing on the job you are seeking.

Don't brag about car racing, sky diving, scuba diving, or any other sport that might be dangerous. They suggest a likelihood of injury and absence from work.

Several for back-up, but this is where I really want to work, this is where my hopes are.

If you do, get some help. Enroll in a program.