Gettin' the Job!

Of the four articles I read on difficult interview questions, the main idea I gathered was to be positive in answering all interview questions. Potential employers look for this.

1. Your biggest weakness?
A good way to answer this question is to take one of your strengths and turn it into a weakness. For example, I tend to be very thorough with my work. Sometimes this is a problem because I might check and recheck something too much. I tell the interviewer I am working to be thorough, but not over do it.

2. Tell me about yourself.
Star Tribune and Careerbuilder.com agree on sticking to telling about yourself professionally as it relates to the job you are applying for. I would answer this question by telling the interviewer about my degree and how it may relate to the job.

3. Why did you leave your last job?
This is probably the most difficult question because most of the time I have ever left a job it has been for negative reasons. In the column, Ask Matt, featured in Startribune.com, Joyce Lemay from St. Paul College, suggests being brief. My answer to this question is always that I need a new challenge.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Employers asking this question desire to see that you have some long term goals like career growth. I would answer by indicating that I expect to have my Bachelors degree and using skills attained from receiving it.

5. How do you handle a difficult situation with a co-worker?

One situation that comes to mind is when a co-worker is not doing his/her share of work. To address this problem I consulted Michele Ross for advice. Michele has over fifteen years of experience in retail management. Her suggestion was to be non-defensive, open-minded, and don’t jump to conclusions. Start by asking them a few questions. Find out if there are any problems that are going on in their work or home life. If they are having a problem that may be affecting their work just listening may help them. If there is not a problem you have just drawn attention to the fact that there is a problem in a non-confrontational way. If the situation is not resolved after this; I then would go see a supervisor to address the problem.

Works Cited
Young, J. (2010, April 9). How to Answer the Hard Interview Questions Forbes, http://www.forbes.com/

Krumrie, M. (2005, July 30). Ask Matt: Answers to Five Hard Interview Questions Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com/

Williams, N. (2010, September 17). The Most Difficult Interview Questions (and Answers) Monster.com, http://www.monster.com/

Lorenz, K. (2009 June 6). Answers to the 7 Toughest Interview Questions. Careerbuilder.com, http://www.careerbuilder.com/

Mission Accomplished

Mission Accomplished

When asked about the values and principles that guide my life, three principles come to mind. I strive to exercise them in every role I play: daughter, aunt, sister girlfriend, student, and employee. Throughout my life; the principles of honesty, kindness, and patience have consistently proven successful

The first principle is honesty. I try to always be honest. Being truthful to myself and others is important even when it is not to my benefit. One example of this is when the cashier at the store gives me too much change.

Patience is the second principle I practice. It is especially difficult to have in this day, but essential. Everyone is in such a hurry and has too much to do. Patience helps me to see things through difficult situations.

Kindness is the third principle. I strongly believe in the golden rule; to treat others the way you want to be treated. I feel it is important for me to do this even when people are not kind to me. By doing this I can feel good about the actions I take with other people.



What about me?

Hello, my name is Rachel Walters. This month I started my first semester at Davenport University. My major is Health Information Technology and I plan to complete my bachelors degree in 2012. I currently have an Associates of Science degree from Mott Community College. Completing this course in Professional Writing will enable me to prepare more professional documents. Unlike any other English classes I have taken in the past, Professional Writing focuses less on my thoughts and feelings as a writer and more on my intended subject. This course will allow me to build on the writing skills I already have. I am eager to learn a new style of writing where I can deliver information to my reader in a concise and accurate format. I am looking forward to being able to prepare professional documents accurately and confidently. Upon completion of this class I feel I will be ready for writing in the "real world." After all, it's all about being ready!