11. What ar your career goals
Think about this question before the interview and really try to determine where you would like to be in 2,5 and 10 years. Indicate to the panel how the position you are applying for fits into the plan you have developed for your career. This is your opportunity to let the panel know that you are ready to build your skills and that you are looking at the organisation as a serious long term prospect to develop a career path. Indicate that you are hoping to continuously add on new responsibilities, make a larger impact on the goals of the organisation and develop personally and professionally.
12. How do your colleagues describe you?
In the position you are currently, or previously, in you would have worked with people. The panel wants to know what they think about you as a member of their team. If you have had a falling out with your colleagues this is not the time to mention it. Remain positive and tell the panel the good things that you think other people would say about you.
13. Describe a situation in the past when you have shown initiative
The interviewers are looking for an indication of things you have done that added value to the work you were doing. This could be something that
| . Saved the organisation money or resources |
| . Solved a problem |
| . Saved some time in a process or procedure |
| . Increased safety |
| . Increased profit |
| . Assisted the organisation's reputation or profile in the community |
| . Resulted in some positive media exposure |
Be creative and let the panel know that you will be prepared to do your very best to show initiative and creativity in your work.
14. What have been your greatest achievements?
Answer this question with one of the major milestones in your career. This is your opportunity to show the panel you are proud of your achievements and can recognize opportunities to be excellent in your work. Usually this will be something that is measurable and has been recognized by your supervisors as a significant contribution to the work you were doing. For example:
| . Attracted funding for research |
| . Increased efficiency by XX% |
| . Created a new system or process |
| . Provided leadership on a special project |
You might have significant achievements outside your career and work responsibilities and it is OK to mention these as well.
15. How do you work under pressure?
Try to give an example of a time when you have worked under pressure and how you did that without compromising your professionalism or the quality of your work. The panel are looking for evidence that you are capable of using your skills in time management, organisation, communication etc. to resolve isues and problems that have arisen in your workplace.