Tag Archives: Job Interviews

How you would add value

Career Management, , , , , , ,

Do you recall being asked during job interviews, “Why should we hire you?” Its another way of asking you, “Why are you good for us?”.

Determining your value proposition for your potential employer is important. What makes you different from the other candidates who are also vying for that job? To be able to answer that question, first you must ask yourself, why do you want to fill that role? If your answer is, because I need a job, or because I need to stay employed, or because its a good company for my CV, none of these answers will empower you to take possession of the role.

You need to ask yourself – what value will I bring to the role? What’re my USPs? To be able to answer these questions about yourself you need to be able to answer these questions about yourself:

  • what were my top three key achievements in my past roles?
  • what are the top three key transferable skills that keep recurring in these different roles?
  • what motivates me most at work?
  • what are my key values towards work?
  • what are the three key areas of improvements I feel I really need to make further progress on myself professionally

Once you have the answers to the questions, you’d be able to visualise more clearly, what kind of roles or organisation will match your strengths and values. When you fill a role which utilizes your strengths, and which coincides with your personal values, and which engages and motivates you, you will find that adding value for that organisation comes easily. Without making a great deal of effort.

This is the epitome of a win-win situation in career development.

What colour best describes you?

Career Management, , ,

Of all interviews I’ve been through, this is one question that has always stuck to my mind. The lady who interviewed me asked, “what color best describes you?” I’ve been prepared for questions like, “tell us about yourself”, “why do you think you’re suitable for this role”, “what are your career plans”…but this question just threw me off my chair (it was a video-conference interview, hence I was indeed sitting on a chair).

I thought hard. What colour. I believe I’m a red – fiery and gregarious. I also feel like a sky blue – soft, light, soothing. I’m green too – always looking towards growth and new opportunities. I’m a purple – an eclectic mix of tones, creative and resourceful. In short. I’m not just one colour. What will my response be to that question?

I answered slowly as I formulated my supporting speech at the same time, “I’m a rainbow!” Perhaps my lady interview had not anticipated that answer, as she looked surprised for a moment, before proceeding to ask the well-anticipated question, “why do you say that?”

Carefully, I chose my words. The rainbow is colorful, like my personality. I can be courageous, yet shy. I am experimental, yet cautious. I’m bold, yet respectful. Its because of this amalgamation of colours that I’m able to achieve what I have attained thus far, and developed that personality that I’m confidently comfortable with. “And who I think fits well with your team!” I simply had to add that last statement.

The lady interview smiled. I was offered the job. I’ve convinced the lady as well as myself that I’m indeed a rainbow.