Page 106 - Boost Your Hiring

92 Boost Your Hiring IQ

ANSWERS
The Strongest Answer

(C) This answer illustrates a great example of thinking outside the
box, of doing something not in the job description, and of tak-
ing the initiative to do it.This person has the transferable skills
that most employers are seeking. This, combined with her
knowledge of the job itself, would make her a strong candidate
to consider. Sometimes transferable traits can make up for a
lack of job knowledge that can be learned through some train-
ing and on-the-job experience.

The Mediocre Answer

(B) This answer has all the makings of a good reply but misses the
mark by not being specific. Although this person claims to be
able to plan ahead and have a handle on the workload (abilities
that are to be admired in any person, particularly in a support
person), she doesn’t give proof that she actually possesses
these qualities. She tells how she is responsive to customer’s
needs and problems but doesn’t give a good example of a time
when she actually helped someone. The same is true with the
statement about her coworkers and going out of her way to as-
sist them. These claims need examples to back them up.

The Weakest Answer
(A) This answer has no focus. It wanders through many thoughts
but never answers the question asked. The candidate starts out
talking about time and money and then goes on to talk about
helping coworkers without a specific example of going above
and beyond.
She gives an excellent reference to her boss being a “last-
minute type of person” who she has had to get out of tough
spots, but she does not provide an example of an actual time
when she helped to get results.

RATE YOURSELF
If you chose answer (C), give yourself 5 points.
If you chose answer (B), give yourself 3 points.
If you chose answer (A), give yourself 0 points. _____.