It’s the job
interview of your life and you need to come up with something fast.
Mental pictures of words are mixing in your head and your tongue tastes
like alphabet soup. You mutter words like "deterministic” or
"innovativity” and you realize you’re drenched in sweat. You wish you
had thought about this. You wish you had read this post before.
Here are 20 sentences that you could use when you are asked to describe yourself. Choose the ones that describe you the best.
"I am someone who…”:
"can
adapt to any situation. I thrive in a fluctuating environment and I
transform unexpected obstacles into stepping stones for achievements.”
"consistently
innovates to create value. I find opportunities where other people see
none: I turn ideas into projects, and projects into serial success.”
"has
a very creative mind. I always have a unique perspective when
approaching an issue due to my broad range of interests and hobbies.
Creativity is the source of differentiation and therefore, at the root
of competitive advantage.”
"always has an eye on my target. I
endeavour to deliver high-quality work on time, every time. Hiring me is
the only real guarantee for results.”
"knows this job inside
and out. With many years of relevant experience, there is no question
whether I will be efficient on the job. I can bring the best practices
to the company.”
"has a high level of motivation to work here. I
have studied the entire company history and observed its business
strategies. Since I am also a long-time customer, I took the opportunity
to write this report with some suggestions for how to improve your
services.”
"has a pragmatic approach to things. I don’t waste
time talking about theory or the latest buzz words of the bullshit
bingo. Only one question matters to me: ‘Does it work or not?’”
"takes work ethics very seriously. I do what I am paid for, and I do it well.”
"can
make decisions rapidly if needed. Everybody can make good decisions
with sufficient time and information. The reality of our domain is
different. Even with time pressure and high stakes, we need to move
forward by taking charge and being decisive. I can do that.”
"is
considered to be ‘fun.’ I believe that we are way more productive when
we are working with people with which we enjoy spending time. When the
situation gets tough with a customer, a touch of humour can save the
day.”
"works as a real team-player. I bring the best out of the
people I work with and I always do what I think is best for the
company.”
"is completely autonomous. I won’t need to be
micromanaged. I won’t need to be trained. I understand high-level
targets and I know how to achieve them.”
"leads people. I can
unite people around a vision and motivate a team to excellence. I expect
no more from the others than what I expect from myself.”
"understands
the complexity of advanced project management. It’s not just pushing
triangles on a GANTT chart; it’s about getting everyone to sit down
together and to agree on the way forward. And that’s a lot more
complicated than it sounds.”
"is the absolute expert in the
field. Ask anybody in the industry. My name is on their lips because I
wrote THE book on the subject.”
"communicates extensively. Good,
bad or ugly, I believe that open communication is the most important
factor to reach an efficient organization.”
"works enthusiastically. I have enough motivation for myself and my department. I love what I do, and it’s contagious.”
"has
an eye for details because details matter the most. How many companies
have failed because of just one tiny detail? Hire me and you’ll be sure
I’ll find that detail.”
"can see the big picture. Beginners
waste time solving minor issues. I understand the purpose of our
company, tackle the real subjects and the top management will eventually
notice it.”
"is not like anyone you know. I am the candidate
you would not expect. You can hire a corporate clone, or you can hire
someone who will bring something different to the company. That’s me. "
