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15 Toughest Interview Questions (and Answers!)
Tania Khadder | GovCentral

“I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor’s in Biology – but I decided that wasn’t the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in legislative affairs for a law firm that worked with the Feds. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in government and legal work. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging legislative role.”
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.
Good answer:
“I’m really energetic, and a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence, and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I’ve also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10% over two years. I’m also really interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform. This is especially important as the government moves into more Web 2.0 initiatives.”
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
a time i did not get along with a co- worker is when he played pass the buck and did'nt want to get information for a report. I took the information from the victim but later informed my supervisor that the officer in question failed to perform his duties.
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
my last job the superviosion of the company was not good. and the company did not care as long as they were paid.
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
my director of security was new and had no knowledge of mall security, I had to make him aware of the enviroment, but have no real bad things to say wish the patrol vehicles were S.U.V.S. versus compact cars!!!
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
I have always been satisfied in my job doing what needed to be done and handling the situations involving people and situations im a problem solver and keeper of the peace it's who I am.
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
I was in the auto industry, sales had declined and i was told that positions needed to be trimmed and that i was in a position that was no longer needed (new car inventory assistant.) I was then told that I was laid off due to decine in sales.
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
my greatest failure was not completing high school and I learned the hard way that without a education you are destin to be in a dead end job for life. Education is the key for success and I realized it and returned completed a G.E.D. and went on to a Chicago Communitty College to successfully obtain a Degeree in Criminal Justice (with honors.) what I learned"Failure is not a option".
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
I am a hard worker, never call off, always early before the start of my shift, always willing to stay for overtime or if needed and always willing to help my co-workers.
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
Im looking for a job in law enforcemnt, im not in it for the pay check whatever the agency is offering is acceptable I want to serve and protect my country.
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
my greatest wekness used to be speaking outloud to the public since college and my current position that has been overcomed. I now feel that my greatest weakness is kindness to officer needs.
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
I would like to see myself excel within the agency and obtain a command position and grow within.
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
I have a Associates Degree in criminal justice and would like to put it to work for me i have learned all that i can within the security field and feel that it is time to move on to something bigger and better.
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
my previous boss was to detail oriented but had a strong knowledge of what the client wanted but strived to hard to meet those expectations and broke sum rules to get the job done which i cannot condone.
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
im a team player, a hard worker, and do the best that i can for the company, willing to work overtime and help out my co- workers in whatever they need.
RonaldJSolorsano
about 3 years ago
32 comments
i am interested in law enforcement and serving the public i have always wanted to serve my country be it the military or law enforcement. I consider it a privelidge to serve.
cgrimmcr
about 3 years ago
2 comments
Why do you keep referring to the job as a "role" It sounds contrives - actually, downright dumb