Job recruitment questions

[applepie]

Just got a new job today, which was quite amazing got a reply in 1 business day after interview and waiting for confirmation of another contract in 10 days time.

However, I am filling in some other applications for other projects.

I am stumped on one of them and have to answer some stupid questions which I have no idea what to write about.

The demonstrate - critical thinking, technical competence, motivation/ambition and a few others

I used to have a set of pre-made answers for these but I havent updated them for err 10 years now? Since I dont get asked stuff like this anymore on applications.

so I am stuck on 2:

1) Example of solving a complex problem that demonstrates critical thinking

2) Example of solving a problem through technical expertise


1) Err what the heck are they looking for here? I was trying to think of a maybe an answer which isnt based on work? To show a more rounded approach? I remember getting this a few times in interviews, where your questioned/asked to elaborate about a random topic. those I can do.

2) This is complicated by the fact that I am binded by a non-disclosure agreements for the past 7 years. So I am abit lost on how to describe my specialist skills without relevant examples. I think writing, not a liberty to disclose is not the right approach. Either tha use generic technical examples which any half-decent engineer will also be able to do which wont really sell me as a unique individual.

Any help greatly appreciated since I know theres a number of HR people on YD.

I hate questions like those, I am rubbish at submitting applications. very much a face to face person which is generally how we do these things. sigh what happen to good old fashioned interview in a room.

I still remember interviews in rooms that look like interrogation rooms with bullet proof windows, those were ace.

[onthetrain]

These types of questions are normaly written to test that you meet certains competencies from a skills profile. Without knowing what the job is it is difficult to advise.

For question 1 if I were asking it I would be looking for evidence of you dealing with a complex problem, considering a ange of options, selecting the best option for sound reasons (expalin the reasons) and getting a good result, ie. how did the firm benefit from the result, what did you & they learn as a result. Also consider how you shared the experience to ensure that shouldthe company face a similar problem they could solve it.

Cant really help with Q2 without more info

Alan

[Jen]

Originally Posted by applepie

1) Example of solving a complex problem that demonstrates critical thinking

2) Example of solving a problem through technical expertise


1) Err what the heck are they looking for here? I was trying to think of a maybe an answer which isnt based on work?

I heard a wonderful story from Clement Freud that might help here. He was a Dean for a while and was asked to review a physics paper that had been queried by the examiner.

One question in particular gave him some concern, and it was:

Using a barometer how would you ascertain the height of the university's clock tower?

The student had answered: I would take the barometer to the top of the tower and drop it. I would use my watch to time it's descent then using <he quoted the correct rate of descent> I would calculate the height of the tower.

Clement called the student in and said that whilst the answer was correct it was clear that is was not the answer that was required. He asked the student to have another go at answering the question.

When the student returned and said that he had indeed thought of another answer. He said that he would take the barometer to the university's caretaker and say 'I'll give you this barometer if you tell me how high the clock tower is'.

[applepie]

lol thanks for that Jen. Good point.

onthetrain,

for this position, to develop new industrial processes based on R&D. I think of it as a go-between scientists and engineers. provide technical support to the engineers and to detail requirements to the R&D division. Generally coming in at the start of the project to kick things off then handover and come in occasionally to consult.

moving up towards the more managerial side of things to see what its like and as a natural career progression. although I am not a fan as I quite like getting my hands dirty.

I have experience in both sectors with relevant degrees but limited managerial roles.

[Ding Dang Doo]

Congratulations on the new job!

As for the rest of it... IMO - it's all B*ll*cks.

Why waste your time trying answer unanswerable questons?

People being paid to come up with questions that have no definitive answer and are open to interpretation... all to justify their own right to a job.

Tell them to stick the job up their pretentious backsides, and look for one where people appreciate face to face contact in an interview.

But that's my opinion.

Pete