Strengths Flashcards
Give an example of a time you were authentic.
Selling at Flight Centre
- Under pressure to meet sales targets
- Some people would resort to all kinds of tactics to meet them
- We’ve all met a pushy salesperson
- I find it hard to be false and pushy
- Because I wouldn’t like it done to me
- So instead I reframed it as ‘how can I solve their problem?’
- Built relationships, got repeat clients
Give an example of a time you were emotionally intelligent.
Vulnerable students at ICL
- Worked in the SFS team, managed the SSF fund
- Recent graduate myself
- Understood the pressures they were experiencing
- Plus have a lot of experience with mental health
- So was able to relate to and support them effectively
Give an example of a time you were an explainer.
Explaining evolution at Roselands
- Had to explain evolution to 10 year olds
- As an ecologist who has studied it in detail for years, found it really challenging
- Had to strip it back to absolute basics
- Simplest language possible
- Analogies were key to help the children understand
Give an example of a time you were inclusive.
Vulnerable students at ICL
- Worked in the SFS team, managed the SSF fund
- Worked closely with students with complex needs: long-term physical or mental health conditions
- With their consent, I would consult the Disability Service and Welfare teams on how best to support them
- Wanted to understand how my decision would impact them
- Ensure I accommodated their needs
Give an example of a time you influenced someone.
Fundraising at UCL
- Worked at UCL DARO
- Invited alumni to share their experiences: invoked nostalgia
- Shared my experiences: built rapport
- Talked about the benefits of UCL’s research on wider society: persuasive, highlighted why it was a good idea to donate
- Made The Ask relatable (‘the price of a cup of coffee’), i.e. a small cost to them but made a big impact: more likely to respond
Give an example of a time you were analytical.
- Analytical in literally everything I do
- ALL ACTIONS SHOULD HAVE A PURPOSE
- A good example is probably writing a gym plan
- That’s really important to me so it has to be done right
- Set clear goals: ‘what do I want to achieve, what do I need to do to get there?’ - work backwards
- Gather info from diverse sources (friends, YT, social media, blogs): build body of evidence
- Weigh up the costs/benefits of different approaches: allows me to find best course of action
- Monitor my progress throughout the plan: to see if it was an effective option
Give an example of a time you were decisive.
Going vegan
- I went vegan six years ago, much less popular/less well understood then
- It was a big decision because if you do it wrong you can hurt yourself
- Especially as I train so much
- Wanted to make sure I researched it before I decided to do it
- Looked at diverse evidence
- Spoke to those with direct experience
- Considered the impact the decision would have on my life
- Decided that it was a good option for me as long as I took steps to protect my health (e.g. supplements)
- Committed to it and haven’t looked back
Give an example of a time you were a problem solver.
MRes project equipment
- Short timeframe, tight budget: traditional method not an option
- Realised that a portable version would solve my problem
- Remote location, resource limited: scoured camp for bits of junk
- Realised my rubber exercise band had all the properties I wanted, chopped it up and used it
- Saved time and money as could reduce the number of visits to each plot
- Fun experience: enjoyed the opportunity to be creative
Give an example of a time you were adaptable.
Python course being moved online
- I had no Python/machine learning experience
- Challenges: no 121 with the instructors, technical issues of remote learning, no direct contact w teammates
I adapted by:
- Practicing more in my own time
- Using different media to learn (e.g. YT)
- Using Slack/Zoom to have contact w teammates
We came second in the final competition
Give an example of a time you were disciplined.
Gym
- I love fitness
- Getting results requires discipline and dedication
I do the following:
- Train every day in some capacity
- Get up at 6:30am to train, even during C19
- Eat clean
- Drink 2L water per day
- Get enough sleep
But I know from experience that, when you’re being that disciplined, cutting yourself some slack sometimes is just as important otherwise its not sustainable
Give an example of a time you were a catalyst (self-motivated).
Learning about climate change
- My MRes made me realise my view of environmental problems was one dimensional
- Had strong scientific knowledge
- Wanted to expand my economic/political understanding
- So I could engage with decisionmakers about climate strategy
Took steps to diversify my perspective:
- Did six online courses during lockdown in subjects that were totally new to me e.g. sustainable finance
- Volunteer with Giki to understand sustainable business and how consumers engage with sustainable products
- Read newsletters from different sources each week (the Grantham Institute, ECIU, UKERC) - I set aside a whole afternoon for this
Give an example of a time you were focused.
Gym
- I have clear goals that I want to achieve
- Change takes time, patience and consistency
- Very easy to get distracted
To stay focused:
- I remind myself that I want the goal more than I want to slack off
- I set milestones to stay motivated, e.g. Spartan Race
Give an example of a time you were an organiser.
My personal life
- I am a VERY organised person
- I’m very busy/have a lot of interests so I make an effort to stay on top of things
This is going to make me sound like the most boring person ever
- Phone calendar events with reminders
- Alarms throughout the day
- Multiple to-do lists in my phone (organised by theme, e.g. Christmas To Do List)
- Always looking to maximise efficiency e.g. check emails on my commute
- I have packing/kit lists saved on my laptop for different events
But, being this organised means its important to let go sometimes e.g. no itinerary for my travel plans
Give an example of a time you were resilient.
Now
- Applying for jobs in the middle of a pandemic
- Stressful process anyway, especially now because it’s so competitive
- Have to be really robust to take the rejections and just keep going in such a depressing climate
- I’ve had a few interviews and obviously didn’t get any of them
- Frustrating to be so close
BUT
- You have to remember its not personal
- My comfort and therefore confidence has actually grown with each one
- From each feedback I learn something new and do it better next time
- It’s been an incredible learning experience
- Learning isn’t always comfortable
- The process has made me a much better candidate
Give an example of a time you were responsible.
Python Project
- My two teammates were working full time whilst I had been furloughed
- I took the bulk of the project work as I had the most free time
- This was a lot of responsibility as my team were looking to me for leadership
- Having no prior Python experience, I worked really hard to make sure I understood
- So I could make the right choices and justify my decisions
- I felt very responsible and wanted to do a good job for my team