Organizational skills can be classified into physical, mental and time management organizational skills.

Physical organizational skills include all the measures that make a person's immediate surroundings neat
and conducive to accomplishing tasks in a structured manner. Mental organizational skills consist of the
skills that help an individual make sound decisions, prioritize and concentrate on the task to deliver high-
quality, desirable results. A person needs good mental organizational skills to avoid distractions and
confusions in the course of discharging her mandate. Good time management organizational skills involve
keeping schedules, delegating duties and working within limited time frames to achieve a particular
objective. A time-conscious person is usually results-oriented and meets strict deadlines.

Other organizational skills include the ability to work under little supervision, good interaction skills and
the ability to make sound decisions quickly. Good organizational skills lead to success by making it easy
to access important resources so that one can remain focused on the goal and hopefully achieve it.

What are some tips for enhancing

organizational skills in the workplace?
A:
QUICK ANSWER
To enhance your organizational skills at work, set up your desks in ways that work best for you, develop
good habits, manage your time properly, enhance your work spaces, and set realistic expectations. Some
people work better in spaces that others find messy, and some perform better when tackling one task at a
time instead of multitasking.
FULL ANSWER
Take some time every week to get rid of documents and other things you no longer need on your desk
and in your office. Organize things in a way that works for you. Maintain a calendar of events such as
meetings. Prioritize your emails, and set time aside each day to file papers. Become more organized by
tackling one task at a time and finishing it; this allows you to focus and keep excess documents filed
away.

Improve your organizational skills by creating work spaces that are conducive to productivity. Keep
pictures of family nearby, get rid of piles of sticky notes and keep to-do piles nearby but out of sight to
create a space that helps you focus on the tasks at hand. Set realistic goals for organizing, starting with
small things you know you can accomplish rather than tackling everything at once.

Why is good communication essential for

managers?
A:
QUICK ANSWER
Good communication skills allow managers to establish rapport with employees, convey goals and expectations
effectively and diffuse stressful workplace scenarios. Communication includes not only speaking to employees, but
listening to them as well.

FULL ANSWER
Communication is one of the most crucial skills for a manager to have. Good communication is all about
developing a relationships. Investing time in relationship building with each employee results in a higher
degree of trust in the workplace, and leads to more effective teams. By developing a strong relationship
early on, most managers find that employees are more willing to respond positively when trouble pops up
down the line; if an employee feels valued and understood, he or she is more likely to take criticism in a
constructive manner.

Listening is an often undervalued component of communication skills. A manager who listens well can
learn the individual strengths and weaknesses of his or her employees, and delegate work accordingly.
With open and sensitive communication, a manager can take on the role of a mentor and help each
employee develop to their full professional potential. Listening also opens the door to employee
innovation or ideas, and alerts the manager to any workplace problems.

By communicating effectively, a manager minimizes workplace confusion and makes expectations clear.
This results in increased work efficiency as well as a happier and healthier work environment.
Communication also allows managers to recognize employee excellence, offer praise when appropriate
and motivate their teams.

Why use Maslow's hierarchy of needs in the

workplace?
A:
QUICK ANSWER
Maslow's hierarchy of needs maps the workplace by showing the ways in which employees whose basic
levels of need are met can be productive, engaged and invested in their work environment. The
workplace hierarchy ranks physiological needs, security needs, "belongingness" needs or a need for
inclusion, esteem needs and the need for self-actualization to show what workers want from their jobs.

FULL ANSWER
If employers focus on making their workforce feel secure, provided for, esteemed and included then it is
theorized those workers will have time to devote to self-actualization through their work. This process is
intended to benefit the company and to generate stability in the work force and in the office.

The hierarchy as applied to the workplace emphasizes the importance of the employees and the
meaningfulness of their needs. This can help managers to understand how to interact with their
employees and how to make sure that those employees feel valued by their company and are committed
to devoting effort to its betterment.

The model places a strong emphasis on transparency. Transparent decision-making helps employees feel
secure and gives them a realistic picture of their own security within a corporate hierarchy, and the trust
built there can help keep them invested through difficult periods.
TOP 10 COMPETENCY BASED INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS AND SAMPLE ANSWERS
Samantha Burton | 1st June 2015 | Questions | No Comments
Competency based interview questions attempt to link together three parameters
knowledge, skills, and attitude. These competency based questions will assess
whether you have the right balance between great interpersonal skills, education
or experience, and the right attitude for the role in question.

1. Give an example of a time you handled conflict in the workplace

Your interviewer will assess your adaptability and gauge the constructiveness of your approach towards
conflict, tension and differences of opinion. Your example(s) should highlight the importance of your role
in resolving these issues.

2. Give an example of a challenge you faced in the workplace, and how you
overcame it

If you are entering the workplace direct from school, college or university, this question will be geared
towards your academic experiences.

Provide a great example of a task that involved using as many skills and abilities as possible. An ideal
answer to this question enables you to demonstrate your ability to work in a team, display leadership skills
and handle pressure.

3. What is your biggest achievement?

Ideally, use a work-related example to illustrate your key career achievement. Highlight exactly why you
consider it important, with details of the role you played. If your biggest achievement in life is related to
your personal life, use commercial references such as budget slashing, determination, commitment
and team work to communicate all the associated positive aspects.

4. How did you reach the decision that you wanted to change your job and work
for us?

Make time for detailed research of the company and vacancy. Your answer should encompass analysis of
the company and role attributes and the wide range of qualities you bring. In terms of competencies, the
interviewer is ensuring you can make well-informed and timely decisions, and that you perceive the
impact and implication of decisions you may make.

5. Tell me about a time your communication skills improved a situation

You will be assessed on your abilities to communicate effectively and sensitively and should use an
appropriate work-related example, possibly entailing handling disgruntled customers or colleagues and
highlighting your excellent listening skills as well as verbal communication skills

6. Give an example of change in the workplace and how you handled this

If you have managed change in the workplace, this is an ideal question to illustrate all your skills and
abilities. If not, answer in a way which demonstrates your flexibility and the positive manner in which you
meet challenges.

7. Give an example of a time you identified a new approach to a workplace

problem

This question is a test of your analytical skills and likely to be asked of management candidates who
need to prepare a great example which illustrates key skills such as analysis, problem solving, innovation
and practicality. Candidates for administration-type posts asked questions of this nature might use simple
work-based examples such as when their budgeting skills caused substantial savings in areas such as
postal charges, stationery purchases, etc.

8. When did you work hardest and feel greatest achievement?

This question could be classed as a gift as you can use the responses given for questions 2 and 3 above.
Just build upon them to further highlight the examples already mentioned. A question of this nature is
geared towards assessing your motivational competencies, such as energy, focus and initiative.

9. Give an example of team leading in past employment

You should summarise the task and nature of the group but focus primarily upon your role as team leader.
List the personal qualities you possess which made you ideal for leading this team and how you achieved
success. Conclude your answer by giving examples of the lessons you learnt while leading this team.

10. How do you cope in adverse circumstances?

This is quite a wide question and you will need to think carefully about the response you prepare to the
question. The interviewer will be assessing your coping mechanisms and whether you learnt and
progressed from your adversity. Again, a question of this nature can be linked back to a previous question
(1) and your answer can build upon the response previously given.
Ten Tough Interview Questions and Ten Great
Answers
The best way to prepare yourself for the interview is to know what questions may be coming and practice in advance.
The following are some of the most difficult questions you will face in the course of your job interviews. Some
questions may seem rather simple on the surfacesuch as "Tell me about yourself"but these questions can have a
variety of answers. The more open ended the question, the wider the variation in the answers. Once you have
become practiced in your interviewing skills, you will find that you can use almost any question as a launching pad for
a particular example or compelling story.

Others are classic interview questions, such as "What is your greatest weakness?" Questions most people answer
improperly. In this case, the standard textbook answer for the "greatest weakness" question is to provide a veiled
positive such as: "I work too much. I just work and work and work." Wrong. Either you are lying or, worse yet, you are
telling the truth, in which case you define working too much as a weakness and really do not want to work much at all.

The following answers are provided to give you a new perspective on how to answer tough interview questions. They
are not there for you to lift from the page and insert into your next interview. They are provided for you to use as the
basic structure for formulating your own answers. While the specifics of each reply may not apply to you, try to follow
the basic structure of the answer from the perspective of the interviewer. Answer the questions behaviorally, with
specific examples that show that clear evidence of your competencies. Always provide information that shows you
have the skills and experienc necessary to become the very best _____ for the company and that you have
specifically prepared yourself to become exactly that. Interviewers want to be sold. They are waiting to be sold. Don't
disappoint them!

1. Tell me about yourself.

It seems like an easy interview question. It's open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal
forward. Right?
Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why
you're the best candidate for this position.

So as you answer this question, talk about what you've done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the
position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them
example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the
opportunity.

"Tell me about yourself" does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.

2. Why should I hire you?

The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And don't be afraid to say so. But then back it up with
what specifically differentiates you.

For example: "You should hire me because I'm the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other
candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for
the jobmy passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For
example"

Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.

3. What is your long-range objective?

The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.

For example: "Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to
work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I'll be fully prepared to take on any
greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what I'm presently doing to
prepare myself"

Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.

4. How has your education prepared you for your career?

This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which
specifically align to the required competencies for the career.

An example: "My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical
application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where
we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results"

Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear
more examples.

5. Are you a team player?

Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral
examples to back up your answer.

A sample answer: "Yes, I'm very much a team player. In fact, I've had opportunities in my work, school and athletics
to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project"

Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the
strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around
how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.

6. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How

was it resolved?

Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally
reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.

For example: "Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that
needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other persons perspective,
so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example"

Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.

7. What is your greatest weakness?

Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: "I work too much. I just work
and work and work." Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it
misses the point of the question.

You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: "I have had trouble in
the past with planning and prioritization. However, I'm now taking steps to correct this. I just started a planner app on
my mobile t better plan and prioritize" then pull out your mobile to show how you are using the app.

Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.

8. If I were to ask your professors (or your boss) to describe

you, what would they say?

This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or
professors in advance. And if they're willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.

Then you can answer the question like this:

"I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that I'm results oriented and one of the best people with whom
she has ever worked. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her
letter of recommendation?"

So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.

9. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should
have?

Focus on two words: leadership and vision. Then tell of how that leadership and vision translated into your personal
delivered results.

Here is a sample of how to respond: "The key quality in a successful manager should be leadershipthe ability to be
the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for
subordinates, keeping them focused on what is most important for delivering the highest priority results. The highest
calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom
I consider to be a true leader"

Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal
development.

10. If you had to live your life over again, what one thing
would you change?

Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still
seek to make that change.

For example: "Although I'm overall very happy with where I'm at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have
changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to
more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent
internship" then provide examples.

Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.

Top 10 Interview Questions (And How To

Answer Them)
 By Jeff Gillis

Im going to lay out the top 10 job interview questionsyou need to be ready for along
with handy Dosand Dont s for each question so you can avoid the mistakes
we see most job seekers making and with these questions.

Now granted some of these questions may seem tired and cliche, but I guarantee you
they are still being asked in interview rooms consistently, around the world in 2016. So
you need to prepare for them!

1. "Tell Me About Yourself..."

This classic opening question should probably be put out to pasture but its still one of
THE most common interview questions youll face and it still seems to trip up a ton of
job seekers every year. (Plus I doubt its going anywhere soon, so you need to prepare
for it.) You can check out our article ontell me about yourself for more in depth info.

DO:

Keep your answer succinct and to the point.

Be work specific and tell the hiring manager about where you are now
professionally, what you havelearned from your past work experiences and then talk
about what makes you excited about this specific opportunity.
Do your company research and find out exactly what strengths and qualities this
specific company is looking for and in your answer try and show the hiring manager you
possess them (You can discover these strengths or qualities in the job description or on their
website.)

DONT:

Dont dive into your life story.

The hiring manager doesnt want to hear about you growing up on 28th avenue down
the road from the Trader Joes and how it was a coincidence because you had a brother named
Joe! (etc).
 Dont go on about experience you may have that isnt related to the job youre
interviewing for.

Jeff's Tip

At the end of your answer try segueing into an insightful question for the hiring manager that
shows you understand exactly what issues or problems the company is for looking for you to solve.

2. "Why Should We Hire You?"

This is another incredibly common question and it gives you a great opportunity to stand
out from the crowd and really show the hiring manager how you can help the company.

The key thing to remember here is: be specific.

Leverage your company research and the job description to find exactly why the
company is hiring someone for this position. What problem/pain points does the new
hire have to solve? You need to show that you are the perfect candidate that can solve
those problems/pain points.

DO:

Show the hiring manager that you are uniquely suited to filling this position.
Be the candidate thatsolves their problems.

Show you know some significant details about the company and their general practices
because you have researched the firm and are prepared.

Tell a success story that highlights how you have the qualities needed to fill
their specific needs.

DONT:
 Dont get discouraged if the hiring manager mentions that they have lots of very well
qualified candidates before they lead into this question. (Its a common lead in)

Dont be too modest. This is your chance to shine. Make it count.

On the flip side dont go too overboard and sound too arrogant.

Dont be wishy-washy or too general with your answer.

Dont answer with why you want the job. Answer with why you are the perfect
fit for the job.

Do you want a word-for-word sample answer to this question? Well,

youre in luck! Weve prepared a Job Questions and Answers PDF Cheat Sheet
that will give you perfect sample answers to Why Should We Hire You as well
as the other questions on this page.

3. "What Is Your Greatest Strength?"

This is a fairly straight forward question to handle. Talk about a strength that you know
the company puts a lot of value in.

DO:

Grab hold of the opportunity this question gives you. This question really
lets you guide the interview where you want it to go. This your chance to relate your most
impressive success story, so take advantage!
Highlight a strength that is crucial to the position. (As I mentioned earlier)

Find out from your company research and from the job description what strengths the
company puts a lot of stock into.
 DONT:

Dont make claims that you cant illustrate with a brief example or fact.

Dont be overly modest but dont claim to be Superman or Superwoman either.

Dont name a strength that is irrelevant to the job at hand.

4. "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?"

This classic question freaks people out but it shouldnt. As long as you pick a weakness
that isnt a key competency for the job and you show that you have taken steps to
work on it, you will be fine. Dont try and sidestep this question.

Show that you are aware of your weakness and what you have done to overcome it.

Show that you are self-aware and that you have the ability to take steps to improve
yourself.

DONT:

Dont you DARE answer with the cliche Im a perfectionist answer or any other such
answer that the hiring manager can see right through.

Dont highlight a weakness that is a core competency of the job. (Know the job
description inside and out.)

Dont dodge this question.

5. "Why Do You Want To Work For Us?"

The hiring manager is trying to get at your underlying motivations for wanting this job.
Are you here just for a paycheck or do you see yourself becoming an integral part of the
 company and growing along with it? You need to show them that you want
to become part of the family.

At the same time however, show how your wants coincide with their needs.

DO:

Talk about specific things you like about the company. Do your homework before and
find out the needs of the company and talk about how youre passionate about
fulfilling those needs.

Be complimentary. Most people enjoy being flattered. (Just dont go overboard)

Show how your strengths perfectly align with the job position and company culture.

DONT:

Dont come off as a hired gun who may be gone in a few months.

Dont say because I need the money. (Youd be surprised how many job seekers think
this is cute and actually answer this way. Dont.)

Jeff's Tip

Bring up something specific that you've found during your company research phase and tie it in with
your answer. For example, if you discovered that theyrecently held an inaugural live event
bringing together people from around the country in their niche, bring it up! The event (or
anything else interesting you discover) can be an example of why you admire the company and want
to work for them. This tactic will help you stand out from your competitors and get the hiring manager
seeing you in the job already.

6. "Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?"

 This question can really make a lot of job seekers nervous. If you were literally fired
from your last job, youre going to have to own up to it and show what you learned from
the experience and what measures you have taken to address the reasons you were let
go.

If you left voluntarily be sure to explain why. For example:You wanted a different
challenge. Hint: A challenge offered by the company and position youre interviewing
for

DO:

If it was because you left voluntarily then reference a specific characteristic

that the company you are interviewing for has that you are attracted to. One that
your previous employer didnt have.
If you were let go, be honest and explain the situation and own it. Explain what you
learned from the experience, because the interviewer knows youre human, you make
mistakes, and just wants to see that you were able to do something about it

Words like downsizing and budget cuts and bad economy are good defenses if they
are true and are the reasons for departure from the job.

DONT:

Dont bash your last company or boss or anything along those lines.

Dont say, Its time for a career switch and Id like to try my hand at the job you are
offering or Im tired of doing the same old thing. Give a pointed, Positive reason for why you
want to head off in a new direction.

Dont lie if you were fired.

7. "What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?"

This is somewhat similar to the what is your greatest strength? question and can be
handled along the same lines. You want to pick an accomplishment that
 shows you have the qualities that the company puts value in and that
are desirable for the position youre interviewing for.

The fact is you may have several accomplishments you could pick from. Pick one that
will have the most impact.

DO:

Talk about an accomplishment that exhibits how you will be a perfect fit for the company
and for the position youre interviewing for.

Try and show some genuine passion when youre talking about your accomplishment.

DONT:

Dont fall into the trap of thinking your accomplishment is too small. The fact is, relating
a small accomplishment that is inline with what the company values can be more powerful
than an unrelated accomplishment. (Remember: Its not about you, Its about
them.)

Jeff's Tip

If your "greatest accomplishment story" highlights skills that would be useful in the job you're
interviewing for (which it should!), then you can highlight that fact. For example, if you were relating
an accomplishment that centered around "teamwork", you could finish your answer with something
like: "...which is why I'm so excited for the possibility of working in this type of team environment. As
you can see, I think I thrive in collaborative situations and I'd love to bring that here to XYZ
company..."

8. "Describe A Difficult Work Situation And What You

Did To Overcome It..."

This is one of those pesky behavior interview questions and is one of the most common.
You need to have a success story ready to go for this. Relate a story where you dealt
with a problem successfully. The key here is to pick a success story that shows you
exhibiting the qualities/skills required at the job and company you are interviewing for.
 DO:

Pick an example that shows you tackling a problem that could arise at the new company
youre interviewing for. This shows your value.

Be specific and fairly concise.

Use the S.T.A.R. Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result.)

DONT:

Dont bash anyone in your success story. (Coworker, boss or customer!)

Dont ramble.

Jeff's Tip

To really stand out, tell a success story that not only shows you handling a problem that could arise in
the position you're interviewing for, but also shows you have multiple other desired qualities you know
from your research the company desires. For example, you could tell a problem solving story about you
handling a productivity problem at your last job by exhibiting leadershipand your ability to
handle conflict between coworkers. (In other words, combine multiple desired qualities into one
answer.)

9. "Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?"

This question catches a lot of job seekers off guard because on the surface it seems
simple enough but when you dig a little deeper youll see that there are a couple of traps
you could fall into.

You DO want to show that you are an ambitious person BUTyou need to show that you
dont have your head in the clouds and are focused on the job at hand

DO:

Demonstrate when you answer the question your level of commitment to the position
they are interviewing you for.
 After you have demonstrated your commitment to the role you are interviewing for,
outline a realistic growth strategy that is directly tied to the role youre in and the
needs and values of the company.

Stress your interest in a long-term career at the company

DONT:

Dont exhibit ambition to the point of seeming like this particular job is just a brief
stepping stone for you. You need to show commitment.

Dont say you want to be CEO of the company in 5 years.

Dont say Actually I want to be in YOUR seat within the next 5 years. to the hiring
manager.

10. "Do You Have Any Questions For Me?"

Around 75 percent of job seekers will say Nope, I think thats everything to this
question.

Terrible response.

This question gives you a fantastic opportunity to stand out from the crowd and show
your knowledge and passion for the company or organization you are interviewing for.
Always have a few questions prepared and have one based around something you
found during your company research phase.

DO:

Focus your questions on the company and what you can do for them.

Ask about something youve discovered in your company research. This will show your
passion and knowledge of the company.
 Ask if there is any reason the hiring manager wouldnt hire you. (This can be a little
daunting to ask BUT can really pay off. It allows you to address something they may be thinking
in their head but havent brought up.)

DONT:

Never say No, I think Im good. Always have questions ready!

Dont focus your questions on yourself and what you can get from them. (i.e.

Dont ask questions that you could easily find the answer to.

Dont ask about time off and benefits too early in the process.

Dont ask how soon you can start applying for other positions in the company.

Jeff's Tip

Just because the interviewer may often ask you this question at the end of the interview doesn't mean
you shouldn't ask any questions beforehand. In fact, one of the best ways to turn the interview
from an "interrogation" into a "conversation between colleagues" is to ask questions
throughout the interview. Asking questions throughout will make the interviewer see you as part of
the team already and it will calm your nerves (if you have any) significantly.

Conclusion
The key thing to remember is to focus on the needs of the company instead of your own
when answering any job interview question. As we always say every job interview and
every one of your answers to any job interview question should be tailored to the
company youre interviewing with. The next thing you should download our free special
report that outlines the tailoring method and gives yousample answers to
5 of the questions we went through in this list!