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COMPETENCY #1—INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY 83

Result: Now, when I work in a specific department, I am mindful of

the needs of cooperating departments and their deadlines. This perspective
allows me to work collaboratively with other departments to meet overall
objectives.

Question 34. Describe a time when you were required to go to work

unexpectedly.

Obstacle: The day I was set to leave town for my sister’s wedding, I

received a call from The Daily Press editor, who asked me to interview the po-
lice and write a story about a string of robberies in the area. Though working
late hours, getting phone calls in the middle of the night, and attending to last-
minute edit requests are the norm for a freelance reporter, this time I was in
a tight spot.

Action: Since I did not want to disappoint the editor, I postponed my

departure until the next morning.

Result: I am known to work best under pressure, so when I delivered

the story before the deadline, the editor was not surprised and was pleased
that the article did not need revision.

Question 35. Tell me about a time when you altered your work pattern

in order to complete a task.

Situation: During a stable economy, clients keep tabs on their port-

folios from a distance. As the economy grows sluggish, those clients expect
personal contact at least twice a week.

Action: To accommodate the clients’ needs and keep my base satisfied,

I contacted everyone on my list, regardless of whether I had news to share.

Result: I received kudos from clients, who commended me for keep-

ing in touch during difficult times. Knowing that I was working diligently on
their portfolios calmed some of their fears, especially when their friends said
that their financial advisors had gone into hiding during tough times.

Question 36. Recall a situation in which you had to please more than

one person at the same time.

Situation: As an administrative assistant for Malloy and Associates,

I support three executives, each of whom has his own needs and require-

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