How would you answer these job application questions?

[welliesundermeballgoon]

I am applying for a position that I really really want! However I am struggling with 2 of the questions as I am not sure what they would be looking for, I would really appreciate it if anyone could give me some hints?

The questions are as follows...

Outline a couple of experiences that you feel you learned a great deal from (good or bad). What were the four key things you learned?

Outline briefly a memorable example of either good or bad customer service and why it had such an impact on you.

TIA

What is the job?

Graduate development position.... really want it!

If I were setting those questions, I'd be looking for evidence that the applicant can reflect on experience, understand and learn.

If I were answering them, I'd think of a situation which fit the question, and look through all the blurb about the job to see what skills/competencies/activities they value, and try to bring them out in my answer.

And if there is a word limit - stick to it.

Thanks Duke, I have completed the other 15/16 questions and I think I have covered all of the skills/competencies/activities but I'm struggling with these two, I think its because they are asking for an actual event, I always struggle with these type of questions in interviews too!

go away from application and relax. They will come to you...

You could be right WorriedBetty! But I just want it finished and submitted

good to pick an exaple of initial bad service, that was then dealt with by excellent service eg ' bus drove away early from stop, missed bus, journey massive hassle meant I vowed never to use bus again, very disappointed. Wrote to comapny, apology free week pass, told me review timings, apology on behalf of driver, asked for suggestions of improvement'

They will be looking for 'strengthen relationship with he brand' 'reward me for my purchase' 'satisfied me they heard my feedback', 'I'm now an advocate for them' etc...

Thanks WorriedBetty that's great

Do you think I could talk about being made redundant for the 1st question, and as it asks for a couple of examples, perhaps doing my degree whilst working full time. Or do you think they want work examples?

Apologies for my poor grammar in the post above!

i.e

The key things I learned about myself from that experience are as follows:

1. I work well under pressure & in stressful situations
2. I hate being out of work, I am not the type of person who can just do 'nothing.'
3. I am optimistic and persistent in solving problems.
4. I am creative and resourceful

That all sounds like a good start.

And it does sound like they want 2 situations. As it's a graduate position it would be a bit odd to require work examples, just because not all new graduates will have them - but might well have non-work ones.

Keep going!

Thanks Duke, its a strange one really as I already work for the organisation but the position is also open to external candidates!

I have added the following:

The second event was completing my degree whilst continuing to work full time. The four key things I learned from this were as follows:

1. I thrive when I am learning new things.
2. I am very organised and good at time management.
3. I have learned to think outside the box.
4. There is always room for improvement and more to learn

I would write a bit more about the challenges of both the situations too - what was hard about it? (if the word limit allows it - am assuming there is one just cos there usually is)

Good point Duke thanks

I just wanted to thank you for all the input and feedback, it really helped and I really appreciate it!

The application is in... Fingers crossed

Good luck!