The other day, at an interview, I was asked to explain a team-like situation. A rather general, yet common question to be asked during an interview, I was hard pressed to come up with an exact situation. I thought back to my days on my high school swim team and my time on my class board here at SHU, but nothing seemed substantial enough to share.
After a brief pause, I began telling a story about my group project in International Business. This project consisted of bringing an established U.S.company to a foreign city. Each group had to put together a cohesive presentation, as well as bound book, describing the foreign city, the U.S. Company, and how the company would thrive in the foreign city.
When meeting with my group, I felt as though I took on the role of team leader. I helped to assign parts, set deadlines, and compile final drafts. I felt that this role, as well as story, helped to describe my character and my “drive;” a drive that would be ideal for a future employee.
Once the interview was over, the interviewer met with me to provide me with pointers for future interviews. In a less than diplomatic fashion, the interviewer told me that I would never be employed because of my inclination to take the lead on a project. Being professional, I thanked him for his criticism, but on the inside I was hurt and confused.
For the longest time I thought that leadership positions were crucial in being a superior candidate for employment. That thought is what drove me to apply for positions in student government, on team, and in projects. More importantly, it is that exact thought that led me to tell the story about my “taking charge” in International Business.
As I sit here now, reminiscing about the interview, I can’t help but wonder:
Is it better to stand out…or just be part of the crowd?
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