When it comes to job interviews, one of the most dreaded and challenging questions is often, "So, what will you bring to this role?" It's a moment when executive assistant candidates must succinctly convey their value and suitability for the position.
A unique and impactful one word response to this question can set you apart from the competition.
"TIME!"
Yes, just one word. But not just any word; it's a powerful word that can leave a lasting impression on your interviewer. Your choice to respond with "TIME" is deliberate and strategic, aimed at capturing their attention and prompting further inquiry.
After delivering this one-word response, it's essential to take a brief pause. This pause allows the message to sink in and generates anticipation for what comes next. In most cases, your interviewer will be curious and may ask you to elaborate on your answer. Occasionally, they might be momentarily stumped, but that's perfectly fine. Your goal is to seize the opportunity to explain your response in a way that showcases your potential value to the company.
When they request elaboration, here's how you can further clarify your response: Tell them that "Time is my ultimate goal. The specific approach will depend on the job's nature, making it challenging to outline precisely at this moment. However, let me provide an example..."
If you find that your pause has extended too long, don't hesitate to proactively share the same message to maintain the flow of the conversation. This is your chance to highlight your unique approach and problem-solving abilities.
To illustrate the concept of "TIME" as your value proposition, you should share a real-life scenario from your experience. For instance:
"I once analysed all the meetings my executive attended. After identifying that some occurred too frequently, many ran longer than necessary, and a few were entirely redundant, we managed to save between 10 to 15 hours of their monthly meeting time. This allowed my executive to allocate more time to their strategic objectives. An added benefit was that these time savings were magnified across all other meeting attendees, resulting in a significant increase in overall productivity."
By sharing this tangible example, you not only demonstrate your problem-solving skills but also show how your focus on time management can have a substantial impact on the organisation's productivity and efficiency. This approach underscores your ability to contribute to the company's success in a meaningful and measurable way.
The next time you find yourself in an interview and faced with the question, "So, what will you bring to this role?" remember the power of one word - TIME! This simple yet impactful response, combined with a well-prepared explanation, can leave a lasting impression and help you stand out as a candidate who brings valuable, results-driven skills to the table.
So, seize the moment, and make "TIME" your ally in unlocking success in your interviews.
About the Author:
Richard Arnott, BA, FInatAM, FIToL, is the Director of BMTG (UK) Ltd, and the author and lead presenter of the groundbreaking, globally recognised Advanced Certificate for the Executive Assistant: ACEA® program.
Please connect with Richard on Linkedin and please also join our LinkedIn group, "The Advanced Certificate for the Executive Assistant: ACEA®," to connect with a community of forward-thinking executive assistants committed to career growth and development.
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