Q1 Analytical Thinking

Q1 Analytical Thinking

Situation: During my business administration and marketing course, I participated in a school project that involved analyzing the performance of a local business and devising strategies to improve its profitability and market position. The project required me to identify the factors contributing to the business's underperformance and develop a comprehensive plan to maximize its profitability and competitiveness.

Task: I was involved in this project to identify the reasons behind the business's underperformance and develop strategies to address them. My objective was to analyze the data, break down the problem into its components, and devise effective solutions to improve the business's profitability and market position.

Action: To tackle this challenge, I began by collecting financial data, including sales figures, expenses, and profit margins, over a specific period. I organized this data using spreadsheets to gain a visual representation of the information. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the business's performance, I conducted a SWOT analysis, evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats affecting the business. Additionally, I analyzed market trends, competition, and emerging opportunities to identify key areas for improvement.

Based on my analysis, I identified several strategies to address the underperformance. These strategies included implementing a targeted marketing approach to reach new customer segments, expanding the business's online presence through social media and e-commerce platforms, and creating impactful promotional campaigns to increase brand awareness. I also focused on optimizing operational processes, such as streamlining inventory management, renegotiating supplier contracts, and implementing lean principles to reduce waste and enhance productivity.

Result: By applying analytical thinking to this school project, I successfully identified the factors contributing to the business's underperformance and developed actionable strategies to address them. The proposed marketing initiatives aimed to expand the customer base and increase market share, while the operational improvements focused on cost reduction and process efficiency.

Through the implementation of these strategies, the business experienced positive results. The targeted marketing campaigns led to increased brand awareness and customer engagement, resulting in higher sales. The operational optimizations reduced expenses and improved overall profitability. The business was able to regain its market position and achieve sustainable growth.

Apply: The skills and knowledge I gained from this project have been valuable in subsequent roles. For example, in my position as a marketing analyst, I have applied data analysis techniques to identify consumer trends, evaluate marketing campaigns, and optimize strategies. Additionally, I have leveraged my understanding of operational efficiency to drive process improvements and cost savings in various organizations.

Overall, this project provided me with a strong foundation in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. It enabled me to approach complex challenges with a structured mindset, break down problems into manageable components, and devise effective solutions.

Question 2 Service Orientation

Situation: During my time as a volunteer supervisor at the Canadian Cancer Society, I recognized the need to improve the user and client experience in order to provide better support and services to individuals affected by cancer. Many volunteers expressed concerns about the lack of resources and training, which hindered their ability to deliver compassionate and effective assistance. Understanding the importance of service orientation, I took the initiative to identify the needs and initiate a change in processes and procedures.

Task: My task was to ensure that volunteers felt supported and empowered to provide exceptional service to individuals affected by cancer. I aimed to create an environment that fostered teamwork, collaboration, and a client-centered approach to service delivery. By addressing the volunteers' concerns and improving the support structure, I sought to enhance the overall quality of service provided.

Action: To tackle this challenge, I first prioritized understanding the needs and expectations of the volunteers. I actively listened to their concerns, held individual meetings, and conducted surveys to gather feedback. This allowed me to gain insights into their goals, identify potential obstacles, and determine the best course of action.

Based on the feedback and observations, I implemented several strategies and practices to improve the user and client experience. Firstly, I organized comprehensive training sessions for new volunteers. These sessions covered topics such as active listening, effective communication, and understanding the emotional needs of individuals affected by cancer. By providing training that addressed the specific challenges they faced, I aimed to equip the volunteers with the necessary skills to carry out their roles effectively.

Additionally, I established a system of continuous support for the volunteers. I ensured that they had access to resources, such as informational materials and online databases, to assist them in providing accurate and up-to-date information to clients. I also encouraged regular communication and open dialogue, creating a supportive environment where volunteers could seek guidance, share experiences, and learn from one another.

To further enhance the user and client experience, I implemented a feedback mechanism that allowed volunteers to provide input on their interactions with clients and suggest improvements. I actively sought their perspectives and ideas, making them feel valued and involved in the decision-making process. This approach not only improved the quality of service provided but also fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the volunteers.

Result: The actions I took to improve the user and client experience had a positive impact on the volunteer team and the services provided by the Canadian Cancer Society. By prioritizing the needs of volunteers and addressing their concerns, I created a supportive environment that nurtured their personal and professional growth. Volunteers felt more confident and empowered to provide compassionate and effective assistance to individuals affected by cancer.

The comprehensive training sessions equipped volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the unique challenges faced by cancer patients and their families. This led to improved communication, increased empathy, and enhanced client satisfaction. Volunteers became better equipped to offer emotional support, provide relevant resources, and guide clients through their cancer journey.

The continuous support and open communication fostered collaboration and teamwork among the volunteers. They shared best practices, learned from one another's experiences, and collectively worked towards delivering exceptional service. This resulted in a more cohesive and effective volunteer team, ultimately benefiting the clients and the overall quality of service provided.

Apply: The experience gained as a volunteer supervisor at the Canadian Cancer Society has been highly transferable to other situations. It has influenced my approach to service orientation and the importance of addressing user and client needs. For example, in my current role as a project manager, I have applied similar principles by prioritizing stakeholder engagement, understanding their requirements, and fostering collaboration to deliver successful projects.

Furthermore, the experience has emphasized the significance of continuous improvement and the value of feedback in delivering exceptional service. I have integrated feedback mechanisms into various projects, allowing users and clients to provide input and actively participate in shaping the solutions that best meet their needs.

In conclusion, my experience as a volunteer supervisor at the Canadian Cancer Society exemplifies my commitment to service orientation and my ability to identify needs and initiate changes to improve the user and client experience. Through comprehensive training, continuous support, and open communication, I successfully fostered a client-centered environment that enhanced the quality of service provided. This experience has had a lasting impact on my approach to service delivery and has been instrumental in my professional growth.

Question 3 Sustained Learning and Development.

Situation: I decided to embark on a personal learning journey to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories. This commitment stemmed from my desire to foster better relationships and promote a more inclusive and respectful society in all settings.

Task: My task was to acquire knowledge and cultural competence that would enable me to build and maintain respectful and effective relationships with Indigenous people. I wanted to broaden my understanding of different forms of knowledge and become more self-aware of my own perspectives and biases. I recognized the importance of learning about different ways of thinking and acting to enhance my future interpersonal relations.

Action: To accomplish this, I proactively sought out various educational resources and experiences. I engaged in activities and initiatives that aimed to enhance my knowledge and cultural competence.

I began by immersing myself in history books and documentaries focused on Indigenous cultures and histories. I sought out reputable sources to ensure I was exposed to diverse perspectives and accurate information. This allowed me to gain a foundational understanding of the rich diversity and complexity of Indigenous cultures. I learned about different forms of Indigenous knowledge, including oral traditions, storytelling, and the connection to the land. This broadened my perspective and challenged me to see things from a different lens, moving away from relying solely on what was familiar to me.

In addition to self-study, I actively engaged with local Indigenous communities. I attended Indigenous cultural events, participated in workshops, and sought opportunities to interact with Indigenous individuals. These experiences provided me with firsthand exposure to cultural practices and allowed me to engage in meaningful conversations with community members. I approached these interactions with humility, respect, and a genuine desire to learn, fostering open and authentic dialogue.

To further enhance my cultural competence, I sought out workshops that focused on cultural sensitivity and Indigenous protocols. These workshops deepened my understanding of the historical context and the ongoing efforts of reconciliation. I learned about the importance of acknowledging traditional territories, protocols for engaging with Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers, and the significance of building relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

Moreover, I made a concerted effort to educate myself about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. I read reports and documents produced by these organizations to comprehend the systemic issues faced by Indigenous peoples and the necessary steps towards fostering reconciliation and social justice. This knowledge provided me with a broader perspective on the historical injustices and the importance of taking action to address them.

Result: Through my sustained learning and development efforts, I have gained a wealth of knowledge about Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives. This learning journey has provided me with a deeper appreciation for the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous peoples and the importance of reconciliation. It has broadened my understanding, increased my cultural agility, and enhanced my ability to build respectful and meaningful relationships with Indigenous individuals and communities.

By acquiring this knowledge, I have become more self-aware of my own perspectives and biases. I now approach interactions with Indigenous individuals with a greater level of cultural sensitivity and humility. I recognize the importance of listening, learning, and valuing diverse voices and experiences. This learning experience has had a profound impact on me personally, as it has transformed the way I perceive and engage with Indigenous cultures and histories.

Apply: I continue to apply the knowledge and cultural competence I have gained by actively engaging with Indigenous communities, seeking their guidance and knowledge, and respecting their cultural protocols. I understand the significance of working with diverse clients and communities in my professional role. I strive to create a work environment that values diversity and promotes inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.

In my current position, I actively listen to the needs and perspectives of diverse individuals and communities. I incorporate inclusive practices and strive to foster an environment that respects and celebrates cultural differences. By continuously expanding my knowledge and skills in Indigenous cultural competence through ongoing professional development, I can contribute to creating a workplace that values diversity and promotes meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities.

In conclusion, my personal commitment to learning about Indigenous cultures and histories has had a profound impact on my understanding and ability to build respectful and inclusive relationships. It has broadened my perspective, increased my cultural competence, and reinforced the importance of ongoing learning and development in fostering meaningful connections with diverse individuals and communities.

TWO QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWERS

Can you please share some insights into the team dynamics and collaborative culture within BC Public Services? How do team members typically collaborate and support each other in achieving departmental goals?

As someone who values professional growth and development, I'm curious about the opportunities for continuous learning and advancement within BC Public Services. Can you provide some information about the organization's commitment to employee development and any specific programs or initiatives currently in place?

HYPERLINK "https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.gov.bc.ca%2Fgov%2Fcontent%2Fcareers-myhr%2Fjob-seekers%2Fabout-competencies%2Fbehavioural-competencies&data=05%7C01%7Cfarzad.mortazavi%40student.kpu.ca%7C156f197869644c2cc87d08db79827d8c%7C66b9f62d3042495eaab6db86f21500c0%7C0%7C0%7C638237373579236496%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Npg4AForkxL9%2BaPSJUhD%2FF8X%2BeUOLYLqsyoNSI09qJk%3D&reserved=0" o "Original URL: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/job-seekers/about-competencies/behavioural-competencies. Click or tap if you trust this link." t "_blank"Behavioural competenciesthat apply to all supervisors, managers, and staff

Analytical thinkingPlanning, organizing, and coordinatingService orientationTeamwork and cooperationSustained learning and development

STAR technique used for behavioural questions:

When answering a behavioral question provide one specific example where you clearly demonstrate the behavioral competency associated with the question. If you have more than one example in mind, pick the one you feel shows the competency best. TheSTARtechnique provides a framework around which to provide your example to the interview panel:

Situation:Describe the situation. Be brief but give enough detail of the situation you were in or the problem that you faced so that the interviewer fully understands. Include when the situation occurred, where it took place, and who was involved. Use a specific example with enough detail that the interviewer fully understands. You may need to provide more background if context is critical to explaining your example.

Task:What was the task that needed to be completed? What was your specific role in the situation? Why were you involved? What were you expected/expecting to achieve?

Action:Actions should be the focus of your example. Be clear, concise, focus on what you did, not what you might do. Logically take the interviewer through the steps you took to handle the situation or resolve the problem. What were your actions? Use "I" not "we". Give enough detail that the panel will fully understand all your actions and why you took them. What did you do or say? Why did you take this approach? What did you think or feel? Who did you consult or interact with and why? What challenges did you face? How did you resolve them? This may include the behavior of others as it directly relates to your actions. Keep your answer clear and concise. Talk about what you did, not what you might do.

Result:What were the results of your actions? The results should link back to the task. Describe the results or outcome of your actions and the event. Describe what happened, what you accomplished and what you learned. This may include how you felt about the outcome and why.

Apply:Have you applied your learning to other situations? Provide a brief example of how you have generalized your learning.

Interview Assessment:

You will be assessed on 3 of the 5 competencies listed above.

Choose the most relevantoneexample you have that answers the question.

Do not make any assumptions in your responses - describe the example as if you were talking to someone who knows nothing about the example you are sharing.

Marks can only be given on the information you provide during the interview.

The interviewers may ask you follow-up or probing questions to obtain additional information or more clearly understand your responses.

Do not assume provide all relevant details.

Not just what you did, but why and how you did it.

Interview Tips:

Review the job description to get a sense of what is being looked for to be successful in the job.

Review all competencies in the job profile and think of examples where you demonstrated these competencies.

Examples can be from volunteering, work, or school.

Listen carefully to the follow up questions and answer them clearly and concisely.

You can take your notes with you into the interview. Make your notes brief and in bullet form, so that you can quickly look down and ensure you have not missed any key points.

The panel is interested in YOU say I, not we.

Read the competency definition and then the question - prepare your answer in context of the competency. Ensure your answer clearly demonstrates the competency while also answering the question given.

Write out your answers using the STAR headings do not forget to add how you applied your learning to another situation.

Practice with someone, asking them to time you and not to say anything until you are finished their questions will indicate the information you may have left out or not been clear on in your answer.

Tape yourself and listen.

Time your answer - should take between 9 and 11 minutes.

o Too quick you have left out important information.

o Too long you have too much information included.

Do not read directly from your notes.

Question 1: Analytical Thinking (Business/Marketing Topic)Analytical Thinking is the ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components and identifying key or underlying complex issues. It implies the ability to systematically organize and compare the various aspects of a problem or situation and determine cause-and-effect relationships ("if...then...") to resolve problems in a sound, decisive manner. Describe the project or situation that best demonstrates your analytical abilities (analytical thinking).Question 2. Service Orientation (Topic: Canadian Cancer Society)Service Orientation includes a desire to identify and serve customers/clients, who may include the public, co-workers, other branches/divisions, other ministries/agencies, other government organizations, and non-government organizations. It means focusing one's efforts on discovering and meeting the needs of the customer/client. Tell us about a time when you identified a need and initiated a change in process or procedures to improve user or client experience, or the quality of service provided. For this example, you can consider a client or clients to be any person or group that you served or supported in your role as an employee, a volunteer, or as a student.Question 3. Sustained Learning and Development (Topic: Ingenious) Sustained Learning & Development means continually increasing your ability to build and maintain respectful and effective relationships with Indigenous peoples. It includes an eagerness to continually reflect upon and assess your own level of cultural agility and competence, self-awareness, and expertise. It means being willing to learn in new and different ways and appreciating how diverse ways of thinking and acting can ensure the success of the BC Public Service in supporting Indigenous self-determination. Describe a time when you decided to learn something new without being prompted by school or work. Why did you want to learn it and how did you make it happen? Why did you go about it in this way? Follow-Up: How do you see yourself learning what you need to know in this position?