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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

How do you usually handle criticism?
I try to handle criticism by first determining why I am being criticised, then listening to what is really being said. I thrive on constructive criticism, but I don't tolerate personal attacks. The first thing to determine is whether the problem is a personal or professional one. If someone is upset by the way I am handling something because of personal reactions, I try to see if there is a way I can smooth things out by apologizing or approaching that person in a different way. If the criticism is professional, I would ask for suggestions on how I can solve the problem, and implement those suggestions if they seem productive for the project or organization. I don't take offence easily. I honestly want to do the best job possible and I believe that none of us improve or learn if we don't listen to well-intentioned advice from collegues. I also believe that a team works somewhat like a family. We can't always choose who we work with, but we can make the best of it and personal strength comes out of facing and conquering weakness.

What are some of the things that motivate you?
I don't like to go to bed at night feeling like I haven't done anything worthwhile during the day. I have a sincere desire to help people. I want to be someone they can rely on. I really put myself into my work on a personal level, and I want to be thought of as a real person who cares about what I'm doing and the people I'm doing it for and with.

Because of the level of committment I make to my work, I want to make sure I work for and with people who share my values of integrity, quality and service. My work environment is very important to me. Although I expect to be adequately compensated, I am not simply searching for the highest paying job out there. What I'm doing and where I'm doing it are much more important factors.

What are your work-related goals for the next few years?
I wouldn't mind taking a few temporary or contract positions until I find a place where I really feel like I can contribute long-term. Ideally, I'm looking for a job where I can be a member of a team with good synergy. IT people are a unique bunch and it's very rewarding to work in a group that you fit well in, each member providing their own unique skillset and viewpoints.

What makes you unique and why should we hire you over any of our other candidates?
Part of what makes me unique is my communication skills. A lot of good IT people tend to be heavy on the technical skills but less able to communicate to management or end users who don't speak their techno-language. I do have a solid background of hard-core technical skills, but I am unique in my ability to explain the steps and choices necessary in an IT project to a the layman. Every team needs a bridgemaker. Someone who brings the other members together on a project and facilitates brainstorming and collaboration. That's a niche I tend to fill naturally.