How to Show Patience in an Interview
When you go to a job interview, you may have to be patient as you wait your turn to interview or sit through answering the same questions with different interviewers. You might also have to answer questions about your experiences working in situations that required patience. In either case, your ability to remain patient during difficult circumstances is obvious in how you handle yourself during the interview and answer interview questions about patience. Prepare ahead of time to convey your ability to be patient in both instances.
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Instructions
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In the Interview
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Ask the employer what the next steps in the hiring process are at the end of the interview. You might also ask when a hiring decision will be made. If the employer gives a vague answer, don't ask for a more specific time frame. Choosing the right person to join the staff takes time and consideration. Keep your tone neutral or upbeat to avoid sounding impatient when you ask.
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2
Keep your legs from bouncing, your thumbs from twiddling and your eyes from looking at the clock above the interviewer's head. Don't constantly ask the secretary when your interview will start. If the interviewer is running late and you have to leave the interview before the interview starts, politely explain your situation and request a time to reschedule. Do this only in case of an emergency, such as when you have another appointment you have to keep.
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Write a letter to the interviewer two weeks after your interview to learn the status of your application and to ask if the employer needs more information to help him reach a decision.
Interview Questions
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Demonstrate that you have a positive attitude and adhere to high standards in difficult and stressful circumstances. This is particularly important when you answer questions about your ability to be patient. Discuss using specific stress-reducing methods to stay calm when others are provoking you.
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Discuss your communication skills and your ability to listen carefully to what a customer says. Demonstrate this by speaking to the point and clearly in your answers, with correct grammar and even pausing before you speak to make sure you've chosen the right words to say. Repeat a question back to make sure you've interpreted it correctly if you're unsure. You might also ask, "Could you tell me more about that?" to get more details about a particular question.
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Answer "Yes" if you're asked whether you're a patient person. Then provide specific examples to back up your answer.
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7
Discuss projects you've taken on that require significant time and patience to complete to further demonstrate your ability to be patient.
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