PROUDLY PRESENTS

Piotr Ratkiewicz
Resident of The USA and 3-DNET® VIP member
Email contact : piotr@exec.org

      

 

INTERVIEW WITH 3-DNET®

Listen to sample sound "bites" from the interview:  

Question 1 : Tell me about yourself

I am about perseverance. Every time I look at the goals that were set or projects undertaken I always seem to be rewarded for hard work and never letting it go. As most people who lived and worked in different countries I started my professional career many times over but I have never burned bridges. Every stage has brought new appreciation for the values of loyalty, honesty and a friendship. I have very satisfying family life and it lets me take up on new challenges and excel professionally because my goals are not about some vanity but about making things to be better.

Question:  "Tell me about yourself....?"  

Question 2 : What can you offer to your next employer ?

Exceptional combination of skills and great understanding of multicultural environment. I can comprehend, asses and resolve issues ranging from human resources, through financing and budgeting and ending with implementation of modern Electronic Data Interchange systems.

I know how to win people when necessary, safeguard companies from financial shortfalls and use current e-commerce technology to maximize profits. And I can deliver all those things in multinational environment balancing various cultures, neutralizing animosities and braking stereotypes.

Question:  "What can you offer....?"  

Question 3 : What are your strengths ?

I can keep an open mind and stay focused at the same time. Achieving goals and having people on the same page is much more important than being always right. If needed I can be very strict and adhere to guidelines but it rarely hurts to listen to people, adopt smart ideas and adjust procedures to get the project done.

Usually people with vision tend to neglect details and those who concentrate on particulars are not so good at pushing the envelope but I, do have that special ability to patiently analyze without losing sense of greater picture.

Question:  "What are your strengths?"  

Question 4 : What are your accomplishments ?

They are as diversified as my experiences.

At last position, for example, I was instrumental in damage prevention and forecasting. I had analyzed and drafted very complicated Letter of Credit. Vendor committed fraud but thanks to my special closes we were able to retain our accounts relationship and avoid multimillion-dollar loses.

At some earlier stage, having 0$ budget for outsourcing and training I have learned and installed both hardware and software for Electronic Data Interchange. Implementation of that system has enabled company to increase volume of sales by almost 400% in 5 years.

Question:  "What are your accomplishments?"  

Question 5 : What are your limitations ?

For the job at hand? I do not see limitations. If I did, I would not be taking your time. As I have already said – I am about perseverance, organizing and planning. Dwelling on shortcomings is not my style, improving things, is. Some people would say that I expect too much from my coworkers. It may be true but I expect even more from myself. it.

Question:  "What are your limitations ?"  

Question 6 : How much are you worth ?

I always look for my performance to determine my value. We all can go on some “salary.com“ database and put a figure to a position but my goal is to be motivated by well being of the company I work for. If you could tell me what you have in mind as far as responsibilities, starting point and future goals I would be glad to discuss details.

Question:  "How much are you worth ?"  

Question 7 : What are your ambitions for the future ?

I still would like to make a difference both in business and personal life and I want to do it in a manner of old time masters. Earn the respect, get better understanding of people and processes, gain new experiences and face greater responsibilities. I want to be in a position to be productive and be able to help others. In two words: “be better”. I have started my family life relatively late so I am looking for a long journey rather than fast racetrack.

Question:  "What are your ambitions for the future ?"  

Question 8 : How long would it take you start contributing to the firm? 

I have already done market research of operations, therefore I should be able to contribute right away! Once at my new post I will make it clear to all coworkers that I am there to help – this should reduce unnecessary anxiety, allow me to become productive and start working on real issues immediately. I understand that transition requires extra effort on my part and I am ready to make it.

Question:  "How long would it take ... ?"  

Question 9: What is your management style?

I have positively situational approach and I measure my success more by the goals collectively achieved than those enforced. My college teaching background gives me an advantage in multicultural and interpersonal relations. I specialize in simplifying complex tasks allowing all employees to better understand their particular mission resulting in increased productivity. I am fair but demanding, well organized but flexible, knowing when to reward but also straightforward in correcting mistakes.

Question:  "What is your management style .... ?"  

Question 10: Why do you think you have a good potential to be a manager?

If one can make people listen attentively, make them understand issues at hand and get them to do their best to contribute toward task completion than most certainly, one has a potential to be a manager.

I have that ability and what is even more important I do have years of experience in getting people and things to work better, more efficient and productive. I lead by example and am not afraid to roll up my sleeves to motivate employees. “Let’s do it” is my motto.

Question:  "Why do you think you..... ?"  

Question 11: What would you look for in hiring people?

Quite obviously I would look for people like myself. Hard working, goal oriented, focused on cost reduction and productivity. People who are loyal yet energetic, dynamic yet organized. My legal background gives me advantage in interviewing people and discovering their potential. On the other hand I have great appreciation for diversity and never mold people to some abstract image. Good manager should be able to achieve positive results and get the job done regardless of personalities, lifestyles or preferences. Bringing people together to achieve common objective is what really counts.

Question:  "What would you look for hiring .... ?"  

Question 12: As a manager, have you ever had to fire someone?

This comes with territory. I would always try to motivate employees to adjust their ways before asking them to leave and usually it works. People under-perform for different reasons and a little bit of patience and understanding can obligate them to give something extra in return. On the other hand, dishonesty and willful negligence have to be discontinued immediately. As a lawyer I have understanding of how to handle those situations to preserve both employers interests and workers dignity.

Question:  "As a manager, have you ever..... ?"  

Question 13: What do you see as the most difficult task of being a manager?

I like management because it creates new value greater than just the sum of the elements. I do enjoy all functions including those other professionals dread, like reports or being responsible for people’s live. If I find something difficult in management that would be situation in which I have no control of the outcome of my actions. Have I already told you that my ambition is to work at the highest possible level? That is exactly why.

Question:  "What do you see as...... ?"  

Question 14: Describe what you feel is the best work environment?

I see here two perspectives. Personally I thrive in chaos. Dealing with multiple projects, cultures, timelines and attitudes releases my full potential. On the management side, however, I really like things to be in order from conception to fruition. Getting those two opposites to work and being able to coordinate efforts of peers, employees and outside sources is my best work environment. Having multiple task environment is also beneficial to employees: each can find their own niche and maximize their potential.

Question:  "Describe what you feel..... ?"  

Question 15: Looking back how do you describe your past employer?

It was a melting pot of ideas, personalities, hard line statements and ever changing elements. It was a marketplace for vanities, colorful characters and shrewd businessman but also a major arena of project planning and execution. I have been simultaneously directing operations of three separate designer houses, coordinating common aspects of financing, production, logistics and multinational distribution. Job was absolutely challenging and gave me great deal of experience and business confidence.

Question:  "Looking back how do you ..... ?"  

Question 16: What have you done to increase productivity, performance, efficiency, etc..?

Savings and streamlining of operations is my game. I have stimulated competition between overseas companies and achieved substantial cost reduction by forcing suppliers to continuously adjust their rates. My EDI implementation has reshaped invoicing procedures by switching to paperless processing, reducing cost and eliminating Accounts Receivable chargebacks. I have simplified foreign payment process by persuading suppliers to accept delivery on terms and wire transfers instead of customary Letter of Credit.

Question:  "What have you done to .... ?"  

Question 17: Whether you are a "computer wizard", how do you respond to the financial side of your responsibilities?

I do believe that companies enter business to make money. If I am in charge, my primary goal is bottom line. How we go about it, our style, personalities, preferences or animosities are important only as long as business we run is healthy. Even best of atmospheres and most creative environment are useless if they cannot be translated into positive market value.

Question:  "Whether you are a "computer wizard".... ?"  

Question 18: How many people have you supervised in your recent job?

Immediate staff I supervised was around 15 people but my decisions had much greater range. I developed procedures, implemented technology and created structures demanding proper execution and compliance. My personal way of doing business was felt by managers and workers of multiple enterprises as much as if I were sitting next to them. .

Question:  "How many people have you .... ?"  

Question 19: What do you like more, working with figures or words?

I see no distinction. Figures can be as inspiring as a good book and words can be as unappealing as financial statement for a two-dollar account. I love color and texture of languages (there was a time when I was making living translating movie dialogues) but I equally admire logic and precision. I guess it all comes from classic philosophy background going back to the university years.

Question:  "What do you like more ..... ?"  

Question 20: How do you think that your subordinates receive you?

I do hope that most of them would tell you that I was fair and supportive. They should also remember that I was demanding, working hard and asking people to share my values of equal opportunities, dignity, efficiency and honesty. I did not try to win people’s heart by letting them float around but most certainly I should have their respect for always being direct and up-front.

Question:  "How do you think .... ?"  

Question 21: What do you think of your previous boss?

If there ever was a self-made man it was my previous boss. Business was very often charged with personal attitudes but one also had sense of immediate accountability and reward. I have learned to work in tough environment and defend my position whenever necessary. At some other point I had been working for a President of University, a philosopher both by profession and hart, who would never shay away from difficult issues but could approach them with civility and sophistication necessary in academic world. I have gained great respect for driving force of personality and adopted calm logical way to deal with issues and people.

Question:  "What do you think .... ?"  

Question 22: Describe a situation in which your work was criticized?

I guess that only those who do nothing are not getting criticized. I often encourage criticism myself. One is not capable of objective self-examination so the only way to improve oneself is to obtain critique and learn. When I am being told my budget calculation is wrong I would rather hear “why” than get upset. I do not argue with facts. Someone once said that I was too “dry”. I took a long look at myself and now my attitude is warmer and more outgoing.

Question:  "Describe a situation .... ?"  

Question 23: If I spoke with your boss what he would say about your greatest strength and weaknesses?

He would probably tell you that I am, as in that famous infomercial, “set it and forget it” person. Once we agree on a goal I will deliver it with accuracy and safety without unnecessary ado and hesitation. I always bring balanced budget and can motivate and inspire people to get their best performance. He may also say that I can be judgmental but he will bring it up as a compliment, because even though I form strong opinions they do not stop me from using versatile means to get the job done.

Question:  "If I spoke with your boss.... ?"  

Question 24: How can you handle life under pressure and with tough deadlines?

As I have already mentioned, stress and deadlines are my inspirations. Rush of an emergency is a good start but, being business process controller, I often win because I create organized, stable and predictable environment for those who need calm and order to excel. I put fire under sales force but as far as budget and operations are concerned I will rather foresee problems and prevent damages.

Question:  "How can you handle .... ?"  

Question 25: What do you think you do better: staff work or line work?

This would be a good question for an artist or a mechanic. I am an organizer and coordinator therefore I do not separate staff from line work. Either I have to do both good or hire people who would help me out in some aspects. Once I know what is needed I shall gladly work with people of all walks of life and, if necessary, put my own hands on, to shape things into final product.

Question:  "What do you think.... ?"  

Question 26: In your current position, what problem have you identified that was previously overlooked?

My company had a problem with timely deliveries from overseas sources even though our foreign offices were closely involved in monitoring. The prevailing wisdom was that no matter what we try our counterparts would find a way not to comply. By carefully analyzing time line of production, logistics and delivery I have identified areas of miscommunication between various subjects involved in the process and by introducing centralized information interchange I was able to eliminate unnecessary lose of time. That in turn not only improved accuracy but also brought down the cost of consolidation.

Question:  "In your current position .... ?"  

Question 27: If you had a choice of job and a company what would you choose?

Again. I do not see why those two should be opposite. For me, job is a company and a company is a job. As long as I have challenges in both areas I am motivated to do better. My focus is on achieving goals. If the company is great it will be my business to make a job great. If I do great job it will most certainly improve the company.

Question:  "If you had a choice of job.... ?"  

Question 28:Do you have any objection to take a psychological test?

I find psychological tests to be good learning experience. Regardless of how well we think we know ourselves there is always some new aspect to study and improve so I do welcome those tests.

Question:  "Do you have any objection.... ?"  

Question 29: Do you consider yourself as a creative person?

Yes. Life is like a big puzzle that can be shaped in many ways. Sometimes people will assume that creative means talented and immediately add: emotional, self-serving, all about ego. To me it means most of all: effective. Do not expect me to dance at an opera house but if you ask me to prevent one from going out of business I shall look for creative means to do so.

Question:  "Do you consider yourself.... ?"  

Question 30: How do you describe your personality?

I am a healthy mix of good ingredients. Extraverted by nature I find it quite pleasing to sometimes stop and reflect. I am intuitive and logical. I tend to plan and organize business but on the other hand I do enjoy time with my family and friends, when things just happen at their own pace.

Question:  "How do you describe.... ?"  

Question 31: What is your outside reading you do?

I really like to read news services in two - three different languages, presented by different sources and agencies. It is amazing how same facts evolve while stories are being translated. We create our own parallel universe. Quite often I would go back to the roots and read on philosophy, history and arts but I also stay current on information technology and commerce. Lately I also read children books and I must admit – it is refreshing.

Question:  "What is your outside.... ?"  

Question 32: What are some of your outside activities?

At work I always strive to meet deadlines, organize and improve - at home I am different. I would relax, reflect on the day, read. I find time to go hiking, take kids for a walk in a park or to a playground, spend a day at the beach. Friends are very important to me so I do have people in and out of the house all weekend long. I enjoy cooking and, as surprising as it may seem, it lets me perform better at work – timing is the secret.

Question:  "What are some of.... ?"  

Question 33: Are you continuing your education?

I do hope I shall learn something new every day. I study ideas, people and situations and never believe in not being able to learn new tricks. Having extensive formal education, masters degree from Law School, methodology and logic background from studies of philosophy, education techniques from the days of college, and great experience I am very well prepared to participate in today’s world marketplace.

Question:  "Are you continuing your.... ?"  

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