Unique and Special

I have often encountered the following interview questions:

·               What makes you the best person for the job?

·               Why should I hire you?

I think both of the above questions imply that the interviewee needs to be competitively more educated, more experienced, and more able than a colleague. To me my reason for applying for a job is to work in a collegial atmosphere with equals and for equals. So I think it is better to ask what makes me unique and special.

My answer has to do with the way I view the people I serve and serve with. Whether you call them customers of guests, patients or clients, or consumers of a service, they are human beings. When trying to sell a good or service to a potential customer, I believe it is absolutely necessary to know in your heart that those who employ you to perform a service or create a product deserve the best you have to give.

As a teacher that means

·                  I come to work prepared and organized

·                  My students are not animals corralled and made to wait

·                  Nor are they soldiers marching in step and following orders

·                  Students are all different as their fingerprints

·                  Lessons have a plan and flow

·                  Activities enhance and deepen the lesson and have authentic application

·                  Homework gives meaningful practice

·                  I am always improving myself and my practice

As a writer that means

·               My readers deserve reading that is easy to follow

·               My readers need a reason to read

·               They do not all like the same thing presented in the same way

·               They deserve nonfiction that is factual

·               They deserve fiction and nonfiction that entertains

·               They deserve stories that honor their intelligence

·               They deserve information they can use

·               They deserve material that makes them think

·               I am always working to improve my skills

Since I am also a student, reader, and purchaser of goods and services I have expectations that if not fulfilled will cause me to look elsewhere. I expect of myself no less than I expect of others.

·                     I do not want a push to buy or buy into anything that is not well organized

o        I expect treatment like I am a valued human being

o        I expect to understand and be understood

o        I expect high quality

o        I deserve goods and services that will enhance my life

o        I deserve material that is factual

o        I deserve goods and services that stimulate my curiosity and creativity

o        Consider my financial, physical, spiritual and intellectual well being

My view of the students and customers is why you should contract with me. I am just as intelligent, knowledgeable as all the others. But I will give you the best service based on the way I treat and value my clients, students and readers the same as I deserve to be treated and valued.