How many days were you absent from work last year?

"I had zero unexcused absences last year. I took 12 vacation days out of my 15 allotted days. I was sick just 2, and a note from my Doctor accompanied those. Once I was late due to a terrible snow storm, but I always try to be 10 minutes early for my shift."

Any employer wants to ensure that a potential candidate will increase the functionality of their department's operations and contribute to their team. Whenever a candidate has attendance issues, this can put a strain on the rest of the team, cause stress, and hurt morale, causing the rest of their employees to burn out faster. The best way to approach this question is to address as many of their time management concerns as possible. Highlighting your approach to time management could assure them you'll be a reliable employee.

"I cannot recall the exact number, but I think it was around three days total. All absences were excused and with notice."

How many other jobs are you applying for?

"Yes, I am active in my job search and am in the final interview stages with another organization. I believe with any project, it's important to remain flexible and keep all options open until I make a commitment. Integrity is one of my core values. But until then, I approach a job search as I would any project. I need to stay organized, implement systems to ensure I am successful in my goals, and manage my time well, keeping an eye out for all viable positions with great organizations that feel like a good fit for everyone involved. I can assure you that this role would be a top choice for me if offered."

Job hunting is a numbers game. Your interviewer is gauging what level of urgency you have for finding gainful employment. They'll also evaluate how desirable of a candidate you seem based on how many other interviews you have lined up. Lastly, they'll be looking for indications of how they rank among the other companies you're interviewing with. Honesty is a prudent approach when answering this question. Keep an organized binder, for your eyes only, with every personalized resume and cover letter you've submitted to each position. Your interviewer will have something similar for all the candidates. This will market you as a viable candidate and put a little fire under the hiring manager if they are aware that you are actively looking for a new position and you come across as a viable candidate. Feel free to talk with the interviewer about your search so far, and don't hesitate to let them know that a role with them is at the top of your wishlist.

Why should we hire you to work at National Grid?

"You should hire me because I am unlike anyone else you have interviewed. When I started with my current company, I was the youngest salesperson they had ever hired. That didn't stop me from becoming the #1 sales person in the company within six months. I am dedicated to my craft and engaged in the energy industry to the point where I commit myself to taking at least one business development or leadership-related workshop every business quarter. I am a competitive achiever who will show full appreciation for your professional development opportunities. You won't be disappointed when you hire me."

If you can't think of ways that you are unique, ask a few friends or family members what they feel sets you apart from the other candidates in the pool. Their observations may help you understand how others perceive you.Perhaps you already know what sets you apart! This answer could include industry accolades, extraordinary achievements, additional industry-related training, comments or praise you regularly receive from your colleagues, a second language, or how involved you are in the community. Don't be afraid to brag about yourself a bit. In an interview, you are your most influential advocate.

"When I read the job description, I smiled because it was as though you had written it with me in mind. I am the best candidate for this role because I consistently exceed goals and know the energy industry. Also, I was the fastest promoted in my previous position and have led the rollout of new markets in my current position, making me ideally positioned to help you continue to build your sales organization and markets and exceed financial metrics. Not to mention, I am looking for a company that I can stay with for the long haul, something that you mentioned you value."

How do you feel that National Grid stands out from industry competitors?

"I have researched National Grid Inc. and Company ABC and XYZ as I believe those to be the strongest competitors in this industry. One thing that stands out is that National Grid Inc. puts a stronger and more positive emphasis on environmental concerns. Your involvement with community concerns and innovative technology is also inspiring."

Research National Grid Inc. and the competitive space before your interview. How in-depth you've prepared for this interview will indicate how well you would perform for your work. Tell the interviewer how they stand out from other energy-focused organizations. Keep your answer positive and to the point.

"National Grid has been around longer than many competitors, and your name is often mentioned in the news and other industry-leading publications. I feel this sets you apart in your industry and sets you up as an industry expert and influencer."

"I only had experience with one other industry competitor, and from my experience, National Grid seems much more organized."

What are your thoughts on the stance environmentalists take against some of our industry practices?

"There are many hot topics in the energy industry. I am no stranger to controversy, which is why I seek to work for a reputable organization such as National Grid Inc. One recent topic that has caught my attention is the oil drilling activity in West Africa. I've been following many environmentalist blogs to get a well-rounded view of the controversy. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if I am confident in our ethics, that's all I need."

The energy industry is rarely free of criticism. Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on this hot topic. The more informed you are regarding this topic, the more you'll be able to offer an objective, unbiased perspective. Such topics are rarely black and white, especially regarding sustainability and capitalist industries providing an indispensable service with an embedded infrastructure that is relied upon globally. You can show the interviewer that you keep up to date on industry news and have a well-researched, valuable opinion.

"I respect what environmentalists are attempting to achieve, and I agree with much of it, but I disagree with how some extremists portray our industry. Our industry is vital, and sometimes the extreme environmentalists do not appear to understand that or care to learn."

"I think they are critical for pushing the energy industry toward cleaner energy and come very headstrong. Changes take time, but they are important to keep pushing that change forward."

Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?

"I feel that employees should be paid and rewarded based on their performance. A new employee would be greatly motivated through being rewarded for performance, and it would encourage healthy competition with tenured employees."

Your answer to this question could be a soft reveal of your approach to your work. A person who puts in the bare minimum, simply meeting expectations and adhering to the responsibilities of their position, might feel as if their consistency and steady years of reliable service should be rewarded over those with less seniority. Whereas those who have less tenure but consistently perform above and beyond, exceeding expectations, putting their all in, might have attained the same level of experience as that tenured employee who cruises along, rarely leading or challenging themselves to step outside of their comfort zone. How you answer might indicate which of these two employee types best matches your work style. Discuss your opinion with the interviewer and back your answer with an example.

"I feel performance and experience should be equally rewarded and weighted."

At National Grid, we use a variety of robust internal software programs. Do you consider yourself tech-savvy and a fast learner?

"I am an advanced level user in all the programs used in my current company. I saw in your job posting that you use X, Y, and Z at National Grid Inc. I am familiar with how these programs work. I pick up on new technology quickly, and I am willing to get a head start through helpful online tutorials so that I am up to speed on my first day with National Grid Inc."

Many energy companies will use robust software programs you may not have even heard of. Because of this, you may not have the exact experience that National Grid Inc. is looking for. Do not fret! If National Grid Inc. has its programs listed in the job posting. Research those programs before your interview to gain cursory knowledge of them so that the nuances of this question aren't lost on you. This is a great opportunity to showcase one of your soft skills. If you have an aptitude for learning new software in short time frames, this is a skill you want to advertise. Show the interviewer that you are tech-savvy and a fast learner. Offer an example of a time you were challenged to learn a new software suite and how quickly you became fully versed in it and started training others. Go the extra mile every time.

"I've taken some computer programming courses and worked part-time evenings as an IT support person while attending University. I consider myself to be technically inclined. Could you share with me the primary programs you use at National Grid?"

"Yes, I do; at my previous internship, I was able to pick up multiple programs quickly."

Tell me about yourself.

"I am a competitive individual who is driven and likes to win. In addition to my successful sales career, I also spend time playing competitive sports. I give back by volunteering at the local animal shelter and working for several annual fundraisers in our community."

When an interviewer asks an open-ended question like this, it can be difficult to know where to begin and end! This question haunts many individuals who may accidentally go a little too in-depth into their personal lives. It happens. Keep your reply light and centered on your professional development. Feel free to share aspects of your personal life, such as what prompted you to pursue your career, mentors you knew growing up, why you chose the University you attended, and any hobbies or activities that showcase your dedication or follow through. Discuss anything and everything that displays your dedication, ambition, and hard work. Share how you became interested in this career path and what you enjoy about it. This question is an excellent opportunity to describe yourself by discussing the strengths and qualities that you offer.

"I am a passionate, excited team player who loves to learn on the fly and take the lead when possible, and I have a proven track record of success. I'm loyal and have shown that through my decade-long career at one employer. I have risen through their ranks and am ready to take on the next challenge. Outside work, I love to travel and do DIY projects in my home."

What accomplishment do you believe was the most difficult to achieve in your most recent position?

"I feel that the most difficult accomplishments for me were the three back-to-back promotions in my current company. Because promotions are granted based on results, I had to put in a lot of overtime hours and hustle to get there."

This is an opportunity to demonstrate your dedication to your career goals and professional development. Examine your five-year career goals and determine which of those goals you were able to check off as completed milestones in your career journey. Figure out which ones were the most difficult to accomplish. Explain why it was difficult, whether the opportunity took a while to present itself to you logistically, or whether the challenge itself was difficult to complete once it was underway. Highlight why it was a milestone, the steps you undertook to seize the opportunity, and how you succeeded. Follow it up with the challenges you eagerly anticipate next.

"My most challenging accomplishment was boosting employee morale, decreasing turnover, and increasing productivity. After the year they had, it was not easy to take over, gain their trust, and put a smile back on their faces."

Do people see you as a trustworthy individual?

"I am often told that I am an honest and trustworthy individual, and you will be able to hear that directly from my supervisor when you call for a reference. I hold honesty and trustworthiness as fundamental virtues."

It is easy to say that you are trustworthy and honest, but it's best if you can back it up with a review or words from a previous supervisor, a professional letter of recommendation, or solid references. Honesty is an examination of perception and motives. But this question isn't about subjectivity or the logistics of honesty. This question assesses your self-image and virtue. The semantics of your answer will expose any disguised motives, so choose your words carefully. Demonstrate your integrity and what your word means to you. Touch on your approach to emotionally confusing situations and how your honesty influences your responses. Explain that you see great value in transparency while constantly adhering to the chain of command.

"My friends and family rely on me heavily because I am trustworthy and honest. They can count on me to be straightforward with them and depend on me to be there when it matters most."

How do you deal with uncomfortable situations?

"I have had my share of awkward situations, and having raised two kids, I am no stranger to them! In the workplace, if an uncomfortable situation arises, I face the issue head-on but tactfully. Sweeping things under the rug rarely helps. I have no problem being open with my team or colleagues if I am not feeling comfortable in a particular situation."

Often, any work environment holds the possibility of awkward or tense situations. It can be challenging to know how to respond when you have a moody coworker or a coworker who lacks social skills and continually asks inappropriate questions. This question aims to answer a few things about your workplace personality. Your response will highlight your experience levels with your communication skills, your emotional intelligence, how you establish boundaries, and how professionally you present yourself.

"I have learned over the years that if something makes me uncomfortable, I better dive right in. Change and growth happen outside of your comfort zone. I embrace this!"

"I like to face them head-on because avoiding them doesn't do any good or solve the problem but sometimes stepping back and reassessing the situation is also a good strategy."

Tell me about a professional goal you set for yourself. What did you do to ensure you achieved that goal?

"When I first developed my five-year career plan just as I started college, I found myself adjusting it every day. Then it was every week. Soon I was adjusting every month and redrawing the plan from scratch every year. Before long, my time management skill substantially improved. I found I didn't need to readjust my plan as often and started meeting my goal with increased frequency. Now I am consistent in delivering. The secret to my success in this regard is flexibility and adaptability. I never give up. I adapt and adjust."

They're interested in how you approach your career and how you go about executing the objectives you set for yourself. Your answer could provide insights into your time management skills, systems approach, and general work style. You want your communication, time management, and project management skills to come across as second nature. Seize this opportunity to walk the walk and talk the talk.

What are your salary expectations?

"I currently earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year, my earnings were $52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example. Feel free to list off other benefits that factor into your budgetary concerns, such as benefits -health, dental, vision, 401K, PTO, commission, bonuses, etc. - cost of living, and how frequently pay raises occur. Be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise.

"I currently make $100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."

How would you describe the distinction between working hard and working smart?

"One should always do both. They're not mutually exclusive either. I start every job by working hard and evaluating where there is room for improvement. Once I get the hang of something, I'll evaluate how I can kaizen an opportunity. First, focus on quality, then quantity. By the end, it should take me less effort to produce the same content."

The terminology of this question boils down to hard work equating to taxing and exerting work. Working smart speaks to your ability to effectively manage your time, prioritizing, organizing, and approaching a project or any given task strategically. Your answer to this question will speak to your experience level, work style, and work ethic based on your basic understanding of the difference between the two. Acknowledge there's a time and place for working smarter over working harder. Working smarter can cut down on the hard work you put in.

"I think there are employees who thrive on working harder. That's their work style. Then there's the other camp that examines everything analytically, and their work style is working smarter. When you look at this from a leadership perspective, you can identify the merits and proper placement for both. Promoting strengths and never exploiting others' weaknesses is my approach. On an individual level, when I am not delegating a team and placing those team players according to their skills and work styles, I'd say I typically approach everything from a working-smarter perspective. The only exception is where I need to work hard side by side with the rest of the team to set the pace and boost morale, but that, in a way, is working smarter and harder simultaneously, don't you think?"

What questions do you have for me?

"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? Also, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates also interviewing for this position?"

Remember, you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Coming into an interview with no prepared questions suggests that you are trying to find any old job anywhere and aren't any more or less excited about this job over another. Review the company website and other online resources to ensure your questions are not mundane, redundant, or easily answered online. Asking questions that you could have answered yourself only makes you seem ill-prepared. Here are some sample questions: - Is there a deadline for filling this position- How long has the rest of the team been shouldering the burden of this job vacancy- Is this a newly created role; If not, what kind of shoes will the new hire be filling in this role; Will it be difficult to be received by the rest of the team- What's your favorite aspect of working here- Is there advancement opportunity for this role- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months- Is there anything from my background and experience I can clarify for you - What do you see as the most significant change in this industry over the past three years- Is there any reason you would not hire me

Tell me about a time you received criticism from your manager. How did you react, and what actions did you take?

"I was instructed to create some presentations for our events. After my manager reviewed my work, some of the slides required an additional copy, and he had different design concepts in mind. He had a background in graphic design, and since I do not, I listened to his ideas and incorporated them. I thought they looked very professional, and in the following presentations, I tried to include those design concepts."

When you think about examples of criticism, it's best to show that you want to grow as an employee and take constructive criticism in stride, considering it an opportunity for growth.How you present your example will inform them of your emotional intelligence and general attitude. Your answer will also help the interviewer ascertain how well you would be able to communicate in the position you're interviewing for. Be humble. Present yourself as calm and professional, holding yourself to a higher standard, always striving to top your best performance and learn and grow.

"I was eager to climb the ranks in my most recent position. My manager and the VP of Sales appreciated this hunger and grit. However, I received the feedback that I needed to slow down. As frustrating as it was, I listened. I dedicated my time to learning as much as I could in my current position and paced myself much better post-feedback."

Tell me about your experiences delivering presentations in front of large groups.

"In my past two roles, I have been responsible for regularly presenting to my team of 43 staff and our warehouse team of over 200. I have taken a couple of Toastmasters sessions which helped a great deal. I am a confident public speaker."

Public speaking can be intimidating. Often, an individual who is capable of doing so or makes a habit of stepping outside of their comfort zone exhibits signs of leadership potential. Assure the interviewer that you can communicate well in front of large groups. Think about any courses or training you've taken in public speaking. Perhaps you have so much experience that it comes as second nature. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of giving presentations.

"Presenting to large groups is a big part of successfully rolling out great communications to teams organization-wide. I have experience preparing the deck to be presented to ensure it is simple and thorough. I utilize different communication techniques to make a presentation fun, interesting, and engaging."

How do you approach poor communication from your superiors?

"If I have a supervisor who does not properly communicate with me, I try to learn their style of communication and emulate it. Sometimes, you have to relate to others in their style to be understood."

This is a test of your communication skills. You cannot force others to communicate with you in a way you prefer. In these situations, the stronger communicator will adapt their communication style to the other's, taking every measure to ensure things run smoothly. Talk to the interviewer about a time you handled a supervisor with poor communication skills.Your answer could reveal how you deal with those in positions of authority and clue them into your efforts to ensure the message they are sending you is the message received. Not doing so could prevent rework. Detail your receptiveness while showcasing above-average communication skills. Detail what you learned from the exchange, if anything. How you answer this question will help ascertain how well you would communicate and guarantee your quality of work meets the standard you've set for yourself.

"I worked for a previous supervisor who was incredibly brief in his communication. Many times, I would have to put the pieces together for myself. I worked through it, and it taught me independent thought."

Policies and regulations often change in the energy sector. How do you stay up to date on industry changes?

"To stay up to date on industry changes, I read the Breaking Energy publication daily. Also, I follow a blog on remediation law. I am very interested in the changes in the energy sector and find the regulatory news section on your website very resourceful."

Showcase your genuine interest in the energy sector by refreshing yourself on any industry developments or trends. List off any publications, podcasts, or TED Talks you follow. Share any developments you are excited about which might generate conversation. If you use National Grid Inc. as an information resource, mention that as well.

"I have google alerts set up, using keywords related directly to my niche. These help me stay on top of any industry or regulatory changes, and they save me the time to comb through countless publications to keep up. I also follow National Grid posts on sustainability and environmental concerns regularly."

At National Grid, we seek to hire individuals with related post-secondary education. Walk me through your formal education.

"I have a Master's degree in Energy Systems Management from the University of San Francisco. I graduated with honors, which I am proud of."

Your post-secondary details will probably be on your resume; however, the interviewer would like you to go into further detail. Discuss your degree, the areas in which you excelled, and any awards or recognition you received. Offer life-changing moments through your mentorship with a professor, hands-on experience, or career-altering conversations that furthered you down your career path - anything that doesn't translate to paper from those experiential years.

"My Bachelor's degree is in Business Administration which is not directly related to what you do at National Grid. With that said, I learned a lot about organizational development, behavior, and project management. These skills will certainly help me in this role."

"I will be graduating in May with a degree in civil engineering, so many of my classes involve design and planning work involving programs like Revit, AutoCAD, and synchro. I also have classes involving professional practices that taught me how to be professional and ethically. 2 of my classes were construction estimating and project management, which is directly related to this role's key accountabilities of managing multiple jobs on a certain budget and time constraints."

Tell me about a time your mood altered your performance (positively or negatively).

"I am happy-go-lucky who sees the glass as half full. I've worked with a negative energy personality, and what they say is true - misery loves company. If I'm ever feeling low or discouraged, I have several tricks I employ to turn my mood around and maintain a can-do attitude."

Your interviewer is interested in the emotional impact you might have on their work environment. This question focuses on your emotional intelligence. Anyone's mood can alter their productivity. Dramatic mood swings will probably negatively impact your productivity and those around you. Someone with a pessimistic perception of the world may likely impact the outlook of other team members. Focus on the positives.

There’s a lot of regulatory bureaucracy surrounding energy-related projects. Are you accustomed to waiting on logistics and policy during your projects?

"I understand that the energy industry is privy to many policy changes, and I am accustomed to setbacks. I have also experienced setbacks from early-stage funding falling through. Over the years, I have gained a lot of patience when it comes to the advancements of my projects and can step away from a project that may be falling behind, look at the situation critically, and reassess my approach when needed."

Assure the interviewer that you have the patience and fortitude to outlive any policy restrictions that hold back your projects. Discuss the methods you cope with changes in regulations and policy mid-project.

"I am no stranger to policy changes. I know that setbacks happen during projects, regardless of the industry. Changes and setbacks can be disheartening at times, but it all balances out when I can enjoy the success of a well-done project."

"Yes, setbacks happen on every job and project and being patient is one of the things necessary to have a safe and successful project."

Have you been asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience?

"When my manager went on unexpected medical leave for three months last year, I was asked to step into her position in the interim. I knew the basics but was not trained on the specifics of the role. I took it on successfully by leaning on my team, reading a lot of company manuals, and asking many questions. Once my manager returned, she was very pleased with my progress, and I was awarded a promotion."

This question seeks to determine how readily you step outside of your comfort zone. Talk to the interviewer about a time you dealt with this situation. The more frequently you step up, the more you'll be viewed as a clutch player. A can-do attitude makes you a more desirable candidate. The outcome of your example should be positive. Be sure to tell the interviewer what you learned.

"I am often asked to perform tasks outside my wheelhouse, including customer dispute resolution and interviewing potential new employees. I am a diverse employee and happy to take on additional functions."

Do you have any experience with SAP?

"I have approximately two years of experience in Fieldglass, an internal SAP used at Company ABC. I saw in your job posting that you use X, Y, and Z at National Grid Inc. I am familiar with how these programs work. I am very interested in technology, and I am a quick study."

Many energy companies will take advantage of robust software, including SAP. Because there are endless choices in SAP-based programs, you will probably not have the exact experience in the SAP module that National Grid Inc. is looking for. Do not fret! All you need to do is display your general understanding of how the technology works. Explain that you are tech-savvy and a fast learner. If National Grid Inc. has its programs listed in the job posting, research those programs a bit before your interview.

"I have not been lucky enough to have exposure to SAP yet; however, I have watched a few tutorials on the program and am confident in my ability to pick it up very quickly."

"No, I haven't had any experience with that program, but I'm very tech-savvy and am confident I can get the hang of it quickly."

I see multiple gaps in your resume between employments. What were you doing during those gaps?

"I had a gap from 2009-2010 while I was on maternity leave and another for six months in 2015 while I cared for an ailing parent. During that time, I was vigilant in keeping up to date on the market so that my knowledge did not become redundant."

There are many reasons for having a gap in your resume, and it's best to be honest about the reasons. Closely examine the life events that influenced this period and any elements that contributed to that employment gap. There are many occasions where one needs to re-prioritize. If a person's work /life balance is off, sometimes it's necessary to tend to those matters and take a break from employment for the welfare of all involved. Exhibiting big-picture thinking is the aim here. However, explaining that you quit your job without lining up another one, resulting in an undesirable long employment gap, will only display poor planning and a limited scope of the big-picture.

"Any gaps in my employment are for a good reason. I was laid off during the recession in 2011 and then again in 2016 when my temporary contract ended. I am looking for a position now with long-term security."

At National Grid, we put a lot of focus on health and safety. What is your experience with health and safety in the energy industry?

"Last year, I attended a health and safety course directed at upstream oil and gas. It was an eye-opening experience, and I understand better how important workplace safety is. I appreciate hearing that National Grid Inc. puts such a strong emphasis here."

Ensuring the health and safety of your clients, subordinates, team members, and leaders should always be the top priority. Inform the interviewer that you also value workplace safety. If you have any related training as the leader of the safety committee or have received training from OSHA, this is a great time to share.

"As I am new to the industry, I have not taken many energy industry-related health and safety courses. I do have CPR and First Aid training. If you could tell me the type of training you are looking for in your next hire, I would be happy to get a head start on those courses."

"I have attended a full day of OSHA training required to go out in the field before, and it was an eye-opening experience. I learned a lot, and I can see why any company, especially one as reputable as National Grid puts such an emphasis on it."

At National Grid, we put a lot of emphasis on attention to detail, which some people mistake for micromanagement. How do you feel about this?

"I naturally pay close attention to details, so to be asked about the finer details of a project is of no concern to me. I am happy to comply with any project checklists."

Showcase your experience level by validating the distinction between attention to detail and micromanagement. Leaders who micromanage try to control every aspect of those working under them. This is often perceived as directing their teams through fear. That anxiety is counterproductive. They are over-involved in their subordinates' efforts and tend to exaggerate the importance of the work and the deadlines, undermine the confidence of their teams, and obsessively check in too frequently. This is quite different from occasionally performing check-ins with their team, assuring they don't need any guidance or assistance and trying to function as a caring, supportive mentor who is vested in their development and success. If this is one of your strengths, offer examples of how your attention to detail benefitted the team. Keep your answers consistent. How you answer this question will give the interviewer insight into your self-awareness and how you identify your self-assessment and growth opportunities.

"I work very well independently; however, it is nice to be checked in on now and then! I don't mind having my work double-checked or proofed."

"I have no problem as this company works for the public, and attention to detail ensures everything is right and as safe as possible for the consumers. So I would happily comply with any double-checking or checklist of any sorts."

Tell me about a time you fell behind in your work.

"A group project was announced when I was on vacation. One group member volunteered to inform me and get me up to speed when I returned to work the next day. I took notes as they relayed the details of what we needed to accomplish, deadlines and all. I handed them my notes to review and make sure everything looked good. They gave me the thumbs up. However, I failed to run my notes by my supervisor to make sure I didn't miss anything. My supervisor even came by and asked if I was up to speed, and I said I was. They said if I had questions, to let them know. The next week they announced in a group meeting that the deadline was coming up at the end of the week and wanted to check in on the progress of each individual on the team. The person who brought me up to speed and I said we thought we had another week before our deadlines, which was not correct. So we were both running behind. I don't blame them for miscommunicating this detail, nor do I blame my supervisor for not verifying this information. I blame myself for not clarifying. We met our deadline, but we had to work late a couple of days in a row, and our supervisor had to stay late waiting for us to turn in our work so we could meet the deadline the following morning. It wasn't ideal. But knowing what I know now and how I would've handled things differently, I haven't made a mistake like it since."

Offer an example that showcases your resourceful thinking and strategies to overcome the obstacles you face. Present the situational struggle you faced and the innovative approach you took to beat the odds stacked against you, even if you didn't succeed to the degree you hoped. The interviewer is looking for the gains that lead to increased success and the lessons learned from your experience. This will offer insights into your career progression and professional development.

How do you effectively delegate tasks?

"I find that to delegate tasks effectively, you need to understand each employee's strengths. I will always delegate to someone's strength so that they will organically know how to complete the task. This method eliminates a lot of resistance and promotes effective and productive work."

Less experienced leaders will overburden themselves, taking too many tasks on their own, believing they can do the job better and that this takes less time than explaining to their subordinates how to do the job right. However, in a leadership role, this doesn't ring true. This logic advertises that you aren't a skilled communicator and have trouble directing those working under you. Delegating tasks to employees is essential in a management role. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to delegate and empower your employees, enabling you to keep a broader overview of the team's success.

"In my current position, the prioritization of our workload is critical to our success. I tap into my team's resources by finding their strengths and career aspirations, then assigning them work that will compliment them."

What do you see as the most difficult aspect of being a manager?

"As a manager, my most difficult task is delegating the work evenly. You will always have team members who are absolute rockstars and some who are less enthusiastic or lower producers. I have to remind myself to distribute the work and responsibilities evenly despite my natural inclination to give more work to the high performers. I am currently working with my underperforming team members to prepare them for a larger workload."

Being in a management role is always a significant challenge. Share with the interviewer what you feel is the most challenging part of being a manager and why. Also, discuss what you are currently doing to make this task less complicated in the future.

"I would say the most difficult part of managing people is being a friend to my teammates and earning their respect while being new on the team. To balance these roles, you have to be approachable and genuinely interested in them as humans, but also make sure they know that it's a place of business and that meeting or exceeding expectations is the goal above all else."

When faced with a problem, are you more likely to jump into solving it, or are you the type to carefully assess the issue first?

"When faced with a problem, I am more likely to jump right into solving it. I believe that you cannot leave a problem to fester or become bigger than it already is. You have to take ownership of the issue and immediately involve yourself in the resolution. With that said, I am responsible for my decision-making and certainly don't jump in blind. If I am unsure what action to take, I ask my leader for advice."

The interviewer would like to know more about your problem-solving skills and personality. Discuss how you approach tackling problems as they arise, and limit your answers to work-related scenarios if you can. Whether you are the type to jump right into solving a problem or you are more methodical in your approach, highlight to the interviewer that you are capable of handling issues professionally while using sound judgment.

"I'm a 'roll up my sleeves' kind of person. I see a problem, envision a solution, and begin to tackle it, figuring it out as I go and asking for help along the way."

The energy sector has many competitors. Why do you want to work for National Grid?

"I understand there are many options when seeking a career in the energy industry; however, I am most interested in working for National Grid Inc. because you value continued education and emphasize being environmentally responsible."

Tell the interviewer how National Grid Inc. stands out from its competitors. Think about what caught your eye when applying here. Perhaps it was the information you came across on their website. Maybe you liked how their job posting was worded. Or, perhaps you have a strong referral from a friend or acquaintance. With enthusiasm, discuss why you want to work for National Grid Inc.

"I have been passively seeking a new position for quite some time and haven't jumped on anything yet because I want to make sure it's the right fit. This job is right for me at this point in my career because it offers an opportunity to utilize my recent education in GIS while allowing me to advance in my management skills."

"I want to work for National Grid because I have a friend currently in the GDP in the same role as this, and he had many great things to say about the company. I also did some research into the program, and it seems like a good program for newly grads as well as the company is very reputable and seems v progressive with its mission to becoming more diverse and inclusive as well as its program for the less fortunate, Grid for Good."

What type of work environment do you dislike working in?

"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as it has a positive mentality and encourages teamwork. I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic. This is not a concern for me with National Grid Inc. as I have read many great employee reviews on Glassdoor, and your commitment to your workplace culture is evident."

Think about your flexibility within different work environments and your experience in an atmosphere that wasn't conducive to your productivity. Be sure to know the type of environment in this position before the interview. If it isn't a good match, ask yourself why you are pursuing this opportunity before your interview.

"I tend to find slow-paced or red tape environments challenging to maintain my excitement levels. That said, even if I can experience a small win along the way, it is enough to keep me going."

"Any negative or toxic work environment would be a bad environment for me. I think I'm just naturally a happy and positive person, so I wouldn't do very well in that work environment."

How can we motivate you on the job?

"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I like to know that my efforts are noticed. In my current position, we have a leaderboard, and I ]like that concept because it creates a healthy competition."

Every employer should know how each staff member is best motivated. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways you are best motivated on the job.

"I am motivated by knowing something about the end customer and being able to relate to them as a person. A personal touch is always helpful for me."

Describe a time you motivated yourself to complete an assignment or task that bored or failed to excite you.

"I like to set rewards for myself when there are undesirable tasks at hand. For instance, a large part of what I do is review all of the resumes that come into our job portal every week. Sometimes there will be up to 200 resumes to review. They all begin to look the same after a while, so I have set a goal to look at 20 at a time, give myself a quick break, then return to the task."

Inform the interviewer you get the job done and are motivated to put your all in, even when you aren't excited about the task. Think about a time there was a work-related task that you did not want to do. Perhaps the dreaded file room needed to be purged of outdated files to make room for new files. Tell the interviewer about your task and explain why you were not excited about it. Be sure to tell the interviewer that even though you were not enthusiastic about the work, you made it happen promptly, knowing it would help the organization. You take the good with the bad, motivated to best your previous best.

"I do not particularly like filling out a CRM. I don't think any salesperson does. It's just not how we are built! We like the call, the chase, the close. Taking time to pause and write out the details of our conversation, projections, and all that jazz is not something we like. It slows us down. However, it's a necessary step in the sales process. Not only does it help that sale go better when the CRM is filled out in full detail, but also it helps inform the next sale's close rate. It's an important tool in the sale, and even if it takes slowing down and doing a seemingly monotonous task, it's a task that will help me as a salesperson and the organization as a whole."

"Applying to a job gets really grueling, and setting up mini goals is what helps motivates me. During the school year, I had weekly goals I wanted to hit. since I'm off from school, I have daily goals."

National Grid Interview Questions

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1. How many days were you absent from work last year?
2. How many other jobs are you applying for?
3. Why should we hire you to work at National Grid?
4. How do you feel that National Grid stands out from industry competitors?
5. What are your thoughts on the stance environmentalists take against some of our industry practices?
6. Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?
7. At National Grid, we use a variety of robust internal software programs. Do you consider yourself tech-savvy and a fast learner?
8. Tell me about yourself.
9. What accomplishment do you believe was the most difficult to achieve in your most recent position?
10. Do people see you as a trustworthy individual?
11. How do you deal with uncomfortable situations?
12. Tell me about a professional goal you set for yourself. What did you do to ensure you achieved that goal?
13. What are your salary expectations?
14. How would you describe the distinction between working hard and working smart?
15. What questions do you have for me?
16. Tell me about a time you received criticism from your manager. How did you react, and what actions did you take?
17. Tell me about your experiences delivering presentations in front of large groups.
18. How do you approach poor communication from your superiors?
19. Policies and regulations often change in the energy sector. How do you stay up to date on industry changes?
20. At National Grid, we seek to hire individuals with related post-secondary education. Walk me through your formal education.
21. Tell me about a time your mood altered your performance (positively or negatively).
22. There’s a lot of regulatory bureaucracy surrounding energy-related projects. Are you accustomed to waiting on logistics and policy during your projects?
23. Have you been asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience?
24. Do you have any experience with SAP?
25. I see multiple gaps in your resume between employments. What were you doing during those gaps?
26. At National Grid, we put a lot of focus on health and safety. What is your experience with health and safety in the energy industry?
27. At National Grid, we put a lot of emphasis on attention to detail, which some people mistake for micromanagement. How do you feel about this?
28. Tell me about a time you fell behind in your work.
29. How do you effectively delegate tasks?
30. What do you see as the most difficult aspect of being a manager?
31. When faced with a problem, are you more likely to jump into solving it, or are you the type to carefully assess the issue first?
32. The energy sector has many competitors. Why do you want to work for National Grid?
33. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?
34. How can we motivate you on the job?
35. Describe a time you motivated yourself to complete an assignment or task that bored or failed to excite you.

National Grid Interview Questions

1. How many days were you absent from work last year?

2. How many other jobs are you applying for?

3. Why should we hire you to work at National Grid?

4. How do you feel that National Grid stands out from industry competitors?

5. What are your thoughts on the stance environmentalists take against some of our industry practices?

6. Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?

7. At National Grid, we use a variety of robust internal software programs. Do you consider yourself tech-savvy and a fast learner?

8. Tell me about yourself.

9. What accomplishment do you believe was the most difficult to achieve in your most recent position?

10. Do people see you as a trustworthy individual?

11. How do you deal with uncomfortable situations?

12. Tell me about a professional goal you set for yourself. What did you do to ensure you achieved that goal?

13. What are your salary expectations?

14. How would you describe the distinction between working hard and working smart?

15. What questions do you have for me?

16. Tell me about a time you received criticism from your manager. How did you react, and what actions did you take?

17. Tell me about your experiences delivering presentations in front of large groups.

18. How do you approach poor communication from your superiors?

19. Policies and regulations often change in the energy sector. How do you stay up to date on industry changes?

20. At National Grid, we seek to hire individuals with related post-secondary education. Walk me through your formal education.

21. Tell me about a time your mood altered your performance (positively or negatively).

22. There’s a lot of regulatory bureaucracy surrounding energy-related projects. Are you accustomed to waiting on logistics and policy during your projects?

23. Have you been asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience?

24. Do you have any experience with SAP?

25. I see multiple gaps in your resume between employments. What were you doing during those gaps?

26. At National Grid, we put a lot of focus on health and safety. What is your experience with health and safety in the energy industry?

27. At National Grid, we put a lot of emphasis on attention to detail, which some people mistake for micromanagement. How do you feel about this?

28. Tell me about a time you fell behind in your work.

29. How do you effectively delegate tasks?

30. What do you see as the most difficult aspect of being a manager?

31. When faced with a problem, are you more likely to jump into solving it, or are you the type to carefully assess the issue first?

32. The energy sector has many competitors. Why do you want to work for National Grid?

33. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?

34. How can we motivate you on the job?

35. Describe a time you motivated yourself to complete an assignment or task that bored or failed to excite you.