"Managing supply chain operations successfully depends on great relationships. A few years ago, I attended an electrical supplier conference in Texas and started what would be a great partnership with a wiring supplier for a new product we were launching the following year. The relationship started with a friendly conversation at a reception for the suppliers. We talked about the company I represented and the new product line. I was frank about our technical and pricing needs. After more discussion on what they could do for us, I invited the vendor to our manufacturing facility to meet our design and engineering team. We planned for a month down the road. During that meeting, I was the final person to meet with the team from the vendor, and we ended up signing a contract with them. They remain a top supplier for us with excellent pricing, delivery, and service."

"In my current role as the Administrative Assistant for our clinical administration staff, part of my duties include scheduling interviews for open positions they are hiring for. Over the years, I've built a great rapport and trust with our food services staff and the kitchen manager. By being organized and detailed in my communication with her, our interview lunches have gone well with both our staff and the candidates we were interviewing. The trusting relationship I built has also benefited me and my group of leaders several times when last-minute requests were handled with ease."

In your answer, talk about a partnership you developed with a colleague or customer that was out of the norm for your job, and then explain how this relationship led to the success of a project or a sale. If possible, try to focus on your ability to listen to and learn from the person you collaborated with and then use that information to produce a great result.