At Varian Medical Systems, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of the millions that rely on our innovations. Talk about a time you had a positive impact on a colleague or a customer. How did you do this and how did it make you feel?
In the world of cancer treatment and therapy, patients and their families are seeking life altering treatments and Varian's goal is provide those treatments and save lives. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to break down the philosophy of having a positive impact to you as an individual. In your example, think about a time you went out of your way to make a positive difference for someone and talk about your thought process in doing so. Most importantly, talk about why it was important for you to do so and paint the bigger picture of your desire to be a positive influence on others that you work with.
"Last year, I noticed that a colleague on my team had been slowly letting important tasks slide and miss deadlines all while seeming very disengaged and not very talkative at work. Over lunch one day, I asked her if something at work had been troubling her and at that point, she really opened up about some medical issues going on in her family. In wanting to boost her spirits, I quickly put together an office gathering at a restaurant after work the next day in support of her after gaining her permission to let our team know what was going on. She was so appreciative of me and the whole team's efforts to lift her spirits in knowing that others cared about her so much."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
In my last year at my previous company, I noticed that one of my co-workers was having a difficult time with the year-end reports that we had to make. Knowing her well, I knew that she was usually on top of these things but this time I could see that she was visibly falling off the track. I decided to ask her if she needed any help or if something was bothering her. She opened up to me about some family issues and how she could not get herself to concentrate on her tasks because of it. I told her that it was completely understandable and encouraged her to talk to the lead to get some time off to sort things in her life. She did have the discussion and went on a short break before coming back to work as the person we all knew her as. Looking back, I realize that a little help and empathy towards the people working with us will give them the strength they need to understand that we are all humans and that taking a break is not really a bad thing.
Stephanie's Feedback
Wow! This response shows a depth of compassion, as well as active problem-solving skills. Any company would be fortunate to have you as an employee. You navigated this situation with grace and thoughtfulness--I am glad to hear that it had a positive outcome!
