Job application.. can you help with this question

[happyjo]

Hi

I am in the process of applying for trainee solicitor positions, and as some of you may know, the applications are like war and peace. One of the (17 on this particular one) questions asks

" How would you deal with a challenging individual?" ( 250 words max)

I know this sounds straightforward, but I need to be professional in my response and probably need to cover a couple or examples.

Have any of you got any tips or advice on how I can answer this in 250 words. Please no mamjet style anwers ..lol.

Thanks in advance

Jo

[~max~]

As it's for a solicitor position, I would imagine they mean "challenging" as in violent? Or maybe "not all there"?
You could start by saying that all individuals are challenging per se, as every case is bound to be different from the next one. after all, there isn't a job more varied and challenging that one where you deal with people? You could maybe point out that this is exactly why you chose this profession, as you love challenges and are very eager to learn and go through new experiences in your professional life?
Then go on to say that, when it comes to someone particularly "challenging", you would try to listen as much as possible, to understand what they mean to say, because listening is the most important part of a professional client relatonship....then try to lay down the fact logically, leaving out the inherent emotional side?
No idea really...lol Hope that helped a wee bit?

[happyjo]

Cheers Max....

Its given me something to go on!!

Jo x

[Hymie]

Where you have identified �a challenging individual�, that person may be a client. And therefore there is an increased risk that they would believe your advice to be in error/not in their best interests. In such cases, it is imperative that you keep accurate records of advice/correspondence (including information supplied by the client to you) in order to defend yourself, should a subsequent claim be made against you.

PS - I would like to add my name to the list of mamjet fans, his posts are often entertaining and always worth a read.

[happyjo]

Cheers Hymie, good advice.

I also like mamjet and his outlook on life... however, his potential answers will, I suspect not help me secure a training contract!! hence my comment. I have had 17 questions all varying in their obscurity and difficulty, totalling around 2000 words- I am OK with all of them apart from this question.. and the deadline is the 30 th May- so I need coherent help.

I can imagine mamjet saying..

" Chop off their genitiles and that will shut them up"... or.."shoot them"...

Then again, I know he has a softer side so.. who knows.


I am sure if he stumbles across this thread, he will add his two penneth!! :-)

Jo x