CV Tips & Template
Curriculum Vitae literally translated from Latin means the story of your life.
Curriculum Vitae are usually abbreviated to CV or C.V.
On average, a recruiter will spend just 20 seconds reviewing a CV – so it's vital
to get right.
Selecting your CV format
You should have an industry specific CV, using keywords / buzzwords that are related
to your industry sector.
Think of words recruiters would search on to find you. Don't forget to spell check!
Your personal Apply4U® Consultant can review your CV for
free click here
Our experts have vast knowledge in both the Sales & Recruitment industry
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CV Template & basic structure
The way you layout your C.V. visually is very important (giving the right image
of yourself). First impressions matter and you will want to attract the reader's
attention.
Follow this basic structure and present your information in a clear, precise & persuasive
way.
Personal Details
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is an important aspect of your C.V. Get this right and your
chances of being invited to an interview are increased. A brief summary of your
industry achievements, skills & passions will get the recruiter interested in reading
more.
For personal statement use:
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Catchy, Bold and interesting statements
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Key achievements, skills and passions
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End with your objective.
(E.g. A highly motivated and ambitious sales & business professional with a 2:1
Honors degree in Computer Science. Over Eight years experience in sales, including
…. Now looking to use skills learnt to become a successful top performing recruitment
consultant.)
Work experience
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List most recent first and end with your oldest experience
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Emphasise your Job Title and Company Name
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Under Job title & company name, describe roles in short, interesting sentences
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Use positive language
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DON'T undersell yourself & highlight key achievements.
Education
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List highest qualification first
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Includes location & profession qualifications obtained
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Mention grades if they represent you well.
Skills
Use this for other skills obtained such as languages, IT packages, First aid etc.
Hobbies & Interests
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Include a few lines describing your interests, mention achievements and areas of
responsibility
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This is a great place to build rapport with the recruiter – Get them interested
in meeting with you.
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Use positive words and examples.
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Interview Tips
Interviews can be nerve-racking and each can be very different.
On average they last about 45 minutes – so it is important you represent yourself
well. Sales & recruitment consultant interviews tend to be a little harder as these
professionals are trained on interviewing techniques.
Interviewer will assess if you are the right candidate for the job. The interviewer
will want:
a) ascertain you are the right person for the job
b) discover you're potential for promotion
c) work out whether you fit into companies environment
Below are our top interview tips which will increase your job offer chances:
1. ENERGY, Enthusiasm & Passion
In depth research has shown during an interview, interviewer takes notice mostly
of;
Words 18% Tone 21%
Energy 61%
So remember – Make sure you are energetic, passionate & determined. You can vary
your tone to ensure you keep the interviewer's attention. Don't over talk or use
words that are NOT relevant. Show the interviewer your enthusiasm you have towards
their organisation and the role.
2. Read your CV – Your interviewer will… (Prepare Banked stories)
Most interviewers will ask you several questions relating to your CV - anticipate
this and have at least 5 stories prepared and rehearsed that you feel the interviewer
may pick up on.
Your answers should be delivered
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Professionally, precise & include examples
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You have time to practice so you it wisely – Use a mirror or friends and family
for feedback.
3. Research the company
Check out the company website – know some important information in case you are
asked; what do you know about our company?
Show that you have spent some time researching – use this to impress! Recruiter
wants to know how you can add value to their company.
4. Dress to impress
First impressions really do count
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Don't let yourself down
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Don't be shocking
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Don't be remembered for what you were wearing
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Be smart and look professional
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Don't forget a firm handshake and a smile.
5. Answer questions in full
Same as in an exam – you don't just list bullet points, you MUST give your answer
in full sentences.
Exam question example:
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What are your key strengths?
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What are your key strengths?
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Determined
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Passionate
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A winner
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My key strengths include my determined attitude and passion for my work; most importantly
I strive to win.
|
6. Repeat
To buy yourself extra time and to ensure you answer the questions correctly – you
can repeat the question in your answer.
7. Killer Endings
Think of your ending or main point before you start – build up to this and increase
your tone towards the end, make a bold statement, use your BEST, most relevant point
at the end.
This will keep the interviewers attention and help them remember your answer.
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Fig 1: Using your key point right away
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Fig 2: Building up to your key point
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|
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8. Use examples
Always try to use example where appropriate, this will increase the strength of
your answer and build confidence with the interviewer.
You should use examples from similar job roles or personal experiences.
9. Positive answers & Body Language
Make sure you answer every question positively – don't ever show your weaknesses
or negatives.
Some interviewers will ask specific questions to promote a negative response. Be
careful how you answers these questions, try wrapping them with a positive outcome
or state what you have learnt.
Example: One of my weaknesses is to sometimes pay TOO much attention
to detail – spending extra time. I found that although I was slower to complete
my task it ensured I had 100% accurate data and saved me time in the long run.
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Give good eye contact .Match eye contact with amount you’re getting to the amount
you’re giving.
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Don’t move you hands around too much
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Don’t be over confident it can come across as being to arrogant
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Interviewer needs to ask questions that are relevant to the role
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Interview is 2 way process - you are selling to them as they are selling to you
10. Questions
Think of at least 10 questions you want to ask the client relating to their business,
competitors, future plans, environment, culture, growth areas, market information
etc.
You should take this list in with you, don’t be afraid to read off the list and
write down answers – it shows your prepared & serious.
11. Don't forget YOU are interviewing them, same as they are you
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Be confident
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Don’t be nervous or shy to ask serious questions about how you will fit in,
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Why you should consider working for them
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What they can offer you
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What the future outlook for their market is.
12. Close – Ask for feedback
Always end with finding out what they feel and try to deal with concerns.
- From what you have seen today, do you think I have what it takes?
- Do you have any reservations towards me?
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Interview questions
Prepare for answers to the questions and practice your responses with a friend /
family member. When you enter an interview put a smile on your face. Keep interview
conversational but don’t sound rehearsed. Remain relaxed, calm and avoid fidgeting
in your seat.
Listed below are some questions you will probably be asked.
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Q) Why do you want this job?
The interviewer wants to know that you have researched the company and know what
they do. Focus on what you can do for them. Show knowledge on areas such a
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what the organisations product or service is
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history, image & goal of potential employer
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latest turnover figures etc
Good example answer:
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Q) What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Mention transferable skills relevant to the job description advertised.
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Communication, Leadership, Supervisory, Interpersonal, Problem Solving, Analytical
skills.
Good example answer:
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Communication, Leadership, Supervisory, Interpersonal, Problem Solving, Analytical
skills."
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Q) What can you contribute?
Interviewer will want to know how you can benefit the company. Talk about your accomplishments
in the past and relate experience of what you can do for them in the future. Relate
your abilities to employer’s goals.
Good example answer:
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"I work effectively to meet goal s & deadlines. Challenges are faced everyday in
my current role and I am not the type to shy away. We were recently faced with losing
3 of our 5 major accounts and I knew the only way to keep going was to replace them
like for like, therefore I worked on closing new business with 2 other major firms
which are know growing in value month on month "
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Q) Why do you want to work for this company?
The interviewer wants to know that you are seriously interested in the job. Be prepared
with knowledge about the company. Let the interviewer know how you can be an asset
to the company.
Good example answer:
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"My findings found that Apply4U are an innovative company look to expand its sales
within the IT sales arena. My previous experience and sales skills can be used to
find niches in the market place.”
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“I’m always looking to challenge myself and I feel that my can do attitude will
be a major asset to your company”
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Q) What do you know about this company?
Research the company. Interviewer will ask this question to test your knowledge
about the company. (Give them a run down of their product/services, sales figures,
news, company figures. size of company/operations, ethics, goals etc.) Research
the company first…
Good example answer:
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Q) Tell me about yourself?
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Q) Why did you leave your last job?
Never speak negative about previous employers, co-workers or the organisation. Stay
positive and be confident with your answer. Focus on the benefits, opportunities
& development.
BE CLEAR & PRECISE – Don’t over complicate your reason. The interview just wants
to know the honest answer.
Your interviewer will want to know:
-
Q) How ambitious are you?
Show your enthusiasm for the job. Short term goal should be in getting the job and
long term goal is to progress higher. Don’t give the impression that you are after
the interviewer’s job.
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Q) Why are you looking for in a new job?
Stay positive and be confident with your answer.
Good example answer:
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Q) Tell me about your last job?
Try to relate your previous job experience to current job description. Don’t lie
or exaggerate Interviewer wants to hear detailed answers (e.g. sales skills – examples
how you have done the job already)
Good example answer:
"I spent 3 years on telephone sales, mainly business to business and recently I
have looked after a team of 10 working on differing sales types…. Ranging from…
I achieved….
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Q) What are your key strengths?
Mention strengths that are relevant to the job your being interviewed for (assets
that employer desires for the position). Employers look for good: communication,
team working, IT, Problem solving etc skills. Recruiters want to know why you think
it is strength and where it has been demonstrated.
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Q) What are your key weaknesses?
Turn your weakness into positive statement: a strength). Interviewer will want to
know that you have learnt from your weakness.
Interviewer will want to know:
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What risks are they taking in hiring you?
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Interviewer will want to know how you deal with this stress question
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They do not want to hear that you weakness cannot be corrected
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Interviewer does not want to hear of a personal trait (eg being messy at home) that
is not related to the job
Be honest about your weakness & turn the negative (weakness) into a positive. (ie.
Interviewer wants to see that you are aware of your weakness & doing something about
it.
Good example answer:
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"I can be over enthusiastic and work quickly and I have learnt to work at other
peoples pace.’
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I used to have bad time management skills now I have learnt to priorities my projects/workload
every time ‘
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‘During busy times I can become unorganized & now before I leave work I make sure
that I organise itineraries for next day
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Q) Why do you want job in recruitment?
Interviewer will want to know:
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If it’s a career change they will want to know Why you have chosen Recruitment as
a chosen career
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If you have experience in recruitment, interviewer will want to know why you have
chosen their sector (i.e. media recruitment, recruitment agency etc.)
Good example answer:
“I love recruitment as I enjoy meeting & getting to know different people. Recruitment
is a varied career & I don’t believe there are many careers as rewarding….”
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Q) Why do you want job in sales?
Interviewer looks for your eagerness and attitude. Keep positive attitude. A sales
person is in a position to make things happen. Recruiter intends to hire people
who possess their core competencies and have a desire to sell. Process of sales
is problem solving for potential buyer or enhancing business.
Good example answer:
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Q) What were your greatest success / achievement?
The interviewer wants to gain an insight into your previous role or role’s. Try
to keep your answers focused on your work. Keep discussion to work related issues.
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A problem you had overcome
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history, image & goal of potential employer
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Ideas that were implemented
Good example answer:
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Q) How could you improve yourself?
Try not to be too negative. Interviewer wants to know that you are always looking
to improve yourself.
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Q) What motivates you?
Interviewer wants to understand what inspires you in work situation. Try and relate
answers to work experience rather than personal (E.g. career progression, opportunity
to learn more skills, work ambience, competitiveness, working in a team, etc)
Good example answer:
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‘I have always worked in sales/recruitment and was motivated to hit targets ahead
of schedule’
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I always ensured that Apply4U’s clients got the best customer service’
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I’ve have always worked within sales and hitting
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Q) Are you competitive?
Interviewer will want see how you handle this question. Your answer depends upon
the requirements of the job advertisement & company goals. Interviewer will want
to see an indication that you can work within a team & not just not just for yourself.
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If you say very highly competitive (interviewer perceive you as highly aggressive)
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If you say not very competitive (interviewer may perceive you as weak & not proactive)
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Put a positive spin in how you answer the question
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Q) Are you a leader?
A leader or team leader generally sets targets and margins and possess good conversational
skills. Interviewer wants to gain in insight to your experience in leading projects
or managing people.
Good example answer:
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Q) What problems did you encounter in your last job?
Keep it brief. Talk about job experiences that you may have solved.
Good example answer:
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Q) What are your career goals?
Your answer should relate to professional goals not personal goals. Short term goals
would be getting the job and long term goals would relate to progression within
the company.
Good example answer:
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Q) How would you describe yourself?
The answer should relate to the job in which you are being interviewed for. The
interviewer is looking to see how you can benefit and add value to the company.
Centre your answer on what you have to offer and why you would be a good for the
job.
Good example answer:
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My ideas have led me into introducing and implement new procedures such as a new
accounting system for the sales department that increased production for the company.
I can use these ideas to improve production within the company.
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My enthusiasm and energy influences those around me…
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Q) What level of salary are you looking for now?
You can ask to discuss this later on after discussion of job responsibilities. You
don’t want to be seen as greedy & emphasis you’re potential. Final remuneration
package could include (pension, company car, private health care insurance etc.)
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Other Interviewer Questions
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Are you considering any other positions at the moment?
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Do you consider yourself successful?
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How do you handle criticism?
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What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far?
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Can you act on your own initiative?
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What do you think of the last company you worked for?
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Why are you leaving your current employers?
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What interests you about our product (or service)?
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Why should we employ you?
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Are you aggressive?
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Can you work under pressure?
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What are your key strengths?
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What are your key weaknesses?
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What problems did you encounter in your last job?
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Why did you choose a career in …?
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Why are you changing careers?
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What would your ideal job be?
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Are you considering any other positions at the moment?
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How would you describe yourself?
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How would others describe you?
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Do you consider yourself successful?
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What were your greatest success / achievement?
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How did you achieve it?
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What has been your biggest failure?
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How do you handle criticism?
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What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far?
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Can you act on your own initiative?
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What motivates you?
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Do you know how to motivate other people?
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Are you competitive?
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