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Name a time where you had to work to a set standard
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clarets2005
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A couple of tips for starters would be to draw from your own experiences ONLY, and to use the STAR method for answering as it does help bring everything together. That being Situation, Task, Action and Result. You can use examples from in our out of work, so don't worry if you feel like you have something personal that might be more suitable.
I've worked in IT my whole career, and the example I used was for a major piece of work carried out where we'd follow a standardised 'Change' process and how you would then work that around the processes you have for specific systems and data. On the railway you could say rules and procedures are there for the safety of the people and the trains, and in IT, it's for the systems and the data those people use. It's also there to ensure that when things do go wrong, either they can be put right relatively easy, or there's an opportunity for education and always some degree of accountability and traceability.
I gave an example of one fairly large, fairly familiar piece of work that I had to carry out on my own over a weekend. I explained what I was doing, what needed to be done, what I did in preparation, any considerations to be made, how to carry out that work and how to recover if things went south, ultimately wrapping up my answer by going over what was achieved.
I made sure my answer showed that I understood the need for those rules and procedures, checking my work, why accountability is important, but also that routine and familiarity need never manifest itself into complacency or assumption. I also made sure to explain what I was working with to the interview in a way they could easily understand and follow.
I hope this helps.
I've worked in IT my whole career, and the example I used was for a major piece of work carried out where we'd follow a standardised 'Change' process and how you would then work that around the processes you have for specific systems and data. On the railway you could say rules and procedures are there for the safety of the people and the trains, and in IT, it's for the systems and the data those people use. It's also there to ensure that when things do go wrong, either they can be put right relatively easy, or there's an opportunity for education and always some degree of accountability and traceability.
I gave an example of one fairly large, fairly familiar piece of work that I had to carry out on my own over a weekend. I explained what I was doing, what needed to be done, what I did in preparation, any considerations to be made, how to carry out that work and how to recover if things went south, ultimately wrapping up my answer by going over what was achieved.
I made sure my answer showed that I understood the need for those rules and procedures, checking my work, why accountability is important, but also that routine and familiarity need never manifest itself into complacency or assumption. I also made sure to explain what I was working with to the interview in a way they could easily understand and follow.
I hope this helps.
Thanks so much @clarets2005 for this very thorough and helpful answer!
Just to clarify, what would then be the difference between the two:
-Name a time you followed rules and procedures
-Name a time you worked to a set standard
Working to a set standard could be following the rules and procedures and making sure something maybe complies to health and safety etc.
A time where you have followed rules and procedures could be a time where you have not allowed something to happen due to set rules and procedures and offered solutions etc.
Just an example of how you could go about it I guess
I too am in IT and I too have to follow a change procedure. If I fail to do that dilligently, then I will get a kicking from management. I look on the testers and the management also following the procedure as protecting me from making a crass error.
I imagine on the railway its the same. Follow the procedures and you will be protected. Try to curcumvent them and you will be in bother.
Thank you! Tough one isn't it. I've heard of people failing on the 'set standard' question so I'm a tad worried!
If anyone has done their structured interview with the OPC, I'll be grateful for any tips. I'm freaking out!
I have dm’d you
A procedure is how something is done
A standard is what must be achieved
A rule is a specific instruction
In railway terms..
The 'RULE' is that we must be in full uniform with all equipment
The 'STANDARD' is that all must be clean and well presented and everything is in working order and not damaged
A 'PROCEDURE' would be the technical instructions regarding the order in which you are to couple units together
In non railway terms..
PAT testing.
There is a legal obligation that it is carried out (RULE)
There is a specific way in which items are tested (PROCEDURE)
Electrical items must meet specific criteria (STANDARD)
They are all linked but clearly defined differently.
Much better way of explaining it and surprisingly a good example that fits me.
Do they tend to look at that as an example for “name a time you have followed rules and procedures” is it that simple basically me saying I carried out PAT testing in the S.T.A.R format (tbh can answer quite a lot of the questions in some way)
In my head I imagined it more along the lines of being in a situation where you have to enforce them? e.g. PAT testing, testing an item it may pass the test on the tester but following the procedure more and checking the cable of the item there are live cables showing, so you have to fail and remove the item. Obviously in more detail and correct format.
IF.. I was doing the Q&A. I'd ask the first question and then go from there. It really is imperative to use real world examples from life because of how this is probed further. A friend of mine does PAT testing as part of his job but I don't have any idea about it. My probes would be based around finding out what the exact procedure is, I'd chuck a random question about what standards a kettle must adhere to and the differences between commercial products, and items used in a work environment.
I would be looking for understanding and if the person knew what they were talking about or if this was a blag.
But that isn't the question. The question isn't about when you enforced them. It's when you followed them. Again, two words that have subtle but different meanings. If you look at this in railway terms. As a Driver, you are expected to follow the rules but as a Manager you would be expected to ensure your team was following them and you had procedures in place to ensure that there was oversight, checking, reviews, audits etc. It's a bit like when you learn to drive a car. The role of Pupil and Instructor is very different but one is clearly trying to 'follow' rules but the other is ensuring that they are 'enforced'
Which demonstrates understanding.
Be prepared to back up any example you give. Demonstrate understanding, show you are knowledgeable, communicate clearly. I think that many people overthink the MMI or are too busy trying to give an expected answer that they wrongly believe is the correct answer.
I would be looking for understanding and if the person knew what they were talking about or if this was a blag.
But that isn't the question. The question isn't about when you enforced them. It's when you followed them. Again, two words that have subtle but different meanings. If you look at this in railway terms. As a Driver, you are expected to follow the rules but as a Manager you would be expected to ensure your team was following them and you had procedures in place to ensure that there was oversight, checking, reviews, audits etc. It's a bit like when you learn to drive a car. The role of Pupil and Instructor is very different but one is clearly trying to 'follow' rules but the other is ensuring that they are 'enforced'
Which demonstrates understanding.
Be prepared to back up any example you give. Demonstrate understanding, show you are knowledgeable, communicate clearly. I think that many people overthink the MMI or are too busy trying to give an expected answer that they wrongly believe is the correct answer.
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Thank you so much information here with a lot of understanding on my part being that I could answer your questions, I too do PAT testing as part of my job.
So thank you honestly helped me understand what is being looked at in an answer rather than basing them of enforcing the rules than following them. I think I based them of enforcing them as I am generally use to following rules and procedures and it’s the rare occasion where I have to enforce them being in charge of health and safety etc.
In that question in particular anyway, thank you
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Wow, thank you so much @ComUtoR. Such insightful and helpful information. I now have a clearer understanding on the differences between rule, procedure and standard.
Despite this, I'm struggling to find an appropriate example for 'name a time you worked to a set standard'. I currently work as a Customer Service Manager in railway, but I just can't wrap my head around a good example. Any potential ideas?
Despite this, I'm struggling to find an appropriate example for 'name a time you worked to a set standard'. I currently work as a Customer Service Manager in railway, but I just can't wrap my head around a good example. Any potential ideas?
You don't have to pick an example from work. Just pick something personal to you.
Islineclear3_1
Established Member
So, you work as a customer service manager? Few generic things to understand...
Who are your customers/stakeholders?
Why do we have standards?
What are service standards?
Do you set standards for your team or do you ensure your team work to meet certain standards?
Do you write policies for your team or do you ensure your team follow certain company policies?
What is the benchmark?
What are the standards you need to work to in the role you are applying for?
Who are your customers/stakeholders?
Why do we have standards?
What are service standards?
Do you set standards for your team or do you ensure your team work to meet certain standards?
Do you write policies for your team or do you ensure your team follow certain company policies?
What is the benchmark?
What are the standards you need to work to in the role you are applying for?
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