“What are two qualities or character traits that you would like to develop or enhance?”
I am applying for an accounting clerk job, but it’s at a consulting company that has a wonderful reputation as an employer, so I really want to get in!
I am STUCK on this question. Any ideas to get me started?
I would like to learn to relax and not be a total workaholic.
Ya know, I really want to get my pimp on… 
But, no, I think we could do better telling you which ideas you might have as an answer would be better. It’s rather hard for anyone to come up to a question like this except you.
What things have you noticed in your working life where you did something and later were :smack: about?
It’s probably safe to say that you’d like to improve your management skills, or some such. Good employers aren’t afraid to learn that their entry-level (is this so?) applicants are looking towards the future - the company may be interested in training you so that you’ll stay with the company.
Along with that, no matter how good you are with people, it’s probably also not bad to say that you’d like to improve your skills with dealing with people.
Of course, you ought to be sincere about what you say.
“Nothing I’d put on a job application.”
And I’m not kidding.
I guess I am over-thinking it - I don’t want to put something that makes me sound like I’d be the “weak link” of the office chain. I feel it’s a very significant, telling question and I am terrified of writing something that eliminates me.
I am very detail oriented, which I stated earlier in the application. What if I put that I would like to become better at seeing the big picture of a project? (It’s true - it’s something that isn’t my strong suit, because I get too knotted up in the details).
I don’t want to write anything about dealing with people - this company is HUGE on teamwork and I don’t want them to even get a whiff of suspicion regarding my people skills.
How about something in the gist of - sometimes I am too modest and don’t put myself forward for assignments or projects even though I know I have something valuable to offer, and I would like to work on my confidence in that aspect?
Thinking outside the box.
Improving leadership skills.
Earnings potential.
Innate, charismatic sexual attraction.
That one almost made me spurt coffee out of my nose. Ow. 
Those look good to me. Specially since I do know a lot of accountants who need their head pulled back occasionally, to see the forest.
How about imagination and self-reliance. Then you will be able to answer the question yourself.
Thanks. Thoughtful, helpful posts like this are why I maintain my Straight Dope membership. :rolleyes:
Bingo!
::gives Zebra a cigar::
If that’s too uncomfortable for the OP, then pick something completely unrelated to work!
“I would love to learn to really focus on my calligraphy skills during my freetime.”
So, I guess powers of levitation and x-ray vision are out??
Hmm, try mentioning your Chinese and some higher math. On the Chi, I’m sure no one that would ask you an ignoramus quesiton like that would know any, and on the math, either they will be impressed with your smarts if they are unlearned in it, or if they are, they are big enough geeks to hire you on the spot.
best wishes,
hh
None of which are traits or characteristics. :smack:
please ignore me today.
hh
I can’t speak for everyone who reads applications, but this one always makes me roll my eyes.
The big picture one is great, and management skills/leadership skills is also a good one.
“Holding my liquor. Especially during work hours.”
“What are two qualities or character traits that you would like to develop or enhance?”
For a job as an accounting clerk?
My ability to perform mind-numbingly boring repetitive tasks without falling asleep.
My ability to adhere to business practices defined forty years ago that haven’t been upgraded to keep pace with current technological advances without resorting to sarcasm or indifference.
I wonder sometimes if smart people like Dopers can fail to see that they’re being insulting to the OP.