Job application question - How would you answer?

[blessedatlast]

DF is applying for an entry level job in the mines. They e mailed him a list of questions. Most of them are pretty easy but there is the question:

What is the greatest risk you have taken?

DF has been in the same job for 11yrs and in all honesty has been stuck in a rut. Changing industries would probably be the greatest risk! Is this what they mean though? Or should he give some other work example. He can't think of any though! How do you interpret the question?

TIA

[Cranky Kitten]

If it's an honest answer to the question, I'd use the changing industries one. Then go on to the positives of what he's hoping to achieve with it.

Though you're right, it's a bit of an odd question. If you hang for a few hours I might ask my DH what he thinks (he's a doc controller for a mining co)

[blessedatlast]

Awesome I'll wait for your DH's reply

[~Hestia~]

My hubby thinks they want to know how safe he is, that they don't want risk takers. He said there is no substitute for safety in the workplace and so risks should never be taken - so he would answer with the fact that he has never taken risks in the workplace. He doesn't work in the mines but he does work in a refinery

Good luck!

[blessedatlast]

Makes sense. So the saying changing industries would be a good answer?

[~Hestia~]

Just asked hubby again, he said he personally wouldn't say that. He'd focus on the fact that there are procedures/regulations/rules to follow in a workplace and so he has always followed those procedures in order to be safe. He said they're trying to catch people out.

He said he was asked a similar question in an interview but it was about his regrets, he answered along those lines.

I wouldn't have thought that but it makes sense considering the industry Hope he gets the job!

[Teeki]

I'd say it doesn't necessarily need to be work related, it could be a personal thing. Something like moving to a new town or interstate or whatever would count.

But I do like the changing industries thing

[Cranky Kitten]

DH just got home, he says it's a psychological question and to just answer it honestly - the changing industries thing is a perfectly valid answer to use and it's most likely not so much a trick question as trying to find out how he approaches risks and handles change.

Best of luck your DH with the job

[blessedatlast]

Ok I think all suggestions make sense. Maybe we can say he is a safe worker and has never taken risks in the workplace but then say something about him changing industries?

Thanks so much for the replies.

[~Hestia~]

Sounds like a plan! Let us know how he goes