EXAMPE OF WHY YOU APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM

My passion has always surrounded the sustainability and the planet, with a focus on climate change
action. I am interested The Santos graduate program because I wanted a new working environment,
a fresh perspective on the world, and above all to be part of an organisation that deals with the
wicked questions of our time. hat achieve sustainable social and environmental outcomes, which
made the graduate program a highly rewarding opportunity .

I am attracted to their strategies which is backfill and sustain, decarbonisation and clean fuels. I
believe Santos is building a great vision environment, climate change and indigenous partnership as
they care about long term sustainability

YOU CAN ADD THIS IN THE END – up to you

This is a great opportunity to seek knowledge on where the work intersects with other actors,
understanding different perspectives and how the proposal would affect other actors. This would
build strong polices, project and program management for multidimensional issues in Australia.

DIFFICULT TEAMMATE QUESTIONS

How do you deal with situations in which the completion of a project requires you to work with
somebody you might find difficult?

For a project on my second year, the employee described how the colleague was highly critical of
their work, regularly interrupted them in meetings, and ignored their ideas. This behaviour caused
the employee to feel demotivated and unappreciated, which affected their productivity and well-
being.

Talk to the colleague discuss their behaviour and how it was impacting their work. During the
conversation, they tried to understand the colleague's perspective and share their own concerns in a
calm and respectful manner. Seek advice from a mentor who listened to their concerns and provided
some helpful tips on how to communicate effectively with a difficult colleague.

Focus on the work: Despite the colleague's behaviour, the employee remained focused on their work
and tried not to let it affect their productivity. They continued to contribute ideas and participate in
meetings, even if the colleague did not acknowledge them.

Get support from the team: The employee also talked to other team members about their situation
and sought their support. They found that other colleagues had similar experiences with the difficult
colleague and were willing to help them address the issue.

By taking these steps, the employee was able to improve their working relationship with the difficult
colleague and feel more empowered in their role

The team works in being the first point of contact for clients through both email and phone. Your
supervisor Joe has a "hands off" management style and allows you, Geoff and Lucy to manage the
incoming workload.Geoff is the most senior member of the team and you and Lucy have been in
the role for a similar period of time. One day you overhear Geoff taking a call and his tone of voice
becomes aggressive and it is clear that he is having a disagreement with the client. You also believe
the advice that Geoff gave to the client is incorrect. At the end of the call, you notice Geoff appears
to be emotional.

1) Allow Geoff some space: Geoff being emotional would be the first point I recognize and so, giving
him some time and space to regain his composure and confidence would be beneficial.

2) Talk to Geoff privately: Find an appropriate time to privately talk to Geoff as it is important to have
a one-on-one conversation to understand the specifics of what happened, and his perspective, seek
clarification, express concern, and offer support. The most crucial point of this conversation is I
would also share my observations of the call and Geoff's tone in a calm manner.

3) Offer suggestions: If I have an alternative view to Geoff, I would let him know how to handle the
situation effectively. That way, we can learn how to approach similar situations if they pop up again. I
would also mention the importance of maintaining professionalism and delivering accurate
information to clients.

4) Offer seeking guidance and support; Mention to Geoff about guidance and support from other
members, including Mary and Joe. They would allow different perspectives on how to resolve the
issue. I would restate my desire to help Geoff, mentioning having collaboration, open
communication, and a focus on problem-solving moving forward.

Tell me about a time you needed to get information from someone who wasn’t very responsive.
What did you do?

Situation: I needed to obtain crucial information from a team member who was consistently
unresponsive, hindering the progress of a project.

Task: To gather the necessary information from the unresponsive team member.

Action:

1. Scheduling a meeting: I initially reached out to the team member through email, requesting
a meeting to discuss the required information. I emphasized the urgency and importance of
the matter.

2. Alternative communication channels: Since the team member was unresponsive to emails, I
explored other communication channels such as instant messaging, phone calls, and in-
person encounters. I attempted to find a channel that the team member was more likely to
respond to.

3. Persistence and follow-ups: I followed up regularly through various channels, maintaining a

polite and professional tone. I ensured that my messages were concise and clearly
communicated the purpose and urgency of the information request.

Result: Despite my persistent efforts, the team member continued to be unresponsive, causing
delays and frustration for the project.

What I Learned:
1. Empathy and understanding: I realized that there might be reasons behind the team member's
lack of responsiveness. It could be due to a heavy workload, personal issues, or communication
preferences. Understanding their perspective helped me approach the situation with more
empathy.

2. Seek assistance: Recognizing that my efforts were not yielding the desired results, I sought
assistance from my supervisor or project manager. I shared the challenges I faced in obtaining
the information and sought guidance on alternative approaches.

3. Team collaboration: I engaged with other team members to gather any available information that
could substitute or supplement the missing details. Collaborating with others allowed me to
mitigate the impact of the unresponsive team member's contribution.

4. Escalation: As a last resort, if the unresponsiveness persisted and it significantly impacted the
project, I escalated the issue to higher management or the appropriate authority. This step was
taken to ensure that the necessary actions were taken to address the situation and minimize
further delays.

Takeaway: Dealing with an unresponsive individual taught me the importance of persistence,

empathy, and seeking assistance when needed. It highlighted the significance of maintaining open
lines of communication, adapting to different communication preferences, and involving others to
mitigate the impact of unresponsiveness. Moving forward, I approach similar situations with a
proactive mindset, exploring various communication channels and seeking support from relevant
stakeholders to ensure the timely flow of information.

Give me an example of a time you faced a conflict while working on a team. How did you handle
that?

last year I was part of a committee that put together a training on conflict intervention in the
workplace and the amount of pushback we got for requiring attendance really put our training to the
test. There was one senior staff member in particular who seemed adamant. It took some careful
listening on my part to understand he felt like it wasn’t the best use of his time given the workload
he was juggling. I made sure to acknowledge his concern. And then rather than pointing out that he
himself had voted for the entire staff to undergo this training, I focused on his direct objection and
explained how the training was meant to improve not just the culture of the company, but also the
efficiency at which we operated—and that the goal was for the training to make everyone’s workload
feel lighter. He did eventually attend and was there when I talked to the whole staff about identifying
the root issue of a conflict and addressing that directly without bringing in other issues, which is how
I aim to handle any disagreement in the workplace.”
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND QUESTIONS

Tell us about a time when you had to rely on written communication to get your ideas across to
your team.

When I was feeling unwell, I miss to miss out in person meeting and thus. I had to work remotely,
and had to present my findings by using two rely written communication methods. Firstly, I used
clear and concise language to ensure that their message is easy to understand. They would avoid
using complex sentences that might confuse the team. I then use visual aids such as charts or
diagrams, to help illustrate their ideas more effectively. They would ensure that the visual aids are
clear and easy to understand. Lastly I seek feedback: The employee would seek feedback from their
team to ensure that their ideas are well-received. They would encourage their team to ask questions
and provide their own ideas to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

By relying on written communication and following these steps, the employee can effectively convey
their ideas to their team, even when working remotely. Clear and concise communication is crucial to
the success of any project, and written communication can be an effective way to ensure that
everyone is on the same page.

Give an example of how you are able to adapt your communication style to different audiences.

When I was at the geography club, I was given the role to lead a presentation a fundraising event to
different students from different background and different academic discipline. This allowed for me
to developed new relationships

Task - I knew that I had to communicate on different ways and upon on the presentation, I used few
steps.

Actions

I start by speaking in a conversational tone that is friendly, approachable, and easy to understand. I
also avoid overly formal language, as this might alienate some volunteers.

I Use visuals such as photos, graphics, or videos can help illustrate your points and make the
presentation more engaging. This is especially useful when describing the event, its goals, and its
impact on the community.

Highlight the cause: important to emphasize the importance of the cause throughout the
presentation. This will help volunteers connect with the mission of the club and feel more invested in
the upcoming event.

Keep it concise - important to keep the presentation concise and to the point. Focus on the most
important information and avoid going into too much detail.

Encourage participation from the volunteers by asking questions, inviting feedback, and soliciting
ideas. This will help the volunteers feel more involved in the planning process and may generate new
ideas or perspectives that can improve the event.

Results

By adapting your communication style to the needs and interests of the volunteer club, I can ensure
that your message is well-received and that the upcoming fundraising event is successful. I also
remember to keep your tone friendly and conversational, incorporate visuals, highlight the cause,
keep it concise, and encourage participation. Making new friendship was important to me as it
ensures to keep my networking and being an active lister and be purposeful to jeep the new
friendship alive

What has been the biggest change you’ve had to navigate and how did you overcome that?

Attending classes and studying at university has been a traditional place to go. However, due to
global pandemic, had to stay at home and work remotely adapt to a new work environment and
learn new tools and techniques to communicate and collaborate with colleagues. To overcome the
transition, I took the following steps

 Establish a routine - establish a regular schedule for work and breaks. This can help you stay
focused and productive while also allowing time for rest and rejuvenation.
 Set up a comfortable workspace: creating a space that is conducive to productivity and
concentration, you can optimize your work experience and maintain a sense of focus.
 Communicate proactively: Effective communication is essential in a remote work environment.
Make sure to communicate proactively with your colleagues and managers to ensure everyone is
on the same page. Use video calls or instant messaging to check in regularly and provide updates
on your progress.
 Stay connected: Remote work can be isolating, so it's essential to stay connected with colleagues
and maintain a sense of community. Participate in virtual team-building activities or social events
and use chat apps to stay connected with colleagues throughout the day.

By following these steps, someone could adapt to remote work and overcome the challenges that
come with it. While change can be difficult, with the right mindset and preparation, it's possible to
adapt and thrive in new environments.

Describe a time when you generated new and innovative ideas and solutions to help drive success.

When I was an employee and working a casual job in a retail store, I was tasked with improving
declining sales. To do this, I observe the store and customers, brainstorm ideas such as offering
discounts, reorganizing store layout or creating loyalty programs. I then present these ideas to
management, refine and implement the most promising ones, and measure success by tracking sales
data and customer feedback. This proactive approach helps to drive success at the store and
contribute to the company's overall performance.

Tell me about a time when you exercised exceptional leadership skills

I was working as a supervisor in a retail store's storeroom, and we had received a large shipment of
products that needed to be organized and put away in a timely manner. The challenge was that we
had a smaller-than-normal team that day, and we needed to complete the task before the store
opened the next day.

To tackle this challenge, I first assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the team members present
that day. I then created a plan that utilized each team member's strengths while also allowing them
to learn new skills.

I divided the team into smaller groups and assigned them specific tasks based on their strengths. For
example, some team members were great at sorting products, while others were better at managing
the inventory system. I also assigned a mentor to each group, someone who was experienced in the
task assigned to the group and could provide guidance and support.

Throughout the process, I provided constant support and encouragement to the team. I made sure
to praise them for their hard work and also provided constructive feedback to help them improve.

Thanks to our collaborative efforts, we were able to complete the task ahead of schedule. The team
was proud of their work, and I made sure to acknowledge their contributions during the following
team meeting.

This experience taught me the importance of assessing team members' strengths and weaknesses
and creating a plan that utilizes each team member's skills to tackle a challenge. It also reinforced the
importance of providing constant support and encouragement to team members and recognizing
their contributions to the team's success.

Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully persuade someone to see things
your way at work.

Situation: During a team meeting, there was a disagreement between two colleagues regarding the
implementation of a new marketing strategy for a product launch.

Task: I aimed to persuade their colleague to adopt their proposed marketing strategy.

Action:

1. Understanding the perspective: I took the time to listen actively to their colleague's concerns and
points of view regarding the proposed strategy. They showed genuine interest and respect for
their colleague's opinions.

2. Gathering evidence and data: To support their position, the team member conducted thorough
research and collected relevant data, market trends, and customer insights. They gathered
concrete evidence to demonstrate the potential effectiveness of their proposed strategy.

3. Effective communication: The team member presented their ideas in a clear, concise, and
persuasive manner. They highlighted the benefits, addressed potential challenges, and
emphasized how their proposed strategy aligned with the company's goals and target audience.

4. Active collaboration: Recognizing the importance of collaboration, the team member invited
their colleague to actively participate in refining and adapting the proposed strategy. They
encouraged open dialogue, welcomed feedback, and incorporated constructive suggestions into
their approach.

Result: Through their efforts, the team member successfully persuaded their colleague to see things
their way and adopt the proposed marketing strategy. The team achieved consensus, leading to the
implementation of a cohesive and effective plan.

What was learned:

1. Empathy and active listening: Understanding the concerns and perspectives of others is
essential in building a strong case for persuasion. By actively listening, the team member was
able to address their colleague's concerns effectively.
 2. Data-driven approach: The use of reliable data, market insights, and evidence played a
crucial role in supporting the team member's arguments and convincing their colleague. It
demonstrated the credibility and potential impact of their proposed strategy.

3. Collaboration and flexibility: By involving their colleague in the decision-making process and
being open to constructive feedback, the team member fostered a sense of ownership and
collaboration, ultimately leading to a more successful outcome.

4. Effective communication: The team member's ability to articulate their ideas clearly,
highlight the benefits, and align the proposed strategy with broader organizational goals was
instrumental in persuading their colleague.

Takeaway: This example illustrates the importance of active listening, data-driven approaches,
collaboration, and effective communication when trying to persuade someone to see things your
way. These skills are essential in building consensus, fostering teamwork, and achieving successful
outcomes in the workplace.
DIFFICULTIES AT WORK OR STUDIES

Can you provide an example of a difficult choice you’ve had to make in the workplace or at
university? What made it difficult and how did you arrive at a decision?

When I was at university, in my last year of university, and you are facing a difficult choice regarding
whether to take on an additional internship or focus solely on your academic coursework. Taking
internship could provide important career advantages and help you stand out in the job market, but
it could also detract from your ability to excel in your academic studies and potentially affect your
grades.

To arrive at a decision, you could take the following steps:

Prioritize your goals - consider your long-term goals and how both the internship and your academic
studies fit into those goals. Consider what is most important to you and what you hope to achieve in
the short-term and long-term.

Evaluate the time commitment: valuate the time commitment required for the internship and
determine how it would impact your ability to complete your academic coursework to a high
standard.

Consider the potential benefits: Consider the potential benefits of the internship, including the
valuable hands-on experience, the opportunity to network with professionals in your desired career
field, and the boost to your resume.

Consult with advisors: It can be helpful to seek input from academic advisors, career services
professionals, or professors who may have experience with similar situations. They may provide
guidance on how to balance your priorities and make the most of your time.

Make a decision: Based on your priorities, time commitments, and the potential benefits, you should
arrive at a decision. Be prepared to adjust your plans as necessary as circumstances change and to
communicate your decision with others who may be impacted.

By following these steps, you can make a difficult choice with confidence and ensure that your
decision is based on careful consideration of your priorities and goals, as well as an understanding of
the potential benefits and risks involved.
Tell me about a time when you had to learn something new within a short deadline.

For a club meeting, I was given a presentation on a topic I was not familiar with, and the deadline for
the presentation was only a few days away. To prepare for the presentation, I would need to learn
about the topic quickly and thoroughly.

Gather information: gather as much information as possible about the topic. I start by searching
online for relevant articles, studies, and reports, as well as seeking out experts in the field to ask for
advice or guidance.

Focus on key points: Given the short deadline, it's important to focus on the key points and essential
information rather than trying to become an expert in the field. I prioritize the most critical aspects
of the topic, such as trends, statistics, or case studies, and focus on learning those in-depth.

Create a plan: Once I have gathered the necessary information, I create a plan for how to present it
effectively. This could involve organizing the information into an outline or storyboard, creating slides
or visual aids, and practicing the delivery of the presentation.

Seek feedback: Finally, they could seek feedback from colleagues or peers to ensure that the
presentation is clear, concise, and engaging. By getting input from others, they can make any
necessary adjustments to the content or delivery to ensure the presentation is effective.

By following these steps, someone could learn about a new topic within a short deadline and deliver
an effective presentation. While it can be challenging to learn something new quickly, with the right
approach and mindset, it's possible to rise to the challenge and succeed.

Tell me about a time when you faced an unexpected challenge at work.

During my time working in the storeroom at a retail store, I encountered an unexpected challenge
when we received a large shipment of products that were all mislabeled. This meant that we couldn't
easily identify which products were which, and it would have been impossible to keep track of them
in our inventory system without spending an enormous amount of time individually inspecting each
item.

To address this challenge, I decided to take a proactive approach and quickly came up with a
solution. I gathered a small team of employees and we worked together to sort through the products
and identify them one by one. We cross-referenced the products with the purchase order and used
our knowledge of the store's merchandise to match each product to its corresponding label.

Once we had identified all of the products, I created a new inventory system for them, grouping
them by their type rather than their original labels. This made it easier to track and find the products
in the future, even though they had all been mislabeled.

Thanks to our team's quick thinking and collaborative effort, we were able to overcome this
unexpected challenge and ensure that the store's inventory remained accurate and up-to-date.
Tell me about a time you failed. How did you deal with the situation?

Situation: During a team project, I was assigned a crucial task of coordinating communication
between team members. However, I underestimated the complexity of the task and failed to
establish effective channels for collaboration.

Task: My responsibility was to ensure smooth information flow and timely updates among team
members.

Action: I initially relied on informal communication methods such as group chats and face-to-face
discussions, assuming they would suffice. As a result, important messages were missed, and team
members became confused and frustrated. The project progress suffered as a result.

Result: The team's overall productivity decreased, and the project faced delays and inefficiencies due
to the lack of proper communication

What I learned - Set realistic expectations, Proactive planning, Clear and transparent communication
and Continuous improvement:

Takeaway: This failure taught me the importance of thorough planning, effective communication, and
adaptability. It highlighted the significance of addressing problems promptly, seeking input from
others, and continuously striving for improvement. I now approach projects with a more meticulous
mindset, ensuring that I set clear expectations and establish robust communication channels from
the start.

Explain a situation where you overcame a challenge at work.

Situation: In the storeroom at a retail store, there was a significant challenge of disorganized
inventory and inefficient stock management, resulting in difficulties finding items and delays in
fulfilling customer orders.

Task: The goal was to overcome the inventory management challenge and create a more organized
and efficient system.

Action:

1. Assessing the situation: I began by conducting a thorough inventory audit to identify the
extent of the disorganization and determine the root causes behind the inefficient stock
management. This involved reviewing stock records, physical counts, and observing the day-
to-day operations.

2. Developing a plan: Based on the assessment, I created a comprehensive plan that included
reorganizing the layout of the storeroom, implementing proper shelving and labeling
systems, and introducing inventory management software to track stock levels accurately.

3. Collaborating with the team: I sought the support and input of my colleagues in
implementing the changes. I communicated the benefits of the proposed solutions,
addressed their concerns, and encouraged their active participation in the process.

4. Implementing changes: With the team's involvement, I executed the plan by rearranging the
storeroom layout to optimize space and improve accessibility. I introduced clear labeling and
categorization systems to make it easier to locate and retrieve items. Additionally, I
implemented the inventory management software, trained the team on its use, and ensured
accurate data entry.
Result: The actions taken to overcome the challenge led to significant improvements in the
storeroom's efficiency. The inventory was better organized, making it easier and quicker to locate
items, fulfill customer orders, and restock inventory. This ultimately enhanced the overall customer
experience and reduced operational inefficiencies.

What was learned:

1. Problem-solving mindset: This challenge taught me the importance of approaching obstacles

with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset. By taking the initiative to assess the
situation and develop a comprehensive plan, I was able to address the root causes
effectively.

2. Collaboration and teamwork: Involving the team in the decision-making process and
implementation fostered a sense of ownership and accountability. It also brought diverse
perspectives, enabling us to develop more robust and practical solutions.

3. Adaptability and flexibility: Overcoming the challenge required adapting to new processes
and technologies. Being open to change and embracing new methods allowed for more
efficient stock management.

4. Continuous improvement: I recognized the need for ongoing monitoring and refinement.
Regularly reviewing the system, seeking feedback from the team, and making necessary
adjustments ensured that the improvements remained effective over time.

Takeaway: This experience in the retail storeroom taught me the significance of thorough
assessment, collaborative problem-solving, adaptability, and continuous improvement. These skills
are crucial for overcoming challenges and optimizing processes in a dynamic work environment.

How do you deal with multiple priorities

Situation: A critical project deadline was approaching, and there was a significant increase in
workload and pressure to deliver results.

Task: Effectively manage the high-pressure situation and deliver quality work within the given
timeline.

Action:

1. Stress management: Recognizing the impact of stress on performance, I prioritized self-care

and stress management techniques. This involved taking short breaks, practicing deep
breathing exercises, and ensuring sufficient rest and sleep to maintain focus and mental well-
being.

2. Task prioritization: I assessed the workload and identified critical tasks that required
immediate attention. By creating a detailed task list and setting priorities, I could allocate
time and resources more effectively, focusing on the most important and time-sensitive
deliverables.

3. Delegation and collaboration: To alleviate the pressure and ensure efficient task completion, I
identified tasks that could be delegated to capable colleagues. By effectively communicating
expectations, providing necessary support and guidance, and leveraging the strengths of the
team, I shared the workload and maintained momentum.
 4. Effective time management: I utilized time management techniques such as setting deadlines
for each task, breaking down complex projects into smaller manageable tasks, and using
productivity tools or techniques to stay organized and track progress. This allowed me to
make the most of the available time and ensure efficient use of resources.

Result: Through proactive stress management, task prioritization, delegation, collaboration, and
effective time management, I successfully handled the high-pressure situation. The project was
delivered on time, and the quality of work met or exceeded expectations.

What was learned:

1. Self-awareness and self-care: Acknowledging the impact of stress and taking proactive steps
to manage it is crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being in high-pressure
situations.

2. Prioritization and focus: Identifying critical tasks and managing time effectively are key to
meeting deadlines and delivering quality work.

3. Collaboration and delegation: Recognizing the strengths of the team and effectively
delegating tasks can alleviate pressure and ensure efficient completion of work.

4. Adaptability and resilience: High-pressure situations require adaptability and the ability to
handle unexpected challenges. Remaining flexible and resilient in the face of pressure allows
for more effective problem-solving.

Takeaway: This example highlights the importance of stress management, task prioritization,
delegation, collaboration, and effective time management in handling high-pressure situations at
work. Applying these strategies can contribute to successful outcomes and personal well-being in
challenging professional environments.

Can you share a time when you’ve had to juggle multiple priorities at University

Situation: As a university student, I found myself facing multiple competing priorities, such as
coursework, part-time work, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments.

Task: Effectively manage and balance the various responsibilities and priorities.

Action:

1. Prioritization and planning: I assessed the importance and urgency of each task and
assignment. By creating a detailed schedule or to-do list, I could prioritize tasks based on
deadlines, difficulty, and their impact on my overall academic and personal goals.

2. Time management: I allocated specific time slots for each task, ensuring that I dedicated
sufficient time to each priority. By utilizing time management techniques such as the
Pomodoro Technique or setting specific study blocks, I maximized productivity and
minimized distractions.

3. Effective communication: I communicated with professors, employers, and activity

coordinators to manage expectations and seek flexibility whenever necessary. This involved
 proactive communication about deadlines, potential conflicts, and requesting extensions or
adjustments when appropriate.

4. Seeking support: Recognizing the importance of support networks, I reached out to

classmates, friends, or mentors for assistance when needed. This included studying together,
sharing resources or notes, or seeking guidance to enhance understanding and efficiency.

Result: Through effective prioritization, time management, communication, and seeking support, I
successfully juggled multiple priorities at university. I was able to complete assignments, excel
academically, meet work commitments, actively participate in extracurricular activities, and maintain
a healthy personal life.

What was learned:

1. Organization and planning: The experience taught me the value of meticulous planning,
breaking tasks into manageable parts, and setting clear priorities to navigate multiple
responsibilities successfully.

2. Adaptability and flexibility: I learned to be adaptable and make necessary adjustments when
unexpected circumstances arose. Being flexible in my approach allowed me to respond to
changing demands effectively.

3. Effective communication and teamwork: Open and proactive communication helped manage
expectations, build understanding, and seek necessary support from stakeholders involved in
my various commitments.