successful training contract application example

Give an example of a time you were under immense pressure to get a task done and how you managed to complete it. *

Last year I took up [sport] as a way of challenging myself and learning a new sport. Having only attended fewer than ten lessons I was selected to play in the [sport] nationals. This meant that I had to absorb everything I have learnt thus far and also learn new techniques in a very short space of time. My coach decided that the best way for me to prepare was by participating in chukkas. This saw me play against a number of experienced [sport] players. I found that there was a great difference between learning the techniques in isolation from everyone else and actually competing against others. During a number of games I found myself doing reasonably well but I still lacked certain skills. Whilst playing against others I decided to observe the players during the game and learn new skills and strategies. I found this to be very helpful in terms of game strategy and a way of applying skills in practice. After the games I decided to speak to the more experienced players and get some of them to show me and teach me new skills. I found that this approach was instrumental for my progress since learning from others has vested me with new perspectives and a greater sense of understanding. If I did not understand something, I was very confident in approaching other members of the [sport] club and asking them to help me understand certain techniques and skills.

Describe the actions you took in a situation where you had to use your initiative to achieve a "win/win" outcome. *

Recently, I helped to organise a New Year’s party night on the behalf of the [language] Speaking Society ([SOCIETY INITIALS]). I was particularly keen on having a joint party with other universities in London. However, most executives thought that travelling to London would not be a very feasible idea given the budget and other constraints. I persuaded the executives to host the party in London by captivating their imagination with images of grandeur and glamour associated with the spectacular fireworks around the London eye and joyful crowds congregating in Trafalgar Square. I went outside my way to display a high degree of commitment by contacting a number of [language] Speaking Societies in London Universities to get an insight into the logistics and potential ways to organise the outing. Before attending the next executive meeting I drew up a conceptual model with approximate estimates and contingency plans. At the meeting I resorted to my outstanding leadership and communication skills by taking some time to explain to other executives how we could go about taking the party to London in a feasible manner. I then displayed my ability to think on my feet and support my proposed plan by being able to deliver persuasive and clear answers to questions posed by other executives. At the end of the meeting the executives were left very impressed and the question was no longer “what?” but rather “how?”.