what do you consider to be your three main development areas

[darrenA]

I never thought i'd be stuck on questions on an application form, normally just be yourself, and when it asks for your strengths, it's easy to think of your key strengths, we just think of what the job (ie, trainee train driver) involves, and what the employers are looking for in a person. However, trying to think of my three main development areas, mmmm, i'm bloody stuck. AM I THE ONLY ONE . I hope not.
I feel it means what I feel I need to improve on, but although i'm far from perfect, (who is), boy, I just find it hard to come up with something that isn't going to jeopardize my application.
One idea is I need to improve on sticking to eating more healthy foods. Another is feeling I haven't fullfilled my full potential where careers are concerned.
Any thoughts on this, do you find the question hard to answer ?. Although we're all different, but hey , it's good here other peoples thoughts on this.

 

[Greenback]

I would read that question as referring to the role I was applying for, rather than in general terms. Myself, if I was applying for a train driver role, I would say that may areas for development would be my mechanical and fault finding skills (always room for improvement there!), becoming familiar with the relevant rules, and communication skills (I doubt I have the necessary knowledge of the protocols use din commun icating with signallers, for instance).

If nothing else, I believe these answers would show an understanding of what is involved in the role, as well as recognition that there are things that i would need to learn before I could do the job effectively.

But without seeing the context of the question, I could be hopelessly wrong!

 

[DarloRich]

My three personal development areas are:

1) More sex
2) More Beer
3) Enhanced lottery number prediction skills

Sorry

I would suggest trying to look at the catalouge of training courses offered by your employer and/or union. Look at the titles that grab you, perhaps because they are interesting, and use them as a basis for your answer.

Use the title as a base, rip off the synopsis of the course and explain why you think that is a target area for you. . What they seem to be looking for is an understanding that you have weaknesses ( or perhaps skills shortages) and a suggestion that you have put some thought into seriously addressing that issue.

You should also see if your company has an "ethos" or set of guiding principles that you can tie them into. For instance one principle might be inclusiveness or respect, so look for a course that might support that idea. Try and tailor the answer to your own role and away you go!