Chapter 4: A Spark of Inspiration

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Li Xiuyuan gently knocked on the door. After hearing the voice inside say, "Please come in," he took a deep breath and pushed the door open. He then turned around to close the door, taking advantage of the moment to quickly survey the examination room.

Seven examiners and two scorekeepers were arranged in an L-shape inside. His seat faced the seven examiners, or more precisely, the chief examiner's position.

Estimating the distance to his seat, Li Xiuyuan took five and a half steps to reach it.

He did not sit down immediately but faced the examiners, bowed slightly, and then looked up with a clear, resonant voice: "Good afternoon, esteemed examiners. I am candidate number 35."

The brief introduction ended abruptly; at this moment, it was crucial not to reveal his name. Otherwise, it would be considered cheating, and his test qualification would be revoked.

Every examination session had at least one unlucky candidate who, out of nervousness, blurted out their name and was deemed cheating, resulting in immediate expulsion.

After his self-introduction, the chief examiner nodded with a smile. In interviews, the first impression was paramount. If that impression was poor, no matter how well one answered afterward, the score would remain low because this initial impression was itself a scoring criterion.

From Li Xiuyuan’s entrance, his bow, his straightforward self-introduction, his composed demeanor, appropriate attire, and bright, clean voice, he clearly fit the image of a motivated young professional within the system—in short, he looked exactly like a civil servant.

Li Xiuyuan then turned and sat at his examination seat. The chief examiner began reading the questions. In front of Li Xiuyuan lay a pen and a clean sheet of A4 paper.

He quickly took the pen and began jotting down notes.

This interview was not about receiving a question sheet to answer but rather about the examiner reading questions aloud, with candidates allowed to take notes or not.

It tested memory, listening, and comprehension skills.

The examiners read a series of questions; candidates could hardly write everything down in such a short time, so knowing how to capture the key points was crucial. Of course, if you recorded the question incorrectly and answered off-topic, that was a reflection of insufficient ability.

"The first question: You and Xiao Zhang both joined the unit. Xiao Zhang is highly capable and quickly bonds with colleagues, earning the leaders' trust. However, your interpersonal relationships are average. How do you view this? How would you address it?"

Li Xiuyuan quickly jotted down the question and felt a genuine sense of relief. This question was easy to answer, standard and straightforward—not like modern interview questions that often integrate social hot topics, which could be difficult if unfamiliar.

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After a brief moment of thought, Li Xiuyuan slowly looked up, fixing his gaze on the chief examiner ahead while his peripheral vision swept across the others.

In a loud, clear voice, he said, "Esteemed examiners, I have completed my reflection and will now begin my answer."

"Firstly, having a colleague like Xiao Zhang, who is capable and adept at interpersonal relations, is something I am glad for and honored to work alongside..."

He started succinctly, maintaining his character. In reality, most people with such a colleague would feel immense pressure, secretly envious or even resentful, sometimes resorting to underhanded actions.

But in an interview, one must uphold the correct values.

Listening to Li Xiuyuan’s response, the examiners’ expressions remained neutral. This part of the answer was standard; it could earn a moderate score but nothing striking.

At that moment, however, Li Xiuyuan shifted tone and elevated his response: "At the same time, Xiao Zhang’s strong abilities and rapport with colleagues, as well as the trust he enjoys from leadership, also indicate another aspect—that our unit values hard work and cherishes a collaborative, healthy working atmosphere."

The moment he said this, the chief and other examiners’ eyes brightened. Many candidates might answer the first point, but to elevate the answer to this level, recognizing the unit’s culture from an individual’s performance, was impressive.

"Secondly, I will actively reflect on my own shortcomings. I firmly believe that solid abilities are the foundation of respect, and good interpersonal relationships enable one’s capabilities to be exercised more effectively.

Finally, I will learn from Comrade Xiao Zhang by enhancing my work skills, proactively communicating with colleagues, frequently reporting to leadership, and ultimately achieving complementary strengths and mutual success, striving to create greater value for the unit."

"I have finished my answer. Thank you."

As Li Xiuyuan finished, silence fell over the room for three seconds.

Having interviewed for half a day, the examiners, who had grown somewhat weary, suddenly perked up. Many looked at Li Xiuyuan again, their eyes shining.

Regarding the first question, his answer was commendable—without excessive flourish, yet refreshing. His tone was steady and calm, but the depth of his response was remarkable.

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"The second question: Your unit is to hold a New Year’s Eve party, and the leadership appoints you as the organizer. How would you proceed?"

At the mention of the second question, the answer immediately formed in Li Xiuyuan’s mind. Were it not for respect for the examiners, he would not even bother taking notes.

In answering, Li Xiuyuan focused on three core points. Organizing such an event first requires a clear theme, tightly connected to reporting to leadership.

This was emphasized repeatedly in his response—from preparing the plan and reporting to leadership, through the process of reporting, to the final report and summary. One must never be afraid of troubling leadership when reporting.

This is a common mistake young newcomers make—thinking simple matters don’t warrant bothering superiors, so they act unilaterally. This is wrong; frequent consultation and reporting are what young professionals should do.

Secondly, the answer must maintain a clear rhythm—no haphazard jumps that leave the examiners confused.

It must be layered and progressive: from defining the event’s positioning, establishing the organizing team, conducting research and revisions, drafting the plan, to process control.

This requires a methodical, step-by-step response.

Finally, the answer must elevate the event’s theme—clarify the purpose of holding the party. This is the critical point of elevation.

Such interview questions can be answered in one, two, three steps by many, but achieving a high score is not easy. Li Xiuyuan was precisely the kind of candidate capable of scoring highly.

At first glance, his answer seemed no different from others, but upon careful listening, it was clear his response was pleasing.

There was a sense of being busy but not chaotic, orderly and efficient—almost as if the examiners were watching Li Xiuyuan successfully organize a flawless New Year’s Eve party, fully immersed in the scene.