Chapter 5: In the Name of Youth

In the interview room, it was not just the examiners; the two scorekeepers sitting to the side were also mesmerized as they watched Li Xiuyuan. Although they were not the ones conducting the interview, having spent the entire day recording scores, they had a sharp eye for the caliber of each candidate.

While the score for Candidate No. 35 had not yet been finalized, both scorekeepers had a strong premonition that this candidate would likely emerge with the highest score among the fifty people in this session.

At that moment, the third and final question of Li Xiuyuan’s interview was presented: "Please discuss your strengths and weaknesses, and explain why you want to become a civil servant."

Li Xiuyuan felt a surge of joy; this was a classic interview question. As to why he wanted to become a civil servant, he had already prepared a mental outline.

He scribbled a few notes on his paper, then looked up, met the examiners' gazes, and began to speak slowly: "Respected examiners, I shall now begin my response."

"The ancients once said, 'I examine myself three times daily.' Only by correctly recognizing one's own strengths and weaknesses can one identify problems and pursue continuous improvement..."

Interviews of this nature are, in a sense, much like essay writing. When faced with a specific question, one should not jump straight into the answer; instead, it is better to first summarize the premise. To dive immediately into listing personal pros and cons would be far too simplistic.

He began by discussing the importance of self-awareness, which immediately elevated the depth of his response.

He then moved on to his strengths: "My strengths are mainly reflected in the following aspects. First and foremost, I possess a strong sense of responsibility..."

There was little to say about strengths; following his outline, he flowed through them naturally. As long as one remained calm and articulate, this part was straightforward.

However, one had to be careful when addressing weaknesses. This was a trap within the question; one must mention "weaknesses" without actually revealing any real flaws.

If one were to admit to genuine shortcomings, would the examiners pass or fail the candidate? The entire process was being recorded. If he admitted to lacking capability or being careless, and he later caused a disaster on the job, the examiners would be held accountable for hiring someone with obvious deficiencies.

Therefore, one had to be strategic when discussing weaknesses.

Li Xiuyuan spoke fluently and with great conviction. When he reached the part about his weaknesses, he did not stutter in the slightest. He looked directly at the examiners and said, "My first weakness is that I am perhaps too fastidious at work. I tend to get to the bottom of things, always wanting to fully grasp the tasks assigned by my superiors before I begin..."

"Secondly, I am quite cautious when it comes to decision-making, especially regarding significant matters. I feel the weight of my responsibilities heavily, and I always think three times before I act..."

The examiners listened, smiles appearing on their faces. They were very satisfied with Li Xiuyuan’s response.

Yes, everyone knew this was just clever posturing. When asked for weaknesses, he had cleverly disguised them as virtues. Was being fastidious or cautious truly a weakness? No, these were strengths!

Yet, this veiled self-praise was the standard answer in such interviews. Anyone foolish enough to honestly list their actual shortcomings would only make things difficult for the examiners.

"As for why I wish to become a civil servant, it is because I have harbored a desire to serve the people since I was a child. My grandfather was a veteran Party member; when I was very young, he taught me that as members of the Party, we must treat the affairs of the masses as our own..."

Li Xiuyuan said this without a blush or a racing heart. In truth, his grandfather was not a Party member at all, just an ordinary citizen. But did that matter?

Not in the slightest!

Because the examiners did not have the candidates' personal files in front of them.

For this type of question, claiming the influence of family—stating that one's grandfather or father was a Party member or a public servant—was the most impeccable, perfect answer. It was the reason why, in later years, one would often hear of "police families" or "military families"; people inherently respected that kind of upbringing and influence.

At this moment, Li Xiuyuan was full of confidence. My grandfather was a Party member, my father was a Party member; tell me, examiners, what else should I be doing?

Is it not fitting that I should join the system to serve the people?

Seeing the satisfaction in the examiners' eyes, Li Xiuyuan continued, unhurriedly: "Furthermore, during my time at university, I took every opportunity for social practice to engage deeply with the grassroots. This not only gave me the ability to communicate with the public and honed my skills in coordinating complex situations, but it also steeled my resolve to become a public servant."

This section served to elevate his advantages. If family influence alone wasn't enough, he also possessed these practical skills. It was as if he were born to do this job.

Li Xiuyuan paused slightly, took a deep breath, and began the final performance of his interview.

"Becoming a public servant is a professional ideal I have established after long periods of reflection and practice. To achieve this goal, I have prepared myself both mentally and physically."

"In terms of capability, I have systematically studied the Civil Service Law and compilations of grassroots governance cases. Psychologically, I am well aware that a civil servant’s position is not merely a job, but a calling to be a pioneer, charging to the front during times of emergency and hardship."

"Standing here today, I carry not only a yearning for this position but a clear realization: the value of a civil servant lies not in a glamorous title, but in transforming the trivial concerns of thousands of households into warm, policy-driven responses; in turning the public's longing for a better life into the footsteps taken during field visits, the lights burning late during overtime, and the smiles that follow the resolution of problems."

"Respected examiners, the stage for a civil servant is not under the spotlight, but in the fields, the alleys, and the hearts of the people."

"I am ready. I wish to use the name of my youth to write an answer defined by loyalty, integrity, and accountability on this record of service to the people."

"I humbly request that you grant me the opportunity to put my ideals into practice!"

"Thank you!"

As Li Xiuyuan’s voice faded, several examiners instinctively raised their hands, wanting to applaud. Had they not realized at the last second that this was not an appropriate setting for applause, the room would likely have erupted in a thunderous ovation.

Perfect. It was truly perfect. Of the three questions, Li Xiuyuan’s answers were flawless. Each response had exceeded the examiners' expectations, providing the most precise and beneficial answers possible.

The examiners looked at Li Xiuyuan with broad smiles, their eyes filled with genuine admiration. Had the interview rules not limited them to only three questions, they would have been tempted to ask even more.

Listening to other candidates had been a chore—stilted, repetitive, and devoid of creativity. Being an examiner was painful, like chewing wax, yet they had to force themselves to listen.

But listening to Li Xiuyuan’s responses, with his modulated tone, felt like a cool breeze brushing against the heart. It was comforting, and his answers were consistently refreshing, as if their very souls had been cleansed.