1. Describe a piece of positive advice someone gave you at work
(描述一条在工作中别人给你的积极建议)
One of the most useful pieces of advice I received at work was from my colleague Alex. We both work at a photolab, and last December during the Christmas season, we were extremely busy. Many customers came to print photos, develop film, buy frames or order custom gifts. Since there weren’t enough staff, Alex and I, the only two full-time employees, had to work six days a week.
One day, I had just taken a passport photo for a customer, and then another customer started shouting because we had accidentally given her someone else’s printed photos. I tried to calm her down and apologized, explaining that one of our part-time staff was still in training and had made a mistake.
At that moment, I hadn’t eaten lunch, the environment was noisy, and I had been working non-stop. I started to feel dizzy, and suddenly, I blacked out and collapsed behind the counter. It turned out I had low blood sugar and was exhausted.
After that, Alex told me something I’ll never forget. He said, “No matter how busy work gets, always take care of your health first.” He also suggested that I should not do heavy gym training after a long day of work and should get enough rest at home. This advice really changed my mindset. Since then, even during busy times, I make sure to eat lunch and not push myself too hard.
It may sound simple, but in a high-pressure job, we often forget to take care of ourselves. Alex’s advice was practical and caring, and I think it helped me become a better and more balanced employee.
2. Describe a time when you were very busy
(描述你非常忙碌的一次经历)
One of the busiest times in my life was during last year’s Christmas season, when I was working full-time at a photolab. Normally, I only worked part-time, so I wasn’t used to working so many days in a row. But last December, because the store was short-staffed, my colleague Alex and I had to work six days a week.
Many people came to print photos, develop films, buy frames, and order custom gifts for their friends and families. The store was packed every day, and we were constantly helping customers, solving problems, and doing photo editing on the computer.
One afternoon, I had just helped a customer take a passport photo, and another customer started yelling because we gave her the wrong photos—someone else’s prints. I rushed to handle the situation and tried to explain and apologize.
But at that point, I hadn’t eaten anything all day. I was hungry, tired, and the environment was noisy. I suddenly felt really dizzy and the next thing I knew, I had fainted behind the counter. My coworker called for help, and later I found out that I had low blood sugar from overworking and not eating.
This experience taught me a very important lesson: no matter how busy I am, I must take care of my body first. After that, I always made sure to eat lunch and take small breaks when needed. That week was extremely busy, but it also helped me grow and understand my own limits.
3. Describe an important rule you follow at work
(描述一项你在工作中遵守的重要规则)
One of the most important rules I follow at work is being honest—not only to customers and coworkers but also to myself.
I work at a photolab, and one time during the Christmas season, a customer became angry because we gave her the wrong photos. It was our mistake—a part-time staff accidentally switched two customers’ prints. I went to explain and sincerely apologized. I believe that admitting mistakes honestly is better than making excuses. Customers appreciate honesty and usually become more understanding.
In my workplace, I also believe in being honest with my coworkers and boss. If I make a mistake or feel unsure about something, I try to speak up. That way, we can solve problems together and prevent similar things from happening again.
Most importantly, I try to be honest with myself. During the same holiday season, I was working full-time for the first time, six days a week. One day, I felt extremely dizzy from not eating and overworking, and I actually fainted behind the counter. It made me realize I had been lying to myself, telling myself “I’m fine, I can keep going.” But the truth was, I needed rest.
After that, I promised to listen to my body more and take care of my health. I learned that being honest with yourself is just as important as being honest with others, especially in a busy and stressful working environment.