By Burnett Munthali
In today’s interview I will be asking many questions. Some may be of a personal or intimate nature. I encourage you to be open and honest when answering questions. If you forget to tell me something today, you can always contact me. We can always set up another conversation.
Do people know you very well in your constituency?
Yes, I am a well-known figure in my constituency and have been actively involved in community projects and advocacy work.
Walk me through your resume?
My resume includes a background in journalism, where I have worked for several years covering important issues and holding those in power accountable. I have a passion for serving my community and making a positive impact.
How did you hear about this position?
I heard about the position in Parliament through my involvement in local politics and my desire to create change at a higher level.
Why do you want to become a member of Parliament?
I want to become a member of Parliament because I believe I have the skills, experience, and dedication needed to represent the people of my constituency effectively and bring about positive change.
Why should people vote for you?
People should vote for me because I am committed to transparency, accountability, and working tirelessly to address the needs of our community.
What can you bring to the constituency?
I can bring a fresh perspective, strong leadership skills, and a determination to advocate for the concerns of my constituents in Parliament.
What are your greatest strengths?
My strengths include strong communication skills, my ability to think critically, and my dedication to serving others.
What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
I believe one of my weaknesses is sometimes being too detail-oriented and getting caught up in the minutiae of a situation.
What is your greatest professional achievement as a journalist?
As a journalist, my greatest professional achievement was uncovering a corruption scandal that led to the resignation of a high-ranking government official.
Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced as a journalist, and how you dealt with it?
One challenge I faced as a journalist was dealing with pressure from powerful individuals attempting to suppress my reporting, but I persevered by staying true to my principles and seeking support from my colleagues.
Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills.
I have demonstrated leadership skills by organizing community events, leading advocacy campaigns, and motivating others to take action.
What’s a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?
There have been times where I have disagreed with editorial decisions at work, but I have always approached these situations professionally and worked to find a compromise.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake?
Everyone makes mistakes, and I have learned valuable lessons from my errors in judgment as a journalist, such as not fact-checking thoroughly enough before publication.
*Q-* Tell me about a time you failed.
*A-* Failure is a part of growth, and I have experienced setbacks in my career that have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of learning from mistakes.
*Q-* Why are you leaving journalism?
*A-* I am leaving journalism to pursue a career in politics because I believe I can create a larger impact and effect meaningful change in the lives of the people I seek to represent.
*Q-* Have you been fired from employment before or not?
*A-* I have never been fired from a job before and have always maintained a strong work ethic and commitment to my responsibilities.
*Q-* Can you explain why you changed career path if you ever did?
*A-* I believe that changing career paths is a natural progression in one’s professional journey, and I am excited for the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in my political career.
*Q-* What is it that you have to make you campaign and win elections in 2025?
*A-* I am confident in my ability to campaign vigorously and win in the upcoming elections, and I have the support of my community and dedicated team behind me.
*Q-* Are you a serious candidate who can be taken seriously in this campaign you have started?
*A-* I am a serious candidate who is committed to serving the people of my constituency with integrity, transparency, and a strong work ethic.
*Q-* What do you like about your job as a journalist?
*A-* I enjoy the dynamic nature of journalism but dislike the constraints of deadlines and the constant pressure to meet publishing requirements.
*Q-* What are you looking for in a new position of politics?
*A-* In a new position of politics, I am looking for the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of the people I represent and advocate for positive change in our community.
*Q-* What type of work environment do you prefer?
*A-* I prefer a work environment that is collaborative, open-minded, and focused on serving the needs of the constituents.
*Q-* What’s your work style?
*A-* My work style is focused, driven, and detail-oriented, with a commitment to achieving results and making a meaningful impact.
*Q-* What’s your management style?
*A-* My management style is inclusive, empowering, and focused on fostering a positive team dynamic to achieve common goals.
*Q-* How would your boss and coworkers describe you where you currently work?
*A-* My boss and coworkers would describe me as dedicated, hard-working, and a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.
*Q-* How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
*A-* I deal with pressure by staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and seeking support from my team. I am also proactive in managing stress through exercise, relaxation techniques, and seeking balance in my personal and professional life.
*Q-* What do you like to do outside of work?
*A-* Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, practicing yoga, and volunteering in my community to give back.
*Q-* How do you stay organized?
*A-* I stay organized by using a combination of digital tools, calendars, and to-do lists to ensure that I stay on top of my responsibilities and prioritize tasks effectively.
*Q-* How do you prioritize your work?
*A-* I prioritize my work based on urgency, impact, and alignment with my goals and values, ensuring that I focus on what matters most and where I can make the most difference.
*Q-* What are you passionate about?
*A-* I am passionate about social justice, equality, and creating a better future for the next generation through advocacy, activism, and policy change.
*Q-* What motivates you?
*A-* I am motivated by a deep sense of purpose, a desire to create positive change in the world, and a commitment to serving others.
*Q-* How do you like to be managed?
*A-* I prefer to be managed in a supportive, empowering, and collaborative way that allows me to thrive, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the team and organization.
*Q-* Do you consider yourself successful?
*A-* I consider myself successful in my career as a journalist, but I believe that success is an ongoing journey of growth, learning, and making a positive impact in the world.
*Q-* Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
*A-* In five years, I see myself serving as a respected and effective member of Parliament, making a meaningful impact on the lives of my constituents and creating positive change in our community.
*Q-* How do you plan to achieve your political career goals?
*A-* I plan to achieve my political career goals through dedication, hard work, collaboration, and a commitment to serving the needs of the people I represent with integrity and transparency.
*Q-* What are your aspirations in politics?
*A-* My aspirations in politics are to advocate for social justice, equality, and good governance, to create policies that benefit the most vulnerable in society, and to be a voice for those who are marginalized and disenfranchised.
*Q-* What’s your dream in politics?
*A-* My dream in politics is to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of background or circumstance.
*Q-* What makes you unique?
*A-* What makes me unique is my combination of journalism skills, advocacy experience, and commitment to public service, which I believe can make me an effective and impactful member of Parliament.
*Q-* What should I know that’s not on your resume?
*A-* One thing that’s not on my resume is my passion for community organizing and grassroots activism, which has been a driving force in my career and my commitment to creating positive change.
*Q-* What would your first few months look like in Parliament should you win?
*A-* In Parliament, my first few months would be focused on listening to the needs and concerns of my constituents, building relationships with colleagues, and advocating for policies that benefit the people I represent.
*Q-* What are your expectations from your constituency?
*A-* I expect my constituency to hold me accountable, support my efforts to create positive change, and collaborate with me to address the challenges we face together.
*Q-* What do you think could done better or differently in your constituency?
*A-* I believe that there is always room for improvement and innovation in any constituency, and I am committed to working with the community to identify areas for growth and development.
*Q-* Are you ready to serve your constituency?
*A-* I am ready and willing to serve my constituency with dedication, integrity, and a commitment to creating positive change for the people I represent.
*Q-* Are you willing to transform your constituency?
*A-* I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to transform my constituency, improve the lives of its residents, and create a better future for all who live there.
*Q-* Have you ever taken alcohol?
*A-* I have taken alcohol in social settings but do not indulge excessively or irresponsibly.
*Q-* Have you ever shot a gun?
*A-* I have never shot a gun and do not support the use of firearms as a means of conflict resolution.
*Q-* What’s your furniture food?
*A-* My favourite food is traditional Malawian nsima with fish and vegetables, as it reminds me of home and brings me comfort.
*Q-* Do you listen to music?
*A-* I do enjoy listening to music, particularly local Malawian artists who promote social justice, unity, and cultural pride.
*Q-* What is your favourite music or musician?
*A-* My favourite singing group is *The Lilongwe Chronicles Band* alias in *TCL* led by *Chuma Anzathu Magulu* as their music is uplifting, inspirational, and reflects the spirit and resilience of the Malawian people.
*Q-* Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
*A-* To know more about me, I would like to emphasize my commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in all that I do, both personally and professionally.
*Q-* Do you have any questions for us?
*A-* As for any questions I have for you, I would like to know more about the issues and concerns facing the community you represent and how you plan to address them if elected to Parliament.
