Personal details

*First name(s): *Willard Mitt

*Surname: *Romney

DOB: 12/03/1947

Nationality: American

The role

Please explain why you are applying for this role. (100 words max.)

I've spent the past 16 months campaigning for the presidency, but my prospects aren't looking good. Although I make millions of dollars from my private investments, I'm a hard worker and need to find a new day job. I co-founded Bain Capital in 1984 and would like to rekindle my career with the company, going back to the days when I was a winner. Having been responsible for some of Bain Capital's biggest success stories, such as the transformation of office store Staples, I know I'm perfect for the role. I expect to be available to take up a role from 7 November 2012.

Please explain five key reasons why you are interested in joining the firm. (100 words max.)

Firstly I admire Bain Capital's commitment to building great companies, and it's something I believe I can contribute my expertise to. Secondly, the company has an excellent track record and I believe I can use my skills to further contribute to its reputation. Third, I know from my experience at Bain Capital that the firm values its employees' personal and professional development.

Fourth, Bain Capital's work with children's charities is extremely admirable and it's important to me to work for a company that invests in its community. And fifth Bain Capital isn't afraid of a challenge, and neither am I.

Showing an understanding of the role, tell us what you expect to be doing in your first year in your chosen role. (100 words max.)

As an experienced hire, I expect to be given instant responsibility to manage a fund, find a suitable business to acquire and then overhaul its business strategy, corporate structure and finances to transform it into one of the country's greatest success stories. I also expect to take on additional responsibilities, such as representing the firm in the media, doing charitable work and interviewing candidates for our graduate scheme.

How do you spend your free time, including your contribution to any clubs/societies? Explain the benefits you derive from this activity.

At BYU I became president of the Cougar Club. In this position I developed my leadership and project management skills by raising funds to support student activities. I'm also a member of the Mormon church, and from 1986 to 1994 presided over the Boston Stake group of 4000 church members. In this voluntary role I devoted 30 hours a week to managing church finances, providing social care and teaching Sunday School. From this position I gained organisation and communication skills and proved my ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds. I also developed my character and gained satisfaction from helping my community.

Tell us about a time when you demonstrated effective leadership to achieve a goal.

In 1999 I was selected to serve as president and CEO of the Salt Lake City Olympic Games Organising Committee. When I took over, the Games were in fiscal crisis, running at a $379 million deficit. I restructured the organising committee, reduced the budget and boosted fundraising. I also oversaw 700 employees and 26,000 volunteers. The Games ended up with a surplus of $100 million. I donated my $1.4 million salary to charity.

What do you perceive as your weaknesses and how are you addressing them?

I've struggled in the past to relate to ordinary people, probably because I enjoyed a very successful career in private equity, from which I've earned around $250 million. However, through my volunteer work and campaigning I've proven my determination to understand the American people and am continuing to work hard to do so.

If you've taken a gap year, please tell us how you spent your time.

In July 1966, I went to France as a Mormon missionary for two-and-a-half years. During this time I was promoted to a leadership role in which I oversaw the work of 175 people. Under my leadership, my mission met its goal of 200 baptisms in 1968. I also became fluent in French, gained understanding of a foreign culture and proved my independence.

If there are any gaps in your education/employment timeline, please explain the reason for this.

In 2008 I ran, unsuccessfully, for the Republican presidential nomination. From June 2011 until November 2012 I was campaigning again for the presidency of the US. After a tough battle I won the Republican Party nomination in August 2012 and then continued to campaign across the country ahead of the elections.