3M Mock Interview
Practice 33 3M interview questions covering innovation, technical problem-solving, and collaboration.
Question 11 of 33
Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion for changes in an organization where you were employed.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Experienced
Community Answers
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
3M celebrates the creativity of their 3Mers. "3M has a legacy of innovating to solve problems, which has resulted in products that improve the quality of life for individuals." However, how one approaches making suggestions is just as important as the pursuit of innovation. For example, someone who comes in making suggestions without first learning why things are done the way they are would have poor communication skills and be missing the big picture. Whereas someone who asks lots of questions, and first determines whether their ideas have been explored before making such a suggestion, exemplifies emotional intelligence and strong communication skills. How you answer this question will help your interviewer better assess your emotional maturity and communication skills.
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"Last year, when I was filling in for a vacant dispatch management position for my company, I noticed a pretty solid opportunity for us to save on overtime hours. So, I talked with those who put the previous system in place, asked a lot of questions, and realized room for improvement was welcome. So, I created a presentation and delivered it to my manager who took it to upper management. They loved my initial structure, took it, improved it, and the changes were implemented. The final form wasn't what I started out with. In fact, it was better. But I was very proud of the suggestion that I made, the initiative it took, and the final outcome achieved."
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Anonymous Answer
When I suggested a change in my previous organization, I had several meetings with the company leadership, and I had to show a lot of numbers with possible outcomes to prove my case. However, in the end, the company decided to move forward with my suggestion.
Amanda's Feedback
This is a positive foundation to build on. Make this answer stronger by telling the interviewer what kind of change you recommended, why you recommended it, what you shared to support your case, who you shared that information with, and what the outcome was.
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