"I would say that at least once a month I have an idea, big or small, that I present to my manager. My most recent innovation was a change to the way I partner with the designers at my current company. As a quality assurance engineer, I was not typically involved in the initial design process for our products. Over time, I found myself noticing quality issues that could have been avoided if I had been allowed to review designs before they were produced.

I asked the engineering manager if it would be possible for me to sit in on design meetings when my schedule allowed for it. He was hesitant at first but allowed me to attend. I mostly observed, but I offered my perspective when I noticed an opportunity to avoid costly rework. My innovative idea has proven to be quite valuable and senior QA engineers are regularly collaborating with designers now as a result."

"I am always thinking of new ways to increase productivity and improve the methods I use to complete my work. I also look for ways that my teams can improve. As a project manager, this is a critical piece of my role.

For example, when I joined my current company I observed the way the engineers on my current team break up and order their tasks at the beginning of each week. I noticed that they each developed their own schedules and then coordinated during the week as necessary. I observed a number of delays that could be reduced if they met and worked to create a collective development schedule. This would ensure that collaboration needs were known and planned for.

It took them a while to get used to the new method, but the change I suggested resulted in an 18% increase in our rate of production each month. It also reduced rework and waste. I look forward to using my observational and process improvement skills here at Bombardier if hired."

Think of a time you had a chance to make a difference by making a change in a process or procedure. This may include changes to the steps you took, the equipment or technology you used, the coworkers you engaged, etcetera.

Next, let your interviewer know the frequency with which you identify and implement improvement opportunities. Back up your response with a quick walkthrough of an example from a recent professional role. Be sure to include a description of the value you created.