Tell me about a time you took initiative.

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Taking the initiative is one of the values of the Ford Motor Company. Someone who is proactive doesn't wait to be volunteered or to be asked, the identify a need and they address it. They want people who are proactive about solving problems and making changes that will satisfy the evolving needs of their customers. You may have stepped up to take on a leadership role on a project that needed guidance. Or maybe you noticed a problem with a system at work and spoke to your manager about your ideas to improve it. Show results!

"I made a suggestion last year that we install a higher quality coffee machine in our office rather than continue to purchase the disposable coffee pods. We calculated that the savings would be about $12,000 per year plus the positive environmental impact. I appreciate that my company allowed me to make the suggestion, and they appreciated my initiative when it came to cost savings."

Anonymous Answer

"I made suggestions about how to install kitchen cooking systems in a restaurant when I worked as a head chef and administrator. My suggestions and efforts helped my boss save money on installation and consulting expenses. I estimate that I save him approximately $2,000."

Rachelle's Feedback

That is a lot of savings, and I'm sure your employer truly appreciated your efforts. When approaching 'Tell me about a time' style questions, it's best to give as much information as possible so that your story is impactful, memorable, and allows the interviewer to see that you will make a similar impact in their company, should they choose to hire you. We have a guide on how to approach this by using the STAR framework. You can access the guide here: Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method

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How to Answer: Tell me about a time you took initiative.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Ford Motor Company job interview.

31. Tell me about a time you took initiative.

What You Need to Know

Taking the initiative is one of the values of the Ford Motor Company. Someone who is proactive doesn't wait to be volunteered or to be asked, the identify a need and they address it. They want people who are proactive about solving problems and making changes that will satisfy the evolving needs of their customers. You may have stepped up to take on a leadership role on a project that needed guidance. Or maybe you noticed a problem with a system at work and spoke to your manager about your ideas to improve it. Show results!

Written by Kevin Downey on June 28th, 2022

Answer Example

"I made a suggestion last year that we install a higher quality coffee machine in our office rather than continue to purchase the disposable coffee pods. We calculated that the savings would be about $12,000 per year plus the positive environmental impact. I appreciate that my company allowed me to make the suggestion, and they appreciated my initiative when it came to cost savings."

Written by Elisabeth Walter

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I made suggestions about how to install kitchen cooking systems in a restaurant when I worked as a head chef and administrator. My suggestions and efforts helped my boss save money on installation and consulting expenses. I estimate that I save him approximately $2,000."

Rachelle's Feedback

That is a lot of savings, and I'm sure your employer truly appreciated your efforts. When approaching 'Tell me about a time' style questions, it's best to give as much information as possible so that your story is impactful, memorable, and allows the interviewer to see that you will make a similar impact in their company, should they choose to hire you. We have a guide on how to approach this by using the STAR framework. You can access the guide here: Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method

Next Question