Tell me about a time you learned a skill set that improved a workplace process.
The interviewer hopes to learn more about your approach to your development and your ability to step outside of your comfort zone. A person's level of ambition can be revealed in how frequently they take advantage of learning new skills. It may also reveal if you are ambitious and take on too many tasks. The interviewer wants to know whether you're more likely to underperform many tasks, over-perform one task, or fall somewhere in between. Explain why your example was outside of your comfort zone. Specify whether you were volunteered for this task or were challenging yourself. Describe what you did to ensure your success and the obstacles you faced along the way.
"I am all about systems implementation. I strive to deliver above and beyond quality in my work first, then implement procedures that increase the quantity without sacrificing quality. When I finish my onboarding, I analyze what I've learned and find methods to improve my workflow and productivity. Once I feel I've done so, I'll share my method with anyone interested. In my last job, this led to several improved systems the entire workplace adopted, which increased our department's productivity threefold."
"We were having difficulty keeping everyone on the same page. Communication was inconsistent and often passed on verbally. I suggested our management start a weekly bulletin, which could be kept in a binder in the break room. We had a page at the end of every bulletin with a list of all our staff with a checkbox next to their name. They'd check the box next to their name when they read it. Management loved the idea, and they wanted me to get it started. I didn't know where to start, so they sat down and gave me a weekly meeting where I would take notes and come up with the bulletin. I had to learn shorthand to do this fast and meet the expectations I set for myself. It was a success. This improved our workplace's communication and improved accountability. I'm always looking for ways to streamline our workflow and productivity. I'm a believer in making work foolproof. The path of least resistance should always be the path of doing the job the right way right from the start. This prevents rework and enhances productivity."
Unlock all 35 Nestle Purina questions
Prepare for questions about pet care philosophy and operational excellence.
Get Started