Tell me about a time you made a suggestion requesting a change in an organization.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
What NOT to Say
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

This question can frequently be a double-edged sword. What matters here is your approach to the situation. Unless you've been with an organization since the beginning, you were likely not privy to the reasons behind everything an organization does. How you answer this question will provide the interviewer with insight into how you perceive your work surroundings.

In addition to being able to handle change, demonstrate that you recognize when change is required. Provide examples of times you gathered information and continued to dig deeper into why something wasn't working for the organization. It often takes a detective or an investigative reporter to get to the bottom of a prolblem and find a better way of doing things. If the example you provide offers layers of team collaboration led by you and ultimately solved by you, all the better.

There are many points in a person's career when one might offer suggestions to improve systems or workflow, but coming into an organization assuming you have thought of something no one has thought of before can be shortsighted. Understanding why things are done the way they are is the most important step to trying to improve upon them. Otherwise, all you'll be presenting is an ill-informed presumption.

"Last year, when I was managing dispatch for my company, I noticed a solid opportunity to save on overtime hours. I created a presentation and gave it to my manager, who took it to upper management. The changes were implemented, and I was proud of the suggestion I made."

"Our company did not have a strong policy when it came to workplace harassment and bullying. I worked with the leadership team to create a new program which has been readily welcomed by our staff."

How to Answer: Tell me about a time you made a suggestion requesting a change in an organization.