Tell me about a time you took initiative on your own.

How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

Assure the interviewer that you are a go-getter and aren't going to wait to be asked what to do. Walk them through a scenario where you took it upon yourself to fix something and didn't run to your leader with a problem, but had multiple solutions.

"I noticed we were taking at least 2 hours a week on a manual report that seemed to be a big waste of time. I started playing around in our system at the different reporting features and was able to test and customize a report that could take the place of the manual report. After my testing, I brought the idea to my boss who made a few tweaks, but was thrilled I had discovered a more efficient way to give customers the same information."

For example: "I noticed a huge skill gap in the team's use of Microsoft Excel & PPT. Because I come from a different industry, I had to utilize these tools a lot and volunteered to host a series of lunch & learns for anybody who wanted to brush up on them."

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

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Medical Devices job interview.

12. Tell me about a time you took initiative on your own.

How to Answer

Assure the interviewer that you are a go-getter and aren't going to wait to be asked what to do. Walk them through a scenario where you took it upon yourself to fix something and didn't run to your leader with a problem, but had multiple solutions.

1st Answer Example

"I noticed we were taking at least 2 hours a week on a manual report that seemed to be a big waste of time. I started playing around in our system at the different reporting features and was able to test and customize a report that could take the place of the manual report. After my testing, I brought the idea to my boss who made a few tweaks, but was thrilled I had discovered a more efficient way to give customers the same information."

2nd Answer Example

For example: "I noticed a huge skill gap in the team's use of Microsoft Excel & PPT. Because I come from a different industry, I had to utilize these tools a lot and volunteered to host a series of lunch & learns for anybody who wanted to brush up on them."

Next Question