Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion requesting change in an organization.
"My current company was a start-up when I first joined, and we did not have any policy in place for reigning in customer changes and requests. I recommended a policy where amends are made within seven days from original submission. The agency owner implemented the idea. As a result, more projects completed ahead of schedule and clients became more decisive."
"I had noticed a lack of communication with our 2nd and 3rd shift operations. I drafted a proposal to purchase announcement TVs to have hung in various places in the building to share information and requested a meeting with my department supervisor and the business leader."
"Our company did not have a strong policy when it came to workplace harassment and bullying. I was able to work with the leadership team to create a new program which has been readily welcomed by our staff."
"I have seen a lot of growth in my current company and there came a time, about two years ago, where we needed to make a stronger division between the sales, administration, and marketing divisions. Many employees were wearing multiple hats, and expectations were becoming convoluted. I made a recommendation for the division of roles and tasks, and it's worked tremendously well."
"I recommended change recently when I asked that the split classes also have two teachers present in the room. As great as having a 5/6 split can be, there are challenges including learning curve and often bigger class size. My request is currently under review."
"I noticed that our current theft protection tags were leaving holes in our more delicate garments. Our business was using the typical magnet and pin style security tags which were quite heavy. I made the recommendation that we change over to the style that stuck to the inside label. They are nearly weightless and also customers like them better because they don't interfere with the shape. We are in the process of implementing the change."
The interviewer would like to know about your level of comfortability with change. In addition to being able to handle change, can you also recognize when change is required and be confident enough to present that to your organization? Talk to the interviewer about a time when you were able to suggest change in the workplace.
"Last year when I was managing dispatch I noticed a pretty solid opportunity for us 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 very proud of the suggestion that I made."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I like to improve processes and innovate as much as possible. Working in the School of Education, we had many paper forms. I no longer wanted paper forms and wanted to digitize all the forms. By digitizing the forms we have all the information necessary to proceed and we streamline the process. This results in a more efficient office.
Marcie's Feedback
Mentioning that you like to improve processes and be innovative in your role are definitely positives that the interviewer will be happy to hear. Your example is also a good one! That doesn't sound like an easy project, but it sounds like the right move in terms of making things more streamlined and efficient in the office. Way to take the initiative!
Unlock all 15 Adaptability questions
Unlock expert responses that demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving under pressure.
Get Started