Tell me about an idea you implemented at your last job.
The interviewer is asking this initiative-based question because they want to know if you are the type of employee who will be proactive if you notice an opportunity for improvement. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that when you see room for improvement or new implementation, you take action rather than sit back and wait for change to happen.
"(Situation) In my most recent position, I was alerted to a decline in profits, which may result in the cut back of hours and staff. (Task) As the general manager, my first instinct was to help the company while creating a fair solution for my team. (Action) After reading a few industry-related case studies of other companies and their successful approaches, I suggested implementing a work-share program. Our corporate head office agreed, and we implemented a 12-week work share program. (Result) This solution was the answer to pending layoffs, and although it temporarily cut hours back for our warehouse staff, it saved us from having to make permanent layoffs."
"(Situation) Last month, I noticed that my department was spending increasingly more funds on paper and ink. (Task) As the lead administrator, it's part of my job to watch for potential cost savings. (Action) So, I crunched some numbers in an Excel spreadsheet and pitched a change to the company's president. I suggested that we eliminate fax machines and reduce our printing tasks by better utilizing our company's digital technology. (Result) The president agreed to try my idea, and so far, we have saved over 1500/month on paper, ink, and other related supplies. Not to mention the positive environmental impact and an increase in speed and productivity!"
"(Situation) Last quarter, I noticed a 4% increase in minor safety incidents. (Task) As the safety manager, I look into our workplace incident data regularly and react to any increase. (Action) First, I introduced a virtual 'suggestion box' through Google Forms on workplace safety initiatives. The employees were full of great ideas for the continual improvement of our safety standards. After analyzing the suggestions, I implemented the top three safety initiatives over one month. (Result) This exercise helped the employees to feel heard and cared for, which boosted morale on-site. It also helped reduce minor workplace incidents by 12%, and we have had no major safety issues since the implementation."
"(Situation) While working for Company ABC, the corporate head office wanted to increase accountability among the sales team. (Task) I was the Sales Manager at the time and agreed with the need for a stronger accountability initiative. (Action) We put together a committee of all six sales managers company-wide. We agreed on the core issues that needed addressing and then crafted a program outline that included better onboarding and continued support for sales team members. In particular, I identified the need for a formal mentorship program for new hires. So, we created one! We crafted guidelines, gained approval from corporate, and implemented the program. (Result) After six months, we reported a 20% increase in productivity, a 17% boost in sales, and far less employee turnover."
"(Situation) When I worked for Independent Retail Store ABC, we had weak merchandising initiatives compared to the other stores in the mall. (Task) I was the store manager and believed that a boost in merchandising initiatives would increase sales and customer traffic. (Action) I approached the store owners and pitched the idea of outsourcing a display and merchandising company to overhaul the look of our store. The owners agreed, and I was responsible for finding the right service provider and working with them to create a merchandising plan that would change seasonally. (Result) I quickly saw my vision come to life and was thrilled to report a 30% boost in foot traffic and a 25% increase in transactions after just 45 days."
"(Situation) Last year, our school district encouraged each school to come up with a student initiative focused on increasing global awareness and cultural sensitivity. (Task) As a Social Studies and Language teacher, I felt it was my duty to head the initiative since the focus aligned so well with my curriculum. (Action) I created the plan for a program where we teamed up pen pals between our students and students from a school in Spain. One day per month, the students would write and send letters in their language. When our kids received their letters from the students in Spain, they were so excited! We even arranged a virtual 'party' at the end of the school year so the kids could have some face time. (Result) The kids loved the social component and learned so much about another culture. The school board awarded our program 'most-immersive,' which was a nice perk. We plan to repeat this initiative with a different school every year."
"(Situation) When I started my current position, the company did not have an organized email marketing system or an organized list of subscribers. (Task) As the new digital marketing lead, it was up to me to develop an initiative. (Action) I proposed better segmenting our current customer list and rolling out an email marketing campaign to connect target customers to our resource-based blog and various lead magnets. (Result) Over three months, we increased our subscriber list from 426 to 1754 people. We also saw a 14% boost in e-commerce sales conversions in the first two months."
Avoid giving a general response like, 'I am always looking for ways to implement more effective systems.' The interviewer wants you to recall a specific instance when you implemented an idea. Choose a time when your implementation positively impacted the workplace, such as generating cost or time savings.
When answering a 'Tell me about...' question, it's best to outline a specific story using the STAR interview method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. First, describe the situation or the problem that you faced. Then, outline your task or responsibility in this situation. Then, give details of your actions in response to the situation/problem. Lastly, summarize the positive results of your actions. In this instance, discuss the positive impact your idea/implementation had on your work, team, and employer.
Think of the ways you have made a positive impact at work. Then, provide a story-based example that shows you have the confidence and employee engagement level required to recommend or implement change. Choose an example that highlights your efficiency as an employee. Express to the interviewer that you value making recommendations that benefit your company.
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 took the initiative to have female luncheons with all my colleagues who work in our firm. This is a network where we will discuss a particular subject, motivate, and inspire each other on how it is to be female in a male-dominated industry. The purpose of this is that women can support and give feedback to each other regarding specific scenarios at work, which will, in turn, lead women in an extended perspective not to be afraid to take initiatives and bring ideas to the table.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your response is good; showing that you are active in the diversity and inclusion conversation. Perfect!
