Tips on how to answer “Give me an example of a time when you used your initiative”
Went the extra mile to help someone or make sure a problem was sorted.
Worked well on your own even without supervision.
Suggested a new idea or way of doing things that was put into action.
Started a new project that took off.
Have you ever had to answer this question during an interview? We will walk you through the reasons employers love to ask this question, how to approach it and provide you with some example answers.
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Hiring managers tend to ask job candidates challenging questions during interviews. While some of these questions will target your skills and experience, others will aim to uncover who you are as an individual.
Being asked to give an example where you showed initiative aims to do just that, so you should be prepared to answer this commonly-asked question in every interview.
Need some help? Here is how you can prepare to answer this interview question and pass your interview with flying colours.
“WHEN HAVE YOU SHOWED INITIATIVE AT WORK?” (Interview Question and TOP-SCORING ANSWERS!)
The best approach to answering this question: Focus on a time when you had to take initiative in your work or projects. The best answer would also involve others, but it can also be simply taking personal initiative on your own. The ideal answer is one where you took initiative independently, without prompting from others.
An example of how to best answer this question for entry level candidates: “In my internship project, I took the lead on researching several different external best practices at our competitors. Then I compiled that external information along with our internal data to write up an internal best practice white paper which is still in use today. In fact, that white paper earned me the CEO Award at the end of my internship. I was the only intern to ever receive that award…”
An example of how to best answer this question for experienced candidates: “On my recent project, we hit a roadblock with the use of a third party vendor tool, which was causing ongoing issues for everyone on our team. I took the initiative to reach out to the vendor to see if there were any alternatives we might be able to use. The vendor was able to offer us a free upgrade to the latest release, which solved the technical issues we had been facing…”
An example of how you should not answer this question: “I’m pretty negative on having meetings of any type. We just sit around talking and don’t really accomplish anything. So I took the initiative to tell my boss I wasn’t going to attend any more meetings so that I could get something productive done during that time when everyone else is in the stupid meetings. Of course, my boss wasn’t very happy about that, which is why we’re sitting here talking today…” Remember to answer each interview question behaviorally, whether it is a behavioral question or not. The easiest way to do this is to use an example from your background and experience. Then use the S-T-A-R approach to make the answer a STAR: talk about a Situation or Task (S-T), the Action you took (A) and the Results achieved (R). This is what makes your interview answer uniquely yours and will make your answer a star!
Further review: know the answers to these 100 Standard Interview Questions to be fully prepared for your interview!
7 sample answers to “Give an example of a situation when you showed initiative in work” interview question
I recall a situation from my last job in a warehouse. One of my colleagues did not come for a night shift, and I saw that the workload was extremely heavy on that day. The remaining workers would struggle to handle the incoming stock and the expedition. I came to my superior and suggested that I would stay in work for four extra hours, helping the colleagues on the night shift, because of the heavy workload. Of course I was tired, I was on my feet for 8 hours before that, but I still felt it was the right thing to do... and so I did it. I believe that at least some of the colleagues would do the same thing for the guys on our shift.
I always try to have a proactive approach and be action-oriented. For example in my last job in sales, I found it strange that we did not have an existing database of leads available. The fluctuation was very high in the sales department, but whoever left the company took their leads with them, and new sales reps lost a lot of time doing their research online, looking for leads. I suggested that each sales representative should enter their leads to the internal database, together with any information they have about the prospects. As long as they stay with the company, this is their private asset and nobody else can see the database. But when they leave, their superior should get an access, and can offer it to new sales reps, to help them kick start the sales.My superiors didn’t like the idea—and I am not sure why. But I still took the initiative and challenged how they did things in the company, though I was a new member of the team…
* Must read: List of all most common behavioral interview questions (give an example of a situation…)
I had to take the initiative a lot in my last job, and more than anything else it meant working overtime. The workload was heavy, we were working on a new release, trying to meet the tight deadline with a simple goal: to release the product before the competitor will. I remember some weeks when I worked for 90 hours… But I did this, because I was passionate about the work, and my family situation allowed me to stay long hours in the office. And we weren’t specially compensated for working overtime, so it was really my initiative. It was nice to see that I motivated some other programmers to stay longer in work, and we eventually released our product before the competitor did so. Sometimes you just need a little spark to start the fire, and sometimes you can become that spark. That’s the philosophy I try to live and breath at work.
I took the initiative often when I felt that something should be discussed with the managers. Other colleagues were a bit afraid to express their opinion, but I personally believe that feedback should flow freely in all directions in any successful organization. And so I often stood out and talked to the managers, for example when I thought the work could be done more efficiently, or when I felt that we needed more people in the team to handle the workload.
This is my first job application, so I do not have experience with showing initiative at work. But I can refer to a good example from the college if you want. I always tried to participate in the life of the campus, do something for the community of students, and I did not mind to start some good initiative. I applied for a job of a resident assistant, and helped with solving issues at the dormitory. I also volunteered in the library and whenever I had a chance I tried to participate in an event or activity someone else from the school organized for students. Just to support them, because I know the feeling when you organize something and nobody comes to an event. It’s important to support good initiatives.
Look, I have never looked for a security of a low monthly paycheck. I always preferred to be compensated for my efforts and results, for the amount of work I manage to do. This dates back to college years when I picked strawberries on farms or planted trees, and we were compensated for the number of trees we managed to plant on a shift–not for the number of hours we spent working. And the trend continues for me in sales and management. I prefer to be paid according to my results. And in order to earn well, I have to achieve great results. To achieve great results, I can’t wait for some magic to happen. I have to step out of my comfort zone, make phone calls, initiate meetings, and sometimes also make unpopular decisions. But this goes without saying for me. It’s just very natural.
In my last job of a process manager, I always suggested some innovations. I mean, the plant was doing well, we were achieving good results, the mangers were satisfied, and we were beating our competitors. But in my book, we should continue striving for perfection, and we should always innovate ourselves and our business. Because they do not sleep in the other companies. And if we become satisfied with our position, we will quickly lose it… That’s my personal philosophy and I’d like to stick to it in my new job as well.
Why hiring managers ask this question
Companies want to employ fast thinkers who are not afraid to show initiative and deal with situations that may arise in the workplace.
Hiring managers are on the lookout for creative, action-oriented people who are proactive and ready to go above and beyond when needed. These are the people whose efforts foster growth in the organisation, ideas are nurtured, and customers get maximum satisfaction from dealing with the company.
Due to this, you should be ready to prove to your interviewer that you have got what it takes and bring value to the role.
SEE ALSO: 10 Common Remote Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
How to craft a response
By now, you should be wondering how to answer this tricky question in a way that shows you have what it takes to assume this job position.
Here are a few tips you can employ when crafting your response:
FAQ
What does initiative mean to you interview question?
If you’re not sure exactly what you are being asked at an interview, it’s very difficult to give a confident, impressive answer. According to the dictionary definition, then, initiative is: The ability to assess and initiate things independently. The power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.
How would you describe your ability to take initiative?
Defining Initiative
When you show initiative, you do things without being told; you find out what you need to know; you keep going when things get tough; and you spot and take advantage of opportunities that others pass by. You act, instead of reacting, at work.
What is an example of showing initiative?
The traditional example is taking leadership of a group situation: being the person who steps up to lead the team and knows how to get the most our of everybody else. This is an example of initiative, but if the idea of being a leader sends you weak at the knees, don’t worry, you’re not a hopeless case.
How do you demonstrate initiative in the workplace?
10 ways to take the initiative at work
Voice your ideas.
Be curious and learn about the work going on around you.
Find a new opportunity for improvement within your workplace.
Address any problems you notice.
Step in when someone needs help, and ask about team progress.
SEE ALSO: 10 Common Remote Interview Questions and How to Answer Them