Interview Question: What Do You Think We Could Do Better Or Differently?
All interview questions are aimed at gathering information that will enable recruiting managers to make informed hiring decisions. This question is basically for candidates who have done their research on the organization. The question is usually premise on discovering the candidate’s perception of the organization and getting inputs on areas of improvement, as well as what he or she can offer to make things better.
While responding, highlight what you might have observed as a candidate or as a past client; it should be done in a manner that is not too critical of the organization’s activities, processes, or products. Instead, give a lighter reply and be sure to finish on a positive note. Below are tips to consider when answering this question.
Dissect both the Positives and Negatives
In preparing for an interview, it is imperative to research extensively about the organization. As you undergo this research, you should not be one-sided; look at both the positive and negative takes of the firm you intend to work for after the recruitment process. Try to get information about the firm’s products, revenue, image, goals, market, employees, competition, and reputation. These areas will sure give you an idea of a few shortfalls.
When answering this question, be comfortable looping both the negatives and positives into your response. If you focus only on the achievements and successes of the firm, the hiring manager may feel you are not really interested in working for the firm. As an add-on, concentrate on areas that will help establish your passion for the applied job.
Focus on Yourself
You are the cardinal point of the interview, so instead of focusing on how the organization can improve, let the recruiting managers know you are keen to step in and help the organization achieve its goals. Interviewers are mainly interested in your skills, expertise, experience, and achievements; hence your response should then expound on how equipped you are to bring about the desired changes when hired.
Redirecting the focus from the business angle to you will minimize the chances of you getting extremely negative about your reservations on the company. Answering in this form, may likely also make you stand apart from your peers because you will be projecting yourself as an integral part of the improved company plan.
Let your Answer Reflect the Company’s Values
What a particular firm considers as a shortfall another might see as a positive. Hence you need to acquaint yourself with the firm’s core values while preparing for the recruitment process. This will help you talk about areas of perceived concern and improvement in the organization. Similarly, it will put in a position to suggest specific changes that the firm will actually be interested in making.
For instance, if your previous place of work focuses more on community service, you could suggest making community service the focus here as a way of attracting new customers and keeping old ones. However, your suggestions should be about areas that fit the goal, values, and reputation of the firm. Keeping this in mind will no doubt make you seem like a candidate who will fit in at the firm.
Examples Of Answers to “What Do You Think We Could Do Better Or Differently?”
Your response should depend on the context in which the question is asked and perhaps what stage of the recruitment process you are at. Try and understand the environment, and articulate your points in a manner that will impress the interviewers at that time.
- If your reservation is about the hiring process, your answer can be;
“I have been fired up with this interview process. Your company feels very welcoming and no doubt has the fastest call-back time, I really appreciate the responsiveness. The only point I could bring forth is that the firm’s job portal is a little difficult to navigate on my PC and mobile phone. Aside from that, I am excited to be here and really enjoying the experience”
This answer is positive as it focuses on enhancing the firm’s recruitment portal for the firm’s good and that of prospective applicants as well.
- When expressing an opinion about your experience as a past customer, you could coin the response like this;
“I have been a loyal customer and now as a candidate, giving me a broader view of your organization’s all-round operation. I must say, your products and overall services are excellent. But the delivery service unit is a bit lacking in promptness, improving on this will put the firm above its competitors as against the ‘African time’ syndrome common in the industry. I spare headed a scheme that ensured timely service delivery in my previous place of work, if giving the opportunity; I will bring in practicable models that will enhance timely service delivery”
This sort of response will place you above other applicants, as it shows not just your knowledge of the industry, but also, your experience in dealing with a situation the firm needs improvement on.
- When the problem of the organization has to do with its digital and social media outlook, you may respond in this manner;
“Your firm has a huge reputation, but it seems that your profiles on social media could be better. The firm’s social media handles ought to have been viable tools for publicity and advertisement to both customers and applicants alike. I ran my last employer’s social media profiles and would be happy to do the same for you, should I be successful”
The above response portrays you as a candidate who is capable of bringing innovative ideas that improve the running of the firm; this will show your readiness and suitability for the applied role.
In conclusion, it is important to note that the response to “what do you think we can do better” depends on the type of organization and exact position you are being interviewed for. So be sure to make your response very precise and consistent to avoid unnecessary diversion. Similarly, do not for any reason highlight a shortfall you do not have reasonable knowledge of, so as not to have difficulty expatiating if the need arises.