Give me an example of a project or initiative that you started on your own. What prompted you to get started?
This question is actually about the soft skill Initiative. I'll be writing about how this soft skill may be important to a potential employer and how you can answer this question.
What is initiative?
It means being able to notice what needs to be done and taking action on your own, without waiting for someone to tell you. It's about being proactive, thinking ahead, and being willing to take on more responsibilities than what’s immediately required.
Why would an employer ask this question?
Employers ask this question to see if you have any experiences where you used some initiative to get things done. This question is your chance to show that you are forward-thinking and proactive about what you do.
Why is taking initiative important?
Encourages New Ideas and Growth
When a person take the initiative, they often come up with new ideas and creative solutions. This active approach not only helps solve current issues but also supports the organization's long-term growth. By promoting initiative, companies can stay ahead, better adapt to changes, and find new opportunities more easily.Boosts Team Productivity
When team members show initiative, they tend to take on tasks without needing to be told what to do. This proactive approach really helps the team get things done faster and tackle problems as they come up. Plus, this kind of behavior can encourage others in the team to step up and participate more, leading to a lively and productive work atmosphere.Improves Career Prospects
Taking the initiative can really boost your chances of success in your career. Employers appreciate workers who are proactive, who suggest new ideas, and who put in extra effort. Showing that you can take the lead can help you get noticed, open doors for growth, and speed up your career progress. It also shows that you care about the company's success and are ready to step into leadership positions.
How to Answer This Question
In an interview, showing that you take initiative can help you stand out from other applicants. It lets potential employers know that you are someone who can take charge, think for yourself, and act when needed.
By dedicating the time needed to progress through 100Devs and learning a new skill set to further your career goals in itself is a huge act of initiative, do not doubt yourself.
Remember that you need to provide sufficient details in your answer for the interviewers to understand the scale of your achievement. It's important, too, that you talk about the impact your initiative-taking made.
Most of the behavioral questions should be answered in the CAR format. When answering begin with "At my last opportunity..." or "At my last company". Don't sell yourself out and say "bootcamp" or "school".
Cause
- Why did you need to take action?
Action
- Steps you took to solve problem
- Be positive
- Don't be humble
Result
- How are you better?
Get Ready with Clear Examples
Think about a project you started, a way you made something better, or a problem you fixed on your own. Get ready to talk about these experiences in detail, explaining how you approached each situation, what steps you took, and what the outcomes were.
Leon prompts us to improve and customize the projects throughout 100Devs. From the early days of finding APIs and making our own projects from it or the SocialMedia app near the end. We also are pushed to use our intiative to create our 100hour project.
Show Your Decision-Making Process
Employers appreciate candidates who can make good decisions independently. When sharing your examples, focus on how you looked at the situation, weighed your options, and chose the best path forward. This demonstrates that you are both proactive and considerate in your thinking.
Talk About The End Result
When discussing the results, highlight how your initiative made a difference. Did it save money, make things run smoother, or boost team spirit? Providing specific numbers, like "increased sales by 20%," helps people understand and appreciate what you accomplished.
Think About What You've Learned and How to Improve
Taking initiative can sometimes mean stepping outside your comfort zone, and not all risks will pay off. If you have an example of a time when things didn't work out as you hoped, it's helpful to share it. Make sure to highlight what you learned from the experience and how it helped you grow or improve your abilities. This shows that you can bounce back from setbacks, are eager to learn, and understand that taking initiative often comes with its challenges.
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