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Job interview question and answer: Can you describe a time when you have taken initiative? What was the result?

This is an important one! No matter what industry you work in, the employer wants to know that you have the motivation and ability to take action when your job requires you to do so. They also want to see that you can think independently, generate ideas and make suggestions associated with the business.

Give one example of a time when you have come up with an idea and how you went about seeing it through to completion. Talk about the challenges you faced along the way and how you overcame these to succeed. Maybe you came up with an idea for a new project, which would cost the company minimal overhead, but create maximum profits. You presented a proposal to the boss, persuaded them to take it on board and then successfully carried it out. This shows that you can bring valuable skills to the job such as leadership, motivation and problem solving.

Also, try to emphasise the importance of teamwork. For example, 'While I have the ability to take direction and work on my own, I am also an excellent team player and I firmly believe in working together to obtain the best possible results as a group.'

Next answer: Would your current boss describe you as the type of person who goes that extra mile?

Back to: Sample job interview questions

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