What to listen for
- Clear, benefits-focused examples of how they identified an area of improvement and helped to optimize it
- Strategic communication to key stakeholders of the rationale for the change, and the winning of buy-in
What this question assesses
- A mindset of constant evaluation and iteration in order to avoid complacency
- Tenacity to build a case for their idea and to ensure it’s implemented successfully
What to listen for
- Keen understanding of current and emerging challenges facing your industry
- Inspiration, ideas, and a positive outlook about potential challenges, rather than apprehension
What this question assesses
- Forward-thinking growth mindset, which allows them to be prepared for the next big thing
- Adaptability in taking on challenges and ideating solutions
What to listen for
- Thoughtful explanation of strategic steps, rather than passive aspiration, to reach a desired result
- Identifying resources or teammates that can be used to evaluate, prove, and disprove various options for solutions
What this question assesses
- Independent process for generating ideas, balanced with ability to lean on others as needed
- Ingenuity in finding new areas for ideas, workarounds to challenges, and fresh angles on convention
Additional resources
50 productivity hacks essential for hiring
Learn how to save time at every stage of the hiring process.
Brigham Young University’s Jeff Dyer on innovation
Use these behaviors and techniques to generate creative ideas.
Brendan Browne leads recruiting for LinkedIn. Prior to joining LinkedIn, he led recruiting and HR at Microsoft, Northwest Mutual, and Sapient. A 15-year industry veteran, Brendan is passionate about nurturing high performing, healthy, scaleable companies.
Lilian Tham drives executive hiring at Airbnb, where she’s excited to help steer the company through their IPO and post-IPO growth. Lilian previously led executive hiring for Google and Howard Fischer Associates, and managed marketing at American Express.
Nick Gorski leads data engineering at Grand Rounds. Previously, he was an engineering manager at Twitter and a software engineer at TellApart, which Twitter acquired in 2015. Nick specializes in data platforms, machine learning, and distributed computing.
Deanna Fleming leads the sales organization at Newell Brands Technical Apparel (NBTA). Prior to joining NBTA, she was the vice president of marketing and innovation at Harmless Harvest, where she managed the company’s expansive growth.
