By Chron Contributor Updated October 18, 2021
A job interviewer who asks how you can make an immediate impact if you are hired for a new position is probably interested in hiring someone who can hit the ground running. He’s looking for a person who can immediately jump into the position without a lengthy learning curve and begin contributing from day one without too much oversight or supervision. Understanding how to give a good, "How will you make an impact?" answer will help you ace an interview.
Immediate Corporate Needs
If you've reached this point in an interview with an employer, you should have a good understanding of how the company operates, what your position would entail and what the major goals of the company are. Try to match your experience to the company's needs, such as, "I notice your website has a blog; I know SEO and can help improve your content's performance on Google."
If you don't have this information, respond to this question by asking the interviewer to describe three main objectives for the position during the first three months on the job. This will give you an indication of the company's priorities, which will help you formulate an intelligent and articulate answer. Don't be vague with your promises, advises LiveCareer.com.
Tackle Major Projects
Whether the position you're interviewing for is new, or you're filling the role of an exiting employee, there will be certain responsibilities you'll be expected to fully assume after a short amount of time on the job. Address the impact question by explaining how you evaluate and prioritize work tasks. You might say, "I am very good with time and project management and can get up to speed very quickly so you don't have gaps or hiccups in your performance."
Outline the approach you will take to get a handle on projects in the works or on the horizon to ensure you are developing comprehensive work plans and timetables. This will demonstrate your ability to be proactive in evaluating the big picture while also handling new details of your position.
Low-Hanging Fruit
Many companies have a handful of projects or objectives that have never been completely handled and are on the periphery of other staffers’ priorities. Offer an explanation for how you would clear up this low-hanging fruit by quickly and efficiently addressing a number of tasks related your position.
For example, if you're interviewing for a marketing director job, you might finalize a comprehensive marketing plan, send out a Request for Proposal for vendor contracts to negotiate better price structures, and conduct an internal department audit to ensure everyone's time is being wisely used. You might say, "I have experiencing negotiating with vendors to get better prices and credit terms."
Being a Team Player
Realistically, it will take some time to become familiar with your colleagues, your workplace and to come up to speed on position expectations. During the interview, stress your commitment to making a tangible impact during your initial days and weeks on the job by quickly familiarizing yourself with co-workers, key clients and business objectives. Stress how these early actions will have a positive impact on your ability to quickly adapt to the new environment,
FAQs
Address the impact question by explaining how you evaluate and prioritize work tasks. You might say, "I am very good with time and project management and can get up to speed very quickly so you don't have gaps or hiccups in your performance."
How do you answer an impact question in an interview? ›
Include a story that shows the impact of your learning. You know that you struggle to delegate – and in knowing this you use a structured approach to evaluate your work by asking 'can someone else do this' and 'why am I holding on to this'. Include a story which shows the impact of this on someone else's development.
How to answer what could you have done differently for greater impact? ›
Tips for Giving the Best Answer
- Turn potential weaknesses into learning opportunities. Instead of dwelling on the regret or what you would have done differently, focus on the positive. ...
- Talk about how you'd handle the situation now. It can be helpful to talk about how you'd deal with a similar situation now. ...
- Be honest.
Highlight how your skills, experiences, and achievements directly address the company's needs and contribute to its success. By showcasing your relevance to the organisation's goals, you position yourself as a valuable asset that can make a meaningful impact.
How do you think you would create an impact through your work? ›
Ways to make a positive impact at work
- Get to know your coworkers. Make an effort to get to know your team members. ...
- Show up to company events. ...
- Treat others with respect. ...
- Facilitate better communication. ...
- Use your problem-solving skills. ...
- Try to be more empathetic. ...
- Offer to help others. ...
- Speak up when you notice something.
How can you make a positive impact in the workplace? Make a positive impact at work by taking initiative and proactively leading initiatives, keeping stakeholders informed, being reliable, solving problems, taking ownership of your role, and going the extra mile.
What is an example of an impact question? ›
Impact questions help the sales professional and the prospect explore pain points and reach a mutual understanding. The goal is to be on the same page about the investment required to solve a problem. Examples of open-ended impact questions include: How much does this problem currently cost your company?
What impact can you bring to this role? ›
Think about: your enthusiasm for the profession and the employer and your desire to make your mark. your personal qualities, such as your drive and willingness to learn. the skills the employer seeks and how you have demonstrated them in the past – your answer should show why you would be competent in the job.
How would you impact the company interview question? ›
Learn About the Company and the Role
Try to identify the company's specific needs, and then respond by giving examples as to why your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience will make you an asset to the employer by fulfilling those needs.
What is one thing I can do to have a greater impact on the team? ›
Taking on additional responsibilities or projects that are outside of your usual scope of work. Going above and beyond to help a colleague or team member with a task or project. Proactively offering suggestions or feedback to improve a process or workflow.
You can use various tools and methods to collect and analyze data, such as surveys, feedback forms, reports, dashboards, analytics, or testimonials. Depending on your role and industry, you may also need to use qualitative or creative ways to measure your impact, such as stories, case studies, portfolios, or awards.
How to answer how will you make a positive impact to the team? ›
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering what you can bring to a team, including:
- Consider your unique attributes or skills. ...
- Explain how your unique skills apply to the position. ...
- Explain your experience with similar teams. ...
- Express your enthusiasm for working in teams. ...
- Remain humble and provide honest answers.
When asked about how you are making an impact, you can provide a thoughtful response by highlighting your contributions, achievements, or initiatives that have resulted in positive outcomes. Here is an example of how you can answer this question: "I believe I am making an impact in several ways.
How do you make an impact? ›
Acts of kindness and compassion have the power to transform lives and create a positive impact. By consciously choosing to be kind to others, whether through small gestures or meaningful actions, we can foster a culture of empathy and connection.
How do you make an impact interview? ›
In the days before your job interview, set aside time to do the following:
- Research the company and interviewers. ...
- Practice your answers. ...
- Reread the job description. ...
- Use the STAR method. ...
- Practice with someone. ...
- Prepare a list of references. ...
- Be prepared with examples of your work. ...
- Prepare smart questions for your interviewers.
10 Ways to Show Your Impact: Part 1
- Describe what differentiates you. ...
- Describe and show evidence of the value you create from the perspective of all your stakeholders. ...
- Tell your story and the stories of those you work with. ...
- Create a map of how you are influencing change.
