What would you do differently next time?
Dear JobsBlog:
I recently had an interview where the interviewer asked me to describe my latest programming project. After we finished talking about the project, she asked "What would you do differently next time?” She seemed to be looking for a specific example, but I wasn’t sure. What's the best way to prepare for this question?
- Getting Ready
Dear Getting Ready:
Your interviewer wasn’t looking for the “right answer” amidst your explanation. Rather, she was looking for your ability to be reflective and appropriately self-critical to note where improvements could’ve been made if you had a second shot at it. Think of it as “…and what did you learn?”
My thoughts on how to prepare: for every win or loss you’re prepared to speak about, figure out how you would do it better given the chance.
Good luck!
-Chris
5 Comments
Sean Kearney said:
I can tell you this from experience. Even if you think you failed an interview, look back and learn from it.
It's not failure if you learn a lesson from it on some way.
Sean Kearney
MCTS, MCSE, MVP Powershell
STEP
Ghana Jobs said:
Exactly what I was thinking about, good luck with your interview
Jobs For 13 said:
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Thanks a lot for sharing.
Ed said:
Hi Getting Ready,
Having gone through over 20 MS FTE interview loops and multiple contract interviews on campus I can mirror what Chris and Sean are saying. I've been in the same position every time and each time I come away scratching my head as to what I "should" have said. Basically what the interviewer is looking for is exactly what Chris has stated. Most interviewers want to know that you've learned by either the good or the bad and that you recognize mistakes and have determined ways to improve upon it. This is true even when a project was successful...there's always a way to make it better and that's pretty much what they're looking for with their question. I also recommend bringing along a note book for when you're done with one of the interviewers and make notes as to what they asked and how you answered the question or went about solving the problem. I've gathered enough notes that allow me to know what is a good or acceptable answer and what makes the interviewer grind their teeth. I'm one of those twisted individuals that actually enjoy interviewing due to having the opportunity to learn something new each time. The best advice I can offer is show confidence (not too much though) and make sure you show a great deal of interest in the job and let your passion ooze out. I could compile a huge "DO NOT DO" list, but that'd take a while. :)
Good luck and never give up!
-Ed
Jobs for 12 year olds said:
Good luck next time