What do you do if you want to impress employers with your innovative thinking in an interview?

1 Research the company and the role

Before you go to the interview, do some research on the company and the role you are applying for. Find out what their goals, challenges, and values are, and how they approach innovation. This will help you tailor your answers and examples to their specific context and needs. You can also use this information to ask relevant and insightful questions that show your interest and curiosity.

2 Use the STAR method

When you are asked to describe a situation where you used your innovative thinking, use the STAR method to structure your answer. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. First, explain the situation and the task you were faced with, then describe the action you took and how it involved your creativity or innovation. Finally, highlight the result and the impact of your action on the outcome. This will help you demonstrate your skills and achievements in a clear and concise way.

3 Share your process and mindset

Innovation is not only about the final product or solution, but also about the process and mindset that led to it. Show your interviewer how you approach problems, generate ideas, test assumptions, and learn from feedback. Explain how you use tools, techniques, or frameworks to facilitate your creative thinking, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, prototyping, or design thinking. Also, share how you cope with uncertainty, ambiguity, and failure, and how you embrace change and experimentation.

4 Be original and authentic

One of the best ways to impress employers with your innovative thinking is to be original and authentic. Don't try to copy or imitate someone else's ideas or style, but rather express your own unique perspective and voice. Show your passion and enthusiasm for your work, and how it reflects your values and vision. Avoid using clichés or buzzwords that sound generic or vague, and instead use specific and concrete examples that demonstrate your innovation.

5 Ask for feedback and suggestions

Finally, show your interviewer that you are open to feedback and suggestions, and that you are willing to learn and improve your innovation skills. Ask them for their opinion or advice on your ideas or solutions, and how they would approach the problem or challenge differently. Listen attentively and respectfully to their responses, and thank them for their input. This will show your humility, curiosity, and growth mindset, and that you value collaboration and diversity of thought.