INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

How have you contributed to building a culture of innovation in your previous roles?

Sample answer to the question

In my last job as Lead Developer, I aimed to foster innovation among my team by organizing weekly brainstorming sessions where everyone could pitch their ideas. I also pushed for two 'Innovation Days' per quarter where the team could work on their own projects, which often led to fresh features or improvements in our software. Plus, I cheered on team members who took the initiative to research new tech and methods, making sure they got recognition from upper management for their efforts.

A more solid answer

In my most recent role as Engineering Manager at TechSolutions Inc., I spearheaded a 'Lab Fridays' program where the team could experiment with cutting-edge technologies without the pressure of client deliverables. This not only bolstered our technical capabilities but also led to the development of an internal tool that increased project efficiency by 30%. Moreover, I initiated cross-department 'Innovation Challenges' with Product Development, which improved our collaboration and led to two marketable products. I also facilitated learning opportunities, encouraging team members to pursue certifications and bring new insights back to the team.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer elaborates on the initiatives that promote innovation and how they contribute to improving efficiency and technical expertise. It also touches on cross-departmental efforts aligning with the responsibilities of the VP of Engineering role. Still, it can deepen insights into strategic planning and how the candidate’s actions impacted budget management and risk assessment. While it explains how the ideas were encouraged and nurtured, there is room to discuss further the long-term innovation culture strategies and their alignment with the overall business goals.

An exceptional answer

During my tenure as Engineering Director at Innovatech, I endorsed a culture of innovation that permeated our entire organization. I drove the 'Open Sandbox' initiative, allowing engineers to allocate 10% of their time to explore new technologies. This program has yielded numerous patents and two new revenue streams through spin-off products. Additionally, I formed a cross-functional 'Innovation Steering Group' comprising members from engineering, product management, and marketing to synchronize innovative efforts with business objectives. This bolstered both our go-to-market strategies and technical prowess. My commitment to mentoring has resulted in several team members being recognized industry-wide for their revolutionary work. Furthermore, our annual hackathons have attracted top talent and have been integral in solving complex customer problems that led to the acquisition of key accounts.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer showcases a clear, strategic approach to fostering innovation and outlines tangible outcomes such as patents, new revenue streams, and industry recognition. It demonstrates cross-functional collaboration and leadership by detailing the creation of a steering group that aligns innovation with business goals. Mention of the annual hackathons relates to talent acquisition and problem-solving, hitting on several responsibilities of the VP of Engineering. It also reflects an understanding of the need for continuous learning and development, which is crucial for technical innovation and holding a competitive edge in the market.

How to prepare for this question

Review your past roles and identify specific innovation-driven initiatives you led or contributed to. Be ready to discuss the tangible outcomes they produced.
Reflect on how you have fostered cross-departmental collaboration in the context of innovation, as this is a key component of the VP of Engineering role.
Consider how your actions align with strategic thinking and the broader business objectives of the organization, including any examples of risk management and decision making.
Think about how you have supported team building and mentoring with a focus on innovation, and be prepared to share examples of how you have developed your team's capabilities.
Understand the importance of staying up-to-date with industry trends and how that feeds into a culture of innovation. Be ready to discuss continuous learning initiatives you've encouraged or participated in.

What interviewers are evaluating

Strategic thinking and vision
Technical leadership and expertise
Team building and mentoring
Cross-functional collaboration
Decision making and problem-solving