How to Answer “What you would have done differently or you would do differently?”

These are two different questions and interviewer will have different intentions when they ask you either of these questions. Let’s look at each of these interview questions separately so that you frame your answers appropriately.

“What you would have done differently?”

The interviewer may ask the same question citing a specific project from your resume “How else you would have done _____project name____ to deliver better result?

The interviewers goal is to know how unhappy you are with the current situation. They want to know how opinionated you are and whether you are willing to adapt. On the other hand when they refer to your past projects or accomplishment, then the goal is to know whether you are an out of the box thinker or you easily settle down with whatever result you have delivered.

Here is how you should prepare to answer this question:

1. Read and review your resume.

2. Give special focus on projects that you think might be of great interest to the prospective employer.

3. Reflect on the possibilities of enhancements that would have helped you deliver better results and frame your answer accordingly.

4. Do not indulge in a blame game or cite company, team or manager’s inability to prove your supremacy.

While answering the above question, your goals should be to convince the interviewer about your roles and responsibilities in current job or previous job as well as how do you look at the shortcomings and your thoughts on improving it further to get the result better than what was accomplished.

“What would you like to do differently if hired by us?”

The objective of interviewer is to know what you wish to accomplish in the future and how do you consider the prospective employer adding value to your future career goals.

Here is how you should prepare yourself to answer the question:

1. Research well about your prospective employer, their products and services as well as their vision, mission, work culture, etc.
2. Determine 5 years career roadmap entailing where do you see yourself in the next 5 years.
3. Now match the job role, job description and your personal career goals to frame the answer so that you can tell the interviewer about how you perfectly compliment the company objective as well as your personal career goals if hired.

The most effective answers to this interview question will put a positive spin on your ability to fit as a perfect candidate for the position. Do not include any regrets, bad decision or shortcomings as it will weaken your response.

If you frame a perfect answer to the above questions, you will set yourself positively in front of the interviewer as someone willing to seize the opportunity and motivated enough to deliver results the company expects from their new hires.

Finally, keep in mind that the interview is nearly always a congenial exchange of information. Interviews aren’t meant to trick you or make you uncomfortable. Try to relax, be yourself, and enjoy sharing information with your interviewer.