The Art of Answering: “What Will You Do During the First 3 Months in This New Role?”

Author: André L. Belleville

Introduction:

In my career as an executive search headhunter, I have advised boards and executive levels in numerous industries, including Information Technology, Security, Software Development, Manufacturing, Consulting and Services, Banking & Insurance. One crucial point I emphasize is the significance of preparing for interviews. But I don’t just mean rehearsing the usual, predictable answers. Rather, I advocate for a form of strategic preparation that sets candidates apart.

How can strategic preparation help you stick out in the crowd?

The Critical Question

“What will you do during the first three months in this new role?” is a question that offers a remarkable window of opportunity. It is more than just an inquiry into your future actions; it's an invitation for you to demonstrate your vision, strategy, and commitment to the role. If executed well, your answer can be a game-changer, elevating your candidacy from a possibility to a priority.

Risk of Missing the Opportunity

Candidates often underestimate the weight of this question, offering routine answers about familiarizing themselves with their team or conducting introductory meetings. While these are valid points, they fall into the category of missed opportunity number 1: lack of originality.

Another pitfall is the use of tentative language, like "I want to" instead of affirmative phrases like "I will." This was missed opportunity number 2. By expressing a ‘want’ instead of a ‘will’, you inadvertently dilute the impact of your statement.

The Top 3 Ways to Nail the Answer

1. Align with Business Objectives
   Take the opportunity to demonstrate that you understand the business by aligning your activities in the first three months to the organization’s strategic goals. Use specific metrics and KPIs to show how you will measure success, thereby indicating a results-driven approach.
   
   Example: “In the first month, I will conduct a SWOT analysis to align my department’s goals with the company's strategic objectives. By the second month, I will have developed a 90-day action plan that focuses on improving our customer satisfaction rate by at least 10%.”
   
   
2. Leverage Your Unique Skills
   Talk about specialized skills or a unique approach that you will bring to the role. This is where you can shine and show what sets you apart from other candidates.
   
   Example: “I plan to implement a data-driven decision-making model, leveraging my expertise in analytics to optimize operational efficiency.”
   
   
3. Exhibit Leadership and Vision
   Discuss your plans for building relationships not just within your team, but also across departments. Demonstrate leadership skills by indicating how you will foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
   
   Example: “I will initiate a bi-weekly cross-departmental meeting aimed at fostering collaborative innovation, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed our quarterly targets.”

Summary:

Preparing for this question is not about memorizing lines; it's about articulating a well-thought-out strategy that reflects both the company's needs and your unique skills. By seizing this opportunity, you don't just answer a question—you commence a dialogue that could potentially translate into a successful and impactful tenure with the company.

Be the candidate that doesn’t just answer the question but owns it. This is the path to demonstrating your potential and achieving a win-win situation for both parties involved.

Your career is a long-term investment, and this moment in the interview room is a unique opportunity to yield high returns.

Make it count!