8 innovation interview questions (With example answers)

Innovation is a skill that you may use to develop new ideas, create solutions and adapt to change. Being innovative is helpful in many roles and industries, especially within professions that require creativity and an understanding of change management. If you’re applying for a role that requires you to be innovative, reviewing example questions recruiters ask about innovation may improve your interview performance. In this article, we explore innovation interview questions you might hear, explain why recruitment managers ask them and share sample answers, which you may use as inspiration while preparing for a job interview.

Innovation interview questions with sample answers

To test your ability to think creatively, solve problems and adopt change, recruitment managers may decide to ask you innovation interview questions. Below are some innovation questions you may hear during a job interview.

1. What is innovation?

This general question tests your basic understanding of the concept of innovation. When asking the question, interviewers usually expect you to give them a basic definition of innovation that helps them understand your level of experience and knowledge. In addition to defining innovation, consider giving a simple example of innovation in life or business.Example: ‘Innovation is the process of introducing changes to something, like a process or product. Through innovating, organisations and individuals introduce new methods and ideas that help make products or services better, cheaper or more time-efficient. A modern example of an everyday innovation is the Internet, which people use to pay bills or shop for food and clothes. Thanks to someone’s innovative idea to connect all devices to one network, people can have the option to run errands without leaving home.’Related: What does an innovation manager do? (Plus roles and skills)

2. Are you innovative?

This question tests your self-awareness. It also tells recruiters if you consider your qualities to be your strengths. To answer the question, explain your approach to being innovative and briefly discuss what you do to develop this competency.Example: ‘I consider myself an innovative person. Using creativity to solve problems always came naturally to me, but it wasn’t until my third year of university that I began perceiving this as something valuable when it comes to my career. That year, I was completing my dissertation, which required me to survey 100 people on campus. Because I was working with a tight deadline, I developed a strategy to promote the survey by offering everyone the opportunity to win a £30 voucher to spend at our local bar. This attracted more people and helped me finish my work on time.Nowadays, I nurture my innovative approach by participating in brainstorming sessions. I regularly read books that broaden my perspective on life. I also find that working directly with other people motivates me to make my projects not only functional but highly creative, which fuels innovation.’Related: What are innovation strategies? (Plus types and examples)

3. What’s the difference between innovation and invention?

Recruitment managers may ask this question to see if you understand the specifics of innovation and invention. In some instances, innovation may lead to invention and the interviewer wants to make sure you’re aware of how to adopt both mindsets. In your answer, mention how these two concepts differ and provide an example.Example: ‘Inventing is the process of discovering and creating a new product, process or concept. An example of an innovation is a wind turbine, which uses a completely different technology to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. Innovating allows us to implement changes to make existing products or processes better. What’s great about innovation is that it may act as a solution to organisational or strategic issues within projects. For example, engineers may look at existing wind turbines and decide to equip them with parts of a slightly different shape to produce more energy, which is an example of innovation.’Related: How to be a great innovation manager (With skills and tips)

4. Tell me about a situation when you used innovation to lead a team.

In some instances, innovation may help with solving day-to-day problems and managing other people’s work. By asking you this question, recruiters may observe how comfortable you are when it comes to using innovative thinking to implement ideas for which more people are responsible. In your answer, discuss a specific situation and explain how your innovative leadership helped the team.Example: ‘In my previous role, I managed a small team of three. One time when I was away on a business trip, our long-term client approached us to ask about completing a last-minute project for their organisation. Normally, this wouldn’t be possible without me being present in the office because of how heavy the files we usually present are. Luckily, during the weeks leading up to that request, I had been implementing new solutions for working remotely.After testing the systems and devices, we were able to schedule a conference call with the team and the client’s representatives. The team received great feedback for our ideas and innovative approach to solving problems. As a result, the client decided to work with us on two additional projects, which was great news.’Related: What is transformational leadership? (With examples)

5. What’s more important for innovation, creativity or functionality?

This is a question that allows interviewers to make sure that you use both your imagination and experience when creating innovative solutions. Although they may structure the question to ask about the most important quality, you may view them as equally necessary in your work. To formulate a good answer, explain how both creativity and functionality fuel innovation.Example: ‘I think that innovation wouldn’t exist without both creativity and functionality. Thanks to being creative, I get to develop unique, unusual ideas that the organisation might use to improve its processes and adopt change. Throughout the entire process, it’s my priority to think about making my projects and solutions functional so that other people find them useful and efficient.’Related: Why creativity skills are important and how to develop them

6. How do you find and develop ideas for new innovations?

When applying to a role that prioritises innovation, it’s helpful to know how to motivate yourself. By asking this question, recruitment managers test if you know how to remain creative even during challenging or difficult situations. To answer, provide some examples of resources you use to find inspiration and power your innovative thinking.Example: ‘One of my favourite techniques for developing innovative ideas includes asking questions. For example, when I’m working on improving a product, I may start by designing a survey to ask its users what they think about the product’s current features and what are some things they wish the product had. When trying to implement change into concepts and processes, I may look at how others in the industry approach innovation. I also recognise the importance of experimentation, which is why I regularly test my ideas during team meetings and brainstorming sessions.’Related: 12 innovative ways of coming up with business ideas

7. What’s the role of innovation in business?

For many organisations, innovation is the core element of their business efforts. If you’re applying for a role within an organisation that values this quality, it’s likely that recruiters ask about how in your opinion innovation and business connect. To answer the question, briefly explain the process that innovative thinking plays in making businesses profitable and successful.Example: ‘Innovative thinking and approach may help with introducing novelty to existing business processes and structures. As a result, organisations may get the chance to improve the way in which they operate, communicate with suppliers or onboard new clients. As a result, innovation may lead to an increase in market share, revenue or client satisfaction. At the same time, it may help with reducing overhead costs or organisational waste.’Related: What is business innovation? (Definition, types and careers)

8. What are some skills of a successful innovation manager?

An innovation manager develops processes and culture as well as manages people to develop and execute new products and solutions. If you’re applying for this role, it’s useful that you realise what qualities may help you succeed in it. By asking you this question, recruitment managers also make sure you’re familiar with the employer’s requirements and performance expectations.Example: ‘A successful innovation manager is a resourceful, creative and knowledgeable person with strong project management, leadership and strategic thinking skills. It’s useful for them to be familiar with prototyping and ideation, which are two key processes that take place before production. In addition, it’s helpful when they’re great listeners, which improves the way in which they communicate with teams.’