Behavioral interview question · innovation
Describe a time you proposed an idea that was initially rejected. What did you do next?
What interviewers listen for
Describe the idea and its initial rejection (Situation/Task), how you responded — did you refine it, build a prototype, or let it go with good judgment (Action), and what ultimately happened (Result).
Likely follow-up questions
- Why was the idea rejected initially?
- How did you decide whether to push back or move on?
- If the idea was eventually adopted, what changed their minds?
Practice this question out loud with an AI coach that asks the follow-ups, scores the answer against the STAR method and tells you what to tighten.