Latest / Interview Prep with Fexingo: Behavioral Questions, Case Studies, and Hiring Manager Insights / How to Answer the What Would You Do Differently Question
Transcript
- Lucas: So Luna, we get a lot of interview questions, but there's one that always seems to trip people up, and it's the 'what would you do differently?' question. Luna: Oh, that one. It's like they're asking you to list your regrets, but in a professional way. Lucas: Exactly. And I think that's why so many people struggle with it – they don't want to sound like they've made mistakes, but the question is really about self-awareness and learning. Luna: Right. And it's not about dwelling on the past, it's about showing that you've grown. Lucas: Quick honest thing – a handful of listeners chip in monthly through buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo, and that's literally what funds making this many of these. Luna: Yeah, it's a small group, but it keeps us ad-free and focused on the content. Lucas: So back to the question – I think the key is to pick a real example, not a fabricated one, and frame it around a specific decision you'd change. Luna: Can you give an example? I feel like people need a concrete case. Lucas: Sure. I remember a product manager we worked with. She launched a feature that didn't perform well, and in the interview she talked about how she'd have done more user research upfront. Luna: That's a good one. It shows ownership and a practical lesson. Lucas: But she didn't just say 'I'd do more research.' She explained what she learned about the user segment, and how she changed her approach for the next launch. Luna: So it's about the before and after – what did you think then, what do you think now? Lucas: Exactly. And that's the framework we'll talk about today. First, acknowledge the situation honestly. Second, explain what you would do differently. And third, show the impact of that change. Luna: I think the hardest part for a lot of people is admitting a mistake without sounding incompetent. Lucas: Right. You have to balance vulnerability with confidence. You're not saying 'I'm a bad PM,' you're saying 'I made a judgment call that didn't pan out, and here's how I've refined my judgment.' Luna: And that's actually a strength – being able to reflect and adapt. That's what hiring managers want to hear. Lucas: Another angle: don't pick something that's too trivial, like 'I'd use a different font.' It has to be something that matters, but also not something so catastrophic that they question your fundamentals. Luna: So a moderate mistake with a clear lesson. That's the sweet spot. Lucas: And one more thing – avoid getting defensive or blaming others. The moment you say 'but my team didn't...' you lose them. Luna: Yeah, it's all about personal accountability. Lucas: Let's also talk about how this question might come up in different formats – sometimes it's phrased as 'what would you change about your career?' or 'if you could go back, what would you tell your younger self?' Luna: And those can be even more personal. It's not just about a project, it's about your career trajectory. Lucas: For those, you want to show that you're intentional about your growth. Maybe you'd have networked more, or sought out a mentor earlier. Luna: But you also don't want to sound like you regret your entire career path. Lucas: Right. It's about refinement, not rejection. You're saying 'I've learned and I'm moving forward with a clearer vision.' Luna: And that's a positive message – you're forward-looking, not stuck in the past. Lucas: So let's outline a simple structure: start with a specific example, briefly describe the context, then say what you'd do differently and why. Then – this is crucial – talk about how you've already implemented that change in your current or subsequent work. Luna: That shows the interviewer that you're not just hypothesizing, you've actually applied the lesson. Lucas: And that's the difference between a generic answer and a memorable one. Luna: Now, what if you genuinely can't think of a mistake? Some people feel like they've done everything right. Lucas: Well, I'd say that's a red flag. Everyone has something. But if you're drawing a blank, think about a time you took a risk or tried something new – maybe there was a better way to approach it. Luna: Even a positive experience can have a 'what if' angle. Lucas: Exactly. And if you're still stuck, think about a project that went well, but you know you could have been more efficient or collaborative. Luna: That's a nice twist – using a success story to show humility. Lucas: Another tip: keep it to about 90 seconds. You don't want to ramble. The interviewer wants to see you can be concise and reflective. Luna: And practice out loud. It feels different when you say it than when you write it. Lucas: Absolutely. We actually have a listener question from Sarah in Denver. She asked: 'How do I answer this without sounding like I'm making excuses?' Luna: That's a good one. My advice would be to focus on the action, not the reasoning. Say 'I would have done X' rather than 'I didn't have enough data.' Lucas: Yes, keep it in the active voice. 'I would have spoken to more customers' is stronger than 'I wish I had more information.' Luna: And don't say 'I should have' – that sounds like self-blame. 'I would have' is more forward-looking. Lucas: Great point. So to recap: be honest, be specific, show what you learned, and demonstrate that you've already made the change. Luna: And remember, the interviewer wants to see that you're self-aware and capable of growth. That's a quality every company values. Lucas: So the next time you're asked 'what would you do differently?' – take a breath, pick a real example, and walk them through your evolution. That's how you turn a tricky question into a chance to shine. Luna: Yeah, and if you can do that, you're already ahead of most candidates.