Have you ever been in an interview where they ask, “What do you think this company could do better?” It might feel like a tough question. They’re asking you to point out problems in their company without sounding mean.
But don’t worry! This is your chance to show that you’ve learned about the company and to let them see your skills shine. We’re here to help you figure out how to do that.
So, why do interviewers ask this question? They want to know what you really think about their company. They hope your knowledge can help them get better.
They also watch how you answer. Are you polite or do you sound bossy? Do you truly want to help, or do you seem like a know-it-all? Your answer tells them a lot about how you’d act if you got the job.
What interviewers are looking for when they ask how the company could improve
When interviewers ask you how the company could be better, don’t give a fuzzy answer. They want to hear real ideas that show you’ve done your homework. So, give them clear and specific thoughts that matter to their company.
They’re also checking if your ideas match what they care about. That’s why it’s important to learn about the company before you go in. A new and bold startup might like different ideas than a big, old company that’s been around for years.
How to answer “What can this company do better?”
Start with something nice
When someone asks you how the company could be better, begin by saying something you like about them. This shows you respect them and are excited about the chance to work there. For example, you might say, “I really admire how your company helps the community.”
Starting on a positive note makes your feedback easier to hear. It shows that you see the good in what they do and that you’re not just focusing on problems.
Link your strengths to their needs
After the compliment, talk about one specific thing that could be improved. Make sure it’s something you’ve thought about and is important to the company.
Then, connect this to your own skills. For instance, you might say:
“I noticed that the company could share more updates on social media. I’m really good at creating fun posts that people like, and I’d love to help with that.”
By doing this, you’re not just pointing out something that could be better—you’re also showing how you can help make it better. This tells them that you’re proactive and ready to contribute.
Show that you share their values
Before the interview, find out what the company cares about the most. Maybe they value helping the environment, being creative, or giving great customer service.
When you answer, make sure your idea matches these values. For example:
“I know that caring for the environment is important to your company. Perhaps we could start a recycling program in the office. I have some ideas on how to set that up.”
This shows that you understand what’s important to them and that you’re eager to be a part of it. It helps them see that you’d fit in well with their team.
How not to answer
Don’t be too critical
When talking about how the company could improve, be careful not to sound too harsh. There’s a fine line between sharing your ideas and coming across as a know-it-all.
For example, saying something like, “You guys are doing this all wrong,” might make you seem rude or disrespectful. Instead, try to be gentle with your feedback.
Remember, how you share your thoughts shows a lot about how you’d fit in with the team. Companies want people who can share ideas nicely and work well with others.
Avoid wild and unrelated ideas
Make sure your suggestions make sense for the company. If your ideas are too out there, it might seem like you don’t understand what they do.
For instance, if you’re interviewing at a small, family-owned store, it wouldn’t make sense to suggest they hire a superstar CEO or open hundreds of new locations next month.
Stick to ideas that fit the company’s size and what they care about. This shows you’ve done your homework and really understand them.
Sample answers to “What do you think this company could do better?”
Example #1
“I really like how your company helps the community. One area where we could do even more is in education. For example, we could start programs with local schools to teach kids new skills. I have friends who are teachers, and I could help set up visits or workshops. This would let us reach young people and make our community even stronger, which fits with your company’s goals.”
Why this works:
This answer starts with a genuine compliment, showing respect and admiration for the company’s efforts. By suggesting a specific idea—working with local schools—the candidate shows they’ve thought carefully about how to help. Mentioning personal connections with teachers highlights their ability to make it happen. It aligns with the company’s mission of building stronger communities and shows enthusiasm to contribute.
Example #2
“I love your products—they’re some of my favorites! That’s one reason I wanted to apply here. I noticed that maybe we could use social media more to tell more people about them. In my last internship, I helped grow our social media from zero to 10,000 followers in just a few months. I’d be excited to bring those skills here to help share your great products with even more people.”
Why this works:
This answer begins by expressing genuine excitement about the company’s products, showing that the candidate is a true fan. Suggesting better use of social media is a practical idea that can help the company grow. Sharing a success story from a previous internship demonstrates relevant experience. It connects their personal skills directly to the company’s needs, showing they can make a real impact.
Example #3
“I think your company’s focus on creating amazing apps is awesome. One thing we might consider is making them easier for people who don’t speak English. At school, I learned how to design apps for different languages. I could help make versions of the app in Spanish and other languages. This would let more people enjoy your products and could open up new markets.”
Why this works:
This answer starts with praise for what the company does well. Suggesting multilingual support is a thoughtful idea that can help the company reach more users. Mentioning their studies shows that the candidate has the knowledge to back up their suggestion. It demonstrates initiative and a willingness to contribute skills they’ve learned recently. Aligning this idea with business growth shows an understanding of the company’s goals.
Use your answer to express enthusiasm about the chance to make a positive impact at the company while also highlighting the knowledge and skills you’d bring to the table. By doing this, you’ll show that you’re thoughtful, proactive, and ready to be a valuable part of their team.