Interview Question: Asked what I would do to 'Reinvigorate' the QMS

[Tim Penrose]

Being new (I registered today) I'm trying to find my way around and don't seem to be able to find a section where I can ask for advice.

I recently attended an interview for a job with a business with an established QMS and was asked what I would do to 'Reinvigorate' the QMS.

Other than suggesting 'practice v procedure' and 'process mapping' exercises, I was short of ideas. What would you have suggested?

Thanks

[Cari Spears]

Welcome to the cove, Tim.

Did he say why he felt it needed to be reinvigorated?

[Marc]

I would have countered with "What problems have you identified with the current QMS? Why does it need to be 'invigorated?"

Until one knows the failure modes, it would be difficult to define/plan a remedy.

[Cari Spears]

How funny, Marc. Great minds do think alike.

[Marc]

We were writing at the same time. You pushed the button first. I noticed that we said the same thing.

[D.Scott]

Welcome to the Cove Tim.

Don't ever be afraid to ask advice where ever you feel like asking it. If you pick the wrong spot, one of the moderators will probably move it to the right area. Do your best to find a thread dealing with the topic you want to discuss and post it there. Pretty soon you will be an "old-timer" and won't have that problem.

I agree with Marc and Cari. It would be tough to define how you would fix something if you didn't know what was broken.

That's why I think they asked the question. I have seen many new guys come into a system and start swinging an axe. They seem to have a predetermined agenda and they want to change everything to their way of doing things. My best guess would be that the one who makes a statement that they would like to work with the system as it is before making any recommendations for change is the person who will be offered the job.

Good luck on the interviews.

Dave

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Welcome to the Cove Tim ... As for the question, I agree with what's been said already.

/Claes

[Cari Spears]

Originally Posted by D.Scott

...My best guess would be that the one who makes a statement that they would like to work with the system as it is before making any recommendations for change is the person who will be offered the job...

A good guess, IMO. Also good advice for when one does get that new job!