A Tip for People Interviewing for Jobs

March 20, 2015 — by Daniel Goodall

When I interviewed for the Head of Digital and CRM role at Fiskars in early 2015, I encountered questions that went far beyond the standard "tell me about yourself." The experience taught me something worth sharing.

The hardest questions weren't about my CV. They were the ones that forced me to articulate how I think — not just what I've done. One in particular stopped me cold: I was asked to describe, in concrete terms, what I would do in the first 30, 60, and 90 days if I got the job.

That question separates candidates who can talk a good game from those who can actually execute. It demands you understand the role deeply enough to build a realistic plan on the spot. Here's what I learned:

  • Do your homework before the interview. Research the company's current digital presence, their CRM setup (if publicly known), and their competitive landscape. You can't build a 90-day plan without knowing the terrain.
  • Structure your answer around listening first. The first 30 days should be about understanding — meeting stakeholders, auditing existing systems, and identifying quick wins. Don't promise revolution on day one.
  • Be specific about deliverables. Vague answers like "I'd improve engagement" don't cut it. Name the metrics you'd track, the tools you'd evaluate, and the decisions you'd push for.
  • Show you can prioritise. A good 90-day plan isn't a wish list — it's a sequence of choices. Explain why certain things come first and what you'd defer.

I got the job. Looking back, I'm convinced that the clarity of my 30/60/90-day answer made the difference. It signalled that I wasn't just hoping to figure things out after starting — I already had a framework for action.

If you're preparing for a senior interview, spend real time on this question. Write it out. Pressure-test it. Because when it comes, it reveals more about you than any list of past achievements ever could.

Related Reading

  • Home — more thoughts on digital media and strategy
  • The Bit About Me — background on Daniel Goodall and his role at Fiskars