Knowledge

Interview Question: What new skills do you hope to learn over the next 6 months? – Answer Tips

June 10, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
The MOST Common Interview Questions

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Developing Self and Others is one of the key behaviours that the UK Civil Service looks for when recruiting staff. Even if you are not going in for a Civil Service position this is still a question that might arise.

The interviewer is looking to see if you are interested in personal development and this idea of continuous improvement. If we are not looking to improve as individuals and as an organisation then sooner or later someone will come along and take our place.

That is why the interviewer wants to know what you are planning on learning in the next 6 months. They want to see whether you will help with their plans to improve and evolve as an organisation.

The interviewer is also looking to see if you can provide an unbiased assessment of your current abilities. This question gives you the opportunity to talk about your current skill level and areas in which you wish to strengthen.

The best approach to answering this question

The interviewer is looking to see if you value personal improvement as it relates to professional development. Let’s make sure we answer that.

This isn’t a question that is suited to a direct application of the B-STAR technique. What you want to do instead is modify the technique a bit like so:

B – Belief – As we discussed above you want to start your answer off by discussing how you feel continuous learning is vital for individuals and organisations to grow. Say how you always feel there is more to learn and are always looking for ways to better yourself and your work.

S / T – Situation / Task – Move on to talking about what you feel is important for you to learn in the next 6 months. This should be directly lifted from what you know to be important to the company and to the role you are looking to move into. For example if a particular process or methodology is used by your potential new employer talk about how you wish to learn more about it and become an advanced user (be careful that you show that you have the required knowledge but you want to learn more as it will aid you in your role).

A – Activity – Talk about how you intend to complete this learning. Are there qualifications available that you could take. This could also be a good segue into asking the employer what training they offer within the organisation (or circle back to this point at the end when it is time for your questions).

R – Results – Round out your answer by discussing how you think learning this new skill will create better results for you and your organisation.

How NOT to answer this question

Do not lie. There will more than likely be follow-up questions so you need to ensure you are actually interested in learning this new skill otherwise your answers to the follow-up questions will sound empty and fake.
Do not oversell yourself. Don’t portray yourself as an intermediate looking to progress to advanced or expert skill level when you are actually a beginner looking to advance to intermediate. As discussed above there is going to be follow-up questions and you will look foolish when you struggle to answer intermediate level questions
Do not say that you don’t need to learn any new skills. This just reeks of overconfidence and will not endear you to the interviewer.
Do not talk about non-work skills as the main part of your answer. The interviewer is looking to see how you perform at work today and how you will perform at work in 6 months time. Is the company making a smart investment by hiring you? Going on for 5 minutes about how you are learning the trombone is unlikely to help the interviewer answer this question (outside of some trombone specific roles I suppose). On the other hand do not be afraid to slip in some new extra-curricular skills that you are learning, it will show that you do mean it when you say you always seek to learn new things, just don’t make it the core of your answer.

What new skills do you hope to learn over the next 6 months?

Example answer 1

Over the next six months, I have targeted three specific areas to develop new skills in, all of which I believe will significantly benefit my performance in this role.

Firstly, I aim to improve my data analytics abilities. In the era of Big Data, the ability to parse, analyze, and draw meaningful insights from large volumes of data has become increasingly important, irrespective of the industry or role. I have a fundamental understanding of data analysis, but I would like to take it to the next level by learning advanced techniques. I plan to do this by enrolling in an online course and spending some time each week to study and practice.

Secondly, I hope to learn more about project management methodologies, specifically Agile and Scrum. Even though my role might not be strictly in project management, understanding these methodologies can help me work more efficiently in a team, streamline processes, and respond to changes more effectively. I aim to acquire a certification in Agile and Scrum over the next few months.

Lastly, I am planning to work on improving my public speaking and presentation skills. While I’m comfortable presenting to small groups, I recognize that being able to communicate effectively to larger audiences can be a powerful tool in sharing ideas and influencing decision-making. I plan to join a local Toastmasters club to work on this.

Example answer 2

“I am always looking to learn new things. I believe that once we stop learning we stop growing, both as individuals and as a business. Sooner or later someone will come along and overtake us. That’s why I always keep my ear to ground, as it were, and make sure I am always up to date with all the latest advancements in my area.

Within the change and project space I can see the shift to Agile methodologies growing even further and reaching into industries and firms that would previous move at glacial speed using Waterfall projects. My previous role at a Top 4 Bank showed me that even in a traditionally cautious moving firm they were slowly adopting to more agile mindsets, that is where I was working when I studied for, and attained, my PRINCE2 Agile qualification.

For me in the next 6 months I wish to expand my knowledge further from this qualification and undertake learning for the Certified Scrum Product Owner qualification. While I have been a Product Owner in my previous role I believe formal training will allow me to further develop my understanding of the role.

I think by learning more about the Product Owner position I will be able to further enhance this organisation’s release strategy and hopefully open up further progression opportunities for myself within the firm when the time comes (assuming I get the role of course!).

After Product Owner I think I will want to get further acquainted with Programme and Portfolio management skills, but let’s just take it 6 months at a time for now.

Interview Question: How do you ensure that you have considered all stakeholder needs when undertaking a new initiative? – Answer Tips

June 10, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Stakeholder management is an important part of working in an organisation. ‘Seeing the big picture’ is what the Civil Service calls it. It means that not only are you interested in how you perform in your role and function but that you are aware of how your work impacts others within the organisation, and the organisation itself.

The interviewer is looking to see a few things:

Do you appreciate the importance of stakeholder input in your work?
Are you capable of assessing who is a stakeholder and who is not?
How do you approach stakeholders to get their input?
What is your communication strategy for keeping stakeholders ‘in the loop’?

This is a pretty standard question particularly in project based positions. Stakeholder management is a key project management skill and you should be well versed in how to answer this question as the interviewer will be expecting strong knowledge in this area.

The best approach to answering this question

This is a technical based question so you don’t need to provide an answer with an example from your experience, however if you are able to including examples in your answer this will definitely be a plus. We can’t use the standard B-STAR technique here but we can take some parts of it to form our answer.

If you are interviewing for a project position it is crucial during your answer that you discuss completing a RACI Matrix, or equivalent. If you are unfamiliar with this term then get familiar quick.

B – Belief – Start your answer stating how you believe stakeholder input is crucial to the smooth operation of a workstream or project. Talk about how you need to know how your work impacts others in order to get the maximum benefits for the organisation.

T – Task – Briefly state what your role usually is. Ideally you will talk about how Stakeholder analysis and management is your role and you oversee and ensure it is performed correctly.

A – Activity – Talk about what steps you take to ensure stakeholder needs are met. Try not to sound like you’re reading straight from a textbook but talk about how you usually; gather a list of relevant stakeholders (and stakeholder advocates), complete a RACI matrix to define responsibilities and finally how you create and maintain a communication strategy document.

R – Results – Wrap up your answer by saying when you follow the steps above you have never had a stakeholder complain about their needs not being met.

How NOT to answer this question

Don’t answer a different question than what is being asked – In my experience applicants have a tendency to go off-road with this question. There is a popular related question “How do you deal with difficult stakeholders”, people tend to answer that question instead of the one that was actually asked of them. Ensure your answers stick to what is being asked and that is about meeting stakeholder needs

Don’t just give one example – As mentioned earlier this is not a ‘Tell me about a time’ question. The interviewer is looking to see your process for meeting stakeholders needs. It’s fine to talk about a specific example but make sure you really hammer home to the interviewer that this is how you operate all of the time.

Don’t say you don’t do that or don’t have experience in that area – You would think this would be obvious but the amount of applicants I have seen give answers like “I don’t need to check on stakeholders in my role we just tell them what has changed” or “I have no experience dealing with stakeholders”. Stakeholders are important to projects and workstreams as they provide alternative viewpoints, you may not value their importance but the interview sure does that is why they are asking the question.

How do you ensure that you have considered all stakeholder needs when undertaking a new initiative?

Example answer 1

In my role as a Project Manager, ensuring that all stakeholder needs are considered when undertaking a new initiative is fundamental. It involves a structured and systematic approach to stakeholder management.

First and foremost, it starts with identifying who the stakeholders are. This includes anyone who has an interest in the initiative or will be affected by its outcomes. It could be team members, managers, customers, suppliers, or even regulatory bodies.

Once I have a list of stakeholders, I then proceed with stakeholder analysis. This involves understanding their interests, influence, expectations, and potential impact on the project. I categorize them based on their power and interest in the project. This step is crucial as it allows me to identify whose needs should be prioritized and who needs more engagement.

Next, I engage in open and transparent communication with all stakeholders. I set up one-on-one meetings, group meetings, or written communications, depending on what’s most effective for each stakeholder. The goal is to understand their needs, concerns, and expectations from their perspective. I find that open-ended questions and active listening are particularly useful during these interactions.

Once I’ve gathered this information, I translate their needs into project requirements and ensure they are incorporated into the project plan. I also try to align their needs with the project objectives, and if there are any conflicts, I negotiate or seek a compromise that would satisfy all parties.

Throughout the project, I continually engage with stakeholders to update them about the project status and any changes that might affect them. This ongoing communication allows me to proactively manage their expectations and adapt to any changes in their needs.

Finally, I make it a point to seek feedback post-project completion. This gives me insights into what worked well and where improvements can be made in stakeholder management for future initiatives.

Example answer 2

“I think getting input from stakeholders is crucial when undertaking any new initiatives. As a project manager I am often asked to lead projects in areas that I have no experience, and even if I am leading a project where I know the subject matter well it is always good to get a diverse range of thoughts on the project and its deliverables. After all ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’.

That’s why whenever I start a new project I complete a full stakeholder analysis. This begins with a deep dive session to identify everyone that will be impacted by the project, both during delivery and with the end result.

The next step is to produce a key stakeholder list. For example in a recent project I managed we had deduced that the finance department would be stakeholders, but it would have been irresponsible to include every member of the department in our communications so we consulted with the Finance Chief and assigned one key stakeholder for the department (and one backup). We did the same or similar for all the stakeholders previously identified. If we came to a stakeholder group that we couldn’t feasibly include then we assigned an advocate. In the same project our PMO analyst would act as a representative for the customer (as she actually was a customer!).

Once I have finalised this list of key stakeholders I formalise everything by creating a RACI matrix and a communication strategy. This way we have all of the stakeholders listed, their responsibilities toward the project and how/when they will be contacted with updates. This is approved by each stakeholder.

Overall when these steps have been followed correctly I have never had a complaint from a stakeholder to say that they felt their needs were not being met.

Interview Question: Learn Something New – Answer Tips

June 6, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

Tell me about a new skill or qualification you have learned over the last 6 months?

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank

What the interviewer is looking for when asking this question

This is an extremely popular question – particularly in public service roles like the Civil Service – so you should make sure you have a good answer ready. And make sure you are ready to answer any questions about what it is you were learning or upskilling in (which you will have no trouble with I’m sure since you recently)

When asking this question the interviewer is keen to understand if you are someone who will go out of their way to learn something new if it will help you perform your role.

The interviewer is also trying to gauge how well you can learn something new. It’s not enough to just be willing to learn something new but you need to be able to show that you can learn new skills and new technologies quickly.

This is especially important when you are moving into a new organisation. There are a number of technologies that are ubiquitous (Microsoft Office) but every organisation will have its own software suite that you will be expected to learn very quickly.

The best approach to answering this question

Obviously the best approach is to tell the interviewer what you have learned recently!

Always have a few things in your mind for this question as there are a number of different ways it could be asked:

Tell me about something you have learned in the past 6 months
Tell me about something you have learned in a previous role
Tell me about something you are learning now
Tell me about something you think you will need to learn for this role

See how each question is fundamentally the same but over different timelines. If you go in with how you learned SQL for a previous role and the question actually asks about what you are learning now then you will be stuck.

A good thing to do is to say you enhanced your knowledge on something that is in the job description/advert. Mention how you had been using the software/tool/skill for a while in your current role but you felt that you were not getting the most out of it so took on formal learning to round out your knowledge.

The interviewer will always have follow-up questions. So prepare yourself for questions in relation to the thing you learned. For example if you learned new project management techniques the interviewer might ask you which one you use the most. Or if you learned a new programming language the interviewer may ask which language is your favourite to code in and why.

Things like that. So whatever new skill or technology or process you learn make sure you can, and are ready to, answer detailed follow-up questions.

How NOT to answer this question

“I haven’t learned anything new recently, my current role doesn’t allow me any extra time to take on new skills and there is no real need to as my job doesn’t change”

Don’t say this. Even if it is true that you have no free time at all the interviewer will not look favorably on an answer like that.

If you are in a job that ‘doesn’t change’ you could talk about how you learned a new skill that would make the job faster.

“A new IT system was deployed in work and all of us in the office were required to get certified in how to use it. We went to a training seminar and there was a test at the end. I am good with computers so it was no problem for me”

This is another example of a pretty poor answer. While yes, technically, the interviewee has shown that they are capable of learning new things the answer doesn’t show much enthusiasm for development. The scenario in question was thrust upon the interviewee and they didn’t really have much choice in whether to take part.

The final remark about being good with computers comes across as flippant. It also is pretty vague. What part of computers is the interviewee good at?

“Tell me about a new skill or qualification you have learned over the last 6 months?” – Example Answer

Example 1

“In my current role I use Microsoft Projects extensively for scheduling tasks when working with certain clients. A few months ago I learned that one of our newer clients used Primavera as their preferred PM tool.

Even though the new firm were content that we continue to use Microsoft Projects I thought it would be best to upskill myself on Primavera so that I at least could understand what the client was used to versus what we would be providing.

I started by following some courses on LinkedIn and eventually I asked my employer if they would support me in attaining the certification – which they did.

I passed the qualification on the first go and was able to successfully amend our MS Project reports so that they more closely resembled what the client was used to”

This is a decent answer for a few reasons:

1 – The interviewee was proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn. They seen that there might be a gap in the service quality they could provide their new client and immediately looked at ways to fill it.

2 – The interviewee embarked on the learning on their own and only came to their employer once they were ready to be certified.

3 – They managed to slip in how they passed on their first go without sounding too big headed (it’s ok to be a little big headed during an interview though)

Example 2

“During the past six months, I have actively focused on expanding my skill set and acquiring new qualifications. One significant skill I have developed is project management. I pursued this skill because I recognized the increasing importance of effective project management in today’s fast-paced and dynamic work environment. I observed that projects often encountered challenges related to scope, timelines, and resource allocation, leading to inefficiencies and delays. To address this, I decided to invest my time and effort in learning project management principles and techniques. I believed that by gaining proficiency in project management, I would be better equipped to lead and contribute to successful projects, ensuring timely delivery, efficient resource utilization, and optimal outcomes. Additionally, I knew that possessing project management skills would enhance my career prospects and make me a valuable asset to any organization.”

More examples…

Check out “INTERVIEW SUCCESS: How to answer 20 of the Most Popular Interview Questions (with over 100 sample answers!)”

Interview Question: How do you keep yourself updated with the latest trends and best practices in the industry? – Answer Tips

May 26, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

So, how does this apply to the question, “How do you keep yourself updated with the latest trends and best practices in the industry?” Let’s dissect it in relation to the three core things that interviewers are looking for:

1 – Can you do the job? By asking this question, the interviewer is probing your commitment to professional development and your awareness of the evolving industry landscape. It relates to whether you can effectively do the job because staying updated with trends and best practices is crucial to maintain your skills and adapt to changes. If you are not keeping pace with industry advancements, your skills could become outdated, limiting your ability to perform effectively.

2 – Will you do the job? This question also addresses your motivation and drive. Your willingness to stay informed and updated indicates a proactive attitude and a level of interest in your field that goes beyond the bare minimum. This can suggest a higher level of motivation to perform well in your job, as it indicates that you are not just doing this for a paycheck, but because you have a genuine interest in your field.

3 – Will you fit in? Although not directly, this question can give the interviewer a glimpse into how well you’ll fit in the company culture, especially if it values continuous learning and adaptation to industry trends. Your methods of keeping updated could also indicate whether your approach to learning and staying informed matches the company’s approach to these things.

How Best To Answer ‘How do you keep yourself updated with the latest trends and best practices in the industry?’

For questions like “How do you keep yourself updated with the latest trends and best practices in the industry?” you may want to consider a structure that allows you to fully convey your commitment to professional development and the actions you take to stay informed. This structure should ideally highlight the importance of staying updated, the resources you utilize, how you apply what you learn, the impact of this application, and your future plans for staying on top of industry trends and best practices. Here’s how to approach it:

Recognition of Importance: Begin by acknowledging the importance of staying updated with the latest industry trends and best practices. This will show that you understand the necessity of continuous learning in your field.
Resources and Methods: Next, describe the specific methods you use to keep yourself informed. This might include attending conferences, participating in relevant online forums, reading industry-specific publications, subscribing to newsletters, or taking online courses. Be specific about the resources you use and why you find them useful.
Application in Practice: Give examples of how you’ve used the knowledge you’ve gained from these resources in your professional work. This could be a new technique you’ve incorporated, a trend you’ve capitalized on, or how you’ve adjusted your strategies based on new information.
Results and Impact: Discuss the positive results that have come about due to your keeping up-to-date. For example, increased productivity, more efficient processes, higher sales, etc. This is where you demonstrate that your commitment to continuous learning has a tangible positive impact on your work.
Future Plan: Finally, share your plan for continued learning in the future. This shows that you intend to keep updating yourself and are committed to continuous professional development.

This structure allows you to provide a comprehensive response that covers not just what you do to stay informed, but also how it benefits your work and aligns with your future career goals.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).

Do not downplay the situation.

Do not overhype the situation.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not have a passive role in the situation.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action

How do you keep yourself updated with the latest trends and best practices in the industry? – Example answer

The examples provided below can serve as a foundation for creating your unique answers. For additional inspiration, our new guide includes five sample responses to this question and over 100 answers to all of the most common interview queries.

Check out “INTERVIEW SUCCESS: How to answer 20 of the Most Popular Interview Questions (with over 100 sample answers!)”

Example 1

Staying current with the latest trends and best practices in the industry is crucial for any professional. I believe it’s important because it helps me make informed decisions, enhances my performance, and ensures I’m providing the best value to my employer.

I utilize several strategies to keep myself updated. I subscribe to industry-specific publications and newsletters such as the Harvard Business Review and Forbes, which often contain insights into emerging trends. I also follow influential figures in my industry on LinkedIn and Twitter to get real-time updates and insights from thought leaders. Additionally, I attend webinars and conferences, which provide opportunities to learn from experts and network with other professionals.

An example of how I’ve applied this continuous learning is when I implemented a new project management methodology that I learned from a webinar. Recognizing its potential to streamline our work process, I proposed it to my team, who were receptive to trying it out. We adopted the methodology, which resulted in a 20% increase in project delivery speed and improved the team’s efficiency.

I’ve seen the benefits of staying updated firsthand, with that project delivery speed being a clear example. It not only improved our team’s productivity but also boosted our reputation within the company for being innovative and efficient.

Going forward, I plan to continue leveraging these resources and seeking out new ones. I’ve found that the landscape of our industry is ever-changing, and it’s exciting to be at the forefront of that change. I’m also considering furthering my education with a certification course that focuses on the latest industry advancements, to ensure I can continue to contribute effectively to my future roles.

Example 2

Interview Question: How do you adapt your communication style to different audiences? – Answer Tips

May 24, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

Carrying on from this, let’s take a closer look at the question “How do you adapt your communication style to different audiences?” and relate it back to the three key things the interviewer is looking for:

1 – Can you do the job? When asking about your ability to adapt your communication style, the interviewer is trying to ascertain whether you possess the necessary communication skills that the role demands. This question is a test of your versatility and ability to function effectively in varied situations, which is often a crucial aspect of many jobs.

2 – Will you do the job? Your response to this question will provide the interviewer with insights into your willingness to adjust and adapt in order to get the job done. A person who can adapt their communication style to different audiences is likely someone who is driven and flexible, characteristics that are highly valuable in an employee.

3 – Will you fit in? This question is also a subtle probe into your cultural competence and social flexibility. Being able to communicate effectively with different types of people is a key factor in workplace harmony and team collaboration. By showing that you can adapt your communication style, you’re also demonstrating your potential to blend well with the company’s culture, team dynamics, and diverse clientele.

So in essence, this single question provides the interviewer with valuable information on all three of their core concerns. It allows them to gauge your skillset, your motivation, and your compatibility with the company culture, all at once. It’s a potent reminder that the seemingly simple questions in an interview can carry significant weight and are worth preparing for thoroughly.

How Best To Answer ‘How do you adapt your communication style to different audiences?’

When answering the question, “How do you adapt your communication style to different audiences?” you should ideally structure your response in three parts: Understanding, Adaptation, and Examples.

1. Understanding: Acknowledge that you understand the importance of communicating effectively with different audiences. You might say, “I understand the importance of clear and effective communication, particularly in diverse environments. Each audience is unique and requires a distinct approach to ensure the message is conveyed properly.“

2. Adaptation: Talk about the methods you employ to adapt your communication style. You could explain, “I always take into account the background, needs, and level of understanding of my audience before I communicate. If I’m talking to a non-technical audience, for instance, I avoid jargon and aim to make complex ideas understandable and relatable. With a more technical audience, I am more precise and in-depth.“

3. Examples: Give concrete examples from your past where you adapted your communication style. For example, “In my previous role, I worked on projects that involved both engineers and marketing teams. When communicating with the engineers, I would delve into the technical aspects of the project. On the other hand, when speaking with the marketing team, I would focus more on how the product would be perceived by our potential customers.“

Remember, your goal is to show your adaptability, empathy, and understanding of diverse audiences. Being able to provide concrete examples that demonstrate these qualities will help you stand out to your interviewer.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).

Do not downplay the situation.

Do not overhype the situation.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not have a passive role in the situation.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action

‘How do you adapt your communication style to different audiences?’ – Example answer

Check out “INTERVIEW SUCCESS: How to answer 20 of the Most Popular Interview Questions (with over 100 sample answers!)”

Example 1

“Adapting my communication style depending on the audience is crucial in my line of work. I firmly believe that for communication to be effective, it has to be tailored to the recipient’s needs, cultural background, and level of understanding.

In my interactions, I always try to gauge my audience first. For instance, when interacting with non-technical stakeholders, I consciously simplify complex concepts, avoid jargon, and relate topics back to their impact on business or user experience. I believe this is essential to ensure that the conversation is inclusive and every participant feels valued.

Conversely, when speaking with a technical team, I use more specific language, dive deeper into the technical details, and engage in problem-solving discussions. I’ve found that this approach can help to foster collaboration and innovation.

A specific example would be when I was leading a project at my previous job that required frequent communication with both software developers and the sales team. With the developers, our discussions often centered around the technical feasibility of certain features and the nitty-gritty of implementation details. However, when speaking with the sales team, my focus would shift to how the product would benefit the end-users and support our overall business goals.

By continuously adapting my communication style, I was able to bridge the gap between these two very different teams, ultimately contributing to the successful delivery of the project.”

Example 2

Interview Question: What do you know about our company? – Answer Tips

May 20, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

So, when you’re asked, “What do you know about our company?” it might initially seem like a test of how thoroughly you’ve researched the company. However, looking at it in the context of the three core questions, it’s clear that it’s also meant to address all three key areas the interviewer is considering.

1 – Can you do the job?: Your understanding of the company’s work, its products or services, indicates whether you comprehend the industry and the specific role you’re applying for. It allows the interviewer to gauge whether you have the skills and knowledge to handle the tasks associated with the job.

2 – Will you do the job?: A deep understanding of the company’s mission and goals demonstrates your interest in its progress and your motivation to contribute. This question is a chance for you to show your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to work hard to support the company’s success.

3 – Will you fit in?: Your awareness of the company’s culture and values is crucial to understanding whether you will thrive in the environment and work well with the existing team. If you resonate with the company’s culture and ethos, it signals to the interviewer that you could be a good fit for the team.

So, in essence, a single question can reveal a great deal about your suitability for the role. It’s crucial to remember this and consider all three aspects in your responses to ensure you effectively communicate your aptitude, motivation, and cultural fit.

How Best To Answer ‘What do you know about our company?’

Answering the question “What do you know about our company?” effectively requires good research and thoughtful organization. You can structure your response in the following way:

Company Basics: Start by briefly acknowledging the basic information about the company. This could include what the company does, the industry it operates in, its products or services, and its reputation in the market.
Recent Developments: Mention any recent news, projects, or initiatives the company has been involved in. This shows that you’ve done your homework and that you’re interested in the company’s current operations and future direction.
Company Culture and Values: Discuss the company’s culture and values. Show that you have an understanding of the company’s mission and ethos, which is important for assessing cultural fit.
Personal Connection: If possible, relate the information back to yourself, explaining why the company’s work, culture, or mission aligns with your own values and career goals. This demonstrates both personal interest and compatibility with the company.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).

Do not downplay the situation.

Do not overhype the situation.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not have a passive role in the situation.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action

What do you know about our company? – Example answers

Answer 1

“I’m well aware that your company is a renowned leader in the software industry, specifically known for your innovative solutions in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Your products have always been at the cutting edge of technology, and you’ve earned a reputation for consistently delivering high-quality and reliable software tools to a wide range of clients.

Recently, I read about your launch of an AI-based customer service platform that’s projected to revolutionise the customer experience industry. This is particularly interesting to me, as it highlights your commitment to leveraging technology in creative and impactful ways.

What truly sets your company apart, in my opinion, is your culture of innovation, teamwork, and constant learning. I understand that your mission is to make life easier and businesses more efficient through technology. This ethos of using tech for good is something that deeply resonates with me.

The reason I am particularly drawn to your company is this blend of technological innovation and a people-centric approach. In my career, I’ve always sought to use my skills to create meaningful impact and drive progress. Your company’s mission aligns perfectly with this, and I am excited about the possibility of contributing to a team that is shaping the future of technology.”

Answer 2

“Absolutely. I am fully aware that your organization is a trailblazer in the sustainable fashion industry, particularly recognized for your commitment to ethical sourcing and production. The quality and ethos behind your clothing lines have not only set new standards in fashion but also raised awareness among consumers about the importance of sustainable choices.

In terms of recent developments, I was very impressed by your initiative to partner with local artisans in developing countries. This move not only promotes unique craftsmanship but also supports sustainable livelihoods. The launch of your recent collection that incorporates these artisanal elements has been widely acclaimed for its aesthetics and positive social impact.

From my understanding, your company culture is built around sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. You aim to transform the fashion industry by offering high-quality, ethically produced pieces and promoting conscious consumption. This is a mission that I deeply identify with.

Personally, I have always believed in the power of sustainable and ethical practices, particularly within the fashion industry. What attracted me to your company is the way you’ve translated these values into a successful and influential brand. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team and contributing to a company that is redefining fashion with a sense of responsibility and creativity.”

Answer 3

23 Quantity Surveyor Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)

May 6, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

A quick online search shows that the average salary for a Quantity Surveyor in the UK ranges between £40,000 and £55,000, while in the US, the average salary for a Quantity Surveyor position is around $70,000.

The high demand for quantity surveying skills is reflected in the competitive salaries offered in this field.

However, the attractive salaries also signify that there is substantial competition for each role. If you have the required skills, experience, and qualifications, you should be able to catch the attention of organizations looking to hire Quantity Surveyors.

But possessing the skills, experience, and qualifications alone won’t guarantee you the job. You also need to effectively communicate these attributes to the hiring manager.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to excel in a Quantity Surveyor interview and secure this sought-after position. We’ll start by providing some tips for the interview process, followed by the best strategies for answering Quantity Surveyor questions (and what to avoid!). Finally, we’ll delve into some of the most common interview questions you’re likely to face.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in…

Quantity Surveyor Interview Advice

Leverage your experience. This applies even if you haven’t held a Quantity Surveyor position before. A Quantity Surveyor is responsible for various tasks, including cost estimation, contract management, and risk assessment. You don’t need to have previously held a Quantity Surveyor title to have participated in related activities. When answering questions, emphasize your relevant experiences.

Understand your audience. Always research the organization you are interviewing with. Also, take the time to research the interviewer and the hiring manager (if they are different individuals). Your goal is to impress the person making the hiring decision, so you should research them specifically to understand their preferences and what they are looking for in a new employee.

Demonstrate technical knowledge. As a Quantity Surveyor, you need to be well-versed in industry standards, cost estimation techniques, and contract management. Make sure to showcase your expertise in these areas during the interview by using specific examples and discussing your understanding of current trends and best practices.

Highlight your communication skills. Quantity Surveyors often work with diverse teams and must communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Show your ability to work well with others by providing examples of successful collaborations, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

Emphasize your attention to detail. In the role of a Quantity Surveyor, accuracy is crucial. Be prepared to discuss situations where your attention to detail helped ensure the success of a project or prevented potential issues. This will demonstrate your commitment to thoroughness and precision in your work.

How Best To Approach Quantity Surveyor Interview Questions

Unless the question you are asked is a straightforward ‘yes or no’ style question, you’ll need to learn to describe, expand, and elaborate on your answers. The best way to do this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.

Answers using this method follow the structure below:

B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter? As a Quantity Surveyor, you should have your own set of principles and approaches to cost estimation, contract management, and risk assessment that you adapt to each situation.

S – Situation – Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer should focus on you and what you did, so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe.

T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time, it’s best to demonstrate an active rather than passive role in the encounter. As you are applying for a Quantity Surveyor position, the situation you describe should involve you taking charge of managing costs and contracts within a project.

A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. This should comprise the majority of your response.

R – Result – How did everything turn out? If possible, use figures to illustrate the outcome (e.g., project costs reduced by 10%, contract negotiations resulted in a 15% savings, etc.).

Remember that the B-STAR technique is descriptive, not prescriptive. You don’t need to strictly adhere to this flow; go with what works best for your answers and allows you to effectively convey your point and showcase your experience.

What You Should Not Do When Answering Quantity Surveyor Questions

Do not avoid the question: When answering questions related to the Quantity Surveyor position, ensure that you address the query directly and provide a relevant response. Avoiding the question will give the impression that you lack the necessary knowledge or experience to handle the issue.

Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked): Focus on showcasing your successes and achievements as a Quantity Surveyor. While it is essential to learn from failures, highlighting them during an interview might raise concerns about your ability to effectively manage project costs and contracts.

Do not downplay the situation: When discussing a situation where you demonstrated your skills as a Quantity Surveyor, be honest about the challenges you faced. Downplaying the situation might make it seem as though your achievements were not as significant as they actually were.

Do not overhype the situation: Conversely, avoid exaggerating the difficulties you encountered. Maintain a balanced approach when describing the situation and your role in resolving it, as overstating the challenges may come across as insincere.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter: If you are asked about a situation or skill you have not encountered, focus on your transferable skills and experiences that are relevant to the Quantity Surveyor role. Emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt to new situations.

Do not reject the premise of the question: Even if you disagree with the assumptions or context of a question, answer it in a way that demonstrates your understanding and ability to handle different perspectives. Rejecting the premise outright may be perceived as inflexibility or unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints.

Do not have a passive role in the situation: When providing examples from your experience, ensure that you present yourself as an active participant who took the initiative and made a difference in the situation. Passive roles may not effectively demonstrate your capabilities as a Quantity Surveyor.

Do not give a one-sentence answer: Elaborate on your responses to provide context and detail about your experiences and the outcomes you achieved. One-sentence answers may not fully convey your abilities and accomplishments as a Quantity Surveyor.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action: While providing context is important, avoid spending too much time describing the situation at the expense of discussing your actions and the results you achieved. Focus on demonstrating your skills and contributions as a Quantity Surveyor.

23 Quantity Surveyor Interview Question & Answers

For more Quantity Surveyor Interview Question and Answers check out our full guide here

Can you provide a brief overview of your experience as a quantity surveyor?

Experienced Answer: I have over ten years of experience in quantity surveying, working on residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. My main responsibilities have included cost estimation, contract administration, risk management, and liaising with various stakeholders. Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered results and maintained strong relationships with clients and colleagues. Over the past decade, I have worked on numerous projects of varying sizes and complexities, ensuring accurate management of costs and contracts.

New to Role Answer: I recently graduated with a degree in Quantity Surveying and completed an internship with a reputable construction firm. During my internship, I had the opportunity to assist in preparing cost estimates, reviewing contracts, and supporting project teams. Although I am new to the role, I am eager to apply my academic knowledge and internship experience to excel as a quantity surveyor.

What made you choose quantity surveying as a profession?

Experienced Answer: I chose to become a quantity surveyor because of my passion for the construction industry and my strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The role allows me to combine these skills with my interest in finance and contracts, making it a perfect fit for me. Over the years, I have found great satisfaction in contributing to the successful completion of various projects and helping clients achieve their goals.

New to Role Answer: I decided to become a quantity surveyor because I have always been fascinated by the construction industry and its impact on the built environment. During my studies, I discovered that my strengths lie in cost estimation, contract management, and financial analysis. I believe that a career as a quantity surveyor will allow me to utilize these skills while making a meaningful contribution to the industry.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

As a Quantity Surveyor with over 10 years of experience, I have developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills that have allowed me to excel in managing project costs, contracts, and budgets. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying and am a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

My background includes working on various projects ranging from residential construction to large-scale commercial developments. I have collaborated closely with architects, contractors, and clients to ensure that projects are completed within budget and on schedule. My key strengths include cost planning, contract administration, and negotiation, which have resulted in cost savings and increased client satisfaction.

As someone who is highly detail-oriented and committed to continuous professional development, I am confident in my ability to adapt to new challenges and contribute effectively to any project as a Quantity Surveyor.

How do you stay current with the latest trends and technologies in the construction industry?

To stay current with the latest trends and technologies in the construction industry, I make it a point to attend industry conferences and workshops, where I can learn about new developments and best practices from experts in the field. Additionally, I participate in online forums and professional networks, which allows me to engage with fellow professionals and exchange insights on new technologies and techniques.

I also subscribe to industry journals, newsletters, and follow relevant blogs to keep myself updated with the latest news and innovations in the construction sector. This helps me stay informed about cutting-edge technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable construction practices, that can help improve project efficiency and reduce costs.

Finally, I dedicate time for continuous professional development by enrolling in relevant courses and obtaining certifications, which not only keeps me up-to-date with the latest trends but also enhances my skills and expertise as a Quantity Surveyor.

Describe your experience with cost estimation and cost control in construction projects.

Answer 1: With over 7 years of experience in the construction industry, I have been involved in various types of projects, including residential, commercial, and infrastructure. My primary responsibility was to provide accurate cost estimations during the initial stages and to monitor and control costs throughout the project lifecycle. I achieved this by using industry-standard software, regularly updating the project budget, conducting value engineering, and collaborating closely with the project team and stakeholders to ensure financial objectives were met.

Answer 2: As a recent graduate in Quantity Surveying, I had the opportunity to intern at a reputable construction company for 6 months. During my internship, I assisted the senior quantity surveyors in preparing cost estimations for several small-scale projects, and I was involved in cost control activities, including updating budgets, tracking expenses, and attending progress meetings. This experience provided me with a solid understanding of cost estimation and control processes in the construction industry.

How do you handle stress and pressure at work?

Answer 1: Throughout my career, I have faced numerous high-pressure situations and tight deadlines. To handle stress effectively, I prioritize my tasks, set realistic goals, and maintain open communication with my team. I also ensure that I allocate time for breaks and engage in activities outside of work to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Answer 2: As a newcomer to the field, I have learned the importance of time management and organization to handle stress and pressure. I create daily and weekly task lists, establish priorities, and break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Additionally, I maintain open communication with my team and superiors to ensure we are all on the same page and address any concerns promptly.

Can you explain the difference between a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and a Schedule of Rates (SOR)?

A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a comprehensive document that lists all the materials, labor, and resources required for a construction project, along with their quantities and associated costs. It serves as a basis for tendering and helps contractors to accurately price their work. On the other hand, a Schedule of Rates (SOR) is a document that lists the standard rates for various construction items and activities, without specifying the quantities. It is often used as a reference for estimating and budgeting purposes, particularly when the actual quantities are uncertain or subject to change.

How do you ensure accuracy and completeness in your quantity take-offs?
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What software and tools are you proficient in using for quantity surveying tasks?
View answer in our full guide

Can you describe your experience working with contracts, specifically the types you have worked with (e.g., FIDIC, NEC, JCT)?
View answer in our full guide

What is your greatest strength and how does it help you as a quantity surveyor?
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How do you approach risk management and mitigation in your projects?
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What steps do you take to ensure that a project stays within budget?
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How do you handle discrepancies between estimated costs and actual costs during a project?
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What is your greatest weakness and how do you work on improving it?
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Describe a challenging project you’ve worked on and the strategies you employed to overcome those challenges.
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How do you effectively communicate with different stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and consultants?
View answer in our full guide

Can you discuss your experience with tendering processes and procurement strategies?
View answer in our full guide

How do you handle change orders and variations during a project?
View answer in our full guide

What is your approach to value engineering, and can you provide an example from your experience?
View answer in our full guide

Can you describe your experience with cost reporting and monitoring project cash flow?
View answer in our full guide

How do you ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards in your work?
View answer in our full guide

Tell us about a time when you successfully resolved a conflict at work.
View answer in our full guide

For more Quantity Surveyor Interview Question and Answers check out our full guide here

Interview Question: What do you know about our company and industry? – Answer Tips

May 5, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

When it comes to the question “What do you know about our company and industry?“, it primarily addresses two of the three key aspects interviewers are trying to assess:

Can you do the job? By demonstrating your knowledge of the company and industry, you showcase your ability to research and understand the context in which you would be working. This shows that you have taken the time to learn about the organization, its products or services, and the market it operates in. This knowledge is essential for performing effectively in the role and adapting to the company’s needs.
Will you fit in? Displaying a comprehensive understanding of the company’s mission, values, and culture helps the interviewer gauge whether your values and work style align with the organization’s. Being well-versed in the company’s culture and values also illustrates your genuine interest in joining the organization, indicating that you are likely to be engaged and committed to contributing positively to the team and workplace environment.

While this question may not directly address the second aspect – “Will you do the job?” – your research and knowledge about the company and industry can indirectly imply your motivation and drive to work for the organization.

How Best To Answer ‘What do you know about our company and industry?’

The best way to structure an answer to the question “What do you know about our company and industry?” is to provide a clear, concise, and well-organized response that demonstrates your research and understanding. Here’s a suggested structure for your answer:

Start with the company’s mission, vision, and values: Briefly describe the company’s purpose, long-term objectives, and the core principles that guide its actions. This shows that you understand what drives the organization and how it aims to differentiate itself in the market.
Discuss the company’s products or services: Provide an overview of the company’s key offerings, highlighting any flagship products, services, or solutions. Make sure to mention the primary target market or customer base the company caters to, showcasing your understanding of the company’s business focus.
Describe the industry landscape: Give an overview of the industry, including key trends, competitors, and any recent developments or changes. This demonstrates your awareness of the broader context in which the company operates and your ability to recognize potential challenges or opportunities.
Mention the company’s culture and achievements: Highlight the company’s work culture, emphasizing any unique aspects or initiatives that make it stand out. Additionally, mention any significant accomplishments or milestones, such as awards, partnerships, or market share gains.
Connect your skills and experiences to the company and industry: Briefly explain how your background, skills, and experiences align with the company’s needs and the industry’s trends. This helps the interviewer see how you would be a valuable addition to the team and contribute to the company’s success.
Show enthusiasm and genuine interest: End your answer by expressing your excitement about the company and the opportunity, making it clear that you are eager to contribute and be a part of the organization’s growth.

Remember to tailor your answer to the specific company and role, using relevant details and examples to make your response as personalized and impactful as possible.

What do you know about our company and industry? – Example answers

Healthcare Example

I understand that your company is focused on providing innovative software solutions for the healthcare industry, with a mission to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare processes. Your core values include collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement, which I believe are essential for success in this field.

Your product portfolio includes electronic health record systems, patient engagement platforms, and data analytics tools, catering to a wide range of healthcare providers, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This reflects your commitment to improving patient care through technology.

In terms of the industry landscape, I am aware that the healthcare IT sector is rapidly evolving, with emerging trends such as telehealth, artificial intelligence, and data privacy becoming increasingly important. Your company has managed to stay ahead of the competition by continuously adapting to these changes and investing in R&D.

Your company culture emphasizes collaboration, learning, and adaptability, which I find particularly appealing. I have also noted that you have won several industry awards for your innovative solutions and have established strategic partnerships with key players in the healthcare sector.

My background in software development, along with my experience working on healthcare projects, aligns well with your company’s focus and the industry’s trends. I believe my technical skills, combined with my passion for improving healthcare delivery, would enable me to contribute significantly to your team and help drive the success of your products.

I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with your company, as I believe it is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry. I am eager to contribute to your mission and be a part of your ongoing growth and success.

Renewable Energy Example

I understand that your company is a leader in the renewable energy sector, with a mission to accelerate the global transition to sustainable energy sources. Your core values include innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, which are crucial for creating a positive impact on the environment and communities.

Your product and service offerings include solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage solutions, catering to a diverse range of clients such as utilities, businesses, and residential customers. This reflects your commitment to making clean energy accessible and affordable for everyone.

Regarding the industry landscape, I am aware that the renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth and transformation, driven by factors such as climate change, technological advancements, and supportive government policies. Your company has successfully navigated this competitive environment by constantly innovating and expanding its portfolio.

Your company culture promotes diversity, teamwork, and continuous learning, which I find particularly attractive. I have also noticed that you have won numerous awards for your innovative products and sustainability initiatives, and have established strategic partnerships with other key players in the renewable energy sector.

My background in project management, along with my experience in the energy industry, aligns well with your company’s focus and the industry’s trends. I believe my skills in managing complex projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and my passion for sustainable development would enable me to contribute significantly to your organization and help drive the success of your projects.

I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with your company, as I believe it is at the forefront of driving positive change in the energy sector. I am eager to contribute to your mission and be a part of your ongoing growth and success.

SEO Example

33 Operations Manager Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

May 5, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

A quick Google search reveals that the average salary for an Operations Manager in the UK ranges between £45,000 and £60,000. In the US, the average salary for an Operations Manager position is around $80,000.

Operations management skills are in high demand, which is reflected in the relatively high salaries offered in this field.

However, the lucrative salaries also mean that there is a significant amount of competition for each role. If you possess the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications, you should be able to attract interest from organizations looking to hire Operations Managers.

But having the skills, experience, and qualifications alone isn’t sufficient to secure the job. You also need to be able to effectively communicate these to the hiring manager.

In this article, we’ll discuss how you can excel in an Operations Manager interview and secure this sought-after role. First, we’ll provide some tips for the interview itself, followed by the best approach to take when answering Operations Manager questions (and what not to do!). Lastly, we’ll explore some of the most common interview questions you can expect to encounter.

Ready? Let’s dive in…

Operations Manager Interview Advice

Draw from your experience. This applies even if you have never held an Operations Manager position before. An Operations Manager is responsible for numerous tasks, primarily overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. You don’t need to have held an Operations Manager title previously to have participated in similar activities. When answering questions, emphasize your relevant experiences.

Know your audience. Always research the organization you are interviewing for. Additionally, take the time to research the interviewer and the hiring manager (if they are different individuals). Your goal is to impress the person making the hiring decision, so you should research them specifically to understand their preferences and what they are looking for in a new employee.

Highlight your problem-solving skills. As an Operations Manager, you’ll be faced with numerous challenges and unexpected situations. Show the interviewer that you have the ability to think on your feet, analyze problems, and come up with effective solutions. Share examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated these skills.

Showcase your leadership and teamwork abilities. An Operations Manager must be able to lead a team and work well with others to ensure smooth operations. Emphasize your leadership qualities and your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with team members. Provide examples of when you successfully managed a team or worked closely with colleagues to achieve a common goal.

Stay updated on industry trends and best practices. Being knowledgeable about the latest trends and best practices in operations management can give you an edge during the interview. Demonstrate your understanding of the industry and how you stay informed about new developments. Mention any conferences, webinars, or relevant articles that you’ve recently engaged with to show your dedication to professional growth.

How Best to Answer Operations Manager Interview Questions

Answers using this method follow the structure below:

B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter? As an Operations Manager, you should have your own set of philosophies and approaches to managing operations and improving efficiency that you tailor to each situation.

S – Situation – Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer should focus on you and what you did, so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe.

T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time, it’s best to demonstrate an active rather than passive role in the encounter. As you are applying for an Operations Manager position, the situation you describe should involve you taking charge of managing the day-to-day operations within an organization.

A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. This should comprise the majority of your response.

R – Result – How did everything turn out? If possible, use figures to illustrate the outcome (e.g., efficiency increased by 20%, costs reduced by 15%, etc.).

What You Should Not Do When Answering Operations Manager Questions

Do not avoid the question: When answering questions related to the Operations Manager position, ensure that you address the query directly and provide a relevant response. Avoiding the question will give the impression that you lack the necessary knowledge or experience to handle the issue.

Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked): Focus on showcasing your successes and achievements as an Operations Manager. While it is essential to learn from failures, highlighting them during an interview might raise concerns about your ability to effectively manage operations.

Do not downplay the situation: When discussing a situation where you demonstrated your skills as an Operations Manager, be honest about the challenges you faced. Downplaying the situation might make it seem as though your achievements were not as significant as they actually were.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter: If you are asked about a situation or skill you have not encountered, focus on your transferable skills and experiences that are relevant to the Operations Manager role. Emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt to new situations.

Do not give a one-sentence answer: Elaborate on your responses to provide context and detail about your experiences and the outcomes you achieved. One-sentence answers may not fully convey your abilities and accomplishments as an Operations Manager.

33 Operations Manager Interview Question and Answers

For more Operations Manager Interview Question and Answers check out our full guide here

Can you briefly describe your background and experience as an Operations Manager?

Answer (Experienced Operations Manager):
In my previous role as an Operations Manager at XYZ Company, I managed a team of 30 employees and was responsible for streamlining processes and improving efficiency. My primary tasks involved overseeing daily operations, managing budgets, and leading cross-functional projects to enhance productivity. Over the course of five years, I successfully reduced operational costs by 20% and increased overall efficiency by 15%.

Answer (Aspiring Operations Manager):
Although I haven’t held the title of Operations Manager, I have spent the last four years as a Team Lead in the operations department at ABC Corporation. I supervised a team of 10 employees and was responsible for coordinating workflow, implementing process improvements, and managing schedules. During my time in this role, I consistently met or exceeded our department’s KPIs, and successfully led a project to automate certain processes, which resulted in a 10% reduction in processing time.

What motivated you to pursue a career in operations management?

Answer (Experienced Operations Manager): I have always been drawn to the dynamic nature of operations management and the opportunity to drive tangible improvements within an organization. My passion lies in analyzing processes, identifying areas for optimization, and implementing changes that have a direct impact on efficiency and productivity. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals and have found great satisfaction in seeing the results of our efforts.

Answer (Aspiring Operations Manager): During my time working in the operations department, I discovered a passion for analyzing systems and processes, identifying inefficiencies, and developing solutions to improve performance. I realized that the role of an Operations Manager would allow me to leverage my skills and experiences to drive positive change across the organization. I am excited about the opportunity to lead teams, implement process improvements, and have a lasting impact on the overall success of the company.

How do you define success as an Operations Manager?

Answer (Experienced Operations Manager): For me, success as an Operations Manager is measured through the continuous improvement of business processes, increased efficiency, and the satisfaction of both employees and customers. It involves meeting or exceeding key performance indicators, ensuring seamless cross-departmental collaboration, and fostering a work environment that supports growth and development. Ultimately, success is about creating lasting value for the organization and contributing to its long-term objectives.

Answer (Aspiring Operations Manager): I believe success as an Operations Manager is achieved by effectively managing resources, optimizing processes, and continually improving the efficiency of operations. It involves setting and meeting clear KPIs, ensuring a high level of employee engagement, and maintaining open lines of communication between departments. Success also means being proactive in identifying and addressing potential bottlenecks or challenges, fostering a positive work environment, and delivering excellent customer service.

Can you provide an example of a challenging operational issue you faced and how you resolved it?

Answer (Experienced Operations Manager): In my previous role, I encountered a situation where our production line was experiencing frequent delays, negatively impacting our ability to meet customer deadlines. I analyzed the process, identified bottlenecks, and implemented a new workflow that redistributed tasks more evenly across team members. Additionally, I introduced regular progress monitoring and reporting to ensure timely interventions when necessary. As a result, we were able to reduce delays by 80% and significantly improve customer satisfaction.

Answer (Aspiring Operations Manager): While working as a Team Lead, I faced a challenge where our department was consistently falling short of meeting its monthly targets. I took the initiative to conduct a thorough analysis of our processes and discovered that a lack of standardized procedures was causing inefficiencies. I worked with my team to develop and implement clear SOPs, which streamlined our operations and improved overall productivity. Within three months, we not only met our targets but exceeded them by 15%.

How do you manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment?

Answer (Experienced Operations Manager): To manage competing priorities and deadlines, I rely on effective time management, delegation, and communication. I start by assessing the urgency and importance of each task, then create a prioritized action plan. I delegate tasks to appropriate team members, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support. Regular progress check-ins help me stay on top of ongoing tasks and make adjustments as needed. By maintaining open communication with my team and stakeholders, we can work together to address any unforeseen challenges and meet our deadlines.

Answer (Aspiring Operations Manager): In my current role, I frequently juggle multiple tasks and deadlines. I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, and create a detailed action plan that outlines the steps required to complete each task. I also delegate responsibilities to team members, making sure they have the necessary support and resources to succeed. Regular check-ins and open communication help me monitor progress, address any challenges, and make adjustments as needed. This approach has consistently allowed me to meet or exceed deadlines while maintaining high-quality work.

How do you ensure clear communication within your team and across departments?

Answer (Experienced Operations Manager): To ensure clear communication, I establish a culture of openness and transparency within my team. I encourage team members to share their ideas, concerns, and updates on ongoing projects. I also hold regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins to keep everyone informed and aligned with our objectives. To facilitate cross-departmental communication, I build strong relationships with other managers and stakeholders, create channels for information-sharing, and involve relevant parties in decision-making processes. This approach has helped me maintain a well-informed and collaborative work environment.

Answer (Aspiring Operations Manager): Clear communication is essential for effective teamwork and collaboration. In my current role, I strive to create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. I hold regular team meetings, provide updates on ongoing projects, and schedule one-on-one check-ins with team members to address individual concerns. To foster cross-departmental communication, I actively engage with colleagues from other departments, participate in interdepartmental meetings, and share relevant information to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Can you describe your experience in managing budgets and controlling costs?
View answer in our full guide

How do you monitor and evaluate the performance of your team members?
View answer in our full guide

What strategies do you use to improve operational efficiency and productivity?
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How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within your team?
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Can you provide an example of a time when you had to implement a major organizational change? How did you manage the transition?
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How do you stay informed about industry trends and best practices in operations management?
View answer in our full guide

How do you approach capacity planning and resource allocation?
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What experience do you have in developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs)?
View answer in our full guide

How do you manage risks and ensure business continuity in your operations?
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Can you describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision with limited information? What was the outcome?
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What methods do you use to track and measure key performance indicators (KPIs) in your operations?
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How do you balance the need for innovation with maintaining stability in your operations?
View answer in our full guide

How do you approach vendor selection and management?
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Can you provide an example of a successful process improvement initiative you led?
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How do you ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies?
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What strategies do you use to motivate and engage your team members?
View answer in our full guide

Can you describe a time when you had to manage a significant increase or decrease in operational demand?
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How do you handle performance issues within your team? Can you provide an example?
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What experience do you have in managing cross-functional projects or initiatives?
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How do you approach quality assurance and quality control in your operations?
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How do you prioritize safety in your operations management practices?
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For more Operations Manager Interview Question and Answers check out our full guide here

Generic Job Interview Questions You May Be Asked In An Ops Manager Interview

How Did You Prepare For This Interview?

“I believe that it’s incredibly difficult to overcome a bad first impression. Because of this I always strive to never make one. That’s why for important meetings, or interviews like this, I make a clear plan of what I want to get from the meeting and outline the steps I need to take to achieve that goal.

So when I received the call about scheduling this interview the first thing I did was research your offices. As you are based in an area of town I am not familiar with I drove by here after work one evening just to make sure I knew the way. I also checked Google Maps to see what the traffic would be like at this time. Nothing worse than being late sitting in traffic after all.

I actually have a contact who works in your finance department, Claire, we were colleagues in the place I am currently working. I reached out to her to see if there was anything she could tell me about the interview process. We had spoken before about the company as a whole and how she talks about the company is one of the reasons I applied.

Following our chat I went through all of my work achievements and made sure they fully encompassed everything I have accomplished in my career.

I’m glad I took the time to prepare as I did because there was a lot of traffic so it was good I knew to expect that. Also talking with Claire helped jog my memory on a project we both worked on a few years back delivering a piece of financial software that I believe your company is in the process of deploying.”

Check out our full post on how to answer this question

Tell me about a time when you needed to communicate bad news to a colleague or stakeholder?

“I believe that bad news is best delivered in person and discretely, where it is responsible to do so. I don’t particularly relish giving bad news (I suppose not many do) so I often try to resolve the situation in advance so the bad news never needs to be given.

Obviously though that isn’t possible all of the time. For example in a previous role I managed a team of complaint handlers when word came down from senior management that we were offshoring a large part of our process and this meant layoffs of nearly 40% of the department.

I tried to go to bat for my team and show how our quality and production scores were the highest around and unlikely to be replicated using our offshore colleagues, but the decision had been made and was purely cost driven.

It was my job to determine which members of my team would be let go and which would stay.

We had all joined the department together on the same contract so there was no element of seniority that needed to be accounted for. Instead I devised a balanced scorecard type of approach, ranking each team member against the department’s relevant KPIs (quality, production, skills).

Once I had my list I booked one-on-ones with all of my team members as close together as possible, starting with the colleagues who would be staying. With the colleagues who were being let go I got straight to the point and told them the company would be terminating their contract. I allowed them to ask any questions they wanted and informed them that I would be around for any help they needed in looking for a new role.

During the meetings 2 of the colleagues I wanted to keep informed me that they were planning to leave soon anyway and suggested that they would leave now instead freeing up room for other colleagues to stay.

In the end I had to tell 6 members of my team that they were being let go. They were all understanding of the situation and were grateful that I offered to help them look for new roles.

Going forward if I were to be in the same position I would have gone to the meetings with some open positions that I would recommend the colleagues apply for”

Check out our full post on how to answer this question

Have You Ever Had To Manage A Difficult Employee? – Example answer

“Yes on a number of occasions. My style of management is such that I believe that if you ensure your employees have all of the required training and all the necessary resources at their disposal that you can take a step back and they will flourish on their own. I do not believe in overly micromanaging my team. I have an open door policy and I have regular catchups with my team members and I trust that they will get the job done.

By and large this works pretty well in my current role. However you do sometimes get the occasional team member who requires more supervision than others.

One such person was new to my team and soon after their training and introductory period finished their productivity dropped week by week. At the start the colleague seemed to be at the same level as some of the more experienced members of the team but over time his output dropped until he was comfortably the worst performer all around.

I spent the next week or so monitoring this colleague more closely to understand where any issues were arising. I noticed that he was spending large amounts of time being unproductive and not completing tasks.

I raised this with him during our weekly one-on-one and he admitted how he didn’t feel much motivation to complete more work and found it difficult stay focused when there seemed to just be more work to come.

I took a few actions on the back of this meeting, all of which I cleared with my management team ahead of time.

I put the colleague on an action plan that monitored his output on a daily and weekly basis. This would be reviewed by myself along with the colleague and with our director. It was stressed to the colleague that if there were no changes after a month that we would be terminating his position with the company.

Also as a show of transparency and in an attempt at motivation by target setting we started releasing productivity reports for the whole team so they know how each team member is performing.

The action plan proved to be the motivator that was required for the ‘difficult employee’ as soon after we started the action plans his output was nearing the top of the team charts. The team productivity reports also became a big success and saw improvements across the whole team. Senior management were pleased and have taken the action to talk about a bonus structure to go along with the performance reports which is still in the pipeline.”

Check out our full post on how to answer this question

How do you handle disagreements within your team?

“As Product Manager at X company it was my responsibility to prioritise the backlog of tasks. The way things worked in our organisation was that any stakeholder could raise an item to add to the backlog, then as a team we would discuss in which order it would be best that they were worked and deployed.

Ultimately however the final decision on priority lay with myself.

As you can imagine with so many different areas of the business raises items, each with their own agendas and goals the backlog meetings would often end with a lot of disagreement

One such occasion we had two business areas both asking us to deploy a change to our product and both were asking for the change to be deployed in the next sprint. Unfortunately we only had the dev resource to implement the one change in this cycle.

The backlog call became heated between the two representing colleagues and I was forced to cut the meeting short to let cooler heads prevail.

After the meeting I sat with both colleagues to further understand the urgency behind both changes. Asking them to describe the benefits of the change and also the drawbacks of waiting until the next cycle.

Once I had this information in hand it was clear to me which change would be most beneficial to the business. I invited both colleagues into a meeting where I had compiled the information into a presentation deck with a few charts showing the resources available within the product team and the relative benefits of each change.

Explaining it this way allowed both colleagues to fully appreciate the restrictions that were on my team and also the comparative benefits of each change.

Both colleagues left the meeting happy with the outcome and both changes were pushed into production in the next 2 sprints”

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Tell me about a time when you had to convince others to put in ‘the hard work’

“I always feel that when you have a good team working for you that often you don’t need to convince anyone to get the job done, that’s why I believe in a strong recruitment policy of only employing the best and maintaining high standards within the organisation.

Of course there will always be times when a little more motivation is needed. One such occasion happened recently. One of our most valued customers asked if we could provide delivery on one of our products a month earlier than originally scoped.

The organisation agreed to ‘try our best’ when it came to this request but made the customer aware of the challenges of this new date.

The challenge was given to me and my team to try and achieve this new date. Ensuring open communication with the team is important to me so the first thing I did was meet with my team to ensure that they all knew of the new challenge.

We looked at the obstacles that lay in the team’s way and I removed them where practical.

To show the team that we really appreciated the effort they were putting in we made each Friday pizza day paid for by the organisation and told each team member that they would each receive a paid day off once the product was delivered (regardless of whether the new deadline was met or not).

The team were extremely motivated by this and with nothing stopping them we managed to deliver the customer their product within the new timeframes. The customer was thrilled with the service we provided and actually sent across a week’s supply of office fruit as thanks for helping them turn things around under short notice.”

Check out our full post on how to answer this question

What is your biggest weakness?

“My memory is my biggest weakness. Quite frankly it sucks. I will be told something in the morning and will have completely forgotten having had the conversation by the afternoon. It held me back a lot in school were it seemed like a lot of exam preparation was just cramming as much info into your head as possible prior to an exam. I have found a good system though that works for me. I write lots of notes and set myself lots of reminders. I am not sure if you can see since we’re on video but I have been taking notes throughout this meeting as well!”

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Interview Question: What books have you read lately? – Answer Tips

April 20, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

Interviewers may ask about the books you’ve read recently for several reasons, all of which relate back to one of the 3 points above:

Assess your interests: This question can provide insight into your personal interests, passions, and how you spend your free time. Your reading choices can reveal whether you are engaged in continuous learning, staying current with industry trends, or exploring new ideas.
Gauge your intellectual curiosity: Your recent reading material can indicate your level of intellectual curiosity and your willingness to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.
Understand your communication and critical thinking skills: Discussing a book you’ve read allows interviewers to evaluate your ability to articulate thoughts, analyze content, and think critically about complex ideas.
Find common ground: Sometimes, interviewers ask this question to build rapport and find common ground. If you both have read the same book or share similar reading interests, it can create a connection and make the conversation more engaging.
Evaluate cultural fit: Your reading preferences can give the interviewer a sense of whether your values, interests, and approach align with the company’s culture.

When answering this question, be honest about the books you’ve read and share a brief summary or key takeaway from one or more of them. If possible, choose books that are relevant to the job, industry, or the company’s values to demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

How Best To Answer ‘What books have you read lately?’

The B-STAR (Belief – Situation, Task, Action, Result) format is a useful framework for answering behavioral interview questions that require specific examples of past experiences. However, for the question “What books have you read lately?”, the STAR format may not be the most suitable approach.

This is because the question is not asking for a specific example of a past experience, but rather for your current reading habits and interests. Therefore, a more appropriate approach to answering this question would be to focus on providing a clear and concise response that showcases your reading habits and interests.

To answer the question “What books have you read lately?”, candidates should focus on providing a clear and concise response that showcases their reading habits and interests. Here are some tips for structuring an effective answer:

Start with the genre: Begin by mentioning the genre or category of books you have been reading lately. This helps to provide context for your answer and can help the interviewer better understand your interests.
Be specific: Try to mention the titles of specific books you have read recently and provide a brief summary of what you liked about them. This demonstrates that you have engaged with the material and can articulate your thoughts and opinions on it.
Connect to the job: If possible, try to connect your reading habits and interests to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, you could mention books you have read about branding or advertising.
Keep it concise: While it’s important to provide a detailed answer, you don’t want to go on for too long. Keep your answer concise and to the point.

By following these tips, you can provide a structured and thoughtful response that demonstrates your reading habits and interests, as well as your ability to communicate effectively.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not say you have do not read.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

What books have you read lately? – Example answer

Leadership Example

Recently, I’ve read a few books that have been influential in shaping my perspective on leadership and staying up-to-date with the software industry. One book that stands out is ‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team’ by Patrick Lencioni. This book provides valuable insights into building effective teams by overcoming common obstacles like lack of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. I’ve applied some of the strategies outlined in the book to improve team dynamics in my previous roles, and I’ve seen a positive impact on productivity and collaboration.

Another book that I found fascinating is ‘The Lean Startup’ by Eric Ries. It offers a fresh perspective on product development and management, focusing on rapid prototyping and validation of ideas through customer feedback. I believe this approach can be very beneficial for a software company like yours, as it can help deliver valuable products faster and with less risk.

In addition to these books, I enjoy reading technology blogs and industry news to stay current with the latest trends and developments in software. This continuous learning habit helps me stay ahead of the curve and make more informed decisions as a manager

Project Manager Example

In the past few months, I’ve been focused on reading books that can help me become a better project manager, particularly in the finance industry. One book that I found particularly helpful was ‘Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager’ by Kory Kogon, Suzette Blakemore, and James Wood. This book provided practical tips and strategies for managing projects effectively, even when you don’t have formal authority or a dedicated team.

Another book that I recently read and enjoyed was ‘The Lean Startup’ by Eric Ries. Although it’s not specifically about project management, the book provides valuable insights into how to launch and grow a successful business by using a lean and iterative approach. I believe that many of the principles and strategies discussed in this book can be applied to project management in the finance industry.

Overall, I’m always looking for ways to improve my project management skills and knowledge, and I believe that reading books on the topic is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. I’m excited about the opportunity to apply these skills and knowledge in a Project Manager position at ExampleBank, and I’m confident that my reading habits and interests will be an asset to the team.

Teacher Example

Knowledge

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