Question forms part of
Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet
Other interview questions that are similar
- How would you describe our company’s mission and values?
- What do you think sets our company apart from our competitors?
- Can you discuss a recent industry trend that might impact our company? How do you think we should respond?
- What do you think are the biggest challenges our company is currently facing?
- How would you describe our company culture, and how do you see yourself fitting in?
- What are some of the key products or services our company offers, and who are our primary customers?
- How do you think our company has evolved over the years, and where do you see us going in the future?
- Which of our company’s competitors do you think pose the greatest challenge, and why?
- In your opinion, what is the most significant development or innovation in our industry right now?
- How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments that may affect our company?
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.
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
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