Impossible Interviews

James, 

In my opinion this is a general question and the answers are endless. Like many of these type of questions there are many answers and are as you mentioned situation dependent.  I think this question gets candidates rattled because the nature of the question makes one feel that there is only one write answer. During an interview we have all felt the glare of the interviewer and the pressure to say something intelligent.  So much of this answer depends upon the enterprise and thier project management policies.  I could write a book on the question. 


In my opinion, and if this was me answering the question.  I would hone in on the key words "ensure" and "schedule" and greated I have way more time here to answer this than most would in and interview and trying to be objective.  My answer (or opinion) here will illustrate how general the question is and the enormity of possible answers.   I don't think there really is a short answer. 


My answer:

To ensure that the "project is completed on time" in summary.........

I would begin with a well though out project charter that identifies key stakeholders, followed by the development of a comprehesive project plan that include scope, schedule, cost, quality HR and excellent stakeholder management and risk management plans ( as part of the big picture) this would be followed up by the executing where QA, team development, communication and stakeholder engagement is very important.  Helping ensure the project is on schedule requires diligent monitoring and controling efforts and can control scope, change control, Control quality, schedule, costs, controlling stakeholder engagement, risks, procurement, EVMthat includes earned value management(SV, CV, SPI, CPI calculations) an finally delivery of verified deliverables.  Then we close the project and or phase and cloe out procurements. (this is a quick summation so I may not have touched on everything.)


Finally, one of my favorite questions when asked at the end of an interview if I have any questions is:  "Does your company hire qualified people to tell them what to do, or does your company hire qualified people that can help you and show you what to do"  I always get puzzled looks


My 2 cents anyway

R. Derrick McLeod  MSc., PMP., C.Mgr.,MIET.,IDSA

James, 

In my opinion this is a general question and the answers are endless. Like many of these type of questions there are many answers and are as you mentioned situation dependent.  I think this question gets candidates rattled because the nature of the question makes one feel that there is only one write answer. During an interview we have all felt the glare of the interviewer and the pressure to say something intelligent.  So much of this answer depends upon the enterprise and thier project management policies.  I could write a book on the question. 


In my opinion, and if this was me answering the question.  I would hone in on the key words "ensure" and "schedule" and greated I have way more time here to answer this than most would in and interview and trying to be objective.  My answer (or opinion) here will illustrate how general the question is and the enormity of possible answers.   I don't think there really is a short answer. 


My answer:

To ensure that the "project is completed on time" in summary.........

I would begin with a well though out project charter that identifies key stakeholders, followed by the development of a comprehesive project plan that include scope, schedule, cost, quality HR and excellent stakeholder management and risk management plans ( as part of the big picture) this would be followed up by the executing where QA, team development, communication and stakeholder engagement is very important.  Helping ensure the project is on schedule requires diligent monitoring and controling efforts and can control scope, change control, Control quality, schedule, costs, controlling stakeholder engagement, risks, procurement, EVMthat includes earned value management(SV, CV, SPI, CPI calculations) an finally delivery of verified deliverables.  Then we close the project and or phase and cloe out procurements. (this is a quick summation so I may not have touched on everything.)


Finally, one of my favorite questions when asked at the end of an interview if I have any questions is:  "Does your company hire qualified people to tell them what to do, or does your company hire qualified people that can help you and show you what to do"  I always get puzzled looks


My 2 cents anyway

R. Derrick McLeod  MSc., PMP., C.Mgr.,MIET.,IDSA