Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants handle failure. It's important to note that you don't have to have failed at a project to answer this question. You can discuss a project that was canceled or one that you had to scale back.
Sample Answer: I once had a project that was supposed to be completed in six months. We ended up taking nine months. I was not able to communicate the delays effectively, and the client was upset. I learned that it's important to be honest and transparent with clients. I also learned that it's important to have contingency plans in place in case something goes wrong.
Question Overview: Program managers are responsible for the success of multiple projects. It's important to see if applicants have a long-term vision for their career and how they plan to achieve it.
Sample Answer: I see myself as a program manager with a portfolio of successful projects. I want to be known as a leader who is able to take on new challenges and adapt to change. I want to be able to work with a variety of teams and clients, and I want to continue to grow professionally. In five years, I hope to have moved up in my company and have more responsibility. I want to be able to mentor other program managers and help them develop their careers.
Question Overview: This question tests your ability to make a decision based on data. It's important to understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data is subjective and can be difficult to interpret. Quantitative data is objective and easier to understand.
Sample Answer: I would look at the specifications of each MRI machine. I would examine the cost of each machine, the number of MRI scans it can perform per day, the length of time it takes to perform a scan and the cost of maintenance. I would also look at the quality of images produced by each machine. I would examine the resolution, contrast and signal-to-noise ratio. I would also look at the size of each machine and how much space it takes up.
Question Overview: This question asks applicants to explain their analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also tests their ability to design a system that prevents click fraud, which is when a user clicks on an ad without buying anything.
Sample Answer: I would start by researching click fraud. I would look at the current system and identify what's working and what's not. I would examine the root causes of click fraud and find ways to prevent it. I would look at the data and identify patterns. For example, I might notice that click fraud is more likely to occur on Mondays or that it's more prevalent on certain types of ads. I would then create a system that prevents click fraud based on these patterns.
Question Overview: This question gives you an opportunity to see how applicants handle difficult situations. Great program managers have the ability to lead teams through tough times and come out on top.
Sample Answer: I once managed a project that was in danger of failing. The client was unhappy with the progress and threatened to cancel the contract. I worked with the project manager to create a plan for improvement. We identified areas for improvement and created a new timeline. We also re-evaluated staffing needs and made changes. We then presented our findings to the client and they agreed to give us one more chance. We were able to deliver on time and within budget, and the client was very pleased with the final product.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants handle difficult situations. It's important to be honest, but also show how you've overcome your weaknesses.
Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist. I want everything to be just right. This can be a strength, but it can also be a weakness. I've learned that it's important to let go of the small stuff and focus on the big picture. I've also learned that it's okay to ask for help. I've found that my team is willing to lend a hand when needed.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if applicants are passionate about their work. It also shows how they think about products and services.
Sample Answer: I love our new product line. I've been working on it for a while now, and I'm excited to see it on the market. The product is a revolutionary new way to manage inventory. It's going to save our customers a lot of time and money. It's also going to make our company more competitive in the marketplace.
Question Overview: This is your chance to sell yourself. Applicants should demonstrate their leadership skills, ability to work on a team, and how they'll make the company more efficient and productive.
Sample Answer: I'm a strong communicator with a proven track record of working in teams. I'm also a creative problem solver with the ability to think outside the box. I've been able to lead teams through change and help them achieve success. I'm also an effective communicator and have experience working with executives. My experience in program management will help me lead your program management team and ensure we're working towards your goals.
Question Overview: This question tests your ability to think on your feet and solve problems. You'll be asked to write code for a B-tree, which is a data structure used to store information.
Sample Answer: I would start by writing a function that takes in a number of nodes and returns the number of nodes in the tree. Next, I would write a function that takes in a node and returns the parent node. Finally, I would write a function that takes in a node and returns the left and right child nodes.
Question Overview: Program managers are responsible for the success of their programs. If a program manager is not getting the results they need, they must be able to identify and address the problem. This question asks applicants to describe how they would handle a situation where project managers are not performing.
Sample Answer: I would first analyze the situation. I would look at the project's progress and determine if there are any issues with scope, budget or staffing. I would then meet with each project manager to discuss their progress. I would also meet with their leads to see if there are any issues that need to be addressed. If I find that the project manager is not meeting expectations, I would meet with them again and discuss ways to improve performance. If the issue is still not resolved, I would meet with their manager and have a candid conversation about the situation.
Question Overview: Program managers oversee projects that are often complex and require a variety of skills. This question asks applicants to explain how they would approach a project differently based on its nature.
Sample Answer: I've worked on both types of projects, and I believe the biggest difference is the level of detail required. When I was working on a construction project, we had to be very specific about materials and measurements. We had to be very clear about what we wanted. For software projects, we have to be more flexible. We can't always know exactly what we want up front, so we have to be open to change. We also have to be more creative in our solutions.
Question Overview: Program managers are responsible for the success of multiple projects. They must ensure each project is moving forward and that the company is meeting its goals. This question asks applicants to explain how they would improve a product or service.
Sample Answer: I would first look at the project's goals and objectives. Then, I would examine the current product or service. I would research the competition and identify areas for improvement. I would work with the team to develop a plan for improvement. I would also examine our processes and determine if we can make them more efficient.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how applicants view the role of a project manager. Applicants should be able to explain why they want to be a project manager and what they hope to accomplish in this role.
Sample Answer: I've always been fascinated by how things work and I enjoy working with people. Project management is a great way to combine my interests. I want to be a project manager because I want to help people work together to achieve a common goal. I want to make sure everyone is on the same page and understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture. I want to make sure we're all working together towards our goals.
Question Overview: Program managers are responsible for making decisions that affect multiple projects. This question asks applicants to describe their decision-making style and how they make decisions that benefit the company.
Sample Answer: I always consider the big picture when making decisions. I look at the company's goals and objectives. I consider what's best for the project teams, as well as, the company as a whole. I also consider how my decisions will affect the company's reputation with clients.
Question Overview: Program managers are responsible for the success of a program. They must understand the company's vision and goals, and then align projects to achieve them. This question asks applicants to share their vision for the company and how they plan to contribute to it.
Sample Answer: I believe Microsoft is on the cusp of a new era in technology. I envision that we will be the leader in cloud computing, artificial intelligence and mixed reality. I want to help Microsoft achieve this vision by creating a program management office that is agile, innovative and collaborative. I want us to be the first place people think of when they need a program manager. I want our team to be known for its ability to deliver results.
Question Overview: This question tests your technical skills. It's important to demonstrate your ability to write code, even if it's not in a language you use regularly.
Sample Answer: I would first create a class that contains the data and methods needed to create a doubly linked list. Then, I would create a class that contains the data and methods needed to create a singly linked list. I would then create a class that contains the data and methods needed to create a circular linked list. Finally, I would create a class that contains the data and methods needed to create a stack.
Question Overview: This question gives you a glimpse into the applicant's motivation. They may have a personal connection to City Year, or they may be passionate about the mission. Either way, this answer will give you insight into the applicant's personality and values.
Sample Answer: I've always been interested in education. I've volunteered in classrooms and tutored students. I believe City Year is a great way to make an impact on students' lives. I'm excited to work with a team of passionate individuals who are committed to improving education and helping students succeed.
Question Overview: This question tests your ability to think logically and apply your knowledge to a problem. The applicant should understand the importance of breaking down a problem into manageable pieces.
Sample Answer: I would first create an array of all the small strings in the array. Then, I would search for each small string in the array. Answer:
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well applicants can think on their feet. It's a simple question, but it requires a little bit of knowledge about mergesort.
Sample Answer: I would first write the algorithm on paper. Then, I'd write a program to test the runtime. I'd also test the runtime of other sorting algorithms, like quicksort and bubble sort. I'd compare the results and determine which algorithm is fastest.
Question Overview: A rollout is the process of introducing a new product or service to the market. This question asks applicants to explain how they would handle a rollout.
Sample Answer: Rollouts are exciting because they represent the culmination of a lot of hard work. I like to start by creating a rollout plan. I define the scope of the rollout, including the number of users, locations and departments. I also determine the project's budget and schedule. Next, I create a communication plan to ensure everyone is informed about the rollout. I create a schedule and determine who will be involved in the rollout. Finally, I develop a training plan for users and make sure we have adequate resources in place.