INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

What steps do you take to understand the details of a project and its scope?

Sample answer to the question

When starting a new project, I first gather all the available project documentation and review it thoroughly. This includes any requirements documents, design specifications, and user stories. I take notes and highlight key information that will help me understand the project scope. I also schedule meetings with the project stakeholders, including product managers, developers, and designers, to discuss the project in detail. During these meetings, I ask specific questions about the project goals, desired outcomes, and target audience. I take detailed notes and clarify any uncertainties. Additionally, I analyze any existing documentation or user feedback to understand potential pain points or areas for improvement. By combining all these sources of information, I build a comprehensive understanding of the project and its scope.

A more solid answer

To thoroughly understand the details of a project and its scope, I follow a systematic approach. Firstly, I meticulously review all available project documentation, such as requirements documents, design specifications, and user stories. I make a list of questions and uncertainties that arise during the review. Then, I schedule meetings with project stakeholders, including product managers, developers, and designers, to gain additional insights. During these meetings, I ask specific questions to clarify the project goals, desired outcomes, and target audience. I actively listen and take detailed notes to ensure a comprehensive understanding. Additionally, I analyze any existing documentation or user feedback to identify potential pain points or areas for improvement. By combining all these sources of information, I can build a clear and accurate picture of the project's scope and requirements.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more thorough and detailed explanation of the steps the candidate takes to understand the details of a project and its scope. It includes a systematic approach, highlighting the importance of reviewing project documentation, scheduling meetings with stakeholders, and analyzing existing information. The answer demonstrates the candidate's proficiency in written and verbal communication skills, organizational and time-management skills, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. However, it could be further improved by providing specific examples or mentioning relevant tools or techniques used in the process.

An exceptional answer

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of a project's details and scope, I employ a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I thoroughly review all available project documentation, paying special attention to requirements documents, design specifications, and user stories. I proactively identify knowledge gaps and formulate specific questions to address during meetings with project stakeholders. These meetings involve not only product managers, developers, and designers but also end-users and subject matter experts, enhancing my understanding of the project from different perspectives. Additionally, I utilize tools such as mind maps, flowcharts, or user journey maps to visualize complex concepts and ensure clarity. I also conduct thorough research on the industry, competitors, and target audience to identify potential pain points and understand the context better. Finally, I leverage my problem-solving skills to anticipate and address any challenges that may arise. By following this comprehensive approach, I can confidently understand the project's details, scope, and its potential impact on the users and business.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by providing a more comprehensive and detailed explanation of the candidate's approach to understanding a project's details and scope. It covers various aspects such as reviewing project documentation, scheduling meetings with stakeholders (including end-users and subject matter experts), utilizing visual tools, conducting research, and applying problem-solving skills. The answer demonstrates the candidate's exceptional proficiency in written and verbal communication skills, organizational and time-management skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. It also highlights the candidate's ability to consider the broader context of the project, including industry and competitive analysis, and the impact on users and the business. This answer showcases a strong alignment with the required skills and responsibilities of the Technical Writer role.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with various documentation and publishing tools such as Markdown, Adobe FrameMaker, or MadCap Flare to showcase your technical writing skills.
Practice reviewing and analyzing project documentation to identify key details and formulate relevant questions.
Develop active listening and note-taking skills to ensure comprehensive understanding during meetings with stakeholders.
Improve your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by practicing analytical tasks and solving complex problems.
Stay updated with industry trends and best practices in technical writing to showcase your knowledge during discussions and interviews.

What interviewers are evaluating

Written and verbal communication skills
Organizational and time-management skills
Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities