Describe a situation where you had to adjust a project plan due to unforeseen circumstances and how you handled it.

Sample answer to the question

Sure, there was one time when we were working on a software update for one of our key products, and we hit a snag. The third-party API we were integrating had an unexpected major revision, which was totally out of the blue. Our project plan didn't account for this, so we had to pivot fast. I got our team together to reassess our timeline and resources. We pared down some of the less critical features to prioritize the API integration and pushed our delivery back by two weeks. It was a crunch, but we communicated with stakeholders frequently and managed to roll out the update with the revised API without sacrificing quality.

A more solid answer

As a lead engineer, I remember a project where half-way through, we realized that one of our key suppliers had gone bankrupt. This was a critical part of our hardware development project and required swift action. My first step was to call for an emergency meeting with my team and stakeholders to communicate the issue. We brainstormed alternate suppliers and how to integrate new components, leveraging my strong technical and project management skills. Prioritizing tasks, we shifted aspects of the project within agile frameworks to maintain productivity. Subsequently, I revised our project management tools with the new timeline and resource allocation. It took some long days and close coordination with the procurement and finance teams, but we managed to keep the project within a month of the original deadline without exceeding our budget.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer adds more depth to the situation, explaining the candidate's specific actions using project management skills and working with other stakeholders, showcasing leadership. It also reflects an understanding of the agile environment. However, the answer could still better illustrate the candidate's technical expertise in problem-solving and how they managed the team's morale and motivation through the unforeseen changes. Mentioning the documentation process and adherence to company standards as part of adjusting the plan would align more closely with the job description.

An exceptional answer

During my tenure as a lead engineer, we encountered a major hurdle in a high-profile project when a new regulatory requirement was announced. This required us to redesign a significant portion of our product's functionality. With my strong foundation in engineering and project management, I quickly evaluated the impact and called a cross-departmental meeting with R&D, compliance, and my engineering team. Using agile methodologies, we iteratively adjusted the project plan, mapping out a new path to meet the regulations without derailing our timeline. I personally spoke with each engineer to reassess their tasks and provided additional mentorship to help them adapt to new tools and software required for the changes. We collaboratively rewrote parts of our engineering documentation to reflect the revisions and shared daily updates on our progress. My proactive approach in adjusting tasks and redistributing resources, while maintaining an open line of communication with all stakeholders, enabled us to not only meet the new regulatory demands but also to deliver the project on time and within budget, reinforcing client trust and our reputation for flexibility and reliability.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This exceptional answer demonstrates the use of a wide range of skills that align with the job description, such as leadership, technical expertise, project management, and communication. It shows how the candidate proactively addressed the unforeseen circumstance with problem-solving and analytical skills, balancing the fast-paced, agile work environment with adherence to industry standards. The answer illustrates teamwork, collaboration, and mentorship, along with effective resource management and documentation, providing insight into how the candidate ensures successful project delivery in the face of challenges.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on situations from your past experiences that are most relevant to the skills and responsibilities listed in the job description for the Engineering Manager position.
Practice describing the challenge clearly and concisely, focusing on how you applied your technical and project management skills to navigate the situation.
Be ready to discuss the leadership qualities you exhibited, such as communication, decisiveness, and the ability to motivate and guide your team through unforeseen circumstances.
Prepare examples that show your agility and flexibility in project planning, and how you incorporate feedback and adapt plans in real-time.
Consider any gaps in your story and ensure you can discuss how you managed project documentation, budget implications, and maintained quality and company standards throughout the changes within the project.
Remember to articulate the outcome of the situation and its impact on the project's success, showcasing your problem-solving capabilities, and demonstrating your potential to handle similar responsibilities within the role you're applying for.

What interviewers are evaluating

Problem-solving
Project management
Agile
Communication
Leadership
Adjusting to unforeseen circumstances