How do you handle situations where customer requirements are not fully understood or documented? Can you give an example of a time when you had to gather additional information to deliver an appropriate solution?

When customer requirements are not fully understood or documented, I take the initiative to gather additional information by reaching out to the customer directly. I ask targeted questions to clarify their needs and expectations. For example, in a recent project, a customer requested a cloud infrastructure setup without providing the specific performance and security requirements. I scheduled a call with the customer to discuss their workload, expected traffic, and data sensitivity. Based on this conversation, I gathered additional information and recommended an appropriate solution that met their needs. This proactive approach ensured that we delivered a solution that aligned with the customer's expectations.

When faced with unclear or undocumented customer requirements, I take a systematic approach to gather additional information. Firstly, I review any existing documentation or communication to gain insights. Then, I engage in active communication with the customer, scheduling meetings or calls to discuss their needs in depth. During these interactions, I ask targeted questions to uncover their expectations and any potential constraints. Additionally, I leverage my technical knowledge and experience to identify potential gaps in the requirements and suggest relevant considerations. For instance, in a recent project involving a cloud migration, the customer provided limited information about the desired performance metrics. I conducted thorough discussions with the customer, asking about their current infrastructure, expected growth, and performance benchmarks. With this information, I devised a comprehensive plan that considered scalability, load balancing, and cost optimization. By proactively gathering additional information, I ensured that the final solution exceeded the customer's expectations.

When faced with unclear or undocumented customer requirements, I approach the situation with a problem-solving mindset and a customer-centric approach. Firstly, I analyze the available information and identify any potential knowledge gaps. To fill these gaps, I engage in collaborative conversations with the customer, stakeholders, and subject matter experts. These discussions allow me to understand the underlying needs, constraints, and desired outcomes. I also employ active listening techniques to ensure that I grasp the complete picture. For example, in a recent project, the customer provided minimal information about their compliance requirements for a cloud-based application. I arranged meetings with the customer's compliance team, IT managers, and legal advisors to gain a comprehensive understanding of their specific compliance needs. This involved discussing data protection, access controls, and audit requirements. I documented these requirements and ensured that our solution aligned with industry standards and regulations. By investing time in gathering additional information, I not only delivered an appropriate solution but also facilitated a smooth implementation process and ultimately, enhanced the customer's satisfaction with our services.