How to Answer: At Facebook, we offer our employees the ability to enjoy flexibility in their work environment. Please describe your experience managing projects or programs in remote, hybrid, and flexible settings.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Facebook job interview.
1. At Facebook, we offer our employees the ability to enjoy flexibility in their work environment. Please describe your experience managing projects or programs in remote, hybrid, and flexible settings.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Facebook promotes a work environment where the employees define how and where they work best. This means that the work style of each individual within a team may be different and could change over time. Interviewers ask this question to ensure a technical program manager candidate is comfortable working to support this level of flexibility within the teams they serve.
Written by Karrie Day on June 13th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include flex environment leadership experience from roles outside of project or program management. Interviewers value experience leading architectural, analytical, design, development, implementation, and support initiatives even if the work was not directly tied to a program manager role.
Additionally, be sure to let the interviewer know that you resonate with this aspect of the culture of Facebook if you value flexible work environments. High impact answers demonstrate alignment with a company's goals and values.
Written by Karrie Day on June 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I served as a technical lead for a cross-functional team prior to working as a program manager. Our team worked in a hybrid virtual environment, and I helped to facilitate various remote meetings including daily check-ins, design sessions, feature reviews, and retrospectives. One of the areas of focus for my work in that role was monitoring the efficiency of the team and ensuring that we were connecting properly to resolve issues as quickly as possible. I implemented operating procedures to ensure everyone felt connected and supported. Ultimately, we were able to be as effective away from the office as in person.
In my current role as a technical program manager, I manage a portfolio of solutions that are developed by four cross-functional teams that are all currently remote. My clients are remote as well. I am responsible for facilitating strategic planning sessions and high-level design and integration discussions. I also work directly with our project managers, product owners, and scrum masters to ensure our teams are properly aligned and following the methodology standards.
I really appreciate this aspect of the culture of Facebook. It sets the stage for happier employees and for team members to define a work style that adds the most value to their teams on a continual and situational basis. I have found that there is no one size fits all solution to defining the optimal work environment, and I am excited to be discussing a job opportunity with a company that understands this critical and personal aspect of work performance."
Written by Karrie Day on June 13th, 2022