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Microsoft Program Manager Mock Interview

Question 25 of 30 for our Microsoft Program Manager Mock Interview

Microsoft was written by on May 9th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 25 of 30

Describe a time when you served as a coach or mentor to a coworker.

"I am formally trained in meeting facilitation tools and techniques. I have extensive experience leading teams and working with them to address conflict and develop strategies to increase performance and satisfaction. A fellow program manager asked if I would be willing to mentor her to help her improve her skills in this area.

We met several times to discuss her current challenges and where she felt like she needed to grow. I asked if it would be ok for me to sit in on a few of her meetings so that I could witness the dynamics first-hand. I was able to offer her several tools and agendas that would help keep things on track during her meetings. I was also able to identify some areas of conflict that needed to be addressed, and we collaborated on a strategy to handle them. Her teams seemed pleased with the changes we implemented, and her management recognized her for her proactive and effective approach.

She shadowed me several times as well. She was able to pick up on some of the participant body language I had missed because the sessions were large and it was hard to catch everything, I learned a lot from her insight, and we partnered on sessions several times after that. We split the facilitation duties into large sessions, and that proved to be an invaluable way to keep a closer eye on things during our sessions. I was able to add an effective method for co-facilitating to my coaching in this space going forward."

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How to Answer: Describe a time when you served as a coach or mentor to a coworker.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Microsoft job interview.

  • 25. Describe a time when you served as a coach or mentor to a coworker.

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Program managers at Microsoft are often asked to lead through influence and inspiration. Interviewers are curious about a candidate's mentoring style as these experiences speak directly to their ability to influence others.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022

      Remember To

      Remember to describe any lessons you were able to learn through mentoring others. Coaching and developing resources are valuable learning opportunities. Interviewers appreciate candidates that utilize these sessions to the fullest.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022

      Answer Example

      "I am formally trained in meeting facilitation tools and techniques. I have extensive experience leading teams and working with them to address conflict and develop strategies to increase performance and satisfaction. A fellow program manager asked if I would be willing to mentor her to help her improve her skills in this area.

      We met several times to discuss her current challenges and where she felt like she needed to grow. I asked if it would be ok for me to sit in on a few of her meetings so that I could witness the dynamics first-hand. I was able to offer her several tools and agendas that would help keep things on track during her meetings. I was also able to identify some areas of conflict that needed to be addressed, and we collaborated on a strategy to handle them. Her teams seemed pleased with the changes we implemented, and her management recognized her for her proactive and effective approach.

      She shadowed me several times as well. She was able to pick up on some of the participant body language I had missed because the sessions were large and it was hard to catch everything, I learned a lot from her insight, and we partnered on sessions several times after that. We split the facilitation duties into large sessions, and that proved to be an invaluable way to keep a closer eye on things during our sessions. I was able to add an effective method for co-facilitating to my coaching in this space going forward."

      Written by Karrie Day on May 9th, 2022

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