What is your least favorite aspect of program management?
Interviewers ask this question to identify the potential challenges a program manager might face in their role at Microsoft. Interviewers expect that candidates will show more or less favor to various tasks. Understanding a candidate's dislikes helps to identify candidates that are an ideal match for the teams they will be assigned to work with at Microsoft.
Remember to include an explanation for why you dislike the aspect of program management you select in your answer. Also, be sure to demonstrate a strategy for managing your dislike in the area you select.
"The thing I enjoy the least about my work as a program manager is the administrative tasks. I enjoy the mentally challenging and collaborative work of strategic planning, analysis, and design. Sitting at my desk updating budgets or other reports is not as exciting for me. However, I understand the business value and the necessity of these tasks. I made it a habit early in my career to dedicate time to these types of tasks every week, or more frequently when needed. That ensures I do not fall behind, and that this aspect of the work represents a small portion of what I need to do each week."
