At Microsoft, we ask our project managers to learn the business of their clients. How would you approach this aspect of the role?

Remember to discuss a variety of information-gathering strategies within your response. You may consider including research, interviews, observation, and shadowing. Also, be sure to mention a strategy for gathering domain expertise in areas that impact your projects externally such as learning about competitors or the business partners that support operations or solutions within your area of focus.

"The first step I would take to develop domain expertise is to gather up any available documentation or research materials I could walk through on my own. I would use this as a framework to drive rich conversations with the various experts I would be working with. From there, I would meet with the subject matter experts and senior leaders in each of the client areas I have responsibility for. I would ask them questions about the history of the projects and products and for their take on upcoming and long-term needs.

I would also spend time attending team meetings. I would observe and gather detailed information about the current happenings on the team. This would build my product and business expertise as well as my knowledge about the individuals working within my team.

I would shadow the customers or users of any of the solutions my projects impact. This would help me gather information on how they use the products, what they feel adds value, and what they need going forward.

Finally, I would do research online to learn about competitor products and the solutions available from Microsoft's business partners. This would help me to better understand the external factors that affect my projects."