How to Answer: We consider research to be the backbone of what we do at Workday. Do you think it's essential to research before beginning a project, or would you jump right in instead?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Workday job interview.
13. We consider research to be the backbone of what we do at Workday. Do you think it's essential to research before beginning a project, or would you jump right in instead?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are a few reasons interviewers ask this question. They want to learn about your process when approaching a project and challenges and how your skills would help you successfully lead a project. One of the taglines Workday posts on their website says, "We started by asking questions. We listened to the answers. And we haven't stopped since."
Written by Rachelle Enns
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about your work habits and how you prefer to approach a new project. If you know how Workday prefers to approach its projects, you should discuss that method. For instance, if the interviewer tells you that they prefer extensive research before beginning a project, that is your cue to discuss your excellent research skills. Offer an example where you started asking questions, and explain what those questions revealed and how asking the right questions guided you to the finish line.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 27th, 2022
1st Entry Level Example
"Truth is, I am a research nerd. As soon as I start asking questions, the answers I learn lead to more questions I have to answer, and it can quickly turn into a rabbit hole. If what I am working on requires extensive research, I'll enjoy seeing where the rabbit hole takes me. However, if I need to act fast, I will quickly assess what I need to learn and am adept at finding the right leads."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2023
1st Experienced Example
"I agree that research is the backbone of a strong project. Without it, important details are missed, and time is wasted. I like to research before starting a project so that I can lay out a plan and understand the potential hurdles as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns
2nd Experienced Example
"Although, in some instances, jumping right in may be required, I always prefer to research before I begin a project. Rest assured, I would always follow your preferred methods here at Workday should I be hired."
Written by Rachelle Enns
About the Author
When I started my career in business management, branding, and marketing, I believed in the company I worked for. The company was growing, they operated with integrity, and it was truly a fun place to work. They had a great brand; people loved shopping there. I was popular just because I worked there. To this day, I am grateful for everything the company gave me and how it changed my life for the better. That’s the kind of place you want to work - a place that feels like a good fit for you. This should be the mutual goal of both the interviewer and the interviewee. I knew that going into my interview for that job, and I knocked it out of the park. When I was recruited into management, I had no idea what I was getting into. I assumed the harder I worked, the faster I’d rise through the ranks. But I had no idea how much I had to grow and develop personally and professionally to get there. I accepted the challenge, but it was an uphill battle, nonetheless. Not too many people helped me out, either. There was a lot of competition, and I was just thrown to the wolves. And there were not only wolves but sharks in that tank. Talk about tough. So I learned most of my leadership skills the hard way, and the journey was long.
Conducting interviews is an art form. As a leader, my favorite parts of the job were interviewing, recruiting, building the perfect team, and mentoring and coaching those on my team. Every single individual I mentored advanced far ahead of their peers. But it all starts with that interview and making sure the job was the right fit for them.
I love coaching so much that I later volunteered my services at career fairs and trade schools. I left my management career behind me and am now a full-time writer. Yet, I still love coaching others to succeed, and I love writing for mockquestions.com for this very reason.
Not everybody knows their way around crafting the perfect CV and resume, the secrets to delivering a flawless interview, or how to negotiate a decent raise. It’s hard to navigate that terrain without a map, and I enjoy giving people directions. Here’s what I said to a friend I mentored long ago: “Every single thing you do, at every stage, can alter the perception others have of your professional worth. My goal is to make you look like an asset worth fighting for.”
Learn more about Kevin Downey