We like to develop Subject Matter Experts (SME's) in multiple fields. If you could sum up your knowledge to one area of expertise, what would it be?
Zebra Technologies has a long track record of offering best-in-class solutions to its customers. They thrive due to the innovative and strategic minds of their employees, who develop their technology and define the best way to implement them on behalf of their customers. Subject matter expertise is required across a wide range of knowledge domains to succeed. The interviewer wants to know where your specific areas of expertise might fit into the big picture.
Think about times in the recent past when your manager or co-workers have come to you for answers. Do you seem to have the answers regarding a particular subject? Perhaps you just completed additional education or certification in a specific area. Discuss an area where you think you bring above-average industry knowledge.
"I have over a decade of experience delivering large-scale custom warehouse management solutions globally. I am a senior solution architect at my current company and an expert in working with my client to develop hardware and software plans that align with their infrastructure and allow for extensibility in the future.
I have worked in a consulting role my entire career and am comfortable with a wide range of solution options. I know how to develop strategic plans that are right-sized and align with the business goals for the initiative and the future. I have become the go-to person when the big picture is unclear, and I feel confident I can work with the customers of Zebra Technologies to provide the same level of expertise and excellence."
"I am a subject matter expert in customer service account retention. I worked several retail jobs in high school and learned how to listen to customers and find creative ways to meet their needs. In college, I worked part-time as a help desk technician for a telecommunications company. My manager frequently assigned me tickets with repeat clients or those who were threatening to end their contracts. I was officially given the title of account retention specialist six months ago, and my co-workers come to me frequently for advice when dealing with difficult situations.
While the financial analyst role is not a role that will work directly with the customers at Zebra Technologies, the person who is hired will provide a service to their fellow employees. I feel that I can apply my customer service expertise in several ways, including the use of active listening, requirements gathering, and the development of creative solutions. I will approach the role with the same level of care and excellence that I do in my current position."
Remember that your best approach to answering a question like this is to select an area of expertise directly applicable to the role you are interviewing for or a specific product or service Zebra Technologies offers. While you may have other areas of subject matter expertise, relating your response to a domain that aligns with the value stream of Zebra Technologies, such as logistics, ERP implementations, customer service skills, etc., will improve your chances of a successful interview.
