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Agile Scrum Master Mock Interview

Question 1 of 37 for our Agile Scrum Master Mock Interview

Agile Scrum Master was updated by on May 11th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 1 of 37

What is your greatest weakness as a scrum master?

My greatest weakness as a scrum master is allowing my teams to work through their conflicts without jumping in right away. I have a lot of experience working on agile projects at a number of companies and it is easy for me to toss out ideas for consideration. I have learned that it is sometimes best for a scrum master to sit back and let the team discuss an issue for a while before jumping in. Letting them move through a conflict on their own helps them to move from the storming phase and into the performing phase more quickly.

Of course, I jump in right away if a conflict turns unprofessional or the team asks for my guidance. Likewise, I assist when they are at an impasse or the end result would benefit from an idea I have. I have truly enjoyed working to improve my facilitation skills as a scrum master, and I am excited about the opportunity to continue that important work if selected for the open role here.

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How to Answer: What is your greatest weakness as a scrum master?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Agile Scrum Master job interview.

  • 1. What is your greatest weakness as a scrum master?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      This question is a favorite of many interviewers and you will likely be asked about your weaknesses at some point throughout your job search. This question feels like a trap to many interviewees, and it is important to prepare a solid response in advance of any interview.

      There are two main purposes for asking you to describe your weaknesses. First, your interviewer wants to know which areas you perceive you need to grow professionally. Hiring managers, peers, stakeholders, and teammates play a critical role in the professional development of scrum masters. It is important for your interviewer to learn about your weaknesses to assess how they will impact the teams you will lead and whether or not they can offer you a supportive growth environment.

      Secondly, many interviewers use this question to test the integrity of a candidate. Your interviewer wants to know if you are willing to be authentic with them even though you've likely just met for the first time during the interview. The role of Scrum Master requires advanced leadership skills and it is important to identify candidates that can lead with honor.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 11th, 2023

      What to Avoid

      I always counsel my career coaching clients to avoid framing a strength as a weakness. Many candidates use this approach as a way to avoid exposing a weakness, but most interviewers are aware of this tactic and some feel it is manipulative. It is best to prepare for this question ahead of your interview and select a valid weakness that you genuinely wish to address or are already taking steps to improve upon.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 11th, 2023

      1st Answer Example

      My greatest weakness as a scrum master is allowing my teams to work through their conflicts without jumping in right away. I have a lot of experience working on agile projects at a number of companies and it is easy for me to toss out ideas for consideration. I have learned that it is sometimes best for a scrum master to sit back and let the team discuss an issue for a while before jumping in. Letting them move through a conflict on their own helps them to move from the storming phase and into the performing phase more quickly.

      Of course, I jump in right away if a conflict turns unprofessional or the team asks for my guidance. Likewise, I assist when they are at an impasse or the end result would benefit from an idea I have. I have truly enjoyed working to improve my facilitation skills as a scrum master, and I am excited about the opportunity to continue that important work if selected for the open role here.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 11th, 2023

      2nd Answer Example

      I feel my scrum master skills are strong, but I could stand to improve my executive presence. I have been asked recently to participate in a number of executive presentations. I feel I did a nice job, but I would like to continue to develop my communication skills in this area further. There are times when my scrum teams need extra support or funding from senior-level clients or stakeholders, and I want to make sure I communicate our progress and needs as effectively as possible.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 11th, 2023

      3rd Answer Example

      I feel my greatest weakness as a scrum master has been not knowing exactly when to trust my intuition. As a former analyst, it is natural for me to make data-driven decisions. While I regularly use an analytical approach, there are times as a scrum master when it is beneficial to feel my way through a situation. This is especially true when there is limited time or when a discussion is heated and requires an empathetic approach. So far, my instincts have served me well and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work with and grow this side of my coaching and leadership skill set.

      Written by Karrie Day on May 11th, 2023

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