How do you go about explaining complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders during an application development project?

How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

Application development doesn't occur in a vacuum. Typically there are multiple stakeholders to any development project, many of whom may not have a technical background. The interviewer wants to make sure you can effectively communicate with non-technical individuals. A good answer to this type of question is to demonstrate your understanding of the need to communicate effectively, stating your approach to this.

"Every application development project has multiple stakeholders outside of the development team. I understand that they aren't interested in the bits and bytes of how an application is developed but rather in the business-related issues such as time, resources, and the targeted outcomes. Therefore, when meeting with these stakeholders, I focus on these issues. When I need to share technical details of the project with them, I do it at a high level, without using acronyms or jargon. I then follow their lead if they ask specific questions or need additional information, again using language I'm sure they understand."

"One of the key elements of an application development project is keeping all project stakeholders informed. This typically occurs via emails and at regular project status meetings. When working with project participants from outside the technical organization, I am careful to speak in clear, easy-to-understand terms without using acronyms or technical jargon unless I'm sure the audience will understand them. I focus on the business factors of the project and only dig into the technical aspects if asked to."

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How to Answer: How do you go about explaining complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders during an application development project?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Application Developer job interview.

12. How do you go about explaining complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders during an application development project?

How to Answer

Application development doesn't occur in a vacuum. Typically there are multiple stakeholders to any development project, many of whom may not have a technical background. The interviewer wants to make sure you can effectively communicate with non-technical individuals. A good answer to this type of question is to demonstrate your understanding of the need to communicate effectively, stating your approach to this.

Written by William Swansen on September 7th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Every application development project has multiple stakeholders outside of the development team. I understand that they aren't interested in the bits and bytes of how an application is developed but rather in the business-related issues such as time, resources, and the targeted outcomes. Therefore, when meeting with these stakeholders, I focus on these issues. When I need to share technical details of the project with them, I do it at a high level, without using acronyms or jargon. I then follow their lead if they ask specific questions or need additional information, again using language I'm sure they understand."

Written by William Swansen on September 7th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"One of the key elements of an application development project is keeping all project stakeholders informed. This typically occurs via emails and at regular project status meetings. When working with project participants from outside the technical organization, I am careful to speak in clear, easy-to-understand terms without using acronyms or technical jargon unless I'm sure the audience will understand them. I focus on the business factors of the project and only dig into the technical aspects if asked to."

Written by William Swansen on September 7th, 2021

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