How to Answer: Describe your preferred project discovery process.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an IT Business Consultant job interview.
24. Describe your preferred project discovery process.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
IT business consultants often lead discovery efforts for projects that are large in scope, costly, have time constraints, or have a high level of risk. Interviewers want to be certain that a new hire knows how to approach discovery and what the delivery expectations are at the end of the process.
Written by Karrie Day on March 8th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid discussing the need to meet with clients to ask them exactly how they would like to see the discovery process unfold. Consultants are expected to have the experience necessary to quickly drive the discovery in situations where client guidance is limited due to a lack of technical expertise and/or availability.
Written by Karrie Day on March 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I begin by ensuring the business goals for whatever projects or series of projects I will be working on are clear. In the event they are not clear or defined, I meet with the stakeholders to drive out the correct level of detail needed to move forward. From there, I meet with the various business groups responsible for the processes that will be affected by whatever changes have been proposed. Additionally, I meet with the teams responsible for the current technology solutions in place.
The artifacts I create as a result of the discovery process may include items such as context diagrams, workflow documents, market research, and cost analysis. The discovery phase is typically concluded by my giving a presentation that outlines the proposed strategic scope, high-level impact analysis, high-level cost estimates, and tactical next steps."
Written by Karrie Day on March 8th, 2022