How experienced are you in using RAID analysis?
Project managers commonly use RAID (risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies) analysis at the beginning of projects to assess risks and issues. The results help to ensure that project members and stakeholders have a clear understanding of various events that might affect the project as well as the assumptions the budget and timeline were built upon. Your interviewer wants to know if you are familiar with the concept and likely anticipates you will facilitate the related information-gathering process if hired.
"I always run a RAID analysis prior to starting a project. Doing so allows me to perform a broad environmental scan during the planning stage of the project so that I become aware of any potential issues or risks. I have used various programs to run RAID analyses; more recently I have used GroupMap. I like it from an organizational standpoint too because it encourages me to put everything relevant to the project in one place. Within my current role, I oversaw a marketing blitz for a new product. The RAID analysis I ran at the beginning of the project brought many risks, assumptions, and issues to light but, significantly, it showed me that we couldn't move the project along until our designer created all of our marketing material. I was able to identify him as a potential bottleneck; to resolve this I put strict deadlines and frequent communication efforts in place. Ultimately, the project was completed successfully."
Convince the interviewer that you know what RAID analysis is and, if possible, walk them through a past project when you used this approach. In addition, mention any major issues that were avoided due to your use of this important tool.
If you are unfamiliar with RAID, you are likely very familiar with the concepts behind it. There are several helpful blogs and videos available to step you through the process. Briefly research RAID before your interview and indicate that while you have never formally conducted RAID analysis, you are confident that you will be able to easily apply the concepts behind it. Then, provide an example of a time when you used risks, assumptions, issues, or dependencies to avoid issues during a project.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Where possible a RAID analysis is always a valuable process to undertake before the project gets too far down the tracks. While this effort can sometimes be time-consuming it will result in a more informed project team including stakeholders who will have a greater understanding of the challenges that may be encountered during the project and how to effectively mitigate them. I generally make it a requirement for any project that I am managing, especially if I am leading this project from the start.
Amanda's Feedback
Your answer shows the interviewer that you know what a RAID analysis is and why it's valuable. Consider strengthening your answer by sharing how often you use a RAID analysis or by estimating how many projects you've utilized to show the interviewer your level of experience with RAID analysis.
