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Project Manager Mock Interview

Question 22 of 50 for our Project Manager Mock Interview

Project Manager was updated by on May 9th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 22 of 50

How experienced are you in using RAID analysis?

"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."

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How to Answer: How experienced are you in using RAID analysis?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Project Manager job interview.

  • 22. How experienced are you in using RAID analysis?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      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.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 24th, 2023

      How to Answer

      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.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 24th, 2023

      Answer Example

      "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."

      Written by Marcie Wilmot on January 5th, 2021

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      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.

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    About the Author

    Karrie Day

    I began my professional career as an IT Business Systems Analyst. I enjoyed the role, but I knew early on that I wanted to explore project management after moving through the analyst ranks. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to partner with several talented project managers while I was working to grow my own skill set. I learned a lot from them about how to approach strategic planning, communication, conflict resolution, and how to motivate various personality types to perform their best under pressure. I learned even more from their failures.

    It was clear that project management was as much an art as a science, and I eventually got my shot at taking everything I had observed over the years and blending it into my own style for steering projects and programs successfully. While project management was not my ultimate career goal, I greatly value my time managing projects. I have utilized the skills I worked to refine in project management in every position I have held since. For example, I use the communication, strategic thinking, and tactical planning skills I regularly leaned on as a project manager each time I work with one of my coaching clients.

    Whether working as a project manager is a career goal of yours, or you fell into it through circumstance, you’re in good company. Over 16 million professionals claim the title of project manager, and project management isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the number of project managers is expected to grow by 7% over the next 8 years according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics. According to the Project Management Institute, the global outlook is even more impressive boasting up to 33% growth through 2027. Regardless of the specific location, there will likely b a strong demand for project management skill sets in the years to come.

    As a coach and writer for MockQuestions, I want to help you successfully navigate your upcoming interview for a project manager position. While some project manager skills are specific to the industry, location, and types of projects involved, many skills and behavioral traits are universally applicable to project management roles. This article will help any project manager prepare for a successful interview, and I encourage you to check out all of our sets dedicated to project management listed below.

    Learn more about Karrie Day