How do you handle unexpected changes to a project timeline or budget?
Engineering projects often require flexibility in the face of changes that can derail the entire endeavor. An interviewer will want to know you can adjust to changes quickly and keep the team on track to meet their goals. They’ll also want to ensure you’re aware of any potential risks or challenges that arise and know how to keep the project running smoothly.
How to Answer It : The best way to answer this question is to provide an example from a previous project. Talk about how you identified the issue, communicated it to your team, and worked together to find a solution that kept the project on track. Be sure to emphasize any creative solutions you came up with or tools you used to help manage the change. You can also talk about how you monitored progress throughout the project to ensure changes were made in a timely manner.
Example Answer : “I recently worked on a project where the timeline was unexpectedly shortened due to changes in client expectations. I knew we had to act quickly and efficiently, so I identified the areas that needed to be addressed first and then communicated this to my team. We discussed different ways to manage the change, including adjusting our workflow and utilizing new tools to help us stay organized. I also monitored progress throughout the project to ensure everything stayed on track. In the end, we were able to make all of the necessary changes within the newly revised timeline.”
