Planning specialist reviews and distributes work schedules and coordinate with department supervisors to determine work progress and compile reports. There are specific questions that one should be aware of when attending such an interview. Here are 20 examples.
1. Why Are You Interested In This Role?
There are several job openings in different institutions that you could try. However, you have decided on this particular role. The interviewer would like to know your motives.
Tip #1: A good answer should capture some of the contributions you will make for the institution.
Tip #1: Your answer should not be self-centred.
Sample Answer
I have always wanted to work for your company. I believe that I have the right abilities that can help you achieve even more success. This role will also help me achieve some of my goals in life.
2. What Are The Roles Of A Planning Specialist?
All the interviewer wants to know is whether you understand what is expected of you as a planning specialist.
Tip #1 You can mention some of your roles at your former workplace.
Tip #2: Ensure that you touch on major roles
Sample Answer
A planning specialist reviews and distributes production and work schedules. He/ she links with department supervisors to check on work progress and compile reports on such progress.
3. What Are The Qualities That A Planning Specialist Should Have To Be Effective?
Do you know what it takes to qualify for this role? The interviewer wants to see if you can be a useful planning specialist.
Tip #1: Outline some of the essential qualities of this career.
Tip #2: Only stick to the relevant qualities
Sample Answer
A planning specialist should be a negotiator at the decision-making level, handle several tasks effectively without making unnecessary mistakes, be visionary, and be focused. Other qualities include team working and leadership.
4. What Major Challenge Did You Face During Your Last Role, And How Did You Manage It?
Every career has a distinct set of challenges. Every employee is measured by how he/ she manages these challenges.
Tip #1: Give a real experience. You can talk about any challenge, provided that it is related to the job.
Tip #2: Do not come up with a false story.
Sample Answer
During my last role, I had a problem with reaching other department heads on time. Some of them had endless meetings, and therefore, finding them was quite challenging. I arranged with them to leave instructions with their assistants for smooth operations.
5. Describe Your Daily Routine As A Planning Specialist
The interviewer expects that by now, you understand how it is like to be a planning specialist. You must have done some research if not.
Tip #1: The routines you mention should be job-specific.
Tip #2: Do not include parts that may incriminate you.
Sample Answer
Upon reporting to work, I go through the jobs that need to be attended to on a particular day. I review the work schedule and distribute it. I call the department heads or meet them in their offices to determine the distributed work’s progress and then prepare reports.
I also take note of production problems and report to the concerned heads.
6. Describe Briefly About Your Experience
Your experience is captured in your CV. However, the employers want to know any additional information that may come up and was not captured on the CV.
Tip#1: Do not lie about your experience. Some employers confirm.
Tip #2: You can mention the internships and workshops that you have attended.
Sample Answer
During my final year in school, I interned at Hope Generals, where I was placed in the chief planning officer’s office. I learned a lot of things related to planning and was later absorbed upon graduating. I have been working with them as a junior planning officer for the last two years.
7. What Kind Of Strategies And Mindset Is Required For This Job?
This is one of the most familiar questions in any job interview. Each job requires distinct strategies and given mindsets. This is always dependent on how the job is tailored and some of its operations.
Tip#1: The mindset should be job-specific.
Tip #2: Try to relate your answer to the operations of the given company.
Sample Answers
I have deduced that your company encourages team working, even from the office arrangement. Therefore, this job requires an accommodative and goal-oriented mindset since working with others has its fair share of disadvantages.
8. What Is The Biggest Challenge That You Foresee In This Job?
This is where the interviewer ascertains whether you are the perfect person for the job or not. Challenges shape us, and every employer needs an employee who can think through and overcome challenges.
Tip #1: Tell the employer that you appreciate challenges.
Tip #2: You can mention a job-specific challenge but ensure that you have a workable solution.
Sample Answer
First, I love overcoming challenges. I believe that with the right mindset, I can handle any circumstance. I have gone through your operations and noticed several formalities that may lead to late receipt of information. However, I believe that this can be worked out and shouldn’t be a problem.
9. How Do You Stay Motivated At Work?
What keeps you going in short, and how do you manage to wake up every day and come to work.
Tip 1: Your answer should not capture material benefits such as salary or incentives.
Tip #2: Show that you value your job.
Sample Answer
I love results. I take my work seriously and do not rest until I have achieved what I had planned for the day. I also love setting and beating deadlines. I am motivated to do more every time I succeed.
[VIDEO] Top 20 Planning Specialist Interview Questions with Sample Answers: ► Subscribe for more useful videos
10. Describe A Time You Failed In This Role And The Lesson You Learned
It is not wrong to admit failure. It shows that you are an accountable person. The interviewer is not trying to set you up.
Tip #1: You can talk about your early days as a planning strategist.
Tip #2: You can humbly divert to a personal experience if this is your first interview in the field.
Sample Answer
I am fresh from college, and therefore, haven’t experienced much yet. However, during my college days, I interned with Higgin Internationals under their lead planning strategist. I once failed to consult with my supervisor and ended up repeating the whole task. I learned to always ask for clarifications.
11. What Would You Do If More Than One Person Wants Something Important From You? How Will You Help Them?
The interviewer wants to know whether you can prioritize your work. Therefore, think through your answer.
Tip #1: Do not narrate a personal experience.
Tip #2: Clearly outline how you usually arrive at your priorities.
Sample Answer
I will listen to both sides and first pick the request that can be sorted out faster, for example, if available. I will then later deal with the one that requires more time or involvement or, if I do not handle it, refer the person to the next colleague who might help.
12. Can You Work Under Pressure?
Every company wants an employee who is willing to do her best to achieve success despite the circumstances.
Tip 31: Your answer should be affirmative.
Tip #2: You can give a specific experience.
Sample Answer
Yes. At my former workplace, I realized that they were behind on schedules. I, therefore, had one week to make everything okay and bring order back. I worked day in, day out, and all the company’s operations were streamlined in less than a week.
13. Can You Work Without Supervision?
Nobody wants an employee who will always be supervised. You are expected to know what is expected of you as an employee and deliver without unnecessary supervision.
Tip #1: Your answer should be affirmative.
Tip #1: Mention that you will seek clarifications if necessary.
Sample Answer
Yes. I can efficiently work without being supervised. However, I also appreciate a work environment where I can always seek clarifications in case of any challenge.
14. Have You Ever Worked With A Team That Required Your Corporation In The Planning Of A Project? How Was It?
The interviewer is trying to establish whether you are a team worker or not.
Tip #1: Show the interviewer that you are a team worker.
Tip #2: You can mention the role that you played in the team.
Sample answer
Yes. I once led a team that was supposed to develop a new working schedule for my company. My roles were arranging and conducting meetings. I also supervised some of the tasks that we allocated ourselves and, in the end, prepared a report detailing all the things that we did.
15. Describe The Work Environment That You Are Most Happy In?
We all have our favourite working cultures. Some of us thrive in competitive environments, while others want a place that allows more control over their work.
Tip #1: Mention the environment that works best for you.
Tip #2: Explain your choice.
Sample Answer
I love setting and beating deadlines. Therefore, I appreciate competitive environments where I will be pushed out of my comfort zone. I also love working n companies where employees are treated well and appreciated.
16. Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?
The interviewer is trying to ascertain whether you have given your future thought and gauged your ambition.
Tip #1: Your answer should be tailored to the position that you are applying for.
Tip #2: Have realistic goals
Sample Answer
I want to be at the peak of my career as a senior project manager or specialist. I will have also completed my course in project management and started my Master’s degree. I see myself being the best employee year in year out in my workplace.
17. What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
This is a popular question that interviewers ask. However, it can be costly if not answered right.
Tip #1: Minimize your weaknesses and focus on your strength.
Tip #2: Concentrate on professional traits
Sample Answer
I do not love interruptions while I am busy, and one may feel that I am not interested in whatever they have to say. However, I always ensure that I tell those around me when I am heavily occupied and create some time for emergencies.
18. Why Did You Quit Your Last Job?
We all have reasons why we are willing to leave our workplaces. This is what the interviewer wants to know.
Tip #1: Never talk negatively about your former workplace.
Tip #2: Focus on professional reasons and not personal disputes.
Sample Answer
My last job was terrific. However, I felt that I had overstayed and needed an opportunity to grow professionally and gain more experience.
19. Why Should We Hire You?
This question can ever come first or last during an interview, depending on the employer’s preferences. It is a differentiation question, and you need to tell the interviewer what they will be missing by not hiring you.
Tip #1: Focus on them and what you can help them achieve.
Tip #2: Speak boldly to show that you are sure of yourself.
Sample Answer
I believe that I have met all the criteria that the job description needed. I also have a course in IT and computer programming and therefore conversant with new trends and changes. I am a go-getter who never stops until I achieve what I set out to do.
20. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
The company wants to deduce whether your achievements bring out the qualities they need for the given opening.
Tip #1: Pick an accomplishment that will have the most impact.
Tip #2: Your achievement should show how you will be a perfect fit for the company
Sample Answer
I managed to win the Best Employee of the Year Four times in a row in my former workplace. I was lauded for being an exceptional and dedicated employee with the best performing team.
Conclusion
These are just a few questions that you may be asked in a planning specialist interview. Always ensure that you prepare for these questions before appearing for such interviews.
