How to Explain Project in an Interview?

To explain a project in an interview is sometimes very crucial, an applicant can do a few simple things in terms of doing so, such as providing the best suitable example, being clear and specific, and the role should be explained clearly.

An interview is a step that everyone applying for a job goes through. If one gets selected for an interview, the candidates reach the final stage of the interview process. An interview is a face-to-face conversation that lets the interviewer know the applicant's body language, knowledge, and communication skills. Of course, one must prepare well for an interview, but getting a job depends on their performance in an interview.

Table of Contents

• Project Explanation in an Interview
• How can a Project be Explained in an Interview?
• Common Project Related Questions in an Interview
• What to Avoid While Explaining a Project?
• Books to Prepare Well for an Interview

Project Explanation in an Interview

In an interview process, a project explanation is crucial, based on which the applicant's technical knowledge is judged. Therefore, one must know about all the projects they have worked on in the past and list the important ones while the interview is going on.

If the number of projects you have worked on is less, explain whichever ones you have been a part of in a detailed manner.

Some details that can be mentioned while explaining the projects you have worked on are,

• Many people were involved in the project you were a part of.
• The time duration in which you submitted the project.
• The goals of the project you were working on.
• The reasons you took up the project.
• How interesting was the project to you?
• What were the skills needed to complete the project?
• The mindset with which you completed the project keeps a positive mindset and explains it to the interviewer.

How can a Project be Explained in an Interview?

Always keep in mind that several people apply for a job and get into the interview process.

Candidates should ensure that an impression is created in the interviewer's mind that makes their ideas stand out.

• Give a brief about the main project you were working on. The important details and facts that the interviewer should know about the project.
• While explaining your part, make your contributions be mentioned subtly.
• It should not seem like you are bragging, but at the same time, your efforts must not go unnoticed, even if they are small.
• An interview process is to select the best candidate, make sure that their modesty does not throw you off the race.
• Mention the important projects worked on and been a part of. It would create an impression that one can handle responsibilities well.
• Be precise while you are explaining. If there are details that can be avoided, cut them. Stick to the main points of the projects and about the part in them to avoid confusion.
• Explain how you came up with ideas. Do not drag the explanation and make it seem too long. It may look like you are trying to stretch on one particular topic and do not have anything else to add.
• One's level and creativity will gain the attention of the interviewers.
• Know about the tools and platforms used in the project and explain how they helped in the project's success.
• Tell the interviewers about what you have learnt from the project and the experience of working as a group.

Common Project Related Questions in an Interview

The most common questions that an interviewer can ask the applicant are related to projects they have worked on.

Common questions related to the projects are as follows.

• What skills do you need to work on the project?
• How do you organize an average workweek?
• Explain how you prioritize your workload.
• What would you do if any of the stakeholders did not agree with your point?
• How would you encourage the team for better coordination?
• Explain any challenging situation you have faced while working on a project.
• Would you say you learnt from your mistakes? If yes, what did you learn?
• Was there a project that you did not find interesting?
• Which are the project management softwares you have worked with?
• If you have rude clients, how will you deal with them?
• What, according to you, leads to a failure of a project?

What to Avoid While Explaining a Project?

There are certain points to be kept in mind while you are explaining your project to the interviewer.

Things to avoid are,

• Do not explain too much or over explaining the projects that might lead to the attention being drawn away from the interviewer.
• Do not underestimate yourself. Make sure that you explain that you can handle responsibility and be committed to your work.
• Never speak less about your co-workers, be it current or former.
• Do pretend to be a know-it-all. It will reflect an overconfident attitude of yours towards the employer.
• Know what to speak. You should be aware of what you did in the project and the entire procedure, which led to its success. The interviewer can ask any questions related to the project you worked on.
• Be enthusiastic while answering the questions. Do not show a sloppy attitude.

Books to Prepare Well for an Interview

Many books are available to us from the experts as a helping hand for the preparation of interviews.

Some of the books are,

• Presence, written by Amy Cuddy.
• Cracking the Code, written by Evan Pellett.
• The Art of the Interview, written by James Storey.
• Smart Answers to Tricky Interview Questions written by Rob Yeung.
• 60 Seconds and You're Hired, written by Robin Ryan.