The name of the post may very company to company. The role is assisting support staff and admins/executives. This is similar to the Trainer and QA.
Common Question for this role in the interview:
As part of every process, the following questions will be asked in every interview. This is the part where you can play out smart in the interview.
Part One: introduction
- Your interviewer will try to find a person who can meet his needs and criteria.
- The person facing the interview will try to explain what he knows. The narrow gap between both, the chance of selection is higher.
- Always be prepared and try to meet someone who has already faced the same interview for the same process. Half of the questions are always the same.
Part two: Common Questions
- Introduce yourself
- Tell about your time in the organization.
- Tell something about your current role.
More details about the questions:
- Interviewer wants to know your Name, qualifications, hometown, and where you are staying. Please do not stretch it too much and make it too short. You will not need to tell your percentage, hostel name, How you come and go or etc. Simply tell your qualified degrees, certificate you have achieved. Any outstanding performance, achievement. Please prepare it as you will need it everywhere.
Example: Hi Jack, introduce yourself?
Certainly! Hello, my name is Jack and I am excited to have the opportunity to interview with you today. I have a background in information technology and have always been passionate about the ways technology can improve and transform the world we live in. I am well-versed in various programming languages and have experience in software development, network administration, and database management.
Throughout my career, I have worked on a variety of projects that have allowed me to expand my skill set and knowledge base. I am a detail-oriented individual who takes pride in producing high-quality work and meeting deadlines. I am also a strong communicator who enjoys collaborating with team members to achieve common goals.
In my free time, I enjoy exploring new technologies and staying up-to-date on the latest industry developments. I also enjoy participating in hackathons and attending tech conferences to network with like-minded professionals.
Thank you for considering me for this opportunity. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further with you.
Example: 2
Hello! My name is Rohit and I am a Subject Matter Expert in the field of [insert field/industry here]. I have [insert number of years] of experience in this field and have developed a deep understanding of the industry’s best practices, trends, and challenges.
I have a strong educational background with a [insert degree] from [insert university] and have continued my education through [insert relevant courses/certifications/training programs]. My expertise lies in [insert key skills/expertise] and I have applied these skills to [insert examples of successful projects/achievements].
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a passion for staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and have actively sought out opportunities to continue learning and growing as a professional. I am known for my ability to analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions that meet the needs of stakeholders.
As a Subject Matter Expert, I am committed to sharing my knowledge and expertise with others in the industry. I enjoy mentoring and coaching junior professionals and have also developed and delivered training programs on various industry topics.
Thank you for considering my qualifications as a Subject Matter Expert in [insert field/industry here]. I am confident that my skills, experience, and passion for this industry make me a valuable addition to any team.
Tell About your Organization: Tell when you join the company. What did you do? How did you do? What are you doing? Do not mix many things together. Do not mention any negative point, even if you won that one too. This is for any organization and institution. Do not mention negative events in other organizations. Remember while discussing your time in an organization, it’s important to highlight your contributions and achievements. Discuss any projects you worked on and how they positively impacted the company, its customers, or other stakeholders. Be specific about your role in these projects and how you contributed to their success. It’s also important to mention any skills you developed or improved upon during your time in the organization, as well as any training or professional development opportunities you took advantage of. This demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth. Discuss any teamwork or collaboration experiences you had, as well as any positive relationships you built with colleagues or superiors. This shows that you are able to work well with others and contribute to a positive work culture.
Finally, express gratitude for the opportunity to work for the organization and mention what you learned during your time there. This shows that you are reflective and able to take away valuable lessons from your experiences.Overall, when discussing your time in an organization, it’s important to focus on your accomplishments, contributions, and growth while expressing gratitude for the experience
Tell something about your current role. Be well prepared about this and with a clear scenario. If you are sorted enough in your current role, they will understand that you will be clear enough in your new role. Please prepare this well and go as deep as possible. Try to avoid presenting anything that is not allowed to share, if you are appearing outside your current organization.
Part three: Your upcoming role
- What is the role of the operation team?
- Who is an SME?
- What is an SME’s role?
- Why are you choosing SME, not QA or Training?
- Please tell me about at least five of the works/KRA of an SME?
- What is the difference between Trainer/QA/SME?
- How will you start as an SME, if selected?
- How will you manage the team, in absence of the TLs/Supervisor?
- Did you ever support the floor?
- Do you have prior experience in an operation role?
Answers:
1 – Operation team is a team of professionals that are responsible for day to day activities for running the business successfully. Operation team is considered the first line in the business process and execution. This team focuses on planning, supervising, organizing and executing the business. The operation team is responsible for delivering the project successfully.
The operation team plays a critical role in any organization, as they are responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of day-to-day operations. Their main responsibility is to ensure that the business processes run efficiently and effectively, which ultimately contributes to the organization’s success.
Some specific roles and responsibilities of an operations team may include:
Planning and managing resources: The operation team is responsible for planning and managing resources such as staff, equipment, and materials to ensure that they are used efficiently and effectively.
Streamlining processes: They are also responsible for identifying inefficiencies in business processes and finding ways to streamline them to reduce costs and improve productivity.
Monitoring and reporting: The operations team is responsible for monitoring the performance of different business units and reporting any issues to the management team.
Ensuring compliance: They are responsible for ensuring that the organization complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
Managing risk: The operations team is responsible for identifying and mitigating risks that could negatively impact the organization’s operations.
Overall, the operations team plays a crucial role in ensuring that an organization’s day-to-day activities run smoothly, efficiently, and effectively.
2 – SME stands for Subject matters Expert and here it does not mean Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. SME is a position which comes under the operation team and the individual considered expert in the field. The expertise varies from LOB (Line of Business) to LOB, and the SME is the first point of contact for any doubt or query related to the subject.
SME stands for Subject Matter Expert. An SME is a person who has a deep understanding and expertise in a particular subject or area. SMEs are individuals who have a comprehensive understanding of a specific field, topic, or subject, and who are often called upon to provide their expertise and insights to help solve problems or answer questions related to that field.
SMEs are typically highly skilled professionals who have years of experience working in their field, and who have developed a level of expertise that sets them apart from others. SMEs can be found in a wide range of industries, including business, technology, healthcare, education, and more.
In a business context, SMEs are often called upon to provide guidance and support to other team members, as well as to clients or customers. SMEs may be involved in project planning, product development, training, or other areas where their expertise is needed. They are an essential resource for organizations looking to improve their performance, solve complex problems, or innovate in their industry.
3 – The role of the SME: is to fill the knowledge gap because he is expert in the field and has extensive understanding of the matter. The SME knows how to apply the policies in the real world. SME works with the leadership of the company and defines the policies and rules and process. He is the one who explains policy implementation to fellow team members. He discusses the policies, approval or alteration with clients and Qualities.
The role of an SME (Subject Matter Expert) can vary depending on the industry and specific organization they work in. However, in general, SMEs are individuals who have a high level of expertise in a particular subject or area, and they are often called upon to provide their knowledge and insights to help solve problems or answer questions related to that field.
Here are some common responsibilities of an SME:
Providing expert advice: SMEs are often called upon to provide their expert advice and insights on complex issues related to their field. They may be asked to advise on product development, project planning, marketing strategies, or other areas where their expertise is valuable.
Developing and delivering training: SMEs may be responsible for developing training programs and delivering training to other team members or external stakeholders. This includes creating training materials, conducting training sessions, and assessing the effectiveness of the training.
Collaborating with other team members: SMEs may work closely with other team members, including project managers, designers, engineers, and other professionals, to ensure that projects are completed on time and meet the organization’s goals.
Staying up-to-date with industry developments: SMEs are expected to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in their field, and to share their knowledge with others in the organization.
Overall, the role of an SME is to provide their expert knowledge and insights to help solve problems and achieve the organization’s goals. They are a valuable resource for organizations looking to improve their performance and stay competitive in their industry.
Why SME:
Here are some reasons why someone might prefer to become an SME over QA or Training:
In-depth knowledge and expertise: SMEs are experts in their field and have a deep understanding of the subject matter. They are often sought after for their knowledge and insights, and their expertise can be valuable to the organization.
Influence and impact: SMEs have the ability to influence decision-making within the organization, as they are often consulted for their expert opinion. They can play a key role in shaping the direction and strategy of the organization.
Career advancement: Becoming an SME can lead to career advancement within the organization or industry. As an expert in the field, SMEs may be sought after for leadership positions or consulting roles.
Intellectual challenge: SMEs are often involved in complex problem-solving and decision-making, which can be intellectually stimulating and challenging.
That being said, QA and Training roles can also be rewarding and challenging careers. QA professionals play a critical role in ensuring that products and services meet quality standards, while Training professionals help team members improve their skills and knowledge. The choice between these roles ultimately depends on an individual’s personal interests, skills, and career goals.
Part four: Some short questions
- What is a QA?
- Who is an SME?
- What is RCA?
- What is PKT?
- What is PBR?
- What is PLA?
- What is PIP?
- What is TNA?
- What is TNI?
- What is the speed to ready?
- What is the ratio of attrition?
- What is attrition?
- What is the leave policy?
- What is productivity?
- What is stack data?
- What SLO?
- What is SLA?
- What is non compliance?
Answers:
Quality analysis is the process of evaluating and analyzing the quality of products or services to ensure that they meet the desired standards and requirements. The goal of quality analysis is to identify issues or potential problems that could affect the quality of the product or service and to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Quality analysis is important for ensuring that products or services meet customer needs and expectations. By identifying issues early in the development process, quality analysis can help reduce costs and improve the overall quality of the product or service. Quality analysis is a continuous process, and QA professionals are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the quality of the product or service throughout its lifecycle.
Article is becoming lengthy. So, some short answers are provided. For detailed answer, please search in the interment. SME means Subject Matter Expert. Details provided above. RCA means Root Cause Analysis filled by QAs SMEs and sometimes Training team. PKT means process knowledge test conducted by QAs, SMEs and Trainers. PBR measn performance based rating. SLA means service level agreements. TNA mean training need analysis. TNI means training need identification.
Part five: situation based question
- How will you manage the team when the supervisor is away?
- How will you manage the quality when admins are not giving 100% quality?
- How will you give feedback for BQ admins?
- What is BQ?
- What is the difference between feedback and coaching?
- How did you manage your team in the previous organization?
- What is the resignation policy? What is the notice period of your organization?
- How will you deal with an admin who is adamant to listen to any operation team?
- Can you provide your roadmap as an SME?
- If there is any complaint about your behavior, how will you cope with it?
- How will you guide admins to maintain shrinkage?
- What is the shrinkage policy of an organization?
- How will you manage when multiple requests for leave arrive at a time?
Please feel free to ask the answers via emails or in comments box. It is left out to not prolong the article.