Develop a Job Description

Develop a Job Description Using Behavioral Questions

This is a job description for a project professional. Given this description, we have identified specific performance skills we wish to measure in the interview. Following this skill identification, we offer examples of behavioral questions that could be asked during the interview.

Job Title			Project Professional
Exemption Status			Exempt
Location
Supervision Received	Directly		Project Manager
	Indirectly		Office Manager
Job Summary	Perform specific engineering or scientific work on client projects, including: client contact, complex plans, reports, specifications, analysis, and calculations. Independently evaluate, select and recommend techniques, procedures, and criteria to perform technical tasks, field tasks, studies and analysis.
Tasks/Responsibilities	Manage projects and client relationships. Identify and define scope, techniques and price for project proposals. Oversee development of cost estimates. Make technical recommendations and decisions within project scope. Manage complex field situations independently. Identify and communicate business development opportunities to senior technical. Participate in, and contribute to, the proposal preparation process.
Working Conditions	Hours/Week: 40	Overtime: As Needed		Travel Required: Minimal
Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities	Education	Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Science, or related technical field. M.S. desirable.
	Experience	3-7 years related professional experience.
	Specific Knowledge	Certification/registration as mandated by profession.
	Skills Required	Demonstrated skills in project management. The ability to create a good impression on others by commanding attention, respect, and by showing confidence for both subordinates and clients. Behaviors flexibility and sensitivity when dealing with others and serving client needs. Proven skills in negotiation and proposal development. Excellent time management and organizational skills. Proven skills in creativity and innovation in finding the most effective solution to project problems. The ability to identify, evaluate, and assimilate information before making quality decisions. A demonstrated ability to understand and respond to client needs. Professional judgment regarding complex technical issues.
Employee Signature		Date
Supervisor Signature		Date

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required to personnel so classified.

Based on the job description, we would like to measure the following performance skills:

1. Skills in project management

Questions: Describe an example of a project management system you established in your last job. What procedures did you follow in establishing this system? Why was it effective?

2. Skills in human relations and client relations

Question: What did you do in your last job to contribute to a teamwork environment?

Question: Describe a sticky client relations issue you have dealt with. What procedure did you follow in solving the problem?

3. Skills in innovation and creativity

Question: Tell me about management improvement activities which you have initiated.

Question: What are some recent examples of things you have done to foster creativity in your project team?

4. Skills in judgment/decision-making quality

Question: Describe one of the toughest decisions you made in a recent project. What steps did you follow and what was the outcome?

Question: What steps do you follow if another member of the project team is not meeting performance expectations?

Experiment with other skill areas you are measuring in this job description. Once you get the hang of this method, you will never go back.