For 7 years, “Ann” managed an animal shelter where she was responsible for everything from hiring and supervising the animal care workers to vaccinating and even euthanizing the shelter’s animals.
Recently I interviewed her about her experiences — both the good and bad — and learned just how difficult and rewarding her position was.
She asked that I not use her real name or reveal the name of the shelter because she disagreed with the executive director’s decisions (many of which involved, in her view, unnecessary euthanizing).
How have you used data to make decisions?
In the modern-day workplace, data is the new oil. Facilities managers need to know how to effectively collect and analyze workplace data and use it to make improvements.
Showcase your skills in this realm by providing specific examples of how you’ve used data to improve efficiency in the workplace. Be detailed in describing the types of information you used and how you gathered it. You want to let employers see that you can make objective decisions based on data rather than simply going off assumptions.
This is also a chance for you to showcase the types of workplace technology you’ve used (for example, IWMS). Experience in this space and knowledge of the latest technology trends are characteristics that are sure to make you stand out. Consider discussing recent developments in technology, such as Space-Right™, that support workplace leaders as they plan a safe return to work.
Example: “In my last role, we used IoT sensors to collect space utilization data, which revealed that many of our private offices were only being used half the time. As a result, we converted those private offices into small conference rooms people could reserve when they needed them. This improved our space utilization by nearly 50%.”
What not to do: Don’t be caught off-guard by these types of facility manager interview questions. Even if your experience in this area has been limited, you need to demonstrate you understand the importance of using data and speak to what you’ve done so far.
1 What facility management certifications do you have?
While not all facility management jobs require certification, becoming certified is a great way to set yourself apart from the competition. It demonstrates your commitment to the profession and shows you have expertise in specific areas. IFMA offers a number of certifications and professional development programs, including:
You may also consider becoming certified through the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International, which offers courses on asset management, energy efficiency and sustainability, and real estate and property management.
What not to do: Don’t be caught offguard by this question. Even if you don’t have any certifications, you should be familiar with the most common ones and be working toward obtaining at least one of them.
A typical interview question to determine what you are looking for your in next job, and whether you would be a good fit for the position being hired for, is “What challenges are you looking for in a position As Laboratory Animal Facility Supervisor?” The best way to answer questions about the challenges you are seeking is to discuss how you would like to be able to effectively utilize your skills and experience if you were hired for the job. You can also mention that you are motivated by challenges, have the ability to effectively meet challenges, and have the flexibility and skills necessary to handle a challenging job. You can continue by describing specific examples of challenges you have met and goals you have achieved in the past.
By asking this question, your interviewer hopes to learn whether you can communicate effectively, address issues in the workplace and motivate others during difficult times. Giving negative feedback requires honesty, thoughtfulness and tact. Answering this question well can help show an interviewer that you would be a good fit for a managerial position or a position that involves working closely with others.
Report it to the leaders within the company. True leaders understand business ethics are important to the companys longevity
Be sure to discuss a very specific example. Tell the interviewer what methods you used to solve the problem without focusing on the details of the problem.
Bad Answer: Candidates who ramble on about themselves without regard for information that will actually help the interviewer make a decision, or candidates who actually provide information showing they are unfit for the job. Good answer: An answer that gives the interviewer a glimpse of the candidates personality, without veering away from providing information that relates to the job. Answers should be positive, and not generic.