Scrum Master Interview Questions- June 2020

Another conversation with one of the scrum master who has been experiencing job interviews in recent times. In this video, our Lead Trainer Saket Bansal is sharing his perspective on many interview questions.
This Video discussed DA and you can find the link of DA here: bit.ly/3joS5Ju
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#ScrumMaster #CSM #iZenBridge

[@ummemariyasiddiqui3728]

Hi sir,I was preparing for my scrum exam..and went through all of your series of scrum interview.i would like to say thanks to o you,it helped me a lot and I was able to crack my scrum interview and got an offer also

[@izenbridge]

All the best, happy to know that we could add value.

[@vipinnanda2769]

Thankyou so much Saket for sharing your priceless learnings..I am just love of watching your videos..God Bless you with good health and abundance of wealth and huge happiness

[@IAintTheBestAnymore]

I had client interview today after, you know I rolled this entire session of 1hr 30 min to review and recall the concept. It helped me a lot. You are really great and this conversation is helpful to all new and experience SM. Thanks Saket. 🙏

[@izenbridge]

Glad to know you liked it. To know more about Saket training programs, please visit- ttps://www.izenbridge.com/landing/youtube/Saket-Bansal/

[@AmanSingh-ix5hr]

In 2019 I landed a SM role his videos are very helpful and there was one more guy agile digest both of these cool dudes helped me.. now the layoff not so hot market watching these to keep me sharp.

[@izenbridge]

Do let us know if you have any specific topic in mind, we started new series of videos (can be listen in podcast format) on scaled Agile, may want to check it out : kzbin.info/aero/PLWcvFkRbuunnwy2AYTJy3zhdHpYfcLqP9

[@prameelakothagundla2381]

Great answers! Thank you for making this type of sessions. Very helpful

[@izenbridge]

Glad you liked it. Keep exploring iZenBridge KZbin Channel.

[@souryamajumdar3225]

That's a gold mine of a discussion,how did I not find this video before

[@izenbridge]

Glad you liked them!! Keep exploring. All the best.

[@fafastephen-gow2644]

I’m preping for an interview and stumbled on this frank presentation. This seemingly unscripted Q and A format has inspired my interview preparation level. Thank you.

[@izenbridge]

Glad it was helpful! You can explore Saket training programs here - www.izenbridge.com/landing/youtube/Saket-Bansal/

[@nikonsmith]

I follow all you interview videos. It is simply best and I didn't hardly found this kind of real discussion. It would be great if you add some more situational based PO interviews. Also, my request, if you can please add captions/transcript with this video, would help a lot.

[@izenbridge]

Thanks for your kind words!! Yes, we are adding PO interview questions gradually. We are planning transcript as well.

[@omerhatim4326]

👍 Thank you

[@janakirambehera4767]

Very good insights and helpful video. Thanks.

[@izenbridge]

Glad it was helpful! To know more about Saket training programs, please visit - www.izenbridge.com/landing/youtube/Saket-Bansal/

[@aimaabohi711]

Thank you very much. This is so helpful

[@izenbridge]

Happy to know you liked it. To know more aboutsaket training programs, please visit - www.izenbridge.com/landing/youtube/Saket-Bansal/

[@vipinnanda2769]

I am so grateful for your teachings Saket.... Thank you so much for helping me out understanding the deep about the role of Scrum master . Thank you so much for your efforts..God Bless you with good health wealth and happiness

[@izenbridge]

Thank you.

[@mathewbenoi]

Your videos are so helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[@izenbridge]

You are so welcome!

[@meenakumar4545]

Amazing interview questions. I am working as a senior SM in a complex environment and deal with almost every scenario presented here. These are the kind of scenario based questions which are usually asked and perfect answers from Saket.

[@izenbridge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dikshamasurkar1223]

Looking to join any good group where SM job requirements posted on daily basis looking for the same as an entry level.

[@subrotochoudhary4369]

Great conversation! Thank you Saket Sir.

[@izenbridge]

Happy to know you liked it. To know more about Saket training program, please visit - www.izenbridge.com/landing/youtube/Saket-Bansal/

[@subrotochoudhary4369]

@@izenbridge How can I contact the lady here in the conversation for any questions I have related to scrum interviews?

[@salimahh314]

I am preparing for Scrum Master interview and your videos are so helpful

[@izenbridge]

All the best!! Keep exploring

[@vishwabalasubramanian8464]

I completely underestimated this channel. The conversations have helped me comprehend the layers of an interviewer's thinking.

[@izenbridge]

Thank you for checking it out.

[@mkawa1566]

very helpful. thank you

[@izenbridge]

Glad you liked the video!! Keep exploring iZenBridge KZbin Channel. To know more iZenBridge training programs, please visit - www.izenbridge.com/

[@pratikdesai204]

Hi Saket, I am preparing for scrum master exams and going through your valuable videos.. definately help me to understand scrums fastly

[@izenbridge]

Thank you for checking our videos, scrum master interview series is based on scrum as used not necessarily align with your exam. If you wish to explore Certified Scrum Master (CSM), we run it every week and you can find details here www.izenbridge.com/certified-scrum-master/

[@pratikdesai204]

@@izenbridge I am watching your videos to get interview ready as soon as I am done with PSM certification. Also connect with you for personal coaching for preparation of interviews..as per your charges

[@izenbridge]

@@pratikdesai204 you can ask for similar conversation schedule to ask your questions, , no charges for same, just we use the video for education purpose, drop email at [e-mail]

[@143ooody]

Thank you for your videos but could you please explain decision tree analysis (expected monetary value) with some examples ?! Thank you

[@izenbridge]

You can pot your doubts in forum.izenbridge.com also. For EMV, oyu can refer following - www.forum.izenbridge.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6760&p=39314

[@advikasn6680]

Loved the content. Request you to provide the PMI link which you are talking at @56:56. I tried in PMI Website , but I could not figure out a place where that distinction was well shown.

[@izenbridge]

You can learn about DA's Lifecycle selection tool here : www.pmi.org/disciplined-agile/agility-at-scale/tactical-agility-at-scale

[@advikasn6680]

@@izenbridge thanks a ton...You have not only structured the way answers have to be delivered in the video, you are coaching the future SMs by guiding them to the ocean of materials in PMI...

[@madhuvic9676]

Thanks.

[@izenbridge]

You're welcome!! Glad you liked it.

[@rajeswarikv9396]

1.Can we use Throughput (flow metric) of past sprint for better plannings (Since velocity is relative and does not help much) ? But Throughput (no of items closed) also varies based on volume of work , risk , dependencies etc - In this case how can it be used or forecasting and sprint planning accurately? 2. When we use Historical velocity data of Story Points , how to subtract the capacity (of team's non available hours ) for a better sprint planning as we dont have relation between capacity and velocity ?

[@izenbridge]

Throughput matrices is only used when you similar type of work, and usually the Kanban style , usually the sprint planning is done based on commitment. Here are some videos which can clarify kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmK0gZ9ujLSCfZIsi=I88_LItrkP4s3C9W kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqfGf5WhpMR0o7ssi=kXqvC5NG_pW2aIZT

[@venkateshrama8026]

Hi Saket, the points covered on this session are absolutely amazing. It has helped me a lot in my preparations for SM interviews. My question is: How can Scrum principles be applicable in a Production Support Environment. In Support teams, high priority issues can come any time, which can disrupt the Sprint goal or backlog.

[@izenbridge]

Thank you for watching our videos, In the context where it is difficult to agree on goal for given timebox scrum might not suites well. Blog on timeboxing : www.izenbridge.com/blog/timeboxing-advantages-sprint-scrum/ One can design process using Kanban principles , generally speaking use Kanban.

[@jasminlaroche2145]

thanks a lot .. I can't believe I got same questions and I responded the same way and today I got the offer today ..God bless you

[@izenbridge]

Congratulations Jasmin!! It is encouraging that professionals are getting value from our platform. It is a motivation to do serve more and better. You can explore Saket training programs here - www.izenbridge.com/landing/youtube/Saket-Bansal/

[@dikshamasurkar1223]

Can you also help me what all questions asked and how did you apply?

[@jasminlaroche2145]

@@dikshamasurkar1223 just go through these videos 2 or 3 times of iZenBridge Consultancy Pvt Ltd you will crack the interview :) Good luck

[@dikshamasurkar1223]

@@jasminlaroche2145 yes sure i ll definitely go.. But before that does companies are hiring entry level SM and does these questions help without hands on experience on these? Also how much salary companies are paying out to SM for an entry level. Plz advice me or we can connect offline :)

[@aanchalsharma5590]

@jasmin laroche same I want to know does the companies prefer entry level certified ppl for SM role ?

[@kavithaseetharaman6891]

Well said sir

[@izenbridge]

Thank you for checking

[@jasminlaroche2145]

Hello sir first of all. thank you for sharing the knowledge. I have one question that is usually asked "How you will deal with a situation where only few members are ok with your decision so how will you convince others what will be your strategy" please please do reply . 🙏

[@izenbridge]

As you know this depends on the situation at hand, we see it is best if you can bring an example of something which happened and how you handled it. Some of the things which are good to include are 1. Giving enough time to people to express their disagreement 2. Acknowledge that they have a disagreement 3. Have some understanding in the team about how to make decisions in such cases, like say voting or majority, etc. and use it when the situation arises. Not necessarily your opinion needs to be winning all the time. 4. Share the problem and situation and hand with all, mean clearly accept that we have differences of opinions in the group. 5. Sometimes convert the decision in the experiment, mean rather than deciding for long, agree to try something for 2 weeks, and learn from it. 6. Its not about your opinion or others opinion, we do things for the purpose of product and team.

[@DebbieNelson55]

Thanks so much Saket. You have clarified not only Scrum issues for me, but also how to handle interview questions. I have one question: one company I worked for was a huge organisation that used project managers to run all projects. When I joined them they had commenced an Agile, Scrum and SAFe transformation. However, when it came to managing projects, all they did was change the title of the project manager to scrum master. And there were many of them. I really battled to get my mind around the issue and found that I couldn't run my teams in scrum while the rest of the organisation only pretended to do so. How would you handle this, and would you bring it up in an interview as a challenge?

[@izenbridge]

I hear what you are saying and I do see this happening quite often, I also see some scrum masters do what is possible than trying to change things which are not in their control. Its a good question to explore, let see if it comes in some conversation , or let me know if you wish to have a conversation on this with me. you can schedule conversation by sending email at [e-mail]

[@dikshamasurkar1223]

I too wanna know how to handle such situation?

[@shreepaw]

Sir, i cleared my PMP exam today with Above target rating in all 5 areas and wanted to say thank you for the content that you upload on youtube. Appreciate your contribution!

[@SaketBansal]

Congratualtions for your success in PMP exam, we are happy to know that you found our content useful.

[@izenbridge]

Wonderful!! All the best.

[@SS-kf9hp]

Your videos are really helpful. May I ask how do you measure OKR?

[@izenbridge]

We don't follow OKR for ourself

[@minanda11]

Could you please share your thoughts on organisational ability to be agile and how can it be evaluated

[@izenbridge]

An agile organization needs mindset shift, they need to be customer-focused and need flexible approaches to create value. They need to adapt to fast learning g cycles. An agile organization needs dynamic people who can lead the change from the top.

[@iaskalbert3891]

@12:42 sprint goals are not suppose to be fixed. They can change. If a product owner says he needs to bring new cards in the sprint. He can do that but there are consequences to current work. Which will be adjusted. How is dod changed. I have no clue what the caller meant here?

[@sushmitalahiri4064]

Your video is very interesting and informative. Could you please tell me what is in store for Scrum Master as in whats next step after Scrum Master in an IT organization?

[@izenbridge]

Thanks for your kind words!! What next after Scrum Master can be explored in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX3Tm4esirmfp9k It shows how to make a development path for an Agile Coach. Agile coaching is perfect "what next after Scrum Master"

[@shrutisinha2834]

Hi Saket, Could you please let me know the best source to learn Jira. It can be any KZbin channel or anything else. I want to learn Jira immediately as I am moving to a SM role. Thank you.

[@izenbridge]

We do have quick videos to start with, its a playlist of 16 videos : kzbin.info/aero/PLWcvFkRbuunnwVZzWUVaTFIpRkM1JT42d We also run one program which makes you ready for Jira Usages , you may want to check www.izenbridge.com/industry-readiness-programs/industry-enabled-scrum-master-iesm

[@jjitendraj]

Hi Saket, this is a wonderful interview preparation video. What is the name of the structure mentioned at 1:21:22 to resolve the dispute. Thanks for the reply

[@izenbridge]

The idea is we can give some structure to our way of working and that may resolved the conflict, say an agreement on Definition of Done or a board to raise all pending issues. So any process structure which exposes issues without generating conflicts.

[@rajithnair5811]

How will you handle scope creep in Sprint and in PBI, Is it covered in any of the videos.

[@izenbridge]

In general the agile way of working is founded on transparency , so when everyone know what is happening we should not end in uncontrolled expansion of work. If that happen, we should discuss the same in retrospective.

[@MySidhartha]

Awesome explanation...and points to consider. But is this the way someone can handle all individuals and stake holders in a positive way? Sometimes someone can loose the patience of being very positive. So in reality how to handle this situation?

[@izenbridge]

Something related we discussed in this video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWqzaJmKbamBn9U I can say in some cases you need to with working agreements

[@radharajagopalan]

Are SMs also required to give an update/status during the Daily Scrum?

[@izenbridge]

In general the DSM is teams meeting, what we see is SMs usually share the status of Impediments .

[@ranubhatt2981]

Hello Saket, I am preparing for scrum master role. before that I worked for 4 years as HR generalist. It’s been a gap of seven years because of baby and all and I want to restart as a scrum master now as I feel this role is very interesting and I am quite confident that with a personality like me, I will be successful in this path. If a question is raised that why do u want to change ur career path from hr to scrum master? How should I answer it. Can u please guide me on this.

[@izenbridge]

Think from the view of a person who is taking the interview, how can he gets the confidence of that you will be a good contributor as Scrum Master. I think it all depend who is hiring , some companies like startup will be more open to do such experiments

[@ranubhatt2981]

@@izenbridge thank u so much mr . Saket . Your videos are so much helpful🙏

[@rajkumarjillella3146]

Very helpful Saket. How to share my analysis and get more knowledge on this i would like to share my interview questions

[@izenbridge]

Sure, please drop an email at [e-mail] and we will schedule it out.

[@optimusprime2799]

Ardent Devotee of Saket Bansal. 90 Degree Bow.

[@izenbridge]

Thank you.

[@sandeepchow1]

Good one saketh. I have one question . What is release manager role in all 3 scrum roles ( scrum master, product owner and dev team)and who does this?

[@izenbridge]

If you mean to say who project when the market is going to get the product or identify is this good time to give the product to customer than it's a Product Ownership function. I feel it's a collaborative work which is lead by product Owner

[@sandeepchow1]

I agree saketh. But the question is who is the release manager? He is from dev team? Or product owner or scrum master? I see scrum master taking that role in my previous experience. And one more question is scrum master is also acting as agile project manager?

[@izenbridge]

@@sandeepchow1 Our view is, especially in interview better to present the real story, and may add reasons to explain why say Scrum Master end up doing release management and other project management activities.

[@RamyashreeBECOMEAFINISHER]

Hi Saketji, Can you please let me know how to contact you? I am on the verge of deciding whether to become a QA Manager or a Scrum Master. I really need your help.

[@izenbridge]

We can do similar conversation, you can reach me at [e-mail]

[@parnashshukla2084]

I face one interview as a Scrum Master in middle level organization he asked me few questions like 1) What is the difference between Scrum and Waterfall model?? 2) Scrum model is always batter than Waterfall model?? 3) Who is responsible for creating the stories and why?? 4) Suppose new teams has given to you which has totally fresher members how you can implement scrum in that team??? I hope these questions are helpful to the candidate who can appear in scrum master interview.

[@izenbridge]

Thank you for sharing

[@radhikaborse5658]

Saket, I have on question what if Product owner is not attending the sprint review regularly? Is it an impediment or blocker? What shall we answer for these two questions?

[@izenbridge]

Depend on what type of development you are doing, if you are in early stage of product development it is a blocker, if you are in later stage where team understand where clearly what they are expected to do, it will be an impediment. Relate with an impact of situations like , No PO but stakeholders are present , no one other than team is present. If you want to have similar conversation like this video please drop email at [e-mail]

[@radhikaborse5658]

Thanks Saket, sure I will send an email.

[@radhikaborse5658]

What if it was asked by higher management to reduce the sprint length from 2 weeks to 1 week to reach out to the market early.

[@izenbridge]

So the question is how to decide the Sprint Length ? and how sprint length impact your product development. Sprint length is based on many factors like uncertainty in understanding (more uncertain you need frequent feedbacks, so short sprints) , changes in requirements (if requirement changes fast you want to keep short length) and time it takes to finish work as per Definition of Done. So Scrum Master facilitate the conversation where we discover the best sprint length to start with , later we reflect on same on Sprint Retrospectives.

[@hk7294]

Hi saket is it possible to move from QA background to scrum master ? If yes how to get opportunity once I have completed my PSM certification

[@izenbridge]

Certification is a good starting point to grow in your profile. PSM is an Agile awareness program, you need exposure of various skills like team coaching and facilitation. If you see you need to improve facilitation skills, you can plan - ICP-ATF. For more details, please visit - www.izenbridge.com/certified-agile-team-facilitator-icp-atf/virtual/

[@sagargupta1496]

Hello sir, I am from a QA (Manual role) field having 4.5 years of experience . Would it be feasible to go for scrum master certification as the roles of scrum master fascinates me . Please share your thoughts and guide accordingly.

[@izenbridge]

I have seen many QA background people in agile coaching and scrum master job. so if you can develop the desired skills for these job you can do it. The CSM certification is good starting point to say you are interested in scrum master job. it may not ensure you get SM job. We do run CSM classes weekly and here you can find the details : www.izenbridge.com/certified-scrum-master/

[@swathinaidu6556]

Hi, I have a question which i came across in recent interview. What are the problem solving techniques used? Could anyone help me with solution or answer

[@izenbridge]

Problem solving is a generic skill needed in leaders , design thinking has its own collection of tools and also you can take reference from data analysis tools for problem solving . In interviews we need to sense which tool might be an area of interest for the person and explain .

[@priyankar3532]

Dear Saket Sir. Your Videos are very useful for me. 😍 I hve a small doubt I am totally a fresher to this SM role. I have 5 years of experience in a different domain. Will I be able to crack the interview as a fresher to this role? Please help me Sir

[@izenbridge]

What I suggest is look for skills and competencies needed for given role (here say SM) and find out how can you demonstrate and develop skills in that area. once done, i am sure people will appreciate and give you opportunity. Doing certification like Certified Scrum Master, can help in positing yourself for SM job since it shows your commitment for learning, we do run CSM classes regularly , www.izenbridge.com/certified-scrum-master/

[@priyankar3532]

Thanks A ton sir 😊😊😊😊

[@radhikaborse5658]

Let's say your you have decided to take 15 tasks in the sprint, you have completed 10 out of 15, but product increment happened, sprint goal is achieved so can you say that you are committed.

[@izenbridge]

In general (things can change based on context), the commitment is for Sprint Goal not for the tasks listed in Sprint Backlog, the tasks can increase or decrease during the sprint as per need. Relate it what value you and stakeholder get when you do like I shared and what can be disadvantages of doing commitment for tasks rather than the goal.

[@varundutta2381]

What factors decide the duration of a Sprint ?

[@izenbridge]

Here is a short on same : kzbin.infotiZIbdKVmuo

[@sushmareddy6453]

Team fully trined and experties in scrum. Still team needed scrum master. Could u plz me.

[@izenbridge]

If team can work without leader / manager , that leader may spend less time with them and do others things which are more important for organization. The same may apply to Scrum Master as well.

[@bhagyashreenarkhede5491]

How do u as scrum master helps product owner in prioritising backlog? This was a asked in my interview. I dont have good answer for

[@izenbridge]

Mainly by teaching prioritization techniques and facilitating the over all discussion for the same.

[@ryaeditstoo]

WSJF technique

[@sushmareddy6453]

Why cant pm play scrum master role.

[@izenbridge]

It is depend on what is management style followed in given organizations, i have seen PM playing SM role in many places and I have also seen in many organizations PM role does not exists. In some organizations they keep PM and SM both. So what we need to see is what challenge an organization has and how they are solving it.

[@gouravrawat8190]

Can a NON IT background guy become a scrum master

[@izenbridge]

Scrum Master is a leadership role, now leader overall facilitate the work not necessary does the work. It usually depend on type of company you are approaching, some add doing work also along with Scrum Master role others just keep it at leadership level. So find the one which is not interested in doing part.

[@gouravrawat8190]

@@izenbridge ty for your reply ..can we use scrum framework apart from software domain..

[@izenbridge]

@@gouravrawat8190 Yes, in an industry where new product development is happening it is adapted.

[@gouravrawat8190]

@@izenbridge ty can we guide on JIRA and confluence training ..

[@tanyadixit19]

I m a professional scrum master and if I would be taking interview of any candidate I would immediately reject the person on such answers. This guy's concepts are not at all clear.

[@cmms1234]

Dixit madam, can u please enlighten us which u found nonsense

[@Minus-one2010]

Which means there is some problem in your understanding and doing things. Ssketh is giving the realistic responses. I appreciate him.