Top 10 Questions for Evaluator Interview

1. Describe the process you would follow for evaluating a new program.

The process for evaluating a new program typically includes the following steps:

• Define the evaluation goals and objectives. This involves determining what the evaluation is intended to measure and what questions it is trying to answer.
• Develop a data collection plan. This involves deciding what data will be collected, how it will be collected, and from whom it will be collected.
• Collect and analyze the data. This involves gathering the data according to the plan and then analyzing it to identify patterns and trends.
• Develop conclusions and recommendations. This involves interpreting the data and drawing conclusions about the effectiveness of the program. Recommendations can then be made for improving the program or for future programming efforts.

2. What methods of data collection would you use to evaluate a new program?

Quantitative methods

• Surveys
• Questionnaires
• Interviews
• Observation
• Document review

Qualitative methods

• Focus groups
• Key informant interviews
• Participant observation
• Case studies

3. How would you ensure the accuracy and reliability of your evaluation data?

• Using multiple methods of data collection. This helps to triangulate the data and reduce the risk of bias.
• Using valid and reliable data collection instruments. This ensures that the data is accurate.
• Collecting data from a representative sample. This ensures that the data is generalizable.
• Properly analyzing the data. This includes using appropriate statistical techniques and interpreting the data correctly.

4. How would you present your evaluation findings to stakeholders?

The best way to present evaluation findings to stakeholders depends on the audience and the purpose of the presentation.

• For a general audience, it is important to use clear and concise language, and to avoid using technical jargon.
• For a more technical audience, it may be appropriate to use more detailed language and to include more technical information.
• Regardless of the audience, it is important to be honest and objective in presenting the findings.

5. What are the ethical considerations that you would keep in mind when evaluating a new program?

• Confidentiality. The privacy of participants must be protected.
• Informed consent. Participants must be fully informed about the evaluation and their participation must be voluntary.
• Objectivity. Evaluators must be objective and avoid bias.
• Respect for participants. Participants should be treated with respect and their rights should be protected.

6. What are the challenges that you have faced in previous evaluations?

Common challenges in evaluation include:

• Lack of resources. Evaluations can be expensive and time-consuming.
• Lack of cooperation from stakeholders. Stakeholders may not be willing to participate in the evaluation or may not provide the necessary data.
• Bias. Evaluators may be biased in favor of or against the program being evaluated.
• Difficulty in measuring outcomes. It can be difficult to measure the impact of a program, especially if the outcomes are not clearly defined.

7. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest evaluation methods and techniques?

• Read professional journals and books.
• Attend conferences and workshops.
• Network with other evaluators.
• Take online courses.
• Stay informed about new software and tools.

8. Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision as an evaluator.

As an evaluator, I have had to make many difficult decisions. One of the most difficult decisions I have had to make was whether or not to recommend the continuation of a program that was not meeting its goals.

• I had to weigh the costs and benefits of the program.
• I had to consider the impact of the program on the participants.
• I had to consider the potential for the program to improve in the future.
• Ultimately, I decided to recommend that the program be discontinued.

9. What are your strengths as an evaluator?

• I am a highly skilled data collector and analyst.
• I am able to write clear and concise reports.
• I am able to present my findings to stakeholders in a way that is easy to understand.
• I am ethical and objective in my work.
• I am passionate about evaluation and I am committed to improving the quality of programs.

10. What are your weaknesses as an evaluator?

• I am sometimes too detail-oriented.
• I can be a bit of a perfectionist.
• I am not always good at saying no to additional work.
• I can be a bit of a workaholic.

An evaluator is a professional who assesses programs, initiatives, and other projects to determine their effectiveness, efficiency, and impact. Key responsibilities of an evaluator include:

1. Planning and Designing Evaluations

Evaluators work with stakeholders to determine the purpose and goals of the evaluation, develop an evaluation plan, and select appropriate data collection methods.

• Identify and define the evaluation questions and objectives.
• Develop an evaluation plan that outlines the evaluation design, data collection methods, and analysis procedures.

2. Data Collection and Analysis

Evaluators collect data from a variety of sources, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and document reviews. They then analyze the data to determine the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of the program or initiative.

• Develop and implement data collection instruments.
• Collect and analyze data using qualitative and quantitative methods.

3. Reporting and Communicating Findings

Evaluators prepare reports and presentations that summarize the findings of the evaluation. They communicate the findings to stakeholders, including program managers, funders, and policymakers.

• Write clear and concise evaluation reports.
• Present evaluation findings to stakeholders.

4. Evaluation Capacity Building

Evaluators may also work with organizations to develop their evaluation capacity. This includes providing training on evaluation methods and supporting the development of evaluation systems.

• Provide training and technical assistance on evaluation methods.
• Support organizations in developing and implementing evaluation systems.

Preparing for an interview for an evaluator position can be daunting, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:

1. Research the Organization and the Role

Take the time to learn about the organization you are applying to and the specific role you are interviewing for. This will help you understand the organization’s mission, goals, and values, as well as the key responsibilities of the evaluator position.

• Visit the organization’s website.
• Read any available job descriptions.
• Talk to people who work at the organization.

2. Practice Your Answers to Common Interview Questions

There are a number of common interview questions that you are likely to be asked, such as “Tell me about yourself” and “Why are you interested in this position?” It is helpful to practice your answers to these questions in advance so that you can deliver them confidently and concisely.

• Prepare a brief overview of your skills and experience.
• Explain why you are interested in the evaluator position and how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role.

3. Be Prepared to Talk About Your Evaluation Experience

In an interview for an evaluator position, you will likely be asked about your experience conducting evaluations. Be prepared to discuss your experience in detail, including the methods you used, the challenges you faced, and the results of your evaluations.

• Highlight your experience in planning, conducting, and reporting evaluations.
• Provide specific examples of evaluations you have conducted.
• Discuss the impact of your evaluations on program or policy decisions.

4. Be Enthusiastic and Professional

It is important to be enthusiastic and professional throughout the interview process. This means being positive, upbeat, and respectful of the interviewer’s time. It also means being well-prepared and able to answer questions intelligently and thoughtfully.

• Arrive on time for your interview.
• Dress appropriately.
• Be polite and respectful to the interviewer.