You’re in an interview and the question comes up: “What is your experience with business architecture?

1 Define business architecture

The first thing you need to do is to define what business architecture means to you and how you apply it in your work. Don’t assume that the interviewer knows or shares your definition, as there may be different interpretations or frameworks depending on the industry, domain, or context. Explain the core concepts and principles of business architecture, such as value streams, capabilities, business models, governance, and alignment. Give a brief overview of the methods and tools you use, such as business architecture blueprints, maturity models, or value proposition canvases.

2 Provide relevant examples

The next thing you need to do is to provide relevant and specific examples of how you have used business architecture in your previous or current projects. Don’t just list the tasks or deliverables you have produced, but focus on the outcomes and impacts you have achieved. For example, you can mention how you have helped design or improve a business process, service, or product, using business architecture techniques such as value stream mapping, capability analysis, or stakeholder mapping. You can also mention how you have collaborated with other architects, analysts, or managers, using business architecture artifacts such as business capability maps, value proposition diagrams, or business model canvases.

3 Highlight your skills and competencies

The last thing you need to do is to highlight your skills and competencies that make you a good business architect. Don’t just claim that you have them, but demonstrate them with evidence and feedback. For example, you can mention how you have applied critical thinking, problem-solving, or creativity skills to address complex or ambiguous business challenges, using business architecture frameworks or models. You can also mention how you have developed or enhanced your communication, facilitation, or leadership skills to engage and influence various stakeholders, using business architecture deliverables or presentations.

4 Avoid common pitfalls

While answering the question, there are some common pitfalls that you should avoid. Don’t be too technical or jargon-heavy, as this may confuse or alienate the interviewer. Use simple and clear language, and explain any acronyms or terms that may not be familiar to the interviewer. Don’t be too generic or vague, as this may make you sound inexperienced or unconfident. Use concrete and quantifiable examples, and show how you have added value or made a difference with your business architecture work. Don’t be too modest or boastful, as this may make you sound unprofessional or arrogant. Strike a balance between highlighting your strengths and acknowledging your areas of improvement, and show how you have learned from your mistakes or feedback.

5 Prepare and practice

Finally, the best way to answer the question is to prepare and practice beforehand. Research the company and the role you are applying for, and tailor your answer to fit their needs and expectations. Identify the key business architecture skills and competencies they are looking for, and match them with your own. Review your portfolio or resume, and select the most relevant and impressive examples of your business architecture work. Practice your answer with a friend, a mentor, or a coach, and ask for feedback and suggestions. Be confident, concise, and clear, and show your passion and enthusiasm for business architecture.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?