Flowcharting

Term from Process Improvement industry explained for recruiters

Flowcharting is a visual way to show how work gets done, step by step. It's like creating a map that shows the journey of a process from start to finish using simple shapes and arrows. Business professionals use flowcharts to make complex processes easier to understand, find problems in workflows, and plan improvements. Similar terms include "process mapping" or "workflow diagramming." When candidates mention flowcharting on their resume, it usually means they have experience in analyzing and improving business processes.

Examples in Resumes

Created Flowcharting documentation that reduced customer service response time by 30%

Used Process Mapping and Flowcharting to identify bottlenecks in manufacturing workflow

Led team workshops using Workflow Diagrams and Flowcharting to improve business processes

Typical job title: "Process Improvement Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Business Analyst Process Analyst Operations Analyst Continuous Improvement Specialist Quality Analyst Business Process Manager Lean Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: Can you describe a situation where your flowcharting skills helped solve a major business problem?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that show leadership in process analysis, ability to implement solutions, and measurable results. They should mention stakeholder management and team coordination.

Q: How do you ensure your flowcharts are adopted and actually used by the team?

Expected Answer: Candidate should discuss change management, training methods, and ways to make flowcharts accessible and useful for different audiences.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What tools do you use for flowcharting and why?

Expected Answer: Should be familiar with common flowcharting software and able to explain when to use different tools based on project needs and team capabilities.

Q: How do you gather information to create accurate flowcharts?

Expected Answer: Should mention interviewing process owners, observing workflows, reviewing documentation, and validating charts with stakeholders.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic symbols used in flowcharting?

Expected Answer: Should know common shapes like rectangles for processes, diamonds for decisions, and arrows for flow direction, and when to use each.

Q: What's the difference between a current state and future state flowchart?

Expected Answer: Should explain that current state shows how things work now, while future state shows the improved process after changes.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic flowchart creation
  • Understanding of standard flowchart symbols
  • Simple process documentation
  • Using common flowcharting software

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex process analysis
  • Problem identification through flowcharts
  • Process improvement recommendations
  • Stakeholder communication

Senior (5+ years)

  • Leading process improvement projects
  • Training others in flowcharting
  • Complex system mapping
  • Change management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to explain basic flowchart symbols and their use
  • No experience with flowcharting software tools
  • Lack of real-world process improvement examples
  • Poor communication skills when explaining processes

Related Terms