The ideal enterprise architect will have familiarity with using security architecture frameworks. When explaining their experience, focus on what types of security architecture the candidate has used in the past and how it has lowered risk factors and threats. Identify if your company uses similar measures, such as SABSA, COBIT and TOGAF. What level of expertise does the applicant have in each security framework? What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of enterprise security architecture
• Ability to follow security policies and procedures
• Understanding of the importance of maintaining privacy

Enterprise architects must follow data management standards and practices for ethical and professional purposes. Identify any specific methods or rules that the candidate mentions. The applicant’s response helps you gauge what practices the person finds most important when storing and securing data for partners. Being unaware of standard methods and practices as an enterprise architect can put a company at risk for errors and improper storing techniques. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of proper data storing methods
• Experience applying data management standards and practices in the workplace
• Organizational skills

The applicant’s answer may vary depending on the size of his or her previous company. An enterprise architect in a medium-to-large for-profit organization typically includes executive management, such as the CEO, CFO, COO, CTO and CIO, in the Enterprise Architecture life cycle. Specific industries might include the director of marketing or the director of documentation. Identify if the applicant has experience working with the partner groups found in your company. What to look for in an answer:

• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to keep partners well-informed
• Understanding of the importance of the Enterprise Architecture life cycle

The ideal candidate will be articulate and have the ability to promote data management initiatives while also being well-versed in methodology and modeling. Enterprise architects should be as politically and technologically neutral as possible to lower the risk of bias. Focus on the candidate’s explanation of the quality that they believe is most important. What to look for in an answer:

• Exhibit of interpersonal skills
• Expression of articulation while explaining the quality
• Knowledge of what makes a successful enterprise architect

An architectural road map is a critical component in designing and creating a project. It allows the enterprise architect to have all necessary and relevant information in one area. Applicants with experience creating architectural road maps are likely to know how to organize data in different domains, such as business, technology and data application. Focus on how many years of experience the candidate has and if they have experience with your industry’s road map. What to look for in an answer:

• A solid understanding of architectural road maps
• Critical thinking skills
• Experience with different domains

Enterprise architects are responsible for cultivating IT networks and specific features that promote a business' success in one or more areas. However, some features and other processes may not have the effect they hoped for. This question allows interviewers to determine a candidate's ability to acknowledge their mistakes, learn from them and correct them. A candidate's answer should emphasize:

• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to hold themselves accountable
• Previous professional experience