Interviews can be intimidating, especially if you do not know the kind of questions you would be asked or, basically, what to expect. Rest assured though, there is no need to panic.
It is important to know that although every interview is different, most will likely include questions about your technical knowledge, people relation skills, and how you will handle certain situations. But what specific questions will be asked in interviews for project managers, and how can you answer them? Dig in!
5 Interview Questions for Project Managers – And Their Answers
Here are some questions that can be thrown at you during an interview for a project management role –
- Tell us about yourself
This is one of the most common questions you will come across in an interview. With this question, you get a chance to tell your story and describe yourself.
How to answer:
One way to approach this question is to start by describing your role and what you do. Then talk about the past, present, and what you aim for in the future.
Talk about your project management experiences, especially the ones relevant to the role you are applying for. Lastly, talk about the work you are hoping to do next, and the reason for applying for that role.
Ensure that your answer is concise, brief, and highlights what sets you apart from others who are also applying for the role.
- Tell us how you handled the last project you worked on
You might be asked this question to get the scope of the projects you’ve been involved with, what methodologies you applied, and the number of people on your team amongst other things.
How to answer:
Share key project details, including the overarching objective, the team’s size, and your approach to it. Be open about the project’s successes, and don’t forget to touch upon areas for potential improvement or lessons learned. Having measurable data to illustrate the project’s outcomes can be valuable in this context.
- Tell us about a time you encountered a problem during a project you were working on
Facing challenges and setbacks is a common aspect of project management. Hiring managers are interested in your past experiences in handling these situations to gauge your approach when things deviate from the initial plan.
How to answer:
Given that addressing unexpected challenges is a fundamental aspect of project management, it’s essential to have a few instances from your past to reference during your interview. You can also discuss your approach to implementing change processes within your projects.
Consider applying the STAR method when asked for specific examples from your past experiences. Here’s how to apply this method effectively:
- Situation:
Begin by outlining the circumstances of the situation, including the reasons for the unexpected issue or deviation from the plan.
- Task:
Describe the specific task or responsibility you had to address the situation or resolve the problem.
- Action:
Explain the actions you took and the methods you used to tackle the issue. Elaborate on your problem-solving approach.
- Result:
Finish by sharing the outcomes of the steps you took. Additionally, discuss the valuable lessons you gained from the experience.
- How do you know which tasks to prioritize in a project?
Understanding what requires prioritization is a critical skill in project management. During your interview, you might encounter questions regarding your decision-making process for prioritization and the reasons behind those choices. You may also be asked about your approach to managing multiple projects simultaneously.
How to answer:
Relate your answer to the project’s objectives and interests. Your response might involve taking into account elements such as deadlines, meeting stakeholder needs, or identifying critical path tasks. Drawing from real-world examples or discussing hypothetical situations can help demonstrate your approach.
- How do you ensure clear communication among project team members and stakeholders throughout a project’s lifecycle?
Understanding how to inspire team members and create an environment where they feel comfortable raising questions and addressing concerns is often pivotal to achieving success in a project. Employers want to make sure that project managers hired to the company can effectively communicate to achieve necessary goals.
How to answer:
In such circumstances, it can be beneficial to reference an instance where you successfully nurtured effective communication within your team. Consider any strategies or techniques you utilize to ensure that team members share a sense of working together towards a shared objective. These approaches could encompass practices such as integrating icebreakers into project kick-off meetings or establishing communication frameworks within the project structure.
Final Thoughts
Several questions can be asked during the course of an interview for project managers. It’s essential to dedicate time to practice your interview responses before the actual interview. This practice will help you deliver your answers confidently and effectively.
As you rehearse, focus on providing specific examples from your experiences that showcase your skills and qualifications relevant to the role you’re applying for. In essence, thorough preparation and personalized responses are key to making a strong impression during your interview and increasing your chances of landing the job.
