Project Manager – 5 Interview questions you’ll need to be able to answer

Interviews can be nerve-wracking. However, if you prepare for the interview beforehand, it will not only ensure you perform well but can also boost your confidence

The hiring manager will try to evaluate whether your management style and experience are a suitable fit for the role during an interview for a project manager position. Your responses to interview questions should describe your experience and applicable leadership abilities.

We go through some common interview questions for project managers and how you can respond to them below.

Interview Questions for a Project Manager Position and How to Answer Them

Let’s examine a few typical project manager interview questions and consider some possible responses. Think of a few scenarios of questions you may be asked during your interview as you get ready. The questions will vary based on your industry.

What is the most crucial task a project manager performs?

You can exhibit your project management expertise in response to this question. Consider some of your main tasks and responsibilities as well as what you do most of the time.

Example: “I have discovered that one of the most important aspects of this position is communication. In complicated projects, there are frequently a lot of moving elements, each of which contributes to the achievement of a certain portion of the objective. Being on the same page is crucial if we are to accomplish our goals of everyone working effectively and efficiently. Communication with clients and other key stakeholders on the project’s development is also crucial. Ultimately, the key to a project’s success is effective communication.”

Have you worked on a project that failed to meet the budget or the deadline?

The two most frequent problems that project managers run against include budget and timeline. You can demonstrate how you handle project setbacks here. You can respond to this query using the STAR method:

• Situation: Clearly and constructively describe the problem.
• Task: Explain how you fit into the circumstance.
• Action: Describe the steps you took to address or remedy the problem.
• Result: Describe the advantages of your solution.

You may effectively describe how you tackled a real-life circumstance using the STAR approach.

Example: “When I was collaborating with a customer on a project, they wanted to include a particular function to their bespoke software that could have impacted the timeline of the project. I had to decide as project manager whether we should implement this feature and maybe miss our deadline or take less time on another project component.

I had a meeting with my team to determine the time needed to install the functionality. I gave the client the alternatives after providing a very detailed response. They decided to agree to a delayed release date for the feature. Even though we missed the deadline and delivered the completed product a month later, the client was satisfied.”

How would you characterize your relationship with project sponsors?

The success of the project is directly attributable to the project sponsors. Any concerns that may hinder or prevent the project’s success should be reported to the sponsor by the project manager. Your response should specify how frequently you speak with your sponsor and why. Try to recall your conversations and interactions with project sponsors as you attempt to respond to this question.

Example: “Since I think that communicating well is the most crucial aspect of my job, I make an effort to update my sponsor as frequently as I can. I aim to meet with a project sponsor once a week to provide updates. I will get in touch with them if something happens outside of this meeting that warrants their opinion. The relationship is also reliant on the sponsor. I have to sometimes work with sponsors who are overworked and uninvolved. Others like contributing ideas and actively helping throughout the process. Of course, the project also has an impact. Large, drawn-out initiatives have a lot at stake for their sponsors. If the project is smaller, I might just need the sponsor’s presence at client meetings or if there are any significant problems.”

What tools do you use for project management?

Each business utilizes a unique collection of project management tools. Especially if you have significant technical abilities with a particular platform, explaining the tools you have used will show that you have software knowledge. Check whether the tools they employ are listed in the job description and see if you have any relevant experience with them. If not, talk about the software you are most comfortable with and why you want to learn more.

Example: “In the past, I’ve mostly used Microsoft Project, although Basecamp was a terrific tool for team communication at my previous company. On the online board, each stakeholder may post ideas and vote for the ones that would best solve the problem or challenge at hand. Trello is another tool I use to give projects to the team and manage their time.”

What’s your course of action in case of team conflicts?

An essential component of project management is team management. Before delivering a good or service, you must make sure your team can function as a unit. Try to give an example of a time when you handled a disagreement well when responding to this question.

Example: “I always advise the members of my team to attempt to settle disputes among themselves first. My team’s connections and communication increase when I let them figure things out together. Sometimes I have to step in and help.

I once oversaw a team where a developer and business analyst were unable to come to terms with how to solve an issue. We discussed the options and how they would impact the project for approximately thirty minutes in a meeting I had with just the three of us. We ultimately chose the business analyst’s recommendation since it would be the most cost-effective and time-efficient. When settling disputes, it’s critical to communicate and pay attention to the other person.”