Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge the candidate's level of motivation and commitment to the position. A good project manager must be passionate about their work, and willing to put in the time and effort required to get the job done.
Sample Answer: I am looking for a new challenge, and I believe that this position will allow me to take on new responsibilities and grow my skills as a project manager.
Question Overview: A good project manager must be able to manage both their own time and the time of their team. This question helps to understand how the candidate prioritizes their own workload and how they delegate tasks to their team.
Sample Answer: I am a very hands on manager who likes to be involved in all aspects of the project. I like to be available to the team for questions and concerns, and I like to be involved in the day-to-day activities of the project.
Question Overview: The nature of project management is inherently stressful, and the ability to manage stress and keep a cool head under pressure is a key quality in a good project manager.
Sample Answer: I try to take time for myself throughout the day to get away from the office and take a walk or go for a run. I also try to keep my schedule as flexible as possible so that I can be available to my team when they need me, but also have the space to take care of myself.
Question Overview: A project manager must be able to approach a project with a clear understanding of the goals, objectives and deliverables. This question can help to determine how the candidate approaches a new project and how they plan to execute on their responsibilities.
Sample Answer: I like to start by getting a clear understanding of the project goals and objectives, which helps me to create a plan of action that will help us meet those goals. I like to keep things simple and focus on the most important tasks first, so that we can get the project off on the right foot.
Question Overview: This question is used to determine if the candidate is available to start work immediately.
Sample Answer: I am available to start work immediately.
Question Overview: A project manager must be able to lead and inspire a team. This question can help to determine how the candidate will approach this challenge.
Sample Answer: I believe in being a hands on leader who is approachable and open to feedback from the team. I try to create an environment where team members feel comfortable approaching me with questions or concerns, and I try to be flexible in my approach to each project.
Question Overview: This question can help to determine how the candidate manages their team on a day to day basis.
Sample Answer: I try to keep the team as self-sufficient as possible, while still providing the support and guidance they need to get the job done. I try to keep my door open and make myself available for questions and concerns, but I also try to give the team the space they need to get the job done.
Question Overview: A good project manager is able to work well with their team and their manager. This question can help to determine how well the candidate works with others, and how they approach conflict resolution.
Sample Answer: I disagreed with my manager when he wanted me to change the scope of the project without considering the impact on the timeline or budget. I was able to convince him that we could meet his objectives by adjusting the timeline slightly and reallocating resources.
Question Overview: Every project has its share of risks, and the ability to identify and mitigate potential problems is a key skill for a project manager. This question can help to determine how the candidate approaches risk management, and how they will protect the project from potential pitfalls.
Sample Answer: I always try to identify potential risks and issues as early as possible in the project planning process, so that we can work to mitigate them before they become a problem. I also make sure to keep the team informed of any potential issues as they arise so that we can work together to find solutions.
Question Overview: This question can help to determine the candidate's self awareness and confidence in their own abilities.
Sample Answer: I have a proven track record of success in managing complex projects and teams, and I am confident that I can bring those skills to your organization.
Question Overview: While a candidate's past work experience is always a good indicator of their skills and abilities, it is important to understand how they have dealt with adversity and failure. This question can help to gauge how they respond to failure and how they learn from their mistakes.
Sample Answer: I was once in charge of a project that was supposed to launch a new product line for Company X. Unfortunately, the project was plagued by delays and setbacks, which ultimately led to the cancellation of the product line. I learned a lot from this experience, and since then I have been able to apply my knowledge to better manage projects with similar challenges.
Question Overview: Mistakes are inevitable in the world of project management. The ability to learn from past mistakes and identify areas for improvement is a key quality in a good project manager.
Sample Answer: I once had a project that was running over budget and behind schedule. I was able to identify the root cause of the issue and take steps to correct it, which allowed me to get the project back on track.
Question Overview: Projects that have been attempted and failed in the past are often the most challenging to manage. This question helps to gauge how a candidate will approach a project that has been tried and failed before, and how they will keep the team motivated and focused on the ultimate goal.
Sample Answer: I would first try to identify why the previous project failed, and then work with the team to develop a plan that would ensure that we would not make the same mistakes again. I would also work with the team to identify what went right in the previous project, and use that as a foundation for our new plan of attack.
Question Overview: While this question may seem like a simple icebreaker, it can actually reveal a lot about the candidate's personality and career aspirations.
Sample Answer: I am interested in working in a management position with a company that is at the forefront of technology and innovation.
Question Overview: While the ability to deliver on time and on budget is a given, the ability to do so while juggling multiple projects is a skill that can be honed with experience. This question helps to gauge how the candidate approaches this type of situation.
Sample Answer: I always try to keep my team focused on the most important deliverables first, and then work down the list of priorities. I also try to keep an eye on the big picture and make sure that we are not overcommitting ourselves or spreading ourselves too thin.
Question Overview: A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is a contract between a client and a hosting provider that outlines the responsibilities of each party in terms of uptime, performance, and other key metrics. This question can help to determine if the candidate has the basic knowledge of the industry and is familiar with industry terminology.
Sample Answer: The acronym for a Service Level Agreement at a hosting provider is SLA.
Question Overview: A candidate's experience is a good indicator of their ability to perform the job. A project manager with a proven track record of success will likely be a better fit for the position than someone who has less experience.
Sample Answer: I have been working as a project manager for the past 5 years, and have managed projects in a variety of industries including technology, finance, and retail.
Question Overview: In a project management role, it is inevitable that there will be disagreements and conflicts that arise between team members. The ability to resolve these issues quickly and effectively is a sign of a good project manager.
Sample Answer: I would first try to understand the root of the conflict and identify the best way to resolve it. I would then work with the team member in question to come up with a solution that works for everyone involved.
Question Overview: In a project management role, there will inevitably be situations where a customer is upset or dissatisfied with the work that has been done. The ability to handle these situations diplomatically and effectively is a key skill for a project manager.
Sample Answer: I would try to identify the root cause of the customer's dissatisfaction and work with them to come up with a solution that would satisfy their needs while also ensuring that the project's objectives were met.
Question Overview: This question is designed to help the hiring manager get a sense of the candidate's self awareness and ability to identify their own strengths and weaknesses.
Sample Answer: I would say my greatest strength as a team leader is my ability to keep the team focused on the project goals and objectives. I am also very good at identifying and communicating with team members who are struggling or having issues.