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: This question is a great way to gauge how a candidate approaches problem solving. It can help to determine how they think through a problem, and what steps they take to resolve it.
Sample Answer: I recently had a situation where a team member was struggling with a particularly difficult task. I took the time to sit down with them and walk them through the steps that they needed to take in order to complete the task successfully. By taking the time to walk them through the process, I was able to help them understand what they needed to do, and they were able to complete the task without any further issues.
Question Overview: This question can help to gauge the candidate's level of satisfaction with their previous projects and how they feel about the work they've done.
Sample Answer: I am very proud of the work that I've done on this project. I was able to successfully manage a team of over 20 people and ensure that all deliverables were met on time and on budget.
Question Overview: A good project manager is able to keep up with the latest trends and methodologies in their field. This question can help to determine how well the candidate is able to adapt to new situations and challenges.
Sample Answer: I am constantly researching and learning about new methodologies and best practices in my field, and I try to incorporate these into my projects whenever possible.
Question Overview: Managing risk is a fundamental part of the project management process. This question can help to identify how a candidate will approach risk management and how they will handle inevitable setbacks.
Sample Answer: I like to keep an eye on the big picture and try to identify risks as they develop, so that I can work with my team to develop contingency plans in advance.
Question Overview: While it is important to be able to communicate a candidate's interest in the position, it is also important to be able to identify the reasons why they are interested in the position. This question can help to determine if the candidate is truly interested in the position, or if they are just looking for a job.
Sample Answer: I am very interested in this position because I feel that my experience and skills would be a great fit for the company's needs. I am also very interested in working with a team of professionals who are as passionate about their work as I am.
Question Overview: While project management is a rewarding and challenging career, it is also a high pressure position that requires a great deal of time and attention. This question can help to determine if the candidate is aware of the demands of the job, and if they are willing to make the necessary sacrifices.
Sample Answer: I think one of the most challenging aspects of project management is the need to balance the needs of the project with the needs of the team. Although I always try to give my team members as much space and freedom as possible, there are times when I need to step in and help them to prioritize their work.
Question Overview: Quality assurance is a critical component of any project, and is often overlooked by those who are new to the field. This question can help to determine how well a candidate understands the importance of quality assurance, and how they will go about ensuring that the product or service meets the project's standards.
Sample Answer: Quality assurance is a critical component of any project. I make sure that every member of the team is aware of the quality standards that we must meet, and that they are held accountable for their work. I make sure that we have a quality control plan in place for each project, and that we follow it closely.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to gauge the candidate's level of honesty and self awareness. If they are looking for a new job, it is important to understand why.
Sample Answer: I am looking for a new job because I want to expand my skill set and take on more responsibility. I am interested in a position that will allow me to take on more leadership and management responsibilities.
Question Overview: This question is a good way to gauge the candidate's experience level in the field and how they have grown and developed over time.
Sample Answer: I have been working in the field for over 10 years, and have been managing projects for the past 5. I have managed projects of all sizes and complexities, from small internal rebranding projects to large scale international marketing campaigns.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to gauge the candidate's enthusiasm for the position and their level of preparation. It can also help to determine if the candidate has done their homework and researched the company and position.
Sample Answer: I would first take some time to get to know the team and the company culture, and then I would dive right into the project. I would first work with my team to identify our top priorities for the project, and then I would make sure that we are all on the same page with regards to our goals and objectives.