Project manager interview questions are asked by the interviewers to test your skills and abilities essential for playing a leadership role in this position. After spending some years in the field, now is your chance to play the role at the senior level. So take this opportunity seriously and work hard to attain this job in your hand. To do that, you have to go there with full preparation and determination.
A project manager is an experienced professional who plays an important role in the successful completion of a project from its initial stage. He/she is directly responsible in handling one or more projects of the organization, while leading a team and guiding them to complete the project work within deadline and budget. The scope of work differs according to the type of projects and size of the organization. Though this manager is not solely responsible for doing the core job, his/her main duty is to get the work done on time through proper handling, organizing and delegating of the work. He/she should be a good leader, team worker, communicator and influencer.
The questions asked in the interview may vary from being technical, behavioral and project management based. We have tried to give the most common ones for your reference as noted below:
Share the details of your experience. Be concise, but informative enough to give them an idea on your vast profile. Give more stress on the last two to three projects. You can also mention few relevant points from more past responsibilities (if any).
Elaborate on the number of projects with a title to each one of them. Share details on each project in brief.
The interviewer wants to know if you are able to do multi tasking. Never say that you have only handled one project at a time. It is a usual practice among the managers and even team members to work in more than one project. You should talk about a minimum of two projects at a time.
You have to handle this question very seriously. A small mistake can judge your incapability as a manager. Outline the major complex projects you have come across during your career. List out the steps you followed during that time and what was the final outcome. Don't talk about any project/s where you failed as a manager or a team member.
Here you are expected to project your management style. As a manager you should be able to lead your team confidently and effectively. Thus, you can mention some characteristics of your style of leading, problem solving, organizing, planning, delegating and motivating to get the work done on time and within budget.
Your motivational skills should to be projected here. Give examples from your experience or state the ways in which you aim to handle such a team in future.
"I will try to first figure out the reasons and then motivate them and provide solution through one-on-one interactions, informal conversation, reward or incentive plans and recognition plans..."
Tell them that you were the one point of contact with the client and directly interact with them on project requirements, delivery and other inputs.
This will highlight your problem solving skills. You have to make sure that you communicate your skills in the right way.
"After getting the details of the project, I sit with my team to make a project plan and discuss on the expected risk factors in the planning phase itself. We try to reach probable solutions and discuss it with the clients for their approval. For unavoidable or uncertain risks, I try to take the corrective measure immediately...."
Share the steps you take while making a project plan to take it ahead. Explain that the team member's input is extremely important to complete a project work, as they will perform the core job.
The interviewer wants to know about your capabilities as a manager. Don't miss any points which highlight your skills and traits. Talk about the advantages of the project and how the assignments were completed within the time line and budget.
"To make a project plan, the most important factors considered are the project details, deadline, budget, number of team members, delegation of job, critical issues expected, type of client, client's expectations, required changes to be made as and when required and so on."
"I will try to find out the loop holes in the project and the changes required to be done. Following this, we will make the changes accordingly and present it to the client. We will also communicate the project updates regularly."
Apart from the above general questions, the interviewer may ask technical questions based on the project. Thus, you are required to read the job profile minutely before going to the interview. You also need to be abreast with latest trends, knowledge, developments in the industry, etc. Keep a list of good reference details handy, as the panel may ask it anytime to cross check information about you.
Project manager interview questions are very important for an employer to hire the perfect candidate for the relevant position. Make the right use of the above mentioned points and work towards preparing yourself for your interview confidently.