You’ve just received an email confirming that you’re through to the interview stage, well done! To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of common questions that arise in project management interviews, complete with top tips on how to answer them below…
Tell us a bit about yourself?
We all know this is likely to be the first question on the interviewer’s agenda, so it’s worth having a think about what your answer is going to be. Try to avoid telling your life story here and keep it concise. We recommend sticking to two or three examples of your best qualities, supported by your work experience. Make sure these are relevant to the position you’re applying for and also illustrate why you’re the best fit.
What do you think makes a successful project manager?
This question is interesting as, of course, there is no ‘right’ answer. However, it gives the employer the opportunity to gauge what kind of project manager you are and what you prioritise. Hence, it is important to showcase your management style here and emphasise what you think is most important when acting as a project manager. Underpin your answer with a clear rationale (bonus points if it fits the job description).
How did you promote team collaboration in your last project management role?
When answering this question, make sure to weave in your experience with modern work management software and team collaboration apps. It is also there to help the employer understand your leadership skills and how you communicate with your team, whether they are remote, hybrid or right in front of you! Again, lead with specific examples - we would recommend using the STAR method to structure your answer.
When did a project you were managing go wrong and what was the outcome?
Here, the interviewer is testing to see how you have approached past projects, but also how you cope with challenges at work. You want to reassure your prospective employer that you would manage projects effectively and on-schedule if you were to work for their company. However, the nature of this particular question requires you to be honest about times where things have not gone to plan and how you found solutions. Try and recount a time where you managed to reunite your team despite turbulence, accompanied by examples of the hard and soft skills that you had to apply.
Why do you want to work for us?
This is your opportunity to show off all the research you’ve been doing ahead of the interview. Make sure to emphasise how you align with company values and show that you are aware of any recent initiatives, projects etc and what you liked about them. A good way to find out this information is to visit the company website, explore their social media pages and stay on top of any recent press releases.
We hope you found this article helpful in preparing for your next project manager role interview. Now, go ace it!
Haven’t secured an interview yet? Don’t worry, there’s a world of project management vacancies at your fingertips! Get in touch with our team via email at info@wearepillar.com for more information on our current vacancies.
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