IYKYK — Project Manager interviews are intense and challenging. The questions focus on your ability to navigate complex scenarios, manage diverse teams and stakeholders, and drive projects to completion.
You need to show how you handle real-world project dynamics.
You need to show you can do strategy, but also execution.
You need to speak about your decision-making processes, adaptability, and interpersonal skills.
Above all, you need to give concrete examples and talk about project deliverables and budget management, so you have to come prepared with “hard data”.
In this guide, we cover the core questions you can expect and offer strategies to help you prepare.
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Common Project Manager Interview Questions
Here’s a list of most common project manager interview questions:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What do you enjoy about working in project management?
- How do you prioritize tasks in a project?
- What project management tools and software are you familiar with?
- Describe a time you led a project under tight deadlines.
- Tell me about a challenging project and how you managed it.
- Discuss an instance where a project did not go as planned. How did you handle it?
- Explain how you manage project risks.
- Can you share an experience where you had to manage a difficult team member?
- How would you initiate a new project?
- Imagine you have multiple projects with the same deadline. How would you handle the situation?
- If stakeholders are unhappy with the initial project results, how would you manage their expectations?
- What steps do you take to ensure project quality?
- How do you keep your project team motivated, especially during challenging phases?
- How do you integrate new technologies into your project management process?
- Describe your experience with budget management in projects.
- How do you handle change requests from clients or stakeholders during a project?
- What techniques do you use for stakeholder analysis and management?
Basic Interview Questions for Project Managers
You’re most likely to hear these at the beginning of your project manager interview. The interviewer typically asks them to assess your experience, skills, and approach to managing projects.
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Anushka Smith and I’m a Senior Project Manager at Trilogy, where I’ve been leading complex, cross-functional projects for the past 3 years. My focus is on optimizing processes and ensuring timely delivery of projects for the EMEA region. In the past, I had similar roles at Dizzion and Moderna, where I managed projects of increasing complexity and scope. That’s also where I improved my skills in project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to your mobile gaming project team at Nordeus and am eager to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs.
Tips on how to answer:
- Be ready to answer this question! “Tell me about yourself” is a common opener for any job interview. They could also ask similar versions like: “Walk me through your resume” or “Could you share a bit about your background?”.
- Use the Present-Past-Future formula to make a point: start by explaining your current role, then go back to the past and briefly mention your experiences that helped you get where you are now. Then talk about what kind of work you’d like to do next and how this role aligns with your plans and wishes.
- Don’t make this about your personal life or rehash your entire life story (or your resume).
What do you enjoy about working in project management?
I love it because it involves interacting with a wide range of people and diverse teams, so no two days or projects are the same. Although there’s a fair amount of administration involved, the versatility of the role makes it worthwhile. The nature of the projects can vary greatly depending on their size, the number of people involved, and the chosen methodology. This keeps things fresh and interesting, as I get to meet and work with people from both technical and non-technical backgrounds. This job requires you to plan well, be persistent, and stay nimble, which are some of my strongest skills. And of course, nothing beats the satisfaction of bringing projects to completion and making clients happy.
Tips on how to answer:
- Be honest — if you love the problem-solving aspect of the job, say it.
- As you list the reasons why you like the job, try to weave in your top skills crucial for effective project management.
How do you prioritize tasks in a project?
Prioritizing tasks in a project is all about balancing importance and urgency. I start by focusing on the tasks that have the most significant impact on the success of the project and ensure that they are addressed first. Next, I distinguish between tasks that are urgent and those that are less critical, and allocate time and resources accordingly. Effective time management is crucial in this process to meet deadlines and handle any unexpected changes or challenges. You need to assess and adjust priorities regularly as the project progresses to keep everything on track.
Tips on how to answer:
- Show them that you have a structured approach. Mention tools, priority matrices, or a task management software you use.
- Support your answer with examples from your own experience to show how you effectively prioritize in real life.
What project management tools and software are you familiar with?
Most of them, really. I’m fully proficient in Monday, ClickUp, and Jira, and I use them for task tracking and collaboration. For budgeting and financial reporting, NextSuite is particularly useful, and, like many other PMs, I still rely on Excel for reporting. In my current role, I use Kantata, which I find highly effective, especially the fact that you can integrate resource management.
Tips on how to answer:
- The interviewers want to see if they’ll need extra time to onboard you because of the technology, so mention all PM tools and software you’ve used and how you’ve used them.
- Bring up the classics that you’ve worked with. This shows you’re adaptable and ready to use the newest tools, while also staying faithful to well-established ones when necessary.
Behavioral Interview Questions for Project Managers
Behavioral questions are all about your past projects and what you learned.
To answer them well, you need to refer to your experience and previous roles. The interviewers ask about your past decision-making, leadership, and technical skills so that they can predict how you would do in your next role.
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help you organize your thoughts into concise stories that highlight your project management skills. But more on this approach later.
Here are the behavioral questions that often come up in project manager interviews:
Describe a time you led a project under tight deadlines.
A client needed to migrate their entire database in just two months. The tricky part was that it was a multi-phase project with different teams and super tight deadlines. Any hiccup for one team meant trouble and delays for everyone else.I had to keep everything coordinated and ensure quality. I started by breaking the project down, giving each of the phases and teams clear deadlines. Then, it was all about communication — meetings, updates, and keeping everyone in the loop at all times. I also had to plan for problems. We had to be ready to minimize the impact, be it because of unexpected delays on new equipment or wrong backup licenses.In the end, we pulled it off. Thanks to our coordinated efforts and focus on clear communication and milestone tracking, the new environment was up and running exactly as the client expected.
Tips on how to answer:
- This is a typical problem solving question, so highlight the challenge.
- Next, focus on solutions, and discuss the specific actions you took to overcome the challenges.
- Briefly mention the key skills that helped you complete the project despite the setbacks.
Tell me about a challenging project and how you managed it.
I was tasked with leading a major IT project for a client in the automotive industry. The situation was particularly challenging because C-level executives decided to completely restructure the IT team right before the project’s launch. This meant I inherited a project where the original plans and agreements had been made by a team I wasn’t familiar with.My first priority was getting on the same page with the new team. The human factor was a bigger challenge than the technical aspect of the job. I met with everyone one-on-one to understand their strengths, hear their concerns, and learn how they liked to work. Then, we dug into the existing project plans, figured out where there might be risks, and adjusted things to make the most of the team’s expertise. Keeping everyone in the know — the team and the executives — was crucial with this kind of shakeup. Regular updates and being honest about challenges built trust fast. Of course, with a multi-year project, things change quickly. I had to be flexible, working with the team to adapt to new requirements while keeping a close eye on the budget.
In the end, despite the rocky start, we successfully finished the project within budget and made a big improvement in the company’s tech infrastructure. It really drove home the point that while technical stuff is important, managing the human side is often what makes or breaks a complex project.
Tips on how to answer:
- Pick the right example. Make sure it’s a major incident that will illustrate your problem-solving abilities. If you’re interviewing for a management role or a position you’ll need to head a team, pick an example that showcases your leadership skills.
- Keep your answer structured. It’s easy to start rambling when discussing complex situations. Focus on making a clear point and providing only the most important details to support it.
Discuss an instance where a project did not go as planned. How did you handle it?
Sample answer:
During a high-rise apartment building project, we ran into an unexpected issue with the foundation. Routine soil tests hadn’t revealed any major concerns, but during excavation, we discovered a layer of unstable bedrock that required additional reinforcement. This could have caused significant delays and potentially compromised the building’s structural integrity.
First, I prioritized safety. The crew halted excavation, and I brought in a geotechnical engineer to assess the situation. Working together, we developed a plan for reinforcing the bedrock with additional pilings. This meant collaborating closely with the structural engineer to adapt the building plans and with the procurement team to secure the necessary materials quickly.
Transparency is key in construction, so I kept the client informed every step of the way. We discussed the issue, the proposed solution, and the potential impact on the timeline and budget. Thankfully, due to great communication and early intervention, we were able to minimize delays. The additional pilings were installed, and the project continued safely and on schedule.
Tips on how to answer:
- Frame it as an opportunity to demonstrate your resourcefulness and adaptability.
- Tie it to your strengths. After explaining your actions, connect this experience to one of your top strengths.
Explain how you manage project risks.
Sample answer:
My approach to risk management is proactive. I recently had a project I can use as an example. At the outset, we brainstormed every potential roadblock, no matter how unlikely. One major risk we identified was a key vendor potentially facing supply chain delays, which could throw off the whole hardware supply for the project.
Analyzing the situation, we realized the likelihood and potential impact of this delay were high. We couldn’t afford to wait and see, so we got to work and developed a contingency plan. I researched alternative suppliers and negotiated back-up options with flexible terms. We even made some strategic adjustments to our timeline upfront to buy a bit of breathing room. Keeping everyone in the loop was essential. The Risk Register became our focal point and we updated it constantly with new information and mitigation status.
In the end, the initial vendor did experience delays, but because we were prepared, we switched suppliers quickly and kept the project on track. So, you can say my risk management philosophy is all about anticipating problems, developing those “Plan B” scenarios, and making sure the whole team is actively involved and ready to adjust as needed.
Tips on how to answer:
- Choose a situation where you acted proactively.
- Explain your process of analyzing risks and detail the mitigation strategies, contingency plans, resource adjustments, and enhanced communication strategies you used.
Can you share an experience where you had to manage a difficult team member?
On a recent software implementation project, a team member’s performance was consistently lagging. She was missing deadlines, her work was incomplete, and her negative attitude was starting to bring the whole team down. I knew I had to address it, not just for the project but for the team’s morale.
First, I organized a one-on-one meeting with her and found out she felt lost in the complexity of the project but was afraid to ask for help. We put together a plan that included extra training, more frequent check-ins, and breaking down the big tasks into smaller ones. I made sure she knew she could lean on the rest of the team, too. Then, I laid out very clear expectations — what needed to improve and a timeline for doing it.
With all this in place, this person who used to be a bottleneck of the entire project turned things around. Her work got stronger, deadlines weren’t an issue anymore, and she became a positive force on the team. Addressing this issue early on made a huge difference, not just for her work, but for the success of the entire project.
Tips on how to answer:
- This is not about you venting about a difficult team member. It’s about the actions you took to address the situation.
- Finish with a positive outcome. Explain how your actions and guidance resulted in improvements for the individual, the team, or the project as a whole. This will establish you as someone who can create a positive change.
Get a full guide on how to answer behavioral interview questions.
Situational Interview Questions for Project Managers
Situational interview questions, unlike behavioral, put you in a hypothetical project scenario and ask how you’d handle it. While the situations themselves aren’t real, these questions are a chance to show your project management skills by drawing on your past experiences. Here are some common questions with example answers and why they work.
How would you initiate a new project?
I like to start a project by defining the scope and objective. There was that one time I was hired to oversee a mobile app development project for a travel company. It was a pretty important client so initiating the project smoothly was crucial. First, I sat down with the Sales Engineers and Account team. Their insights were vital — understanding the client’s expectations and the exact scope of what was sold became the project’s foundation. Next, we held a comprehensive internal kickoff with the sales team. We ensured everyone involved, from sales to development, was fully aligned on project goals and deliverables.With a clear understanding in hand, I crafted a detailed project plan. It included a work breakdown structure, essentially, a roadmap outlining tasks, milestones, and deadlines. Collaborating closely with the Resource Management Office was essential for team selection. While they know who’s available, I provided additional client context. This included factors like location needs (remote or on-site), specific skill sets required for the client’s existing tech stack, and even language preferences. This ensured the RMO could assemble a perfectly suited project team. Once the team was finalized, I reconnected with the Account team for a final internal check, which was a chance to ensure everyone was on the same page before meeting the client. Finally, we gathered the assigned team for an internal kickoff. This ensured everyone understood their roles and responsibilities within the broader project vision.Now, with a solid plan, a well-equipped team, and clear communication channels, we were ready for the external kickoff. This meeting was our opportunity to formally launch the project by presenting the plan to the client, gathering their input, and setting the stage for a successful collaboration.
Tips on how to answer:
- Have a robust work breakdown structure. Clearly outline the steps you take during project initiation.
- Explain how your every step in the kick-off process ties into project success.
Imagine you have multiple projects with the same deadline. How would you handle the situation?
Handling multiple projects with a shared deadline is normal and expected in my current role. My approach focuses on careful prioritization, proactive resource management, and transparent communication. First, I assess each project based on its urgency, complexity, and potential impact on business objectives. This helps me determine where to focus resources and identify any critical dependencies between projects. For example, I once had to balance a critical new client launch with ongoing maintenance for an established client. After evaluating the projects, it was clear that the new client launch took priority due to its potential impact on business growth. The resource allocation turned out to be an issue, so I reached out to the established client and explained the situation openly. We were able to negotiate a slightly extended deadline for their maintenance work, allowing me to allocate more team members to the new client launch. Of course, in situations when there’s no option to renegotiate deadlines or optimize the existing resources, I would bring in additional support to bridge the gap such as temporary contractors or freelancers with the specific skill sets required for the project.
Tips on how to answer:
- Explain the process behind prioritization. Show the interviews that you consider factors like client importance, project complexity, business impact, and any existing contractual obligations.
- Emphasize resource management. Discuss how you’ll handle resource allocation when projects compete for the team’s time.
- Show you can work under pressure.
If stakeholders are unhappy with the initial project results, how would you manage their expectations?
My first step is to carefully gather their feedback and figure out what specifically failed to meet their expectations. Through meetings and detailed discussions, I try to pinpoint the root cause and figure out if it’s something we didn’t deliver on or a misunderstanding on the client’s side.This reminded me of a website development project where the client didn’t love the initial design. I sat down with them, really dug into their concerns, and found some miscommunications in the early planning stages. We re-evaluated the design to better align with their brand, made some smaller tweaks for free, and then negotiated a plan for more significant changes. They were understanding of the budget constraints, and we ended up offering a discount on those larger updates in return for their flexibility. In the end, they were happy with the final product, and we protected the project from going over budget. Open communication, a focus on problem-solving, and being realistic about what’s possible — that’s my go-to approach when expectations and reality don’t initially match up.
Tips on how to answer:
- Choose an example where you provided outstanding client experience despite problems and explain how you made that happen.
- Show you can own your mistakes. If the project setbacks stem from a clear miss on your team’s part, don’t shy away from acknowledging that.
What steps do you take to ensure project quality?
There is a situation that comes to mind. During a museum renovation project I led a couple of years ago, quality control played a crucial role from day one. The most important factor was that we worked with the client and curatorial team to define precise standards for the display cases — everything from lighting levels to the quality of materials to ensure optimal artifact preservation. Together with specialist fabricators, I developed a rigorous quality testing plan. Before full production, each display case underwent mock-ups, lighting simulations, and environmental testing. However, I made sure to manage the client’s expectations and never promised something that we couldn’t deliver on, both in terms of the budget and timeframes. During construction, I conducted regular site inspections, paying close attention to details crucial for visitor experience and functionality. This led to the early discovery of minor acoustic issues in a gallery space, so we brought an acoustics consultant who quickly identified the problem and implemented corrective measures, preventing costly delays and ensuring a premium visitor experience.Detailed documentation and clear communication were essential. I collaborated closely with the design team to ensure drawings were precise and to make any necessary adjustments. Open communication with the construction crew meant potential problems surfaced early, which allowed us to resolve them successfully.
Tips on how to answer:
- Describe the quality checks you perform and explain how the approach helps you spot potential issues early on.
- Spotlight your communication efforts. Explain how communication plays a role in completing projects successfully.
How do you keep your project team motivated, especially during challenging phases?
As a project manager in healthcare, I understand the challenges and high-stakes environments we work in. Motivating my team, especially during intense project phases, is crucial for success. During an electronic health record migration project I was in charge of, tight deadlines and the sheer complexity of the system conversion threatened to overwhelm my team. I knew maintaining motivation throughout would be a priority, so I started by keeping my own energy positive and reminding the team of the project’s potential to improve patient care. Another tactic I rely on is getting to know my team members, including their strengths and their stress points. One-on-one check-ins revealed that a clinical informatics expert was struggling with a data mapping task. Recognizing burnout risk, I shifted some of her workload and arranged for her to pair with a seasoned developer for informal mentorship. This not only unblocked the project but reignited her motivation.This focus on positivity, connection, and targeted support wasn’t just about project success. I strongly believe in protecting my team’s well-being. In the end, the EHR migration was completed on time, with minimal disruptions. But more importantly, the team felt valued, appreciated, and ready to tackle the next challenge together.
Tips on how to answer:
- Manifest the right energy. Interviewers want to see optimism, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude even in tough times.
- Choose an example that shows how you provide support and resources to your team.
- Focus on communication and recognition, but also your ability to set clear goals and timelines to keep the team on track.
If these hypothetical scenarios seem difficult to answer, check out this full guide on answering situational interview questions.
Role-specific Interview Questions for Project Managers
Project management interviews tend to be a mix of general and some very PM-specific questions.
These vary wildly based on the project, the company, and the methodology. Regardless of that, their purpose is to see how well you understand the industry and the technologies involved.
Here are 4 common questions you can expect:
How do you integrate new technologies into your project management process?
Integrating new technologies into project management is a balancing act. I stay on top of emerging tools and trends, always looking for ways to improve our processes. But before jumping on the latest shiny tech, I assess it strategically. Does it solve a genuine problem or efficiency bottleneck in our workflow? Will the team be able to adopt it easily? Does the ROI — in terms of time, cost, and results — justify the investment? To streamline one of my existing projects, I researched AI-powered code testing tools to address slowdowns in our manual testing. After evaluating options, I proposed a trial run alongside our existing process. The results were clear: a 15% reduction in testing time, faster bug identification, and minimal disruption to team workflow. We ultimately fully adopted the tool, but only after I double-checked the numbers and improvements it could provide.
Tips on how to answer:
- Balance enthusiasm with analysis. Show you’re proactive about exploring new tech but emphasize your assessment process.
- Briefly outline your assessment process. Phrases like “adoption feasibility” or “measurable ROI” will convince the interviewer that you think beyond the initial implementation.
- Illustrate with a very specific, real-life example.
Describe your experience with budget management in projects
My approach emphasizes meticulous planning, proactive resource allocation, and constant monitoring to stay within our financial boundaries. Let me share a recent example from a commercial renovation project.The initial client wishlist exceeded their available budget. My first step was collaborating with them to refine the project scope, prioritizing must-haves while identifying potential areas for cost savings. Next, came resource research. I knew that hiring a senior architect would get top-quality designs quickly but at a higher cost. After careful analysis, I estimated LOE for using a more junior architect or opting for pre-approved design elements. With this data, I presented the client with options, clearly outlining the budget vs. timeline trade-offs for each.To keep things on track, I tracked actual costs against our initial budget projections regularly. I also maintained a small contingency buffer for unexpected expenses. During framing, we discovered a minor structural issue. The buffer gave us enough elbow room to address it quickly, minimizing schedule delays and protecting the overall budget.
Tips on how to answer:
- Explain how you do budget planning and forecasting.
- Discuss how you track and monitor project spending against the budget to identify and address variances.
- Explain how you keep the client informed, with regular updates on actual vs. projected spending.
How do you handle change requests from clients or stakeholders during a project?
Change requests happen, and I’ve learned that being upfront, honest, and finding ways to work together is the best way to handle them. Two months ago, I was leading a website redesign, and halfway through, the client asked for this awesome new feature, but it was way beyond what we’d initially agreed on. Of course, I saw the scope creep ahead but I didn’t want to turn the client down just like that.Instead, I decided to perform a detailed assessment and see how this would impact the timeline, budget, and my team. Then, I laid it all out for the client — here’s how we could make it work, here’s what it would cost, and yes, it would push the launch date back. We ended up finding a middle ground, a slightly smaller version of the feature, with a reasonable timeline adjustment. They were happy with the compromise, and I was proud that we kept the project on track.The key was always being open with the client. They knew they could trust me to explain the tradeoffs, not just dictate solutions. Change may be inevitable, but it doesn’t have to derail a project if you approach it collaboratively.
Tips on how to answer:
- Show how change requests don’t disturb your flow. The key here is to show you’re open to exploring possibilities and assessing the impact of the change.
- Show you’re aware of how the change could affect resources, timelines, and budget.
- Highlight your communication skills that helped you find alternative solutions.
What techniques do you use for stakeholder analysis and management?
Understanding stakeholders is about more than just identifying them. That’s why my approach incorporates tools like power-interest mapping and SWOT analysis to create a more nuanced picture.On a recent project with significant organizational change implications, I started with a power-interest grid. This highlighted the stakeholders who held high influence, whether they were actively supportive of the project or not. For those with high interest and influence, I added a layer of SWOT analysis. Were their strengths aligned with project goals? Were there weaknesses I needed to mitigate or threats I needed to address beforehand?This level of analysis paid off. It revealed a senior manager with significant influence who was hesitant about the project. The SWOT analysis exposed a key concern: they didn’t fully understand how the changes would benefit their team. By proactively addressing this issue and making them feel heard, I was able to turn this influential stakeholder into a valuable champion of the initiative.With stakeholder management, those in-depth insights are critical. It ensures your communication and engagement strategies are actually effective, fostering support and minimizing resistance throughout the project.
Tips on how to answer:
- Emphasize the WHY, not just the WHAT. Don’t just list techniques. Explain the strategic thinking behind your choices. Why would you use power-interest mapping in one instance, and SWOT analysis in another? This shows a deeper understanding of the topic.
- Focus on relationship building. Show (through an example) how you have built trust, addressed concerns proactively, or turned potential resisters into supporters.
Pro tip: While this guide can prepare you for common themes, don’t skip your homework — research the company and the role. This will help you predict the role-specific questions you can expect in the interview.
How to Answer Project Manager Interview Questions
Project management interviews often focus on your ability to solve problems, lead teams, and deliver successful outcomes. One of the best ways to showcase these skills is by using the STAR method when answering their questions.
Use the STAR Method
The STAR method is a formula that provides a structured format for telling stories about your past work experiences. It’s mainly used for responding to behavioral and situational project manager interview questions.
STAR is an acronym standing for Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Here’s how to use it to your own advantage and impress the interviewer:
Here’s a candidate’s response we already discussed and how they implemented the STAR formula:
Situation: A client needed to migrate their entire database in just two months. The tricky part is that it was a multi-phase project with different teams and super tight deadlines. Any hiccup for one team meant trouble and delays for everyone else.
Task: I had to keep everything coordinated and ensure quality.
Action: I started by breaking the project down, giving each of the phases and teams clear deadlines. Then, it was all about communication — meetings, updates, and keeping everyone in the loop at all times. I also had to plan for problems. We had to be ready to minimize the impact, be it because of unexpected delays on new equipment or wrong backup licenses.
Result: In the end, we pulled it off. Thanks to our coordinated efforts and focus on clear communication and milestone tracking, the new environment was up and running exactly as the client expected.
Show you’re a leader who can problem-solve
Project managers are expected to be decisive problem solvers who can take charge, inspire the team, and keep plowing through despite challenges. Interviewers will look for evidence of these qualities in your responses.
Don’t be vague. Showcase that skill by describing a specific project challenge and the systematic way you approached resolving it. Emphasize your ability to analyze issues, identify solutions, and implement them effectively.
Focus on project outcomes
Interviewers want to know you’re results-driven. Instead of just listing the tasks you completed, emphasize the impact of your work.
Did you deliver the project on time and under budget? Say it.
Did your team exceed client expectations? Explain how.
People don’t trust plain theory, so quantify your successes whenever possible.
Talk about methodologies or software used
When preparing to answer project manager interview questions, one particularly effective strategy is to discuss the specific methodologies or software tools you’ve leveraged in your past roles.
This both highlights your technical competence and gives the interviewer insight into your approach to project management.
Pro tip: Mentioning methodologies like Agile, Scrum, or Kanban, or project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project can significantly strengthen your answer.
Practice for the interview (even if you’re a senior)
Remember how we said you need to come prepared?
You can 10x your interview if you can come up with great stories to answer scenario-based questions, remember concrete examples, budgets, and project deliverables.
But even if you manage to keep it all in your head, your body language, poor eye contact, or speaking too fast can cost you the job.
A great way to increase your chances of securing the offer is through mock interviews. You can use interview simulation software like Big Interview to practice. Once you record your answers on camera, you’ll get AI feedback on 12+ criteria, including the relevance of your answer, but also pace of speech and use of filler words.
If you’re already a Big Interview user and want to try this out, head over to Interviews, then Practice Sets, and choose Project Management under Industry.
Summary of the Main Points
- A Project Manager role is extremely versatile, and interviews tend do reflect that.
- Expect to be asked a lot of “what would you do if…” questions where you’ll need to go back to exact past situations and explain what you did or explain how you would react in a hypothetical scenario.
- Most of the questions will focus on key project manager skills like communication, time and budget management, resource planning, risk management, and problem solving.
- To answer project manager interview questions successfully, prepare many examples from your career and learn to answer using the STAR format.
FAQ
How to respond to interview questions with limited project management experience?
You can still effectively respond to interview questions with limited project management experience. To do it well, highlight the transferable skills you gained in other roles: organization, communication, leadership, and problem-solving. If you led small teams or earned certifications like PMP or Agile, mention them to show your commitment and motivation.
What are the most challenging questions a project manager might face?
Candidates consider behavioral or situational questions to be the most difficult because they require you to remember specific situations that may have happened a long time ago or think of hypothetical scenarios you might have never encountered.
What questions should a candidate ask at the end of a project manager interview?
- Could you give me more information about the type of projects this role entails?
- What methodologies are you using?
- Can you give me an example of projects, their duration, range, and budget?
- Does this position entail working with clients from different time zones?
- What’s an average number of projects one PM is handling at a time?
What’s the appropriate attire for a project manager interview?
Dress slightly more formal than the daily work attire. For most project manager interviews, business professional is a safe choice. If you wear a suit (matching jacket and trousers or a skirt) with a shirt or blouse, you’ll be fine. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and well-fitted. Stick to simple, professional accessories such as a watch, belt, and minimal jewelry.
What are the best practices for researching a company pre-interview?
Start with the company’s website to learn about their values, mission, products, and services. Pay attention to any recent news and press releases. For more information about key people and team members, check out their People section on LinkedIn. Glassdoor provides employee reviews and ratings for companies. This can give you a better idea about salary ranges, company culture, and any red flags.
