Project Manager Interview Questions & Tips for a Tough Job Market Project Manager Interview Q...
Project Manager Interview Questions & Tips for a Tough Job Market
In this current economy, we have a lot of individuals looking to either reposition themselves within various industries — including as Project Managers — or PMs looking for new work due to layoffs and restructuring. This makes it a helpful time to revisit the key interview questions that hiring managers consistently ask, and to pair them with modern best practices for answering them well.
Some key suggested questions include:
Core Project Management Interview Questions
1. How do you handle non-productive team members?
2. Tell me about a situation where your loyalty was challenged. What did you do? Why?
3. Give me an example of a win-win situation you have negotiated.
4. Give me an example of a stressful situation you have been in. How well did you handle it? If you had to do it over again, would you do it differently? How do you deal with stress, pressure, and unreasonable demands?
5. What are the necessary steps to successful project management?
6. How do you plan for a project?
7. Your three-month project is about to exceed the projected budget after the first month. What steps will you take to address the potential cost overrun?
8. You are given the assignment of project manager and the team members have already been identified. To increase the effectiveness of your project team, what steps will you take?
9. You've encountered a delay on an early phase of your project. What actions can you take to counter the delay? Which actions will have the most effect on the result?
10. Have you ever had a project that was considered a failure? What factors caused the project to fail?
How to Answer: Modern Best Practices
Pause a second or so to formulate a concise answer — ideally one minute or less per question, as the interviewer's time is important. Structure behavioral answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and quantify outcomes wherever possible.
Keep a professional and business focus. When you're asked general questions like "Tell me about yourself," focus mostly on your education, experience, and the value you bring to the role.
If your mind goes blank or you don't know the answer, tell the interviewer you'd like to think about that question a little more and come back to it. This is far better than rambling or guessing.
Be yourself, be honest, smile, and make eye contact. Some HR interviewers want polished scripts that are outside how you'd normally respond. You should be professional, but don't try to present a false personality.
Dress professionally even if it's a business casual environment (unless told specifically otherwise). Have a family member or friend select some of the questions and give you a brief mock interview. Attend any classes offered by your state employment commission, and practice your answers out loud.
For a deeper dive into the habits that separate good PMs from brilliant ones, see this helpful guide on the 7 habits of brilliant project managers .
Language That Makes an Impression
The words you choose can make a lasting impression. To sound confident, try phrases such as "I thrive in challenging environments and excel under pressure," or "My track record shows that I can deliver exceptional results." To sound like a leader, consider "I have successfully led teams to achieve specific goals," or "I am skilled at managing change and guiding teams through transitions."
A strong closing matters too. End with something like "Thank you for the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team," or "I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team's success." For a comprehensive list of ready-to-use interview phrases, see 100 Useful Phrases to Shine in Any Interview .
Final Thoughts
Above all else — be yourself. Answer confidently and be honest. More than anything else, making good eye contact lets the interviewer know you are serious, interested, and providing a thoughtful and honest response.
And as always, please feel free to add your own thoughts and potential questions. It will certainly be to everyone's benefit.
✦ Source: Unknown — revised and enhanced with modern interview recommendations. ✦
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