In many organizations, project managers are often the most valued employees since they oversee vital projects.
These specialists are responsible for organizing projects, supervising employees, delegating responsibilities, staying under budget, performing quality control, and ensuring deadlines are met.
Project Manager Job Description
Typically, project managers have little or no direct involvement with actual project work; rather, they supervise employees assigned project tasks to ensure quality work is completed. To work effectively and meet deadlines, project managers must assign employees specific tasks and follow up with them. Project managers can be assigned projects that are completed in days, or ones that take months to finish.
Project managers must possess excellent business, technical, communication, management, and financial skills.
The following are additional qualities organizations seek in project managers:
• Team management skills
• Organizational skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Decision-making skills
• Analytical skills
• Leadership skills
Since organizations heavily rely on project managers, interview questions for candidates are typically very challenging and time consuming.
General Job interview questions for project managers with answers
The following are questions asked to potential project managers:
Where have you worked before?
Inexperienced individuals are rarely hired as project managers. Organizations typically hire individuals with 2-3 years of management experience. When asked about work experience, always be honest without going into too much detail.
What are some of the projects that you handled in the previous job?
If you have a lot of work experience, organize a portfolio and share it with the interviewer. Do not add information in your portfolio which is false or misleading since being dishonest will disqualify you for the position.
What are your greatest achievements in your professional life?
In addition to sharing your portfolio, describe in detail past projects you successfully managed and enjoyed. Explain how you managed team members, delegated responsibilities, and measured quality. However, be sure to provide concise answers and avoid being long-winded or boastful.
Have you ever faced any disagreements in your previous job? How did you solve it out?
Project managers must work with team members, managers, and clients who disagree with their directives. It will seem unbelievable or disingenuous to claim you’ve never disagreed with a colleague during a project. The interviewer might believe you’re dishonest or unable to handle disagreement. Provide at least one example where you had to work with people who disagreed with you and explain what you did to compromise or fix a problem.
Have you ever had disappointments?
Regardless of where you work, you will experience disappointment during your career. You may have lost a job because of downsizing, had a colleague you were close to quit, been assigned a project you didn’t enjoy, or been passed up on a promotion you were aspiring for. Provide a concise and honest answer. Potential project managers are frequently asked this question.
Professional Project Management Interview Questions and Answers
There are all kinds of project managers. Depending on the organization and the position being filled, different qualifications are listed for project manager job descriptions.
Potential senior project managers are typically asked about the following:
• Project management tools
Potential senior project managers are typically asked about the types of technologies and tools they’ve used to manage previous projects. For example, many project managers utilize MS Project.
• Business management tools
Project managers are frequently asked about business management tools they’re familiar with, including SAP, BANN, ERP, etc.
• Project Business plan and budget
Employers also want to know how much experience you have creating budgets and managing finances. Additionally, they may inquire about your experience developing project business plans. They will also probably ask you whether you have basic accounting knowledge and experience.
•Project’s prioritization methodologies
Every project manager is responsible for prioritizing tasks. As such, you will be asked about methods you’ve utilized in the past to prioritize tasks, resolve problems, and adapt to change.
•Project’s risk factors
Project managers must understand risk management. As such, you will be asked how you monitor and address risk.
•Team management
You will also be asked whether you have provided indirect or hands-on management. Additionally, interviewers ask potential project managers about multidisciplinary projects they’ve participated in.
Subcontractors, vendors and suppliers
Since more companies now have international operations, you will be asked whether you’ve ever outsourced work to foreign markets or subcontractors. If you’re asked this question, the interviewer will probably ask you whether you chose the firms or contractors.
Procurement
Project managers are often responsible for procurement and supply chain management, depending on the organization.
Cross-company management, matrix management
Project managers frequently work with members of other departments, whether it’s the logistics, procurement, or the research and development departments. Additionally, they often communicate with clients, vendors, and other professionals. Project managers are often also required to develop and submit invoices and manage project finances.
SOW & Action Items
Employers also want to know about your involvement with various types of work projects. As such, you will probably be asked about specific responsibilities assigned to you, scope of work requirements, and other action items you were responsible for.
Project’s status information – Transparency
Employers want to know how you communicated with executives and other managers while overseeing a large project. Transparency is important at all organizations.
This is just a small example of the types of questions you will be asked when being considered for a project management position. In addition to these, you will probably be asked various technical questions.
