← Back to Blog

Top project manager interview questions and how to answer them

5
minute read
Try Bonsai - Best Project Management Software
Try Bonsai - Best Project Management Software
Try it free
Updated on:
May 24, 2024
June 21, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Try Bonsai - Best Project Management Software
Discover Bonsai all-in-one business management software.

Interestingly in a project manager interview, they might ask you about your knowledge of project management methods like Agile or Waterfall. They’ll want to know how you’ve used them in previous projects. Typically, you should answer with specific examples of when you used these methods.

It’s no secret that you could also be asked about your skills with project management tools such as MS Project, Basecamp, or Asana. Being ready to talk about how you start projects and define their goals as well as scope shows your practical understanding of project planning along with the theoretical knowledge you’ve gained from project management courses.

Introduction to project management interview questions

One thing is for sure: Project management is a field that requires a mix of people skills, and practical experience. 

This guide lists possible questions for a project manager interview. It’s interesting to point out that these questions will test your understanding of project management methods, your experience in the execution of projects, etc. Usually, they will also check your ability to-

  • Start projects and manage their scope
  • Handling the project lifecycle
  • Make sure the project is successful by meeting project goals

It’s beyond dispute that if you have a project management certification or have completed project management courses, it could be a plus.

Understanding the role of a project manager

Undoubtedly a project manager plays a key role in the success of a project. They start projects, plan them, and oversee their lifecycle. What’s fascinating is their job includes defining project goals and scope, and using the right project management methods.

It’s astounding to find out how project managers often gain their expertise from experience! They use various project management tools to make processes more efficient and make certain tasks meet strategic objectives. Interestingly, preparing for a project manager interview often involves showing skills in various project management approaches.

Key responsibilities of a project manager

It’s indisputable that a project manager is in charge of the following things in a project-

  • Starting
  • Planning
  • Executing
  • Controlling
  • Closing

One thing to note is another important responsibility is leading and managing the team, and resolving conflicts effectively. They also manage the project scope to make sure what is delivered matches what was initially agreed upon. What’s interesting is a project manager may need a project management certification, and sometimes, knowledge from project management courses to do their job properly.

Essential skills for a successful project manager

It’s a matter of fact that a successful project manager needs a range of important skills. Typically being able to use project management tools is crucial to streamline processes and stay organized. Understanding project management methods is important to choose the best approach for each project.

It’s no secret that being good at project planning is another key skill. One thing is for sure: these skills, along with significant project management experience greatly contribute to the success of a project.

Common project management interview questions

It’s well known that in a project manager interview, they usually ask questions to check your 

They might ask about your past project management experiences to see if you understand project management processes and the project lifecycle.

It’s obvious that interviewers may also ask specific questions to see how you handle the project start. Usually your answers to these questions can show your skills which includes your knowledge of different project management tools. 

Question 1: How do you define project management?

Generally project management is the practice of starting, planning, carrying out, controlling, and finishing a team’s work to reach specific project goals and meet certain success criteria. This strategic process involves project managers, who are skilled professionals responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing projects to make sure they are completed according to the project plan.

What’s fascinating is the project management process is guided by different project management methods and approaches. This set the steps and workflows to be followed. It is also supported by various project management tools that help with scheduling, as well as monitoring project progress. 

Question 2: Can you describe a project you managed from start to finish?

During my project management experience, I had to launch a website, which I managed from start to success. Notably my project plan started with defining the project scope, which involved creating an interactive website for all ages. 

What’s interesting is that using various project management tools helped me streamline the workflow. These tools included scheduling software and collaboration platforms, which were key in promoting effective communication. 

It’s significant to note that we used a mix of project management methods which offered flexibility and a structured approach. 

Question 3: How do you handle project changes?

When there are changes in the project, I use several strategies based on my project management experience. Plus, I use various project management tools to track these changes and make sure they are successfully implemented.

At the same time, I also follow project management methods. It’s astounding how this systematic approach helps in effectively handling changes throughout the project lifecycle! One thing is for certain: Continuous learning is important. My training for the project manager interview and project management courses have taught me effective project management approaches to address the changing needs of a project. 

Question 4: How do you manage project risks?

When managing project risks, typically I first identify potential risks during the project start and planning stages. The benefit of doing this is it aids in understanding the project scope and going beyond set project goals to anticipate issues that might come up. This early detection of risks allows for not just fixing but strategic maneuvering to reduce the potential impact on project success.

I use project management tools to keep track of and report changes. Lastly, using effective project management methods helps me handle risks, especially those related to people, budget, schedule, and changes in project details. 

Question 5: How do you handle a team member not meeting expectations?

I would say that my approach to problems is to first find the root cause. My project management experience has shown me how important it is to communicate directly. Obviously I would like to have an open talk with the team members to understand why they’re not keeping up. 

It’s a matter of fact that next, following project management processes, I would give necessary guidance and make a solid improvement plan, using project management tools if needed. If performance still doesn’t improve despite these steps, I might reconsider their role in the project or give them tasks that better fit their skills. 

Technical project management interview questions

It comes as no surprise that a project manager interview usually includes many questions to check your project management methods, and ability to use project management tools effectively. Typically, interviewers might ask about the following-

  1. Your understanding of project management methods
  2. Your knowledge of the project lifecycle from start to finish
  3. How do you handle project planning to make sure the project is successful? 

Some possible questions could be: How do you define project scope and set project goals? Talk about a project plan that didn’t succeed and what you learned from it. 

Question 6: How familiar are you with project management software like MS Project or Basecamp?

As an experienced project manager, I have a lot of experience with project management tools like MS Project and Basecamp. One thing to note is that throughout my project management experience, I’ve used these tools for project planning, setting project goals, etc. 

Notably my skill with these tools has grown through various project management courses. I’m confident in my ability to use these tools along with good project management methods. What’s interesting is some key features I find very useful in these tools include project start functions and detailed project scope. 

Question 7: Can you explain your approach to project budgeting?

It’s obvious that as a project manager, my approach to project budgeting involves a mix of project management methods together with project management processes. At the start of the project, I make a project plan that includes a detailed estimate of the project’s cost considering all aspects like resource allocation. 

I use various project management tools to keep track of spending. The beauty of these tools is they help me stay organized. One thing is for certain: My project management experience has taught me the importance of regularly reviewing the budget for the successful execution and completion of projects.

Question 8: How do you handle project scheduling and timeline management?

In managing project scheduling and timeline, I use various project management methods to make the process smoother. Surprisingly, this includes using project management tools like Gantt charts to keep track of the project lifecycle and stages. 

It’s worth noting that furthermore, I start with project initiation where I define and understand the project scope and goals. Throughout, I follow various project management processes to monitor project progress and make necessary adjustments. Generally, project management courses and project management certification have enriched my approach to managing timelines effectively.

Behavioral project management interview questions

It’s an undeniable truth that in a project manager interview, they usually ask behavior questions after talking about project management methods. They want to know about your real-world experience with project planning, overseeing the project lifecycle, and managing the project scope.

They might ask questions about the following things- 

  • How do you define project success?  
  • The steps you take when starting a project

It’s astounding how these questions help them understand your theoretical knowledge of project management! 

Question 9: Can you describe a time when a project did not go as planned and how you handled it?

In a project manager interview, I was asked about a time when a project didn’t go as planned. I remember a project start where the project scope wasn’t properly defined, which caused a delay in the project lifecycle. This resulted in the project goals not being met on time

What’s astounding is I have dealt with this situation by revising the project plan and using project management methods. This included re-evaluating the project management processes. So despite the initial problem, we were able to guide the project to success! 

Question 10: How do you handle stress and pressure during a project?

Obviously in a project manager interview, I always highlight my ability to handle stress and pressure effectively. This comes from my project management experience along with the methods I’ve learned through project management courses.

It’s a matter of fact that first, I use various project management tools to stay organized. 

Second, I follow the project management processes throughout the project lifecycle, from start to success. Lastly, getting a project management certification has given me a range of project management approaches to adapt to different situations. And what’s fascinating is in this way, I make sure the project plan is carried out efficiently and any pressure is managed properly.

How to prepare for a project management interview

Remember, before a project manager interview, carefully review the job description to understand the project goals, and required planning processes. Also, get to know common project management methods and approaches, as these will likely be discussed. 

Typically, brush up on your understanding of various project management tools that help with project start, and overall success. If possible, take a project management course or get certification. Be ready to share specific examples of your past project successes along with the strategies you used.

Research the company and the role

It’s a matter of fact that project management involves using resources, tools, and methods to achieve specific project goals. Typically, understanding the project lifecycle is key in managing project scope. This also ensures project success. Anyone preparing for a project manager interview should get to know different project management approaches and be skilled in various project management tools.

It’s well known that getting a project management certification or taking project management courses can greatly improve your project management experience. It’s staggering how this increases your chances of getting the job!

Review your past projects and experiences

In my previous role, I went through the project manager interview process, showing my knowledge of various project management approaches and methods. My project management experience spans across different industries, largely thanks to the many project management courses I took.

Notably, I was responsible for all stages of the project lifecycle. What’s noteworthy is I have used a variety of project management tools to make the project successful. 

Prepare your own questions

When interviewing for a project manager job, what project management methods have you found most useful in reaching project goals? Have any project management courses or certifications helped you understand and use these methods in your project planning process?

Could you talk about your experience with different project management tools and how they’ve helped in managing project lifecycles effectively? 

How has your project management experience given you insight into successfully starting a project and defining project scope to achieve project success?

How do your project management methods adapt to different project needs?

Conclusion: Key takeaways for project management interviews

It’s worth noting that when preparing for a project manager interview, it’s crucial to strengthen your knowledge about different project management methods and approaches. 

Remember, be ready to show your understanding of various project management tools used throughout the lifecycle of a project. Please make sure you are able to talk about how these tools have helped your project's success. 

Remember that your project management experience, which is possibly supported by project management certification or courses, shows your ability to apply best practices to the project management processes for effective project plan execution.

Try Bonsai - Best Project Management Software
Related Articles