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When pursuing jobs in project management, you’ll need to prepare for your job interview. And one of the best ways of doing this is to study the most common project management job interview questions.
In this guide, we list the 20 most common project manager job interview questions and provide example answers.
Use this guide and our job interview tips to give yourself a better chance of acing your project management interview.
Tell me about yourself is one of the most common job interview questions. Recruiters ask this question to kickstart the interview and gain insight into your background.
So, how should you answer this question?
Focus on your career in project management. Avoid answering by talking about your personal life. You may want to touch on your career experiences, your passion for project management, key projects you have led and how you got into project management.
Try to frame your answer in a way that tells the interviewer a bit about who you are while demonstrating your suitability for the job.
Here is an example answer to this question:
'I am a project manager with over 18 years’ experience leading large-scale projects in 12 international locations, including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and Sweden.
Most recently, I was employed as a project manager at Example Company. In this role, I spearheaded a 12-million-dollar project to digitalise processes and automate tasks. Upon the successful delivery of this project, the company achieved annual cost savings of over one-million-dollars.'
Interviewers ask this question to gauge your expertise with different project management methodologies.
The company you’re interviewing to work for may use a specific project management methodology, such as the Agile or Waterfall methodologies. Or they may give you the freedom to use whichever project management methodology you are comfortable with.
Either way, they may want to know which methodologies you use.
View our guide to 20 of the most popular project management methodologies.
Here is an example answer to this question:
'When I have a clear understanding of a project’s requirements, I use the Waterfall methodology. I find this methodology the most efficient in leading a project to completion.
However, when operating in unpredictable environments, or I am unsure about the direction a project will go, I use the Agile methodology. With Agile, I find that the flexibility of the methodology gives me the freedom to react to change as necessary.
I have also used the eXtreme Programming (XP) methodology when managing software projects, which has been beneficial in lowering costs and improving customer satisfaction.'
One of the keys to project success is good risk management. As such, interviewers want to know that you are capable of utilising risk management techniques and mitigating risk during the course of projects.
Here is an example answer to this question:
'One of the key ways I manage risk is to identifying risk in advance. By identifying risks early, I find I am much more likely to achieve positive outcomes. I also hold weekly meetings with project teams to discuss potential risk and develop actionable plans to combat risk.
Steps I take to manage risk include developing risk registers, assigning owners to risks and implementing mitigation plans.'
One of the keys to project success is good risk management. As such, interviewers want to know that you are capable of utilising risk management techniques and mitigating risk during the course of projects.
Here is an example answer to this question:
'One of the key ways I manage risk is to identifying risk in advance. By identifying risks early, I find I am much more likely to achieve positive outcomes. I also hold weekly meetings with project teams to discuss potential risk and develop actionable plans to combat risk.
Steps I take to manage risk include developing risk registers, assigning owners to risks and implementing mitigation plans.'
With this question, interviewers are trying to determine if you can deliver projects in line with time restraints. Projects that miss deadlines can cause big problems, so if you can show your ability to stay within deadlines, you’ll make a positive impression on recruiters.
When answering this question, show how you overcome roadblocks and challenges to keep projects on track. You may want to consider using the STAR method to provide an example of a time when you ensured a project was delivered within a deadline.
STAR stands for situation, task, action, result. When using the STAR method, you start by describing the situation, followed by the task at hand, the action you took and the end result.
Here is an example answer to this question:
'I ensure projects are delivered on time by holding weekly meetings to identify potential risks and roadblocks. By identifying potential problems in advance, I am able to develop solutions that ensure projects are not side-tracked.
I also make use of project management methodologies that are responsive to change. When using such methodologies, I am able to make changes in response to problems in an efficient manner, without losing valuable time.'
Without monitoring the progress of projects, they may run off course and be more likely to fail. For this reason, interviewers may want to know that you’re adept at monitoring project progress.
When answering this question, touch on the methods you use to monitor project progress. This may involve holding meetings, gathering data and using specific project management methodologies.
Here is an example answer to this question:
'I monitor all aspects of projects, including budget, schedule, resources, scope and people, by holding weekly and daily meetings with project teams. This allows me and team members to gain insight into projects. I also collect and analyse data to monitor the progress of projects.
As I use the Prince2 project management methodology, which focuses heavily on business justification, I ensure the project remains feasible throughout by evaluating the business justification at multiple stages of the project.'
Most projects will encounter some kind of roadblock. Good project managers are capable of overcoming roadblocks and keeping projects on track.
When asking this question, interviewers want to see that you have the problem-solving skills to overcome roadblocks and deliver projects on time.
Use the STAR method when answering this question (situation, task, action, result). This will enable you to structure your answer in an easy-to-follow way.
Here is an example answer to this question:
'When I was managing a project to implement new software across the Finance and Accountancy department at Example Company, I encountered a significant roadblock. The new software did not include a vital aspect that was part of the existing software.
I decided that there was sufficient time to delay the project by two days. During this period, I went about editing and improving the software solution.
After two days, I implemented the software solution across the department. The new solution worked much more effectively than the previous software, and even brought the company annual cost savings of over twenty-thousand-dollars.
My role in this success was recognised by Senior Management, who provided me with written commendation.'
Project managers need to be able to communicate effectively with their teams and facilitate strong channels of communication across projects. Without strong communication, project will likely run into many problems.
Here is an example answer to this question:
'I use an assertive communication style, communicating in a clear and concise manner while not being overbearing. I take the time to listen to others and understand them; this, I feel, enables me to motivate teams more effectively.
For me, it’s very important that healthy channels of communication are established during the course of projects. I do this by holding daily team meetings where I encourage all team members to communicate with me and each other. I also use software and technologies to communicate with team members and share information. Additionally, I establish and maintain strong channels of communication with stakeholders.'
There are multiple project management technologies and software packages that are used to support the delivery of projects. Interviewers will want to know that you’re familiar with certain technologies, or at least that you’re capable of learning to use them.
Here is an example answer to this question:
'I am adept with many project management technologies, including Trello, Nifty, Teamwork Projects and Wrike. I am also proficient with Salesforce and other CRM systems.
I am passionate about professional development and growth. As such, I am always eager to learn new skills and I’m confident I could easily learn to use any technologies your company uses.'
An ability to motivate teams is a key skill for project managers. Without motivation, project teams will be less efficient and more likely to miss deadlines.
As such, interviewers want to determine if you’re able to motivate project teams.
Motivating teams isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ deal. Each team member has their own unique requirements in terms . So, when answering this question, demonstrate your ability to tailor your strategy in line with individual needs.
Here is an example answer to this question:
'I motivate teams by getting them onboard with project visions. I find that project teams are highly motivated when they feel they are a key cog in realising project goals.
Of course, every team member has their own needs when it comes to motivating them. As such, I take the time to get to know all team members and learn about what motivates them. This may involve providing constructive feedback, praising them, developing healthy work environments and criticising them.'
Interviewers want to know what type of leadership you will bring to projects. They want to know how you will lead project teams and get the best out of them.
Of course, you may use more than one leadership style. Most leaders don’t just use one leadership style; they use multiple styles in line with different situations. So, if you use more than one leadership style, touch on this in your answer.
To learn more about leadership styles, view our guide to the five main leadership styles.
Here is an example answer to this question:
I use an authoritative leadership style under most circumstances. I find this leadership style most effective in enhancing efficiency and ensuring projects run smoothly.
However, I have also made use of the laissez-faire leadership style in recent years. I have mostly used this leadership style while manging highly-skilled and trained individuals who excel when given the freedom to make their own decisions.
Ultimately, my leadership style is about getting the most out of project teams. I do this by getting to know team members on an individual basis, which enables me to determine what motivates each individual.
Interviewers ask this question to determine if your key skills are aligned with the ones they are seeking in candidates.
Use your research when answering this question. By studying the job description for the role, you should be able to learn about the key skills the company is looking for. You will then be able to prepare your answer in line with your research.
Here is an example answer to this question:
'One of my key strengths is my ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. I’ve got over 12 years’ experience leading teams and I’ve developed a track record of getting the most out of them. In my current role, I mange 50 team members of various professions and backgrounds.
I am also a strong communicator. I communicate assertively and clearly, and I actively listen to others to understand their point of view. I believe that communication is key to project success. As a project manager, I have built a reputation for establishing robust channels of communication with stakeholders and project teams to provide a greater platform for project success.'
At the end of the job interview, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions for them. Always prepare at least one question to ask. If you don’t, the interviewer may think you are unenthusiastic and have little interest in the job.
Questions that you could ask the interviewer include:
- What do people enjoy most about working at your company?
- Could you tell me about the opportunities for professional growth at your company?
- What career paths do you see for people who are employed in this role?
As mentioned previously, using the STAR method is a great way of answering behavioural interview questions. STAR is a structured method of answering these questions. When using the STAR method, you describe the situation, task, action and result.
Using this format helps you to give your answers in the structured way that interviewers want. It also helps you to keep your answers concise.
When answering behavioural interview questions, use the STAR format to give you a better chance of making a positive impression on the interviewer.
We hope you have found this guide to project management interview questions helpful.
When pursuing jobs in project management, you will need to equip yourself with a strong CV. View our free guide on how to write a project management CV, which includes two project management CV templates. Or view our three project management cover letter examples.
