Top 23 project management interview tips
Hi, I am David, here are #Top 23 project management interview tips. If you need for details, pls leave your comment below.
1. Previous Experience
Interviewers will look for candidates to possess some degree of previous experience, even for entry level positions. Experience aligning with a beginning project manager position could be gained through membership in project teams in any setting, whether academic or professional, or even in a volunteer capacity. Interviewing candidates should be prepared to discuss these experiences and the results that were achieved.
Mention any certifications in project management or team building to gain additional credibility. Relating any knowledge in the areas of quality and finance can make a candidate stand out.
2. Body of Knowledge and Tools
Interviewers will want to gain an understanding of each candidate's knowledge as it pertains to project management best practices. Candidates who have an understanding of The Project Management Institute's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) will be viewed as more desirable.
Candidates should also be prepared to discuss experience and training associated with application programs used for project management, such as Microsoft Project software. Other computer programs typically used include spreadsheets for budget tracking, in addition to word processing and presentation software. Past experience creating and delivering presentations is beneficial as a communication skill.
3. Organization Skills
The ability to stay organized from the project initiation phase to close is of critical importance. Interview candidates should be prepared to discuss experience and skills related to organization management principles, such as document management, stakeholder management and reporting status.
Document management is critical to ensure the entire team is always working with the most recent available information. Stakeholder management involves maintaining contact with members of the organization who have a key interest in its successful completion. Stakeholders need to be kept informed of progress and obstacles that might impede that progress.
4. Get familiar with the business
Before you interview for a project management position, get familiar with that particular business. Of course, business know-how is essential for project managers, in general, but if you’re shooting for a project management job in a new industry, research is even more crucial.
Chances are that your skills are easily transferrable between one industry and another, but you need to be prepared to show that to the person who is interviewing you with solid examples. Doing lots of pre-reading about the industry for which you’re interviewing is the best way to make this happen.
5. Prepare your “about me” pitch
Because project management can be such a broad field, preparing your “about me” pitch is even more important for project management interviews than other types of interviews. You may even want to write out your answer to the classic “tell me about yourself” interview opener.
Also, be sure that you tailor your pitch to the type of business with which you’re interviewing. That way, you’ll show right off the bat how your experiences and credentials line up with the business.
6. Be ready with examples
Before you walk into any interview, be prepared with examples. You don’t want to stumble around when asked for examples of successes or failures – questions that will inevitably be asked in an interview. In fact, it’s a great idea to keep written examples of your project management experiences so you can refresh your memory before an interview.
As you’re checking for examples, consider the times when you provided a fix that saved a project from slipping away from its deadline and times that will show you are a team player.
7. Do your homework.
You’ll likely be asked difficult questions during the interview. Preparing the list of likely questions in advance will help you easily transition from question to question. Spend time researching the company. Look at its site to understand its mission statement, product offerings, and management team. A few hours spent researching before your interview can impress the hiring manager greatly. Read the company’s annual report (often posted on the site), review the employee’s LinkedIn profiles, and search the company on Google News, to see if they’ve been mentioned in the media lately. The more you know about a company, the more you’ll know how you’ll fit in to it.
8. Develop a Connection with the Interviewer
In addition to indicating what you know about the company, you should also try to develop a connection to your interviewer.
Know the interviewer's name, and use it during the job interview. (If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. And, listen very carefully during introductions. If you’re prone to forgetting names, jot it down somewhere discreet, like in small letters at the bottom of your notepad.)
Ultimately, building rapport and making a personal connection with your interviewercan up your chances of getting hired. People tend to hire candidates they like, and who seem to be a good fit for the company culture.
9. Research the Company, and Show What You Know
Do your homework about the employer and the industry, so you are ready for the interview question "What do you know about this company?" If this question is not asked, you should try to demonstrate what you know about the company on your own.
You can do this by tying what you’ve learned about the company into your responses. For example, you might say, “I noticed that when you implemented a new software system last year, your customer satisfaction ratings improved dramatically. I am well versed in the latest technologies from my experience with developing software at ABC, and appreciate a company who strives to be a leader in its industry.”
You should be able to find out a lot of information about the company’s history, mission and values, staff, culture and recent successes on its website. If the company has a blog, this can be a useful place to look, too.
10. Leverage your network
Ask people in your network if they know the management of the company and the person you are interviewing with. Ask for opinions on the leadership, values, market potential of the organization.
This is essential in assessing whether the company is a good fit for you - whether you are interviewing for a position as a mid-level manager, an executive, or member of the board of directors.
11. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know how to answer.
You can laugh good-naturedly and say, “Wow, that’s a tough one. Let me think about that for a moment…”. If you still feel unable to come up with a satisfactory answer, say something to the effect of, “I think my actions would depend on the specific situation and child involved. I might ___, or maybe even ____”. If you’re really stumped, you could explain, “I would really try to utilize the experience of my co-workers on this one. I would confide in an experienced and trusted team member and ask for his or her advice and support. I’m not afraid to admit that I don’t have all the answers, and if asking for help would bring the most benefit to the students, I wouldn’t hesitate to do so.” Or, you could say, “I would need to give this situation a lot of time and thought so I could make the best decision for my students. I would research the issue a little more by talking to the parents/ my co-workers/ principal/ going on the internet before deciding on any actions.”
12. Display professionalism
Here’s an elusive word, “professionalism.” What does it really mean? We spend this chapter helping you get a grip on this concept, from what not to wear, to developing a mindset, to seeing professionalism as a standard of living. If a world-class career is what you’re after, it’s critical to dress, think, and live as a professional, 24/7.
13. Exuding self-confidence
If you’re naturally shy or insecure, this one might seem the most challenging of our tips. But the winning candidate is the one who knows she knows what she knows, and can confidently communicate that image. In this chapter, I tell the story of my son Alan, who did NOT want to hear Dad talk to him about leadership. Then came the day I picked him up from school and he excitedly told me he’d been selected captain of his basketball team. “Well guess what that makes you, Alan?” I said. He thought a moment and squeaked, “A leader?” Turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened in his life. It’s all about believing in yourself. So if you have any doubts, I’m telling you right now that I believe in you! You should too, for that is the person most likely to win the job interview.
14. Exhibiting communication skills
Harvard Business School Professor John Kotter tells us, “Without credible communication and a lot of it, the hearts and minds of others are never captured.” It may not seem to you that this is your mission in the job interview, but it is! Your goal is to convince the hiring manager that you are the person they’ve been looking for all their lives. That means you’ve got to sound like the right candidate when you speak and that anything you’ve written—from your resume to an email—to that individual reflects a polished, confident, professional demeanor. If you need to, join a group like Toastmasters to improve your speaking skills or take a business writing class.
15. Revealing your creativity
No matter what the position is you’re interviewing for, every company appreciates creativity. Don’t think that’s you? You might surprise yourself if you just try. It begins with realizing that you are a uniquely created individual, made in the image of a creative God. We imitate him every day, whether we know it or not. So look for creative ways to express yourself in the interview. It might be through a portfolio, or you might be like the guy who sent the Magic office pizza with his resume printed inside the box! The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
16. Positive Attitude
Never say anything negative about present or past employers or coworkers! You could come across as difficult or complaining. Don’t let the interviewer think you are someone who does not take responsibility for himself, but looks for someone else to pin blame for his problems.
If the real reason you left your last job was because you had an evil supervisor, or you were harassed at work, or you were passed over for a promotion you earned, don’t say so. Just say you are looking for a better opportunity to grow or to better provide for your family. Don’t try to explain anything else. It might seem like you’re making excuses.
17. Appropriate dress
Women, never dress sexy at an interview! No low cut tops, no too-short hem lengths! Keep it conservative, and keep it covered! Makeup should be kept conservative also.
All interviews are not created equal. Some companies are more conservative than others, and some jobs are more conservative than others. If your target job is artistic, creative, or tech-y, your coworkers may go to work in shorts and flip-flops. Even if that is the case, if you want to stand out at your interview, always kick it up a notch and dress better than is expected.
18. First impressions
When meeting someone for the first time, we instantaneously make our minds about various aspects of their personality. Prepare and plan that first impression long before you walk in the door. Continue that excellent impression in the days following, and that job could be yours.
Therefore:
• Never arrive late.
• Use positive body language and turn on your charm right from the start.
• Switch off your mobile before you step into the room.
• Look fabulous; dress sharp and make sure you look your best.
• Start the interview with a handshake; give a nice firm press and then some up and down movement.
• Determine to establish a rapport with the interviewer right from the start.
• Always let the interviewer finish speaking before giving your response.
• Express yourself fluently with clarity and precision.
19. Tell Your Story
You must sell your product, which is yourself, to land the job. Be prepared to tell the interviewer why he should hire you. Some interviewers might not ask you directly to explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Whether you are asked, be sure to fit in a response during the conversation. Be confident and concise in explaining why you believe you should be hired and what you will do the best job possible. Include your qualifications in your sales pitch.
20. Be willing to learn
As alluded to above, you should always be ready to learn during an interview. Jeannie Kahwajy, an expert on organizational behavior, performed research that demonstrates that candidates who are willing to learn can turn negative interviews around. Jeannie ran experiments involving mock interviews. A recruiter was primed to have a negative bias toward a candidate. Of the three groups of candidates, one was instructed to prove they should get the job; one was told to learn from the interaction; and the final group, the control, was given no specific instructions. She found that the recruiter’s negative bias was reinforced for the control group and the group that tried to prove they should get the job. However, ALL of the candidates who set out to learn from the interaction reversed the recruiter’s negative bias and were offered a job.
21. Ask questions
Do not leave the interview without ensuring that you know all that you want to know about the position. Once the interview is over, your chance to have important questions answered has ended. Asking questions also can show that you are interested in the job. Be specific with your questions. Ask about the company and the industry. Avoid asking personal questions of the interviewer and avoid asking questions pertaining to politics, religion and the like.
Related article: Top 10 questions to ask employers in job interview
22. Follow up and send a thank-you note.
Following up after an interview can help you make a lasting impression and set you apart from the crowd. Philip Farina, CPP, a security career expert at Manta Security Management Recruiters, says: “Send both an email as well as a hard-copy thank-you note, expressing excitement, qualifications and further interest in the position. Invite the hiring manager to contact you for additional information. This is also an excellent time to send a strategic follow-up letter of interest.”
Related article: Top 6 interview thank you letter samples
23. Be open to new methodology
Whether you’re interviewing with a small business or a large company, project management methodology may be different from what you’ve been trained to follow. Before the interview, research the people who’ll speaking with and the company’s executives, including the head of project management, the CIO, and the COO, to see if you tell ahead of time if they prefer a certain methodology, such as PMI or Agile development.
1. Previous Experience
Interviewers will look for candidates to possess some degree of previous experience, even for entry level positions. Experience aligning with a beginning project manager position could be gained through membership in project teams in any setting, whether academic or professional, or even in a volunteer capacity. Interviewing candidates should be prepared to discuss these experiences and the results that were achieved.
Mention any certifications in project management or team building to gain additional credibility. Relating any knowledge in the areas of quality and finance can make a candidate stand out.
2. Body of Knowledge and Tools
Interviewers will want to gain an understanding of each candidate's knowledge as it pertains to project management best practices. Candidates who have an understanding of The Project Management Institute's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) will be viewed as more desirable.
Candidates should also be prepared to discuss experience and training associated with application programs used for project management, such as Microsoft Project software. Other computer programs typically used include spreadsheets for budget tracking, in addition to word processing and presentation software. Past experience creating and delivering presentations is beneficial as a communication skill.
3. Organization Skills
The ability to stay organized from the project initiation phase to close is of critical importance. Interview candidates should be prepared to discuss experience and skills related to organization management principles, such as document management, stakeholder management and reporting status.
Document management is critical to ensure the entire team is always working with the most recent available information. Stakeholder management involves maintaining contact with members of the organization who have a key interest in its successful completion. Stakeholders need to be kept informed of progress and obstacles that might impede that progress.
4. Get familiar with the business
Before you interview for a project management position, get familiar with that particular business. Of course, business know-how is essential for project managers, in general, but if you’re shooting for a project management job in a new industry, research is even more crucial.
Chances are that your skills are easily transferrable between one industry and another, but you need to be prepared to show that to the person who is interviewing you with solid examples. Doing lots of pre-reading about the industry for which you’re interviewing is the best way to make this happen.
5. Prepare your “about me” pitch
Because project management can be such a broad field, preparing your “about me” pitch is even more important for project management interviews than other types of interviews. You may even want to write out your answer to the classic “tell me about yourself” interview opener.
Also, be sure that you tailor your pitch to the type of business with which you’re interviewing. That way, you’ll show right off the bat how your experiences and credentials line up with the business.
6. Be ready with examples
Before you walk into any interview, be prepared with examples. You don’t want to stumble around when asked for examples of successes or failures – questions that will inevitably be asked in an interview. In fact, it’s a great idea to keep written examples of your project management experiences so you can refresh your memory before an interview.
As you’re checking for examples, consider the times when you provided a fix that saved a project from slipping away from its deadline and times that will show you are a team player.
7. Do your homework.
You’ll likely be asked difficult questions during the interview. Preparing the list of likely questions in advance will help you easily transition from question to question. Spend time researching the company. Look at its site to understand its mission statement, product offerings, and management team. A few hours spent researching before your interview can impress the hiring manager greatly. Read the company’s annual report (often posted on the site), review the employee’s LinkedIn profiles, and search the company on Google News, to see if they’ve been mentioned in the media lately. The more you know about a company, the more you’ll know how you’ll fit in to it.
8. Develop a Connection with the Interviewer
In addition to indicating what you know about the company, you should also try to develop a connection to your interviewer.
Know the interviewer's name, and use it during the job interview. (If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. And, listen very carefully during introductions. If you’re prone to forgetting names, jot it down somewhere discreet, like in small letters at the bottom of your notepad.)
Ultimately, building rapport and making a personal connection with your interviewercan up your chances of getting hired. People tend to hire candidates they like, and who seem to be a good fit for the company culture.
9. Research the Company, and Show What You Know
Do your homework about the employer and the industry, so you are ready for the interview question "What do you know about this company?" If this question is not asked, you should try to demonstrate what you know about the company on your own.
You can do this by tying what you’ve learned about the company into your responses. For example, you might say, “I noticed that when you implemented a new software system last year, your customer satisfaction ratings improved dramatically. I am well versed in the latest technologies from my experience with developing software at ABC, and appreciate a company who strives to be a leader in its industry.”
You should be able to find out a lot of information about the company’s history, mission and values, staff, culture and recent successes on its website. If the company has a blog, this can be a useful place to look, too.
10. Leverage your network
Ask people in your network if they know the management of the company and the person you are interviewing with. Ask for opinions on the leadership, values, market potential of the organization.
This is essential in assessing whether the company is a good fit for you - whether you are interviewing for a position as a mid-level manager, an executive, or member of the board of directors.
11. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know how to answer.
You can laugh good-naturedly and say, “Wow, that’s a tough one. Let me think about that for a moment…”. If you still feel unable to come up with a satisfactory answer, say something to the effect of, “I think my actions would depend on the specific situation and child involved. I might ___, or maybe even ____”. If you’re really stumped, you could explain, “I would really try to utilize the experience of my co-workers on this one. I would confide in an experienced and trusted team member and ask for his or her advice and support. I’m not afraid to admit that I don’t have all the answers, and if asking for help would bring the most benefit to the students, I wouldn’t hesitate to do so.” Or, you could say, “I would need to give this situation a lot of time and thought so I could make the best decision for my students. I would research the issue a little more by talking to the parents/ my co-workers/ principal/ going on the internet before deciding on any actions.”
12. Display professionalism
Here’s an elusive word, “professionalism.” What does it really mean? We spend this chapter helping you get a grip on this concept, from what not to wear, to developing a mindset, to seeing professionalism as a standard of living. If a world-class career is what you’re after, it’s critical to dress, think, and live as a professional, 24/7.
13. Exuding self-confidence
If you’re naturally shy or insecure, this one might seem the most challenging of our tips. But the winning candidate is the one who knows she knows what she knows, and can confidently communicate that image. In this chapter, I tell the story of my son Alan, who did NOT want to hear Dad talk to him about leadership. Then came the day I picked him up from school and he excitedly told me he’d been selected captain of his basketball team. “Well guess what that makes you, Alan?” I said. He thought a moment and squeaked, “A leader?” Turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened in his life. It’s all about believing in yourself. So if you have any doubts, I’m telling you right now that I believe in you! You should too, for that is the person most likely to win the job interview.
14. Exhibiting communication skills
Harvard Business School Professor John Kotter tells us, “Without credible communication and a lot of it, the hearts and minds of others are never captured.” It may not seem to you that this is your mission in the job interview, but it is! Your goal is to convince the hiring manager that you are the person they’ve been looking for all their lives. That means you’ve got to sound like the right candidate when you speak and that anything you’ve written—from your resume to an email—to that individual reflects a polished, confident, professional demeanor. If you need to, join a group like Toastmasters to improve your speaking skills or take a business writing class.
15. Revealing your creativity
No matter what the position is you’re interviewing for, every company appreciates creativity. Don’t think that’s you? You might surprise yourself if you just try. It begins with realizing that you are a uniquely created individual, made in the image of a creative God. We imitate him every day, whether we know it or not. So look for creative ways to express yourself in the interview. It might be through a portfolio, or you might be like the guy who sent the Magic office pizza with his resume printed inside the box! The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
16. Positive Attitude
Never say anything negative about present or past employers or coworkers! You could come across as difficult or complaining. Don’t let the interviewer think you are someone who does not take responsibility for himself, but looks for someone else to pin blame for his problems.
If the real reason you left your last job was because you had an evil supervisor, or you were harassed at work, or you were passed over for a promotion you earned, don’t say so. Just say you are looking for a better opportunity to grow or to better provide for your family. Don’t try to explain anything else. It might seem like you’re making excuses.
17. Appropriate dress
Women, never dress sexy at an interview! No low cut tops, no too-short hem lengths! Keep it conservative, and keep it covered! Makeup should be kept conservative also.
All interviews are not created equal. Some companies are more conservative than others, and some jobs are more conservative than others. If your target job is artistic, creative, or tech-y, your coworkers may go to work in shorts and flip-flops. Even if that is the case, if you want to stand out at your interview, always kick it up a notch and dress better than is expected.
18. First impressions
When meeting someone for the first time, we instantaneously make our minds about various aspects of their personality. Prepare and plan that first impression long before you walk in the door. Continue that excellent impression in the days following, and that job could be yours.
Therefore:
• Never arrive late.
• Use positive body language and turn on your charm right from the start.
• Switch off your mobile before you step into the room.
• Look fabulous; dress sharp and make sure you look your best.
• Start the interview with a handshake; give a nice firm press and then some up and down movement.
• Determine to establish a rapport with the interviewer right from the start.
• Always let the interviewer finish speaking before giving your response.
• Express yourself fluently with clarity and precision.
19. Tell Your Story
You must sell your product, which is yourself, to land the job. Be prepared to tell the interviewer why he should hire you. Some interviewers might not ask you directly to explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Whether you are asked, be sure to fit in a response during the conversation. Be confident and concise in explaining why you believe you should be hired and what you will do the best job possible. Include your qualifications in your sales pitch.
20. Be willing to learn
As alluded to above, you should always be ready to learn during an interview. Jeannie Kahwajy, an expert on organizational behavior, performed research that demonstrates that candidates who are willing to learn can turn negative interviews around. Jeannie ran experiments involving mock interviews. A recruiter was primed to have a negative bias toward a candidate. Of the three groups of candidates, one was instructed to prove they should get the job; one was told to learn from the interaction; and the final group, the control, was given no specific instructions. She found that the recruiter’s negative bias was reinforced for the control group and the group that tried to prove they should get the job. However, ALL of the candidates who set out to learn from the interaction reversed the recruiter’s negative bias and were offered a job.
21. Ask questions
Do not leave the interview without ensuring that you know all that you want to know about the position. Once the interview is over, your chance to have important questions answered has ended. Asking questions also can show that you are interested in the job. Be specific with your questions. Ask about the company and the industry. Avoid asking personal questions of the interviewer and avoid asking questions pertaining to politics, religion and the like.
Related article: Top 10 questions to ask employers in job interview
22. Follow up and send a thank-you note.
Following up after an interview can help you make a lasting impression and set you apart from the crowd. Philip Farina, CPP, a security career expert at Manta Security Management Recruiters, says: “Send both an email as well as a hard-copy thank-you note, expressing excitement, qualifications and further interest in the position. Invite the hiring manager to contact you for additional information. This is also an excellent time to send a strategic follow-up letter of interest.”
Related article: Top 6 interview thank you letter samples
23. Be open to new methodology
Whether you’re interviewing with a small business or a large company, project management methodology may be different from what you’ve been trained to follow. Before the interview, research the people who’ll speaking with and the company’s executives, including the head of project management, the CIO, and the COO, to see if you tell ahead of time if they prefer a certain methodology, such as PMI or Agile development.
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