Do we focus on bookish knowledge of a PM or practical experience while taking up interviews
Yash ChopraSenior Project and Program Manager| Giesecke and Devrient India Private LimitedNew Delhi, Delhi, India
My experience of interview with an IT giant today:
Interview lasted 15 mins
The 2 gentlemen in the interview panel wanted answers based on the theoretical or bookish concepts whereas I answered on practical experience of managing projects. Learning from today's experience is that it is as important to "UNlearn" as it is to learn. Bookish knowledge is very imp in cracking interviews as you are evaluated on your bookish concepts. In practical not all bookish methodologies translate into practical world, as it varies from org to org. Had I focused on bookish rather than practical I would have cleared but does that make me a better Project Manager or suitable for the role?
There should be a fine balance between theory and practical and it is important for every one of us to understand that and realize that.
Any Inputs are welcome on this topic. Saving Changes...
I've found most of the interviews I've been in to fall somewhere between the extremes of theory and "school of hard knocks". Interviewers want to know that you understand and appreciate the theory and can apply a disciplined approach to project management, but they also want to ensure that this application is grounded in practicality and pragmatism.
It takes 2 hands to clap. Project management is not exact science and as you said it varies with org to org, industry to industry, depends on the project management maturity with in the organization as well as the involved individuals' maturity. Saving Changes...
Actually it is very tricky question. They want to hear about theory and systematic approach but more important how do you implement this theory and also what you did in the past . Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
In my opinion questions should be a mix of theory and practical experience, but if it's for a senior position then it could be just based on the experience. Saving Changes...
Dinah YoungProject Manager / Software Asset Manager| Prince William CountySpringfield, Va, United States
Maybe you should state the theory and follow up with how you would implement in real life. Saving Changes...
Depends who interviews you. Some people want high level and other want detail. And it is not usually based on their level of experience. Meaning of there is a very experienced PM, he usually talks high level and some details. I find it's the young ones, the up-and-comers, the ones who want to shine whi try to impress perhaps a third attendee that they know a lot, who drill down into theory to test you or trip you up. Nevertheless, it is good to be able to discuss both sides. Saving Changes...
