Be prepared with an example of a project where you have applied all project management best practices. During the interview keep referring that project for the answering all the questions. The interviewers always like for getting practical/actual experience answer than a hypothetical answer that you may have learnt through project management theories. Just keep this point in mind throughout the interview to demonstrate your practical knowledge. Saving Changes...
Share your Project success stories during the interview.
You can use "STAR" or "CAR" to present your Project Stories. Saving Changes...
Alok PriyadarshiProject Manager| Tata Consulting Engineers LimitedJamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
Hi Milind, I suggest to collect key information about organisations where you are going for interview. Many times they are asking scenario based questions. Like do you encounter delay or cost overrun in Project and how did you overcome. They may ask about Risk management practices in your current job and ask for good examples. Prepare and practice good story related to your current project touching planning. Scope management. Change management and stakeholders engagement. They may ask how do you find yourself suitable for this job. This is tricky question but if you are able to justify yourself with respect to all your strength, you may impress them. All the best Saving Changes...
Timothy CummutaPM Consultant| NoneLa Crosse, Wi, United States
Most organizations today, at least in the US, will ask situational questions based upon actual experience as a project manager. They are looking to see how well you plan, respond to adversity, act under stress, deal with team dynamics, and so forth. These are called behavioral questions.
One of the first questions you will get is "Tell us about yourself?" This is not a question about your personal life history, but a question about your experience regarding the position they are looking to fill. Remember, it is all about them and not you. Every question asked is designed to solicit specific information guiding them to see if you fit the job they want to fill.
As explained in other posts, use the STAR method for answering these questions. Keep your answers brief and to the point. Do not volunteer information the interviewer is not asking for. Focus on the job posting. Tailor your answers to show how your experience meets needs the company is looking to fill. The job specifications will usually dictate what the job entails. If the job requires someone highly motivated, then explain in your answers to questions how you are highly motivated.
Be prepared to ask questions. Research the company using the company web site and any other pertinent information you can find. Professionals are prepared with questions. You are not only being interviewed but you are interviewing them also to see if the company and job are a good fit for you. Ask important questions such as: What will success look like for this position? What is your management style? How will this position be evaluated six months down the road?
One question I ask is, “Does my experience sound like a good fit for this position?” While this may not be a question you are comfortable with, it does let you know if you are qualified or not in their eyes for the position. Be sure to ask what the next steps are in the interview process.
For applying to PM positions, I would have a generic resume showing all my experience to use as my master document. Then I would take the job description and write a new resume tailoring my experiences to the specific job description. Don’t lie but think about how your varying experience can be stated according to the job description. Even if this is your first PM opportunity, you most likely have experience which meets the job requirements with other work you have performed.
There are many great resources on how to answer behavioral interview questions. A simple Google search will bring an enormous amount of options. You can also utilize YouTube where there are many great videos on this subject. Good luck! Saving Changes...
