Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Project Manager Roles – 2021

Are you interviewing for a project manager position? Here are some top questions and answers to help you showcase your project management skills, experience, and fit for the role. These questions cover a range of topics, from your approach to project management to your ability to handle challenging situations and work with diverse teams.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience as a project manager.

A: I have been working as a project manager for the past five years. During this time, I have successfully delivered multiple projects on time, within budget and with high client satisfaction. I have experience managing cross-functional teams, creating project plans, and monitoring progress to ensure project goals are met.

• 2. How do you handle changes in project scope?

A: I understand that changes in project scope are common and often necessary. To handle changes, I first assess the impact on the project timeline, budget, and resources. I then communicate the changes to my team and stakeholders, and adjust the project plan accordingly. I also make sure to document all changes and reassess any potential risks that may arise.

• 3. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time as a project manager?

A: I prioritize tasks by assessing their importance and urgency, and then assign appropriate deadlines to each task. I also make use of project management tools and schedules to help me manage my time effectively. I am also comfortable delegating tasks to team members when necessary to ensure deadlines are met.

• 4. Can you give an example of a successful project you managed and your role in its success?

A: One project that stands out to me is when I managed the implementation of a new company-wide software system. I worked closely with the IT team to develop a detailed project plan, identified potential roadblocks and risks, and communicated the project progress to all stakeholders. Through effective communication and problem-solving, we successfully implemented the system within the given timeframe and budget, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings for the company.

• 5. How do you handle conflicts within your team?

A: I believe it is important to address conflicts within the team as soon as they arise. I would first listen to both sides and try to understand the root cause of the conflict. Then, I would facilitate a discussion to resolve the issue by encouraging open communication and finding a mutually agreeable solution. I also make sure to follow up after the conflict has been resolved to ensure there are no lingering tensions.

Situational Questions

• 6. How would you handle a project that is behind schedule?

A: In this situation, I would first analyze the cause of the delay, and then make adjustments to the project plan if necessary. I would also communicate the delay to stakeholders and develop a plan to catch up on lost time. I would also involve the team in brainstorming solutions and make adjustments to the project timeline or tasks as needed to get back on track.

• 7. How do you handle a team member who is not meeting their deadlines?

A: I would first have a one-on-one discussion with the team member to understand the reason for the delay and offer support if needed. I would then work with the team member to develop a plan to get back on track and communicate any changes to the project timeline to the rest of the team. If the issue persists, I would escalate the matter to higher management and involve HR if necessary.

• 8. How do you handle a project that is at risk of going over budget?

A: I would first assess the cause of the budget overrun, and then create a detailed analysis of the expenses to determine where cuts can be made. I would also involve the finance team and stakeholders in the discussion to find solutions and prevent further overspending. If necessary, I would also re-negotiate the budget with the client or seek additional funding.

• 9. How do you handle project delays due to external factors such as weather or supplier issues?

A: In these situations, I would assess the impact on the project and communicate the issue to stakeholders. I would then work with the team to find alternative solutions or adjust the project timeline as needed. If necessary, I would also renegotiate deadlines with the client to manage expectations.

• 10. How do you handle conflicting priorities from different stakeholders in a project?

A: I would first assess the priorities of each stakeholder and try to find common ground. If necessary, I would schedule a meeting with all stakeholders to discuss and prioritize tasks together. I would also make sure to communicate any changes to the project plan and involve stakeholders in the decision-making process to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 11. How familiar are you with project management software?

A: I have experience working with a variety of project management tools, including Asana, Trello, and Microsoft Project. I am also comfortable learning and adapting to new software and can train team members on how to use them effectively.

• 12. How do you handle project documentation and reporting?

A: I am familiar with creating and maintaining project documentation, including project plans, progress reports, and risk management plans. I make sure to keep these documents organized and updated regularly to ensure all team members are on the same page.

• 13. How do you ensure quality control in project deliverables?

A: I have experience creating and implementing quality control processes in previous projects. I also ensure that team members have a clear understanding of the project requirements and expectations and conduct regular reviews and audits to ensure deliverables meet these standards.

• 14. How comfortable are you working with Agile project management methodologies?

A: I am familiar with Agile methodologies and have experience using them in projects. I am comfortable managing tasks in sprints, conducting daily scrum meetings, and adapting the project plan as needed based on feedback and changes.

• 15. How do you manage project risks?

A: I am comfortable identifying and analyzing potential project risks and developing mitigation strategies to address them. I also make sure to regularly review and update the risk management plan throughout the project to ensure all potential risks are accounted for.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. How do you handle stressful situations in the workplace?

A: I understand that project management can be a high-stress job, and I make sure to stay calm and focused in challenging situations. I take breaks when needed, prioritize tasks, and delegate when necessary to manage stress levels. I also make sure to communicate any potential issues to stakeholders and seek support from my team when needed.

• 17. How do you ensure effective communication within your team and with stakeholders?

A: Communication is key in project management, and I make sure to have open and frequent communication with both my team and stakeholders. I provide regular project updates, actively listen to concerns and feedback, and respond in a timely and professional manner to ensure everyone is on the same page.

• 18. How do you handle any conflicts between team members?

A: I believe in fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, and I make sure to address conflicts between team members as soon as they arise. I am open to hearing all sides, facilitate discussions to find a resolution, and promote a culture of understanding and respect within the team.

• 19. Can you give an example of a time when you had to resolve a difficult situation with a client or stakeholder?

A: In one instance, the client asked for additional features to be added to the project, even though it was not included in the initial scope. I had to explain to the client the impact on the project timeline and budget and negotiate a compromise that satisfied both the client and our team. By actively listening and finding a solution that worked for both parties, we were able to maintain a positive relationship with the client and deliver a successful project.

• 20. How do you continue to develop your project management skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends?

A: I am constantly seeking new learning opportunities, whether it be attending conferences, reading books, or taking online courses. I also make sure to stay current with industry trends and best practices by networking and following industry leaders and experts on social media and professional platforms.