How to Interview for a Project Management Job

Project managers are an essential component to any business operation and the demand is high for candidates who are diligent and responsible. Find out how you can ace your interview and land the project manager job that you deserve.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose an outfit that will make a positive first impression. Leave the flashy jewelry at home and make sure that your clothing is pressed to perfection. Project managers are expected to pay close attention to detail and your management style will be evident based on how you present yourself.

2. Answer all your questions with a calm and assertive tone. If you're stuck, do not be shy about letting your interviewer know that you need a few moments to gather your thoughts. A good project manager needs to prove that they know how to process all the facts before proceeding.

3. Specify your experience and how it would benefit the company. Point out instances in the past where you took charge on a project or completed a large task with minimal supervision. Be especially vocal about any projects where you were able to save on expenditures without compromising quality.

4. Stay personable. A great project manager is able to work with many different personalities and your interviewer will be looking for clues that give away your people skills. Maintain good eye contact and refrain from interrupting anyone while he or she is speaking.

5. Inquire about any other requirements that this company has for their project managers that fall outside of the job description. If you are comfortable with the answer, then let your interviewer know how your skills and experience coincide with each of those requirements.

6. Emphasize your interest in the company when you sense that the interview is winding down. This is will be your last opportunity to bring up any additional information about your skills or experience that are important to the position. For example you might say, “Before we wrap up, I’d like to point out one other area of my expertise that your company would find valuable.”

7. Part with a firm handshake and a light-hearted exchange. Project managers need to converse about everyday topics with their colleagues for the sake of team-building, so your interviewer will appreciate your ability to transition from business to casual conversation.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a portfolio of your accomplishments to make a more memorable impression. Interviewers will be pleased to see concrete evidence of your project management successes and it also indicates that you take your role seriously.
• Skip the alcoholic beverages if you are on a lunch interview. The atmosphere of a lunch interview may be casual, but your manners are still open for judgment.
• Walk away from any interview that requires you to answer questions pertaining to sexual orientation, financial status and medical history. These topics should be off limits for interviewers and, in some states, are illegal to ask.