How to Interview a Prospective Employee for a Project Manager in Construction
Project management is a relatively new phrase in the world of construction. In the past, the title "Construction Manager" simply meant you were the foreman. During the late 20th century a number of changes were made that increased the responsibility of foremen and required them to obtain additional training. These changes have, in many states, become a set of standards for employing qualified project managers in the construction field.
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Instructions
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Look for the credentials. A prospective employee for a construction project management position may look the part and may say the right things, but he must be certified. In most cases you should require a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. The PMP can be obtained through the Project Management Institute (PMI), the globally recognized nonprofit membership association for project managers. This certification shows an employee's competence and ability to lead project teams.
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Ask about education. While education will most likely be listed on the prospective employee's resume, give her the opportunity to elaborate. Ask if her college or university required her to complete any exams given by the Constructor Certification Commission (CCC). The CCC administers semiannual exams to test knowledge of the field. Some institutions require completion of these exams before eligibility for graduation is considered. Ask the interviewee to show you her test scores.
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Weigh the prospective employee's ability to handle the project management position based on experience. Ask the interviewee what he could bring to the table. Pick a past position from his resume and ask him to elaborate on the job description. Ask him to give an example of a time when he was faced with a specific management problem, and ask how he solved the problem. Pay attention to his body language and take note of positive leadership qualities like dedication, creativity and assertiveness. You don't want a follower for this position.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not ask personal questions about marriage, age or number of children.
References
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