Simple Tip for the Interview

The responsibility of a project manager is as wide-ranging as the diversity of projects and the stature of the company. A Project Manager is accountable and has certain objectives to oversee and complete. Interviewers ask questions, answers to which can help weigh a candidates skill, capability and aptitude. The approach of the interviewer may seem nerve-racking but an intelligent candidate can sensibly answer questions using instances from training and experience to display their true metal. Here is a list of typical project manager interview questions that are most likely to be asked. Being prepared before hand with answers can turn tables in favor of the interviewed. 1. Describe your experience in supervising projects? This is your opportunity to project your achievements. You do not have to give chronological details of all the projects you handled. Talk about the last few projects you have successfully completed stressing on the achievements and how it helped the organization. 2. Have you managed a difficult and complicated project? How did you handle it? The interviewer wants to determine your ability to work under adversities. You might handled projects that had you working 24/7 or was difficult to complete. Talk about projects where you had to meet sharp deadlines, where the clients were fastidious or where procuring material or manpower was difficult and elaborate on how you overcame all the problems. 3. How would you handle a situation where your superior has taken a decision not favorable for the organization? The interviewer is testing your loyalty with this question. Whom will you support -The boss who perhaps writes your report or the organization that

pays you your salary? Explain how you would put your point of view forward to try and influence the head that the decision could hamper the growth of the company without making it seem a mistake on their part. You could talk about giving a presentation that highlights the benefits of doing the project your way. If all else fails and you are definite that the decision taken by your superior is not for the good of the organization you will take the extreme step of informing someone higher in ranks about the miscalculated move to protect the companys interest. 4. How do you assert leadership qualities? Are you capable of taking over as a leader? Think of all the times you have taken decisions in a group and acted on them with lan. Be specific while describing the way you managed a team until project completion. Let the interviewer know of your correct decision making ability and how well you have managed men and material in the past. 5. Describe yourself or tell us something about yourself. This is such an open question that allows you to tell the interviewer all about yourself. It is also a tricky question, because you need to say the things the interviewer wants to hear. Your answer will depend on when the question was asked. Depending on that and the way the interview has gone so far you can speak about yourself. It is your chance to speak of your leadership qualities, your approach to work, how you handle those working under you, your goals and ambitions and a lot more depending on the flow of the tide. 6. How do you handle mistakes made by others? Your answer will speak of your management skill and how good you are at supervising different situations. A good leader will try to find solutions to blunders committed instead of playing the blame game. Frame your answer such that you talk about how you will rise above the adversity so the mistake committed by a colleague does not foil the efforts achieved by the team so far.

7. What was your biggest failure? No man is perfect, so dont try and project yourself as one. Everyone faces failures. Your aim will be to convince the interviewer that your failure was a stepping stone to who you are today. Talk about how you improved yourself and your working style because of your failure. Project your failure as a positive from which you have learned tremendously, instead of a negative that could hamper your chance at being selected. 8. How will you set realistic goals for a project? Tell the interviewer you will prioritize the work by first studying project details and making note of crucial jobs that need to be done. You will aim at completing major and critical tasks at hand before delving into minor issues that automatically fall into place. You will distribute work to your team and check the progress at scheduled intervals to ensure everything is moving as per plan. 9. Where do you see yourself two years from now? The management wants to know whether it is worth investing in you. A company will not want to employ someone who is likely to move to greener pastures after gaining experience. How do you answer this hypothetical question? Impress upon the panel interviewing you that you see yourself handling bigger projects in the organization few years down the line. You would have gained tremendous experience working with an elite team which would hold you in good stead in all your future projects in the company. 10. Why should the company employ you? You need a job, but that is not enough reason for the company to employ you. You will need to prove that you would be an asset to the company. How do you do that? Talk about your achievements if you have not done so already. Dont repeat things you have mentioned in the interview or the curriculum vitae. Speak of your experience in handling projects, manpower

and material. Let the team interviewing you know you can work under pressure and are not easily daunted by it. Dont shy from talking about your positives even if it seems like self praise. Companies look for individuals who exude confidence and have the ability to finish projects on low budget and tight schedules. Project yourself as someone who can do this and more and you will definitely land the job.

Conclusion
Companies look for competent Project Managers who can single handily take decisions and handle work at hand. Project manager interview questions revolve around topics answers to which create the right image of the candidate. It is therefore important that you appear confident in the interview and show your prowess to the interviewing panel. How you fare in the interview depends largely on the way in which you impress the panel with your answers. To excel in interviews for Project Manager rehearse answers to possible questions and you will succeed in getting the appointment letter.

A project manager is a crucial job that several other peoples jobs will depend on. Companies wish to get someone who is competent and experienced enough to handle the type of project that will stabilize their position in the industry, as well as bring in much needed profit. Its important to know what to expect, so you can prepare for your job interview. You should expect to be asked questions about your ability to manage projects effectively, considering that youre the person who will be spearheading the whole activity. There will be matters pertaining to different subjects and skills, such as your ability to plan, delegate, communicate, innovate, encourage people and evaluate.

1. How many projects have you handled before and what were these?
Always answer honestly or you risk your career and the entire project. Some companies will require you to produce a certification to that effect or may ask for the contact number of the person or company youve worked with before. Potential employers who know about your experience will most likely give you tasks that they believe are on par with your current experience. Describe the projects youve handled briefly but accurately by describing the industry, the different departments and the specific objectives.

2. What were the most challenging aspects of the project and what did you do about these?

Potential clients or employers like to define your problem-solving skills. As you get ready for your interview, think of three very difficult situations. These should also be based on your actual experience. Describe the predicament in each, then explain how you created specific solutions for them. Companies like it when you innovate, not compromise. Some of the usual difficult situations in projects include managing incompetent team members or dealing with new strategies employed by the competition.

3. How do you encourage team members?

This question intends to determine your leadership skills. It would be to your advantage to provide actual solutions to this type of problem, instead of merely answering that you took care of the job yourself or removed the person from the project. Potential employers like to see how you can motivate bored or destructive team members and transform them into productive and efficient individuals. Enumerate your techniques in dealing with unproductive members, and share one experience in which you completely changed a person for the better.

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Project managers should have the ability to evaluate themselves. Companies do not appreciate people saying that they have no weaknesses. You increase your chances of getting the project if you show that youre aware of your limitations and will focus on improving them. Also, share your key strengths and how you have used them in various projects. When it comes to weak areas, companies determine

if you have the ability to delegate tasks to more competent and skilled members of the group.

5. What are the essential qualities of a project manager?

The traits and characteristics may differ, depending on the size and type of project. However, many companies will agree that leadership and the ability to empower other members of the team are the key qualities that will make a good project manager. Projects will depend largely on the leader and your skill in appointing activities to the right individuals based on their core strengths, skills and experience.

6. What project management systems do you use?

Companies like to know if youre up-to-date on existing management models and systems. Cite a number of programs and software that youre using. Also, mention books or materials pertaining to project management and any concepts and principles you constantly refer back to when dealing with projects.

7. How do you close a project?

Typical interview questions also deal with how well you can finish a project. Many groups have experienced having project managers who do not finish the job strongly or fail to finish at all. Describe one or two of the best projects youve managed from start to finish. Share how you evaluate the results and related feedback given by team members and clients.

Over the last few months Ive had many phone and in-person interviews for project management jobs. They have been with a variety of companies covering many project types (though primarily software development and IT functions.)

Id like to share some questions Ive been consistently asked during these interviews with this group. I may not be qualified to give much advice on how to ANSWER them (disclosure: Im still interviewing! So, grain of salt.) However, I CAN shed a little light on what questions you can expect as an applicant to mid to senior level PM positions.

Now... imagine you have arrived at the interview with your folio of crisp resumes, references, and work examples... you do have all that stuff, right? You are ushered to the conference room, where you confidently shake hands and greet your interviewer(s.) You sit down, exhale... and were off!

So, TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF... (Have something short and sweet here. There is a large group of interviewers that like to challenge (ahem, torture) you by starting with this open-ended question.)

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING since your last job? (If youve been out of work more than a month, be ready for this question. Hint: Watching the History Channel is a bad answer.)

"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR in a new job? (This should work with your answer to the similar question, "What interests you about this company? Both answers can be used to express your goals and show the homework youve done on the job.)

I see you worked at Acme, Inc. for 5 years. WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS did you manage? (Prepare example projects from your past that you can speak to in moderate detail for this question. Your projects are your portfolio.) WHY DID YOU LEAVE Acme, Inc.? ( Just the facts and move on. Shoot no arrows, raise no eyebrows. They are figuring out if they want to work with you and/or if you are a criminal.)

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT? (This would be a good place

to focus on something that helped the company bottom line. Leave off your cool Glee Club accomplishments.)

Tell me about a PROJECT THAT FAILED. (If they asked the achievement question above, you can be sure that this one is coming next.)

WHAT WAS THE TYPICAL SIZE AND BUDGET of your projects? How did you manage budgets? (Make sure you have high, low and average examples. Estimate based on resource and other costs if you dont have exact numbers.)

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD DO when assigned a new project? (Ive gotten this question, to my surprise, many times. While it may depend on the project, its best to cite something specific from your methodology of choice.)

What SPECIFIC STEPS AND TECHNOLOGIES did you use on a typical project? (This is a drill-down question customized to the job requirement details. If ITIL was mentioned in the reqs, for example, be ready to speak some ITIL detail here!)

TELL ME WHY YOU'D BE A GREAT FIT for this position. (This can be asked a number of ways, but the gist of it is this... why are you a match for not only the job, but with the company and clients with whom you'll be working.)

WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE for us? (I usually have a LOT of questions. However, Im learning to trim what I ask to the time left and how glassed-over interviewers eyes may be. If you earn a second interview, you can ask questions later.)

Surprisingly, some common questions I expected like What is your greatest weakness? have not been asked. Also, I have rarely been asked about any jobs prior my last two. I may be yearning to talk about my Peace Corps experience... but they dont have time, or dont care!

There are a lot of qualified PMs and job opportunities out there. Interviews are happening every day. So, I'd like to know... WHAT COMMON QUESTIONS HAVE YOU BEEN ASKED? Lets help each other prepare for the next time one of us is sitting across that table.

1. Tell me about the most challenging engineering project that you have been involved with during past year.

2. Describe the most significant written technical report or presentation that you had to complete.

3. In your last engineering position, what were some of the things that you spent the most time on, and how much time did you spend on each?

4. What do you enjoy most/least about engineering?

5. What new engineering specialty skills have you developed during the past year?

6. Do you have any patents? If so, tell me about them. If not, is it something you see yourself pursuing and why or why not?

7. Think of a specific engineering project when you answer this question. What could you have done to be more successful in achieving your goal(s)?

8. Describe a time when you confronted a problem that really tested your engineering know-how.

9. What is your overall career objective? Do you see yourself working in engineering ten years from now? If not, what do you think you will be doing?

10. Give me an example of a time in which you were effective in doing away with the constant emergencies and surprises that engineers often face.

11. Describe a time when as a member of the engineering department, you were instrumental in building a good longterm relationship with another department within the company.

12. Tell me about your greatest success in using the principles of logic to solve an engineering problem in your last job.

13. Give me an example of a time when you applied your ability to use analytical techniques to define problems or design solutions.

14. To what extent has your engineering background required you to be skilled in the analysis of technical reports or information?

15. Describe a time when you used your engineering knowledge to solve a problem for which there appeared to be no answer.

16. Tell me about a time when you became aware of a hazardous workplace condition. How did you handle it?

17. Tell me about your experience in dealing with routine engineering work. How do you keep from getting bored?

18. I expect the engineer that I hire for this position to be precise detailed oriented in everything he or she does. What checks and balances do you use to make sure that you dont make mistakes?

19. Give me an example of a time when you had to teach a skill to other engineers.

20. Some of the best-engineered ideas are born out of an individuals ability to challenge, others ways of thinking. Tell me about a time when you were successful in do this.

21. On your last project assignment, what problems did you identify that had been previously overlooked?

22. How has your present or last engineering job changed while youve held it?

23. If I offer you a position as an engineer with us, how do you plan to get off to a jackrabbit start?

24. Give me an example of something that you have learned from a mistake that you made on a job at a client site.

25. Tell me about a time when a project team effort that you were involved in failed.

26. For what advice or assistance do fellow engineers turn to you?

27. Tell me about the most challenging technical proposal youve ever written.

28. What factors would you consider in building an engineering department from scratch?

29. How do you communicate priority projects with a team of other engineers without making them feel overwhelmed?

30. Describe a specific engineering project that you were responsible for that required a lot of interaction with a variety of people over a long period of time.

31. What do you get out of engineering that you couldnt get from any other kind of work?

32. Describe a typical day out in the field in your last or present job.

33. What media contacts do you have that would help us market our technical products/services?

34. What step-by-step criteria do you use to make difficult decisions that involve other engineers?

35. To whom did you turn for help the last time that you ran into a major technical problem, and why did you choose that person?

36. Give me two examples of technical decisions that you had to make on your last job.

37. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision that affected the entire engineering department.

38. In the field of engineering, priorities often change quickly. Give me an example of a time when that happened. How did you handle it?

39. How can you best use your engineering education and prior work experience to help our company grow?

40. How long have you been looking for an engineering spot? Have you had any job offers yet? If so, why are you still looking?

41. Tell me about a time when you had to take disciplinary action with an engineer who reported to you.

42. Tell me about the last time you lost your temper in the field.

43. What personal characteristics do you feel are necessary to be a successful engineer?

44. What single technical skill or ability is your best asset?

45. What kind of hours did you typically work in your most recent engineering job?

46. What kinds of information would you request or require before you felt you could do justice to a project assignment?

47. Describe two specific technical contributions you would expect to make during the first six months on the job if you joined our company.

48. Tell me about a time when you surpassed all expectations by going above and beyond for a client.

49. What have you specifically done to make the work of the engineers who report to you easier?

50. How do you feel about the workload in the engineering department on your present or previous job?

Top 3 Questions Asked During an Interview for a Project Management Position

When youre preparing to interview for a project manager job, its important to know what types of questions youre likely to get and how to respond to them. Whether youre applying for a full -time position or pitching your services as an independent consultant, your answers to these questions will not only determine whether you get the job but also your potential for success as a project manager.

1. In Your Experience, What One Skill Does a Project Manager Need to Succeed?
This is a favorite question among interviewers because it forces the applicant to choose one of the many skills required of a project manager. While there is technically no single right answer to this question, you need to be aware of what your answer reveals about you, your experience and your focus as a project manager.

Your answer to this question should be what you feel is your greatest strength as a project manager, and you should be prepared to explain how you plan to apply that skill to the project(s) in question. While you may want to tailor your answer based on the project or company, most interviewers will have a favorable view of project managers who cite solid team-building skills, flexibility or a proven ability to keep projects on schedule.

2. What Methods Will You Use to Deliver the Results Were Looking For?
When answering this question, its good to highlight techniques that youve used successfully in the past and identify the tools and support you expect your employer to provide. However, its also important to show that you understand the challenges inherent to that particular company and project. The interviewer may be looking to see if youll take a one size-fits-all approach to your project manager duties, or if youve given some thought to the demands of a particular job. Because of this, a generic answer is likely to fall short. Most interviewers dont want to hear that a prospective projec t manager will apply the same framework to every problem; they want to know that the person they hire will take the unique nature of each project into account. To give a well-considered answer, its a good idea to respond with some questions of your own. For example, find out who your project sponsor will be, what support youll receive from the various departments involved in the project and what recourse youll have if shifting priorities impact resource allocation.

This means that youll have to do some quick thinking on your feet to process the interviewers answers and address how they will impact your approach to the project. The key is to demonstrate that youll ask the right questions at the outset rather than make broad statements that suggest you would take the same approach to any project manager job.

3. How Will You Put Together Your Project Team?

In asking a question like this, interviewers are really trying to find out what kind of a leader you are. They want to know if you understand the diverse skills and competencies that are required to bring a project to completion. Will you seek out people just like yourself, or are you prepared to work with many different personalities? Can you inspire and motivate everyone from senior executives to hourly support staff? Your answer should show that you recognize it takes many individual contributors with different strengths and capabilities to complete a project. A successful project manager doesnt have to be good at everything; he or she just needs to kn ow how to assemble and manage a team with expertise in a wide variety of areas.

Mechanical Project Engineer interview questions

Your prospective employer's corporate web site is the best place to see the company as it wants to be seen. Answer honestly and don't forget you are selling yourself so make sure to put your best foot forward. Mechanical Project Engineer interview questions like these demand specifics. Mechanical Project Engineer interview questions for Informational interview : - Explain a time that you took initiative as Mechanical Project Engineer. - If you were interviewing someone for Mechanical Project Engineer position, what traits would you look for? - What type of management style do you thrive under? - What was your best learning experience? - What do you do if you disagree with a co-worker? - Describe a team experience you found rewarding. - What are you most proud of? Mechanical Project Engineer interview questions for Basic interview : - Give an example of a time you successfully worked as Mechanical Project Engineer on a team. - What are you expecting from Mechanical Project Engineer job in the future? - Would you rather write a report or give it verbally? - Does a leader need power or authority? How do you influence people? - Give me an example of when you have done more than required in a course. - Tell me about a time where you had to deal with conflict on the job. - What is the most difficult situation you have faced? Focus on yourself and your talents, not other people's flaws. The interviewer is trying to see how well you would fit in to the position. During the Mechanical Project Engineer interview, detailing how you work with others is important. Mechanical Project Engineer interview questions for Face to Face interview : - How do you see this Mechanical Project Engineer job developing? - What are common risks for Mechanical Project Engineer? And how to face? - How do you keep yourself and your teammates motivated? - Does a leader need power or authority? How do you influence people? - What percentage of your time is spent doing each function? - Did you ever not meet your goals? Why? - Do you work better under pressure or with time to plan and organize? How you respond to these Mechanical Project Engineer interview questions may be a litmus test for how well you'll fit into the organization. The best policy is to be honest with yourself, and be honest with the interviewer. Always associate your skills and experience with the requirements of the job. Mechanical Project Engineer interview questions for Phone interview : - What is your biggest regret and why? - Tell me about an important issue you encountered recently. - If offered this Mechanical Project Engineer job, how long do you plan to stay at company? - What types of information did you use to choose your school? - Example of a time you have placed yourself in a leadership position. - What are key tasks for Mechanical Project Engineer? - A team experience you found disappointing. Knowing about the company is crucial to know how to answer these Mechanical Project Engineer interview questions properly. This should be a straightforward questions to answer, but it can trip you up. Furthermore, try to use verbs, not adjectives in your interview answer.

Mechanical Project Engineer interview questions for General job interview: - What was the most difficult period in your life, and how did you deal with it? - What is the difference between a manager and a leader? - If you were hiring a person for Mechanical Project Engineer job, what would you look for? - What have you done to improve your verbal communication skills? - Example of a time you have placed yourself in a leadership position. - Give me an example of when you involved others in making a decision. - How did you get work assignments at your most recent employer? Review the company's mission statement to understand how it addresses its long-term goals and the way it does business. You don't need to memorize an answer, but do think about what you're going to say. Think of an example where you have had to do something on your own initiative in your current job. Mechanical Project Engineer interview questions for First interview : - Have you ever had to deal with conflicting deadlines? - Tell me about a time when you had to give someone difficult feedback. - How do you react to instruction and criticism? - Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company? - Describe a recent unpopular decision you made as Mechanical Project Engineer - Specific example of a time when criticised your work. - What was the most difficult period in your life, and how did you deal with it?

Why did you leave your last job? Have you ever been fired or forced to resign? Why have you had so many jobs in such a short period of time? Can you explain this gap in your employment history? Why should we hire YOU? What can you do for us that someone else can not? What would you hope to accomplish in your first 90 days here? Give me an example of a problem you faced on the job, and tell me how you solved it.

Describe a decision you made that was unpopular, and how you handled implementing it. Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion. Walk me through the steps you took to reach an important long-term goal. What's your biggest weakness? Give some examples of areas where you need to improve. Share some examples of how you've been able to motivate other people. What was your role in your department's most recent success? So ... Tell me about yourself. What have you learned from your mistakes? Describe a time when you were faced with unreasonable deadlines at work. What did you do? What was the outcome? What would your last boss say about you? How much $$$ money do you expect if we offer this position to you? Tell me about a time you had to establish a new partnership, or build new relationships in order to get something done. How did you go about that? What are your long-range career objectives & what steps have you taken toward obtaining them?

Describe a situation when working with a team produced more successful results than if you had completed the project on your own. Have you ever had problems with a supervisor or a coworker? ... Describe the situation. What do you do when people disagree with your ideas? Describe some times when you had to resolve a conflict with an individual, or guide others to compromise. Describe a situation where you had to deal with someone who didn't like you as a person. Tell me about an important written document you were required to complete.

What motivates you to go the extra mile on a project or job? Do you consider yourself to be a leader? What are the attributes of a good leader? Are you good at delegating tasks? Tell me about your process. Give me an example of a time when you tried to accomplish something and failed. Were you discouraged by this? What did you do about it?

Where do you see yourself five years from now? What does it mean to be successful? ... Then how successful have you been so far? What's the last book you read? What are your expectations regarding promotions and salary increases? You don't have the right kind of experience. You may be overqualified or too experienced for the position.