Project management interview questions are designed to test your expertise in the field, behaviours in common situations, goals and priorities, and experience with specific tools and methodologies.
In this article, we will share some of the most common ones, along with good answer examples. Additionally, we will give you preparation tips and discuss which questions you should ask in turn.
Key Takeaways
The most common project management interview questions include general, behavioural, and technical or methodology-based ones.
You should ask recruiters questions about methodology, the company’s success metrics, and challenges a project manager might expect.
To prepare for an interview, you should perfect your CV, write a tailored cover letter, review the company projects, values, and goals, and demonstrate leadership.
Why Preparation Is Key for Project Management Interviews
Preparation is key for project management interviews because it boosts your confidence and helps you understand what to focus on. Furthermore, your research into the company before the interview should reveal what skills and experiences to highlight to improve your chances.
For project managers, those are the following:
Adaptability
Communication
Work under pressure
Stakeholder management
PM software, like Asana, Jira, and Trello
In other words, you should mention these abilities throughout the interview and demonstrate that you possess them through concrete examples.
Pro tip: Before the interview, make sure to review your past projects, KPIs, and methodologies you’ve used. Recruiters are likely to ask about that, so have them at the ready.
15 Most Common Project Management Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Below, you will find the most common project management interview questions, along with sample answers.
General Project Management Interview Questions
Let’s start with common interview questions asked at a project management interview, which relate to your skills, expertise, and values:
#1. What are the key phases of a project?
This question is meant to test your familiarity with the project management life cycle to ensure that you possess the knowledge necessary for doing this job. Usually, recruiters don’t ask this if you have an extensive PM background; they reserve it for entry-level candidates.
Here’s how you should answer this question:
Good Answer
The key phrases of a project are:
Initiation, which involves defining the projects and identifying stakeholders
Planning, which entails developing the scope, budget, schedule, and risk management
Execution, when team members deliver the tasks, while I coordinate resources and communication
Monitoring and control, which include measuring key performance metrics and making corrections
Closing, when the deliverables are completed and the project documents are signed off on
#2. How do you define project success?
Although it may appear like it, this project management interview question doesn’t ask about your personal definition of success. Instead, it checks whether you know what conditions must be met for a project to be considered successful.
So, you should say something like this:
Good Answer
“I define project success using several metrics, the most important of which is whether it brings the intended value to the business. Even if it has met all other criteria, like being delivered on time and within budget, the project can still fail if the company doesn’t benefit from it.”
#3. How do you handle project scope changes?
Scope changes are inevitable in project management, and this question evaluates how well you can deal with unpredictability and the dynamic nature of the job.
Here’s a good answer:
Good Answer
“When the project scope unexpectedly changes, I take an organised, analytical approach, first examining how the change will impact the timeline, budget, and resources. Then, I come up with several options to present to stakeholders, so they can decide what course of action to take.
Once I’ve received approval for a change, I update all project plans and communicate with the project team. Ultimately, I aim to stay flexible, while still controlling the situation and maintaining project integrity.”
#4. How do you prioritise tasks to ensure you meet project goals within the deadline?
Prioritisation is a crucial project management skill, as you’ll be expected to tackle multiple tasks for each project you undertake. As a result, you need to prove to your potential employer that you can develop an effective strategy.
This answer will help you do that:
Good Answer
“My number one criterion for task prioritisation is whether it impacts the project deadline. Tasks whose completion directly affects the deadline become high priority, while others can be finished in due time.”
#5. How do you ensure that project deliverables are of high quality?
Meeting deadlines doesn’t mean much if the project quality is poor, so your work has to be both efficient and effective. Recruiters might ask this project management interview question to check whether you have a concrete idea of how to achieve this.
In that case, you can say this:
Good Answer
“I ensure high-quality project deliverables by defining quality standards upfront, so that everyone knows at the start what is expected of them. Then, while the project is ongoing, I check in with the team regularly to ensure they have the right tools and knowledge for their tasks. I also organise reviews and testing to gather feedback and catch mistakes early on.”
Behavioural and Situational Project Management Interview Questions
Behavioural and situational project management interview questions aim to gauge how you react in specific circumstances by asking about your past experiences. To answer these, you should use the STAR method, which ensures your response is clear and well-organised.
Here are some common behavioural interview questions for project managers, along with good answers:
#1. Tell me about a time you had to manage a difficult stakeholder
Project management isn’t always smooth-sailing; you can expect to face challenges with stakeholders, which you have to handle calmly and professionally. When asking this question, recruiters want to know whether you’re capable of it and how you’ve handled such situations before.
This is what you might say:
Good Answer
“I was managing a software implementation project, and one of the stakeholders criticised the project and missed review deadlines, which impacted our timeline and team morale.
I needed to improve this relationship to avoid its negative impact on the project, so I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss his concerns. It turned out that he was worried about the software diminishing his department’s importance and leading to job eliminations. So, we developed a retraining plan to help avoid this outcome.
In the end, he became one of the project’s biggest advocates, and we finished everything on time.”
#2. Describe a project that didn’t go as planned–what did you learn?
Even when a project doesn’t go as planned, a good project manager can salvage it and learn valuable lessons to apply in the future. Recruiters want to test your ability to turn even a bad situation into a positive and meaningful experience, and this is why they might ask about such obstacles.
You can say something along these lines:
Good Answer
“I was in charge of a website redesign project that was tied to a Christmas marketing campaign and was, therefore, on a very strict deadline. Three weeks before the launch, our lead designer had a health emergency and needed to leave for an extended period.
This loss significantly impacted the team, as no one else had the same level of skill and knowledge. Still, the project had to be completed, so I assessed our progress and brought the team together for a conversation. We divided the features into vital and optional ones and moved the latter to a later phase of the project. I also redistributed critical features among the remaining team members.
In the end, we managed to complete the redesign with all critical features intact and delivered the optional ones after the launch. This experience taught me that I should always have a backup plan to be prepared for the unexpected.”
#3. How do you motivate a team under pressure?
As a project manager, you need to encourage the team to push through stressful situations, which will inevitably arise. This question should reveal the exact approach you take.
Here’s a good answer:
Good Answer
“I motivate a team under pressure by communicating transparently about our situation and the potential risks. I believe it’s best when everyone’s on the same page, as the team members might also come up with effective solutions. Furthermore, I acknowledge their efforts and show genuine appreciation for their hard work, especially when we’re going through a rough patch.”
#4. What is your experience managing a cross-functional team?
Managing a cross-functional team comes with its own set of challenges, as you must bridge the gap between diverse skillsets and knowledge levels. By asking this question, employers check if you have the experience and abilities that allow you to do this effectively.
This is what you might say:
Good Answer
“I managed a product launch project with a cross-functional team of 15 people, including designers, developers, content writers, and marketing specialists. Initially, it was difficult to align all these different aspects and avoid friction between the technical and creative teams.
However, I resolved these issues by bringing everyone together for a meeting where we discussed our goals, expectations, and collaboration. Then, I scheduled weekly standup meetings to check our progress and discuss any issues related to communication. I served as a mediator in certain disputes and helped different groups find compromises they were satisfied with.
In the end, the project was delivered on time, and the team satisfaction scores were high. Some of the designers and developers expressed that they were eager to collaborate on future projects, too.”
#5. Have you ever had to terminate a project early, and how did you handle the situation with stakeholders?
Terminating a project early can cause conflicts with stakeholders, so it’s a difficult situation even for a seasoned project manager. Still, you should be prepared to handle it, so recruiters might ask you about your approach in an interview.
Here’s what you can say:
Good Answer
“I was managing a mobile app development project, and we were four months in when we found out that our competitor had launched an almost identical product with better features. Considering this and the excess internal costs, I concluded it was best to terminate the project.
First, I wrote a detailed report about our current situation and options and scheduled meetings with stakeholders to discuss the decision. Once they had agreed, I developed a transition plan and relocated team members to other projects.
In the end, although there was disappointment, stakeholders understood it was best not to invest in a failing project, and we could focus on other products. My decision to terminate saved approximately £200,000 by cutting losses early.”
Technical and Methodology-Based Project Management Interview Questions
These interview questions relate to your hard skills and experiences with software, tools, and methodologies. They show the employer whether they’ll need to invest extra resources in training you.
#1. How do you manage risks in a project?
Dealing with risk is a crucial part of a project manager’s job, and recruiters will ask risk management interview questions to find out whether you possess the required foresight and strategic mind.
You can say this to prove that you do:
Good Answer
“I identify potential issues early and evaluate their probability and impact. This allows me to focus on high-priority threats, for which I create mitigation and contingency plans. Once the project begins, I monitor progress carefully and update my risk predictions accordingly. Ultimately, my approach is to learn and adapt; even if I can’t foresee and prevent everything, I can adequately respond to the situation when it arises if I spot it on time.”
#2. What project management software/tools have you used?
As a project manager, you’ll have to be familiar with the most frequently used PM software and tools to help you in your daily tasks. Most of these will likely be included on your CV, but recruiters might ask you for further clarification.
Here’s what you could say:
Good Answer
“I’ve used various project management tools, depending on the project needs. For instance, Jira has been useful for agile projects, while Asana and Monday.com have helped me with general task and workflow management.”
#3. Explain the difference between Agile and Waterfall.
This question tests your knowledge of project methodologies, and you can expect it if you’re a junior project manager with little practical experience on your CV.
Here’s how you should answer:
Good Answer
“Waterfall is a linear approach to project management, where each phase must be completed before the next one starts. As a result, it’s good for projects with clear and stable requirements, which is often the case with construction.
On the other hand, Agile is based on small, incremental work that’s completed by self-contained teams in short sprints. The work is adjusted based on continuous feedback, which makes it ideal for uncertain projects or those with frequently changing needs.”
#4. How do you stay current with new technologies and project management trends?
Project management is a fast-changing field, and your potential employer wants to hire someone who can keep up with the trends.
To prove that you are this person, say this:
Good Answer
“I stay current by continuously learning, attending courses and workshops, and reading news from the field. I am also active in project management communities, where I discuss different software and methodologies with other professionals and stay up to date.”
#5. Describe your technical background and how it helps you manage projects.
Though it’s not a requirement, many project managers have a technical background that gives them the skills and experiences necessary to manage projects. As a result, recruiters might ask about yours.
Here’s what you can say:
Good Answer
“My technical background includes four years of working as a network administrator, which involved managing security protocols and system migrations. Consequently, I have extensive experience with risk identification and management, as well as better estimation and planning.”
What to Ask Your Interviewer
Practising what to ask your interviewer is equally important as preparing answers to interview questions. Here are three options for you to consider:
#1. What project management methodology does your team primarily use?
Your interviewer’s answer to this question will reveal what skills you should highlight in your future responses, as well as what you should work on if they aren’t your strong suit. Furthermore, the question itself demonstrates your strategic mind, showing that you’re genuinely assessing whether this role is right for you and vice versa.
#2. How does the company measure project success?
This question should show you what the company prioritises and what good performance looks like from the employer’s perspective. This allows you to identify potential red flags; for instance, unrealistic expectations may be a warning sign that you should stay away.
#3. What are the biggest challenges facing your PM team?
This one reveals more about the job than the official description ever could; it shows what you’ll really deal with on a daily basis. Moreover, the way they answer can tell you a lot about their leadership. If they deflect or sugarcoat here, you can’t trust that they will openly discuss issues down the line.
On the other hand, this question paints you as a problem-solver who thinks ahead and is genuinely interested in adding value to the company.
How to Prepare for a Project Management Interview: 5 Short Tips
To prepare for a project management interview, you should perfect your project manager CV, write a tailored cover letter, review company projects and values, align your answers with business goals, and highlight leadership and certifications.
Let’s take a look at these tips in more detail:
#1. Perfect Your Project Manager CV
A good project manager CV will help you secure the interview in the first place, so write it carefully, highlighting your greatest strengths and achievements. The key is to focus on your skills and include measurable results for your accomplishments whenever possible. Once you’re done, make sure to proofread the document and pay attention to the format and design.
#2. Write a Tailored Cover Letter
A cover letter should accompany and complement your CV, further expanding on some of the things you mentioned in it. However, it should also directly relate to the company and the position you’re applying for. In other words, make sure to add a section explaining what prompted you to send an application to them specifically.
#3. Review Company Projects and Values
Understanding the company’s projects and values will give you a greater insight into its culture and help you tailor your answers accordingly. It’s important to demonstrate that you’re not just a great choice due to your skills, but also because your interests and personality match, too.
#4. Align Your Answers With Business Goals
Similarly, you should know what the company is striving for and prove in your answers that you can help it achieve that. If you understand your potential employer’s business goals, you’ll know what skills and experiences they are looking for, which will allow you to highlight the appropriate ones.
#5. Demonstrate Leadership and Highlight Certifications
Finally, it’s important to demonstrate your leadership through concrete examples from your past and emphasise any certificates you might possess. For instance, if you hold the PRINCE2 certificate, make sure to mention it during the interview, even if you’ve already showcased it in your CV.
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Final Thoughts
Hopefully, our project management interview questions and sample answers will help you pass the next one with flying colours and secure the job of your dreams. The key is to highlight your achievements through specific examples, demonstrate your skills, and show your genuine enthusiasm for the role.
Project Management Interview Questions FAQ
#1. What are the most common project management interview questions for 2025?
The most common project management interview questions for 2025 are those that ask about task prioritisation, leadership skills, methodology, and teamwork. After all, these are some of the most important skills a project manager can possess.
#2. What skills do employers look for in project managers during interviews?
Employers look for the following skills in project managers during interviews: leadership, communication, organisation, problem-solving, risk management, adaptability, and proficiency with specific tools and methodologies.
#3. How do I follow up after a project manager interview?
You can follow up after a project manager interview by sending a thank-you email within the next 24 hours and reinforcing your interest in the role. The email should be brief, but you can still reference parts of your conversation that you found particularly engaging.
