What is the tool used for arriving at improvements in processes?
GM, or the goals, questions and metrics is the method used. Goals are set, questions are asked about what improvements can be made and metrics (measurements that tell us something about the process) are carried out
Describe all the steps involved from the time of project initiation to project completion.
The best answer for this question would be scenario-based. Sometimes, the interviewers themselves give a hypothetical project and ask you how you would handle it.
For each stage phase the project follows, briefly mention the following:
The main objective of that phase
The key people involved
Your role in each of those phases
Tell me about your career path and what brought you to project management?
This question is easy; you just need to provide a brief description of your previous work experiences and tell how you ended up being a project manager. However, you should understand that project management is the main focus here and most of it should converge towards proving that it was through the right skills and experience that you are here now.
What will you do if any of the customers are not happy with the quality or results of the product by the end of the project?
To handle an unhappy customer, you must:
- Show the customers that you value them
- Understand why they are not happy
- Figure out what modifications they want
- Try to incorporate the modifications if possible
- If not possible try to convince and explain to the customer that the project fits in with the agreed scope
How do you ensure you and your team deliver or exceed customer expectations?
In a nutshell, the interviewer wants to see how, in detail, you’re able to succeed as a project manager. After all, meeting (or exceeding) customer expectations when it comes to project delivery is your ultimate goal. It’s important not to be vague and give a generalized answer; you’ll want to give precise examples and details about your process.
Who is a stakeholder?
Any person, organization or an entity whose interest is affected, positively or negatively, because of the project. The influence of stakeholders is an important issue to take into account in any planning and subsequently during execution of it as well.
Can you tell us an example of a failed project? Have you had any such experiences?
Success and failure are part of your career as a project manager. It is not wise to answer ‘no’ to this question as well. Instead, you can think of an event or phase in your previous projects where you have experienced failure. This project management interview question aims to check your experience in managing risk too. You need to include how you have handled the issue.
Do you delegate?
They better! The last thing you want is a project manager who carries everything on their shoulders. That’s nuts. But this is a bit of a trick question, or at least one that has an implicit question embedded in it. What you really want to know is not whether they delegate, but how they delegate. This is a great way to weed out the micromanagers.
What are the techniques for doing “activity time” estimates?
The techniques are parametric estimates, three-point estimates and analogous estimates.
These are some of the popular questions that are asked in project management interviews. Always be prepared to answer all types of questions — technical skills, interpersonal, leadership or methodology. If you are someone who has recently started your career in project management, you can always get certified to understand the industry-related terminology, skills and methodologies.
How do you define a milestone?
Milestone is a point in project schedule when some objective, a part of a result or a part of the planned services planned are achieved.