I’ve been shortlisted for my first ever interview for a project management post (I got my current job through the company graduate scheme). What can I expect?
Job interviews for any position can take many different forms and as a rule you should always make sure that you understand the format before you attend. Whether you are dealing through an agent or directly with the organisation, make sure you ask when called for an interview what format will be used.
The first interview could be one of two formats. The first tends to be led by your own CV; the interviewers will be asking questions about your current and previous positions, your training and education. This interview will likely explore your aspirations and your expectations about the role being interviewed for. These interviews can feel quite straight forward; “tell me about your time at X”; what was the project about?; what was your role within the project?; what went well and not so well? As such it is imperative that you fully understand your CV or the application form that you completed when applying for the role, after all this will be used by the interviewer to formulate their questions.
The second format is a competency based interview. An organisation uses these types of interviews to enable them to use scoring and metrics when comparing one or more people for a role. Competency based interviews are used to try and find out how certain behaviours and skills will play out in the workplace if you were offered the role. Essentially the same question is asked of each interviewee regardless of their experience and background. Competency based questions for project management interviews tend to focus on these key areas; planning, team management; leadership; professional knowledge and judgement. There are many websites and books available that give sample questions to help you prepare for the competency interview format. One particular tool – called STAR – helps formulate your responses to competency questions.
Project management interviews also tend to be split in their area of focus. The technical side of project management will cover questions related to project management theory and your practical skills in areas such as scheduling, risk and configuration. The people or behavioural side of project management is tackled through situational questioning. Questions like; “tell me about a time when xx happened, how did you improve the situation?” or questions about dealing with difficult stakeholders or team members.
The likelihood is that you will have more than one interview for most positions. Second interviews (and sometimes third) are used for a number of purposes. It is an opportunity to be interviewed by other members of the team; to observe you through testing or presentation; and to discuss the human resources aspects of the role such as pay and other rewards.
The three dominant forms of testing for project management interviews are verbal reasoning; numerical reasoning and presentations. There are many free online resources to help prepare for the online testing you will be expected to complete. Generally these tests are set online and can take place either on the company premises or at your own home (the tests are such that it makes it incredibly difficult to cheat!). If requested to complete a test on line remotely, always take it seriously; set time aside and free yourself from any distraction. Many have a time element, give you only one chance and do not allow you to pause or start again! (There’s also a book we recommend)
The presentation is one of the most popular ways of testing in a project management interview. You may be given a brief a few days before your interview and be expected to attend the interview ready to give the presentation in the allotted time; some organisations add to the pressure by giving you a preparation time and brief whilst on site. Whatever the process, this is an opportunity for the interview panel to measure a number of things; your ability to interpret a brief; your planning process; your understanding of the subject matter; your time management and communication skills being just some of them. It is also important to remember that this is your opportunity to shine.
The key to being prepared for your project management interview is to gain as much information as you possibly can about the preferred interview methods and processes of the organisation you’re being interviewed for. Take the time to practice different styles of questioning and you will feel much more comfortable and in control when it comes the real thing.
You can find out more about project management interviews through our project management interview and questions advice page
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