How to Answer: What are some of the ways you keep costs as low as possible on the projects you manage?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Microsoft job interview.
13. What are some of the ways you keep costs as low as possible on the projects you manage?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Financial responsibility is an important aspect of project management. Microsoft interviewers ask this question to identify candidates with a clear understanding of the various strategies used to manage costs.
Written by Karrie Day on June 20th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to discuss a mix of team and stakeholder-based strategies within your response. Effective cost management includes properly managing expectations while simultaneously monitoring the efforts of your teammates.
Written by Karrie Day on June 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"The specific strategy of cost management can depend on the project methodology. However, I lean on three main strategies to keep costs low regardless of the method we use. These include using previous work and work from other teams to benchmark and refine estimates, setting clear expectations with my stakeholders, and looking for opportunities for reuse or cost savings during the course of a project."
Written by Karrie Day on June 20th, 2022