How to Answer: What are the primary responsibilities of a project manager?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Microsoft job interview.
15. What are the primary responsibilities of a project manager?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Microsoft hires project manager candidates that have a solid grasp of project management-related knowledge. Interviewers ask this question to test a candidate's basic conceptual understanding of the functions they would be required to perform in the project manager role.
Written by Karrie Day on June 20th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to consider the responsibilities a project manager has prior to the start of a project as well as in a post-launch period. Additionally, remember to include customer and stakeholder relationship building and team development responsibilities.
Written by Karrie Day on June 20th, 2022
Answer Example
"Generally speaking, a project manager is responsible for project definition, scoping, estimation, and securing resources before a project begins. During execution, a project manager is responsible for overseeing the various phases such as design, development, implementation, and post-launch. They handle cost control, progress tracking, and change management.
Throughout the entire project lifecycle, project managers are responsible for communication with stakeholders and customers. They handle escalation and work to resolve issues. Additionally, they help to facilitate success at a team-level by removing roadblocks, mentoring, collaborating to resolve complex problems, suggesting operational improvements, and addressing conflicts."
Written by Karrie Day on June 20th, 2022