Tell me about yourself.
While your interviewer is expecting a brief response that generally walks them through your professional history, you should take full advantage of this opportunity to make an excellent first impression and set the stage for a memorable interview. Discuss any programs you've been selected to participate in, any programs you've spearheaded, and the projects you've managed that generated significant transformation or value for your stakeholders. You can even boost your chances of standing out in the crowd by sharing a story about a hobby or activity you participate in and then describing why it helps to make you a top-notch program manager.
Remember to weave at least one interesting detail about yourself within your response. The goal is to capture your interviewer's attention and excite them to learn more about you. The detail can be personal or professional, but it should be something that helps you stand out from your competition.
"I grew up in the western US and enjoyed time outdoors as a child. I played a lot of sports and spent time doing anything that allowed me to climb, run, or get my hands dirty. I was a good student and got a full scholarship to XYZ University where I studied management.
I joined a management training program at ABC company out of college. Most of my work was analytical in support of the consultants on my teams. However, the program offered specialized training and afforded me access to senior leaders within the company which served to prepare me for my next role.
I went on to manage projects for the company I work for today. It is an IT startup and the work is very fast-paced and we have increased revenues by an average of 22% for the last three years. Given the size of the company, I wear many hats and have gained experience that can be difficult to come by in larger organizations. This appealed to me because it reminded me of my days as a child when I was constantly exploring new things and taking on new challenges. I appreciate the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with senior leaders and executive clients. I typically manage anywhere from 3 to 5 projects and I have learned how to prioritize and multi-task effectively.
I am here today to interview for the open program manager role because I am ready to take the next step in my career. I am confident that my education, training, experience, and curious spirit will help me to be successful in whatever comes next. I am excited to hear more about the position and share the details of of most notable achievements."
