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Project Manager Mock Interview

Question 3 of 50 for our Project Manager Mock Interview

Project Manager was updated by on May 9th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 3 of 50

Do you prefer to work on one project or multiple projects at the same time?

"I've had experience both juggling multiple projects and focusing on only one at a time. I think in many ways it's ideal to only have to worry about a single project at once because then you can direct all of your time, energy, and ideas to it. But there's something to be said about the excitement that comes from handling multiple projects at once. It keeps me on my toes! And, honestly, with the available project management software on the market these days it's easier than ever to keep track of several projects at one time. I have experience doing both and see value in either method. At times it's inevitable that projects might overlap as well; that's just part of the job and something I have no trouble handling."

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How to Answer: Do you prefer to work on one project or multiple projects at the same time?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Project Manager job interview.

  • 3. Do you prefer to work on one project or multiple projects at the same time?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      This question has two main objectives. First, your interviewer might genuinely want to know about your preferences. This helps them to get to know you better and assess your fit for their company and the types of projects you will lead.

      Secondly, questions like these are used to identify candidates that are rigid. Most project manager roles require flexibility Interviewers lean on questions like these to uncover red flags and narrow down the list of candidates.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 23rd, 2023

      How to Answer

      Consider what the company will likely need from you. If you think this company/industry will require you to juggle multiple projects at once, go in that direction with your answer. Be truthful but thoughtful. Authentic answers are always best.

      In the event you have a strong preference, be sure to demonstrate your professional range and flexibility by discussing your success with both models. Candidates who are able to thrive in a variety of settings are more likely to succeed in their interview.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 23rd, 2023

      1st Answer Example

      "I've had experience both juggling multiple projects and focusing on only one at a time. I think in many ways it's ideal to only have to worry about a single project at once because then you can direct all of your time, energy, and ideas to it. But there's something to be said about the excitement that comes from handling multiple projects at once. It keeps me on my toes! And, honestly, with the available project management software on the market these days it's easier than ever to keep track of several projects at one time. I have experience doing both and see value in either method. At times it's inevitable that projects might overlap as well; that's just part of the job and something I have no trouble handling."

      Written by Marcie Wilmot on January 5th, 2021

      2nd Answer Example

      "Historically I have worked on multiple projects at a time. I thrive under pressure and tend to do some of my best work and thinking when things are chaotic. With that being said, single projects are also a good way to slow down. I like having a healthy balance of both of these things to keep my role interesting."

      Written by Jessica H. on May 9th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "A few of my strong skills are- Time management and Multitasking, so I can work on multiple projects simultaneously. In my current job, I have created a tracking log for my projects, this way I am able to keep track of the project by priorities, status, deliverables, deadlines, and task responsibilities by the team member, and identify any improvements."

      Marcie's Feedback

      Nice! It's great that you're so adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously. Don't forget to directly answer the question, though - in other words, do you prefer working on multiple projects at once instead of just one? If so, why? Because it's exciting, interesting, and varied? You've done an excellent job of explaining why you're capable of handling multiple at once. Great job!

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    About the Author

    Karrie Day

    I began my professional career as an IT Business Systems Analyst. I enjoyed the role, but I knew early on that I wanted to explore project management after moving through the analyst ranks. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to partner with several talented project managers while I was working to grow my own skill set. I learned a lot from them about how to approach strategic planning, communication, conflict resolution, and how to motivate various personality types to perform their best under pressure. I learned even more from their failures.

    It was clear that project management was as much an art as a science, and I eventually got my shot at taking everything I had observed over the years and blending it into my own style for steering projects and programs successfully. While project management was not my ultimate career goal, I greatly value my time managing projects. I have utilized the skills I worked to refine in project management in every position I have held since. For example, I use the communication, strategic thinking, and tactical planning skills I regularly leaned on as a project manager each time I work with one of my coaching clients.

    Whether working as a project manager is a career goal of yours, or you fell into it through circumstance, you’re in good company. Over 16 million professionals claim the title of project manager, and project management isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the number of project managers is expected to grow by 7% over the next 8 years according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics. According to the Project Management Institute, the global outlook is even more impressive boasting up to 33% growth through 2027. Regardless of the specific location, there will likely b a strong demand for project management skill sets in the years to come.

    As a coach and writer for MockQuestions, I want to help you successfully navigate your upcoming interview for a project manager position. While some project manager skills are specific to the industry, location, and types of projects involved, many skills and behavioral traits are universally applicable to project management roles. This article will help any project manager prepare for a successful interview, and I encourage you to check out all of our sets dedicated to project management listed below.

    Learn more about Karrie Day