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Project Manager Mock Interview

Question 17 of 50 for our Project Manager Mock Interview

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

Question 17 of 50

How do you go about defining the scope of a project?

"One of the first things I do when I take on a new project is to define its scope. I know from past experience that the scope of a project impacts everything, and if it isn't well defined the project might run way over budget and/or its deadline or even fail completely. I generally start by working with my assistant and team to identify the goals and objectives of the project. In other words, what is the point of the project in the first place? Once we've established this, and made sure that these goals are achievable, measurable, specific, and realistic, I also think about the client or end-user and what needs to happen to make them happy. I also consider what constraints and/or obstacles exist and how they will be managed. In the end, I am able to assign resources, establish a reasonable timeline, and create a budget for the project."

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How to Answer: How do you go about defining the scope of a project?

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

  • 17. How do you go about defining the scope of a project?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      One of the most important responsibilities of a project manager is to determine the scope of projects. If this isn't done correctly, it can negatively impact the project's budget, resource usage, and timeline. Your interviewer wants to know that you have experience with this critical process.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 23rd, 2023

      How to Answer

      Explain to the interviewer what techniques you use to define a project's scope and how this helps guarantee its success. Be sure to describe a process that follows generally accepted methods of scope definition. Also, it can be helpful to include specifics related to the industry of the company you are interviewing with or the types of projects you will be expected to lead if offered the position.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 23rd, 2023

      1st Answer Example

      "One of the first things I do when I take on a new project is to define its scope. I know from past experience that the scope of a project impacts everything, and if it isn't well defined the project might run way over budget and/or its deadline or even fail completely. I generally start by working with my assistant and team to identify the goals and objectives of the project. In other words, what is the point of the project in the first place? Once we've established this, and made sure that these goals are achievable, measurable, specific, and realistic, I also think about the client or end-user and what needs to happen to make them happy. I also consider what constraints and/or obstacles exist and how they will be managed. In the end, I am able to assign resources, establish a reasonable timeline, and create a budget for the project."

      Written by Marcie Wilmot on January 5th, 2021

      2nd Answer Example

      "I like to establish what it is the customer is asking for, their budget, their timelines and what they expect their deliverables to be upfront and in writing. I also like to breakdown timelines into short, medium and long term so that we can ensure the project stays on track. I like to know all of this information before starting a project."

      Written by Jessica H. on May 9th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Defining project scope is critical, as without it delivering a product or service that the customer wants within budget and on time is almost impossible. Generally, I sit down with all stakeholders and the project team to document from their perspective(s) what is important to be delivered as part of this project. By asking questions and having a dialogue we try to separate the wants from the needs in order to drill down to a definable, trackable, and deliverable scope for the project."

      Amanda's Feedback

      This answer illustrates that you know why clearly defining project scope is so important to successful project management. Consider enhancing your answer further by talking about a specific example that showcases your skill in accurately defining the scope of a project in order to achieve your deliverables on time and within budget.

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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