How to Answer: Tell me about any experience you have overseeing remote teams.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Project Manager job interview.
44. Tell me about any experience you have overseeing remote teams.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Nowadays it is very common for a project manager to work with teams, teammates, or partners who are located elsewhere. The interviewer wants to know that you are capable in this area.
Written by Karrie Day on April 26th, 2023
How to Answer
Provide examples of times when you've successfully led remote workers. If you haven't yet done this, talk about how you would handle it. Be sure to mention how you would communicate with and oversee this kind of employee.
Written by Karrie Day on April 26th, 2023
Answer Example
"There have been many instances during my career where I've had the opportunity to lead remote teams. I'm fully comfortable doing this. Most importantly, I make sure to use an online project management program that is accessible to everyone, no matter their location. This helps me to make sure every team member is aware of my expectations for them and allows me to track their progress.
I've learned to be flexible in terms of when the work happens as people who are located elsewhere might have different schedules and/or be in a different time zone. And communication is vital; I schedule short virtual huddles to keep workers who are outside of the office apprised of deadlines, resource availability, etc. I use Zoom, Skype, and even Facetime to communicate with them, in addition to sharing Google documents."
Written by Karrie Day on April 26th, 2023
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Amanda's Feedback
About the Author
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