MockQuestions

Project Manager Mock Interview

Question 34 of 50 for our Project Manager Mock Interview

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

Question 34 of 50

Tell me about the types of projects you've handled in the past.

Describe the types of projects you have experience leading. Discuss the various industries you have worked in as well as the general length of time and budgets associated with the projects you led.

Remember to review the details of the job description and research the company thoroughly before your interview. This will help you customize your response and demonstrate skills that are relevant to the types of projects you will be assigned to manage if hired.

It's important to do some research prior to the interview so you know what kinds of projects you'll be working on if this company hires you. Customize your response to show that the skills you have are relevant to the types of projects you will be assigned to manage.

Next Question

How to Answer: Tell me about the types of projects you've handled in the past.

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

  • 34. Tell me about the types of projects you've handled in the past.

      How to Answer

      Describe the types of projects you have experience leading. Discuss the various industries you have worked in as well as the general length of time and budgets associated with the projects you led.

      Remember to review the details of the job description and research the company thoroughly before your interview. This will help you customize your response and demonstrate skills that are relevant to the types of projects you will be assigned to manage if hired.

      It's important to do some research prior to the interview so you know what kinds of projects you'll be working on if this company hires you. Customize your response to show that the skills you have are relevant to the types of projects you will be assigned to manage.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 25th, 2023

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Not all projects are created equal. While all project managers share a variety of universally applicable skills, there are some skills and experiences that are unique to the industry, company, and size of the projects managed. For example, the estimation, approval, execution, and support phases for construction projects are vastly different than similar phases of IT software development. Your interviewer wants to learn more about your experience to determine if your areas of expertise are in alignment with the needs of their company.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 25th, 2023

      Answer Example

      "I've managed many different kinds of projects at this point in my career. I have experience leading small to mid-size cross-functional product development teams. I have also worked on several internal enterprise projects that vary in length. I have managed budgets ranging from $50 thousand to over $5 million.

      Most recently I worked on a project whereby my team and I helped our client create a company-wide portfolio management office. This entailed designing and putting in place new structures and processes that took into account the needs of the performance reporting and strategic planning teams. I believe that I'll be able to use the same skills that enabled me to successfully complete that project within budget and under the deadline in this position as well."

      Written by Karrie Day on April 25th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I've managed many different kinds of projects at this point in my career and have created a standardised process that I typically follow no matter the project topic. However, I worked on a project where my team and I helped our client with a new system roll-out (PeopleSoft to Success Factor). This entailed putting in place new processes, data migrations, creating test scripts. I will be able to use the same skills that enabled me to successfully complete that project within budget and under the deadline in this position as well."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      When the interviewer asks about the projects you have handled and you state, 'I've managed many different kinds of projects...' this isn't very helpful for the hiring authority's discovery process. Try unpacking this sentence further by giving concrete examples. The ultimate goal is to show a connection between the projects you've managed throughout your career and the projects present in this new role. Your story of the new system roll-out is a specific example that allows the interviewer to picture you in action in the workplace. Be sure that the connection between this project and the hiring company's project needs is crystal clear.
      Show More Answers
  • 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