How to Answer: Tell me about your typical relationship with project sponsors.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Project Manager job interview.
5. Tell me about your typical relationship with project sponsors.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It's imperative that project sponsors be kept in the loop throughout the entirety of the project since they provide resources that the project needs to be completed. In addition, project sponsors can provide valuable feedback to project managers as the project progresses. Your interviewer is interested to know how often you typically contact sponsors and in what manner. They want to ensure your approach is in alignment with the responsibilities of the open project manager position.
Written by Karrie Day on April 23rd, 2023
How to Answer
Let your interviewer know that you understand the need to define a customized communication plan with your sponsor at the outset of a project. Also, convince them that you are prepared to tackle specific scenarios such as timeline issues, scope changes, technical constraints, or emergencies.
Written by Karrie Day on April 23rd, 2023
1st Answer Example
"Throughout my career, I've encountered many different kinds of sponsors. Sometimes they want to be very involved in the project and other times they don't. When I'm introduced to the sponsor(s) at the beginning of the project I try to determine their preferences and then communicate accordingly during the project.
If a problem arises that my team and I are unable to resolve on our own, I would definitely reach out to the sponsor to get their thoughts. In many cases, the feedback that the project sponsor provides is extremely helpful. For many of the sponsors I've worked with during larger projects, I scheduled weekly meetings or calls with them where I gave updates and discussed outstanding issues."
Written by Karrie Day on April 23rd, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I like to have a reoccurring cadence for our conversations established at the beginning of the relationship. That cadence may be weekly, biweekly or monthly depending on the project sponsors and the project. For emergency items, I like to get in contact with them right away to quickly resolve any issues."
Written by Jessica H. on May 9th, 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