MockQuestions

Project Manager Mock Interview

Question 25 of 50 for our Project Manager Mock Interview

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

Question 25 of 50

What do you do to prevent "scope creep"?

"Scope creep can be a real problem that results in unhappy customers/stakeholders and a blown budget and/or timeline. In my experience, it tends to occur when there is a lot of client and/or stakeholder feedback that the project manager doesn't correctly manage. Feedback is good, but many times it comes along with additional requests.

I've learned that the best way to handle these kinds of requests is to clearly explain to the customer or stakeholder how fulfilling a specific request will change the cost and timeline of the project. Then, I only add this to the project scope if the client/stakeholder accepts these cost and timeline changes. I also make sure that the scope of the project is definitively spelled out at the beginning of the project and that I keep track of the smaller tasks and goals as they are achieved so we don't veer off-course. In the instances when scope creep does occur, I move quickly to establish and communicate new expectations."

Next Question

How to Answer: What do you do to prevent "scope creep"?

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

  • 25. What do you do to prevent "scope creep"?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Scope creep can be a real problem for project managers. It occurs when the project's objectives shift as it progresses, which can lead to the project going over its budget and/or timeline. The interviewer wants to be assured that you know how to recognize and handle scope creep.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 24th, 2023

      How to Answer

      Discuss the various methods you use to prevent scope creep during project planning, execution, and any applicable support periods that occur after project implementation. Also, briefly discuss your method for looking for ways to address new requests that are 'showstoppers' or directly tied to the success of your project. This will help convince your interviewer that you are agile and can adjust the project plan to accommodate critical items necessary for a positive outcome.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 25th, 2023

      Answer Example

      "Scope creep can be a real problem that results in unhappy customers/stakeholders and a blown budget and/or timeline. In my experience, it tends to occur when there is a lot of client and/or stakeholder feedback that the project manager doesn't correctly manage. Feedback is good, but many times it comes along with additional requests.

      I've learned that the best way to handle these kinds of requests is to clearly explain to the customer or stakeholder how fulfilling a specific request will change the cost and timeline of the project. Then, I only add this to the project scope if the client/stakeholder accepts these cost and timeline changes. I also make sure that the scope of the project is definitively spelled out at the beginning of the project and that I keep track of the smaller tasks and goals as they are achieved so we don't veer off-course. In the instances when scope creep does occur, I move quickly to establish and communicate new expectations."

      Written by Karrie Day on April 24th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Scope creep is a potential project killer. I believe that effort during the planning stages of a project should be directed to set a formal change management process, which all stakeholders should be a signatory to. This sets the expectations that when scope starts to deviate there is a clear process to be followed. Of course, over time it is common that some stakeholders may lose sight of this, and when these unapproved changes are encountered effective communication of the process along with the Schedule and Cost impacts go a long way to mitigating the risks associated with scope creep."

      Amanda's Feedback

      You've explained how you prevented scope creep very clearly. Now, give your answer even more impact by sharing an example of a time when your ability to put preventative measures in place helped you keep stakeholder expectations in check and stop a project from expanding beyond the anticipated schedule and cost.

    • Next Question

    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