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Project Manager Mock Interview

Question 23 of 50 for our Project Manager Mock Interview

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

Question 23 of 50

What kinds of project management software do you use and why?

"I am always open to trying new programs because they are so helpful when I'm running a project, in many cases helping me to communicate my expectations and keeping everyone on the same page in terms of deadlines and responsibilities. Having said that, though, my favorite project management program right now is Smartsheet. I like it because it's similar to Excel, which I'm used to working in, but it performs complicated formulas across multiple pages for me. It also shows tasks in Gantt, calendar, and card views, and notifies everyone in real-time if I make any changes. So I really like using Smartsheet, but I also have experience in using monday.com, Zoho Projects, Basecamp, and Trello and I stay up on industry blogs in case other tools come along that look useful to me."

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How to Answer: What kinds of project management software do you use and why?

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

  • 23. What kinds of project management software do you use and why?

      How to Answer

      Talk to the interviewer about the software that you like and why. You'll also want to show that you stay current on new tools and programs so consider mentioning how you educate yourself in this area. Finally, be sure to mention any experience you have using administration functions or defining project management practices and workflows within the tools you describe.

      To avoid pigeonholing yourself in case the company uses a different program than the one you prefer, let the interviewer know you are a quick learner and comfortable using different programs. You may be able to find out which project management software the company uses before your interview. If so, familiarize yourself with the features and speak to your experience working with similar solutions.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 25th, 2023

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      While it is entirely possible to manage a project using a well-maintained spreadsheet, many companies require the use of software solutions that support project management. Some integrated systems (Jira, Monday, Wrike, etc.) also support other important business functions such as forecasting, purchasing, sales, CRM, product development, and team communication. Additionally, some project management tools are developed specifically for the industry they support (IT, construction, marketing, etc.)

      Your interviewer asks this question to learn more about your experience managing project information within these important tools. The more experience you have leveraging the features they offer, the easier your onboarding process will be if hired.

      Written by Karrie Day on April 25th, 2023

      Answer Example

      "I am always open to trying new programs because they are so helpful when I'm running a project, in many cases helping me to communicate my expectations and keeping everyone on the same page in terms of deadlines and responsibilities. Having said that, though, my favorite project management program right now is Smartsheet. I like it because it's similar to Excel, which I'm used to working in, but it performs complicated formulas across multiple pages for me. It also shows tasks in Gantt, calendar, and card views, and notifies everyone in real-time if I make any changes. So I really like using Smartsheet, but I also have experience in using monday.com, Zoho Projects, Basecamp, and Trello and I stay up on industry blogs in case other tools come along that look useful to me."

      Written by Marcie Wilmot on January 5th, 2021

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Part of the benefit of being an Independent contractor is working in different environments and businesses that use a wide variety of Project Management Software. I have used a wide variety of tools throughout my work experience, but I particularly like JIRA due to its integrated project management tools in addition to its defect and release management capabilities, which I find extremely useful for Agile / Lean projects. Additionally, Smartsheets is another favorite as it looks and feels like Excel, however, it does a great job of organizing tasks, and allows me to not only manage the day-to-day tasks on the project but also provides solid reporting tools for Stakeholders."

      Amanda's Feedback

      I'm very impressed! You are doing such a great job answering these questions thoroughly and with specific examples while remaining concise. With this answer, the interviewer should be able to tell that you're comfortable using multiple software tools, which showcases your adaptability and makes it clear that you're a valuable candidate.

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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