What level of experience do you have managing and developing personnel?
Some senior program managers have experience as the direct manager of resources they have worked with. Others come from organizations in which resources are matrixed and do not regularly report to program managers. Regardless, senior program managers typically have experience working with others to mentor, coach, and develop their professional skills. Interviewers ask this question to assess the depth of a candidate's experience in this area.
Remember to discuss your personnel management and development experience you have that comes from roles prior to program management if your experience as a program manager is limited. Also, be sure to include your experience assigning work and weighing in on performance reviews if you are not a direct manager.
"I currently work as a program manager within a PMO. There are four project managers that report to me directly. I handle their HR related needs, help them set their goals, assign their work, and write their reviews. I hold regular one-on-ones to discuss progress, issues and work together to help them achieve their goals and progress professionally. I work with them collectively to ensure we collaborate and share knowledge appropriately. I also coordinate their training and ensure they have access to mentors as needed.
Prior to working in project and program management, I was a senior business analyst and I mentored other analysts regularly. Also, I have mentored aspiring project managers that come from a number of backgrounds. I thoroughly enjoy this aspect of my work and I would love the opportunity to help develop talent as a senior program manager at your company."
"I do not have experience as a direct manager. My background lies in working in a matrixed organization where the cross-functional resources I lead report to centralized HR managers. However, I am responsible for managing the work assignments of three project managers. I discuss their performance with their managers and weigh in heavily on their reviews. The majority of their professional development comes from working with me or with mentors I help them to select. I also help to develop the analysts and scrum masters I work with. I have served in both of those roles, and I work to coach them on best practices and solve complex problems.
Finally, I participate in the hiring process for the majority of the resources for our teams, and I am typically involved with the management of any identified performance issues. I feel confident that I would be able to handle any direct resource management opportunities I may have at your company."
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