How to Answer: Describe the budget and impact of the largest infrastructure project you have managed.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Senior Project Manager job interview.
41. Describe the budget and impact of the largest infrastructure project you have managed.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
IT infrastructure project budgets vary greatly depending on the company, the current infrastructure environment, and the nature of the requested changes. Interviewers ask this question to identify candidates who have experience managing budgets on the scale they will be responsible for if selected for the open position.
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to provide a brief description of the project within your response. Also, be sure to provide the numbers for the overall project budget and the portion of the budget you were responsible for in the event the project was large and managed by a team of project managers.
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
Answer Example
"I currently work for a large network and data services company. We recently expanded our data centers and worked on a project to stand up a new center in my region. The total budget for the project was $27 million. I managed the IT equipment purchases, setup, and software licensing portion which accounted for $16 million of the total budget.
The impact of the project was significant. Our organization is chasing growth by expanding the services we provide to mid-size companies who cannot afford their own data centers. The project set the stage to grow that market by 30% within the first two years and we are currently on target to meet that goal."
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
About the Author
As a former project manager, I genuinely appreciate the skills of talented professionals who take on the often challenging work of managing projects. Senior-level project managers have the responsibility for the success of large and complex bodies of work, and they rarely have direct authority over their teams. They have a wide range of skills including the advanced soft skills that can make the difference between smooth sailing and a perfect storm.
I had the good fortune early in my career to be led and supported by a manager who worked to help me grow my leadership and communication skills. Her approach was a mix of project management best practices and things she picked up from 'the school of keeping it real'. She taught me how to deliver information confidently. She gave me opportunities to lead through influence. She let me work out solutions to problems without jumping in to save me. Most importantly, she taught me the art of navigating difficult conversations and backed me up when I needed support.
Over time, my project management and leadership skills developed in a way that fostered a critical byproduct. My experience generated trust. My teammates and my clients trusted me to advocate for their needs. My management trusted me to keep things moving while offering the upward communication necessary for success in their own roles. My mentees trusted me to help them on their journeys. I gained a lot of valuable knowledge managing projects, but the ability to establish trust quickly was by far the most valuable skill I developed.
I know your interviewer is likely looking for similar attributes. They want to trust their senior project manager to navigate difficult situations with poise, empathy, and integrity. They want to trust that your teams will meet the objectives of your projects smoothly. They want to know that you are looking out for the best interests of your teammates and clients. They want a leader who can help to grow others.
I hope this Q&A set helps you to prepare for your interview in a way that helps inspire confidence in your skills and convince your interviewer that they can trust you to do an excellent job on behalf of their company. Want more? Be sure to check out the rest of the suggested MockQuestions sets dedicated to specific companies, industries, and related careers.
Learn more about Karrie Day