How to Answer: There will be times when you will be working on more than one client project at a time. How will you ensure that the needs of all of your clients are handled?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Senior Project Manager job interview.
40. There will be times when you will be working on more than one client project at a time. How will you ensure that the needs of all of your clients are handled?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Client service is a key aspect to most SaaS project management roles. The senior project manager often serves as the point of contact or escalation for important client issues and requests, and they have a direct effect on the level of satisfaction a client has with their SaaS solution. Interviewers ask this question to identify candidates who can deliver quality service to all of the clients they are assigned to at all times.
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to indicate if you currently work on more than one client project simultaneously in your current role. Interviewers are more likely to resonate with responses given by candidates who already have experience juggling multiple clients at the same time versus those who can only provide a theoretical response.
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am assigned to more than one client at a time in my current role. I work hard to make sure each of my clients feels as though they are my top priority at all times. I have worked hard over the years to develop excellent time management and planning skills, and I lean on those skill sets to ensure that all of the my client's needs are met. Additionally, I have experience delegating to others in the event I am stretched and need to ensure that a client continues to receive top tier service."
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