How to Answer: What attributes should a successful senior project manager display regularly?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Senior Project Manager job interview.
2. What attributes should a successful senior project manager display regularly?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Senior project managers bridge teams, stakeholders, and customers together. They are responsible for the management of resources and large budgets. They solve complex problems. Interviewers ask this question to determine if a candidate understands what a successful senior project manager looks like.
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to include a mix of management, leadership, and service-oriented skills in your response. Senior project managers are well-rounded and expected to excel holistically.
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
Answer Example
"A senior project manager should be organized and properly utilize resources such as labor, time, equipment, and money. They should lead by example, inspire others, settle conflicts, and be prepared to serve their team in whatever ways necessary for success.
Senior project managers should be able to facilitate complex and difficult discussions. They need strong business acumen and expertise in whatever domain the projects they lead to serve. They should be able to effectively analyze complex problems and develop solutions with their teams.
Finally, senior project managers need excellent customer service skills and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships. They should be able to communicate effectively across a wide range of titles and personalities within a business."
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