How to Answer: What is your favorite aspect of project management?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Senior Project Manager job interview.
21. What is your favorite aspect of project management?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers are interested in what motivates a candidate. They must align the right opportunity with the right individual. The answer to this question helps hiring managers ensure this role would allow the candidate they select to enjoy their work.
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
Remember To
Remember to align your answer with an aspect of the senior project manager role likely to be part of the experience for the specific job you are interviewing for. For example, an interviewer may be confused to learn that your favorite aspect of project management is working on construction projects if you are interviewing for a technology senior project manager role.
Written by Karrie Day on December 16th, 2022
Answer Example
"My favorite part of working as a project manager is that I have the honor of working with talented people across several domains. I have worked with experts in operations, technology, finance, accounting, entertainment, retail, real estate, etcetera. I truly enjoy learning about new lines of business and working to help others do whatever they do better by delivering solutions that meet their needs."
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