How to Answer: Why do you want a career as a senior project manager?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Senior Project Manager job interview.
20. Why do you want a career as a senior project manager?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Senior project managers play an integral role within the companies they work for and it often takes time for them to establish the relationships necessary to be truly effective in the role. Your interviewer wants to be convinced that you love project management, see an opportunity to grow in the role, and plan to stick around if hired. This question is all about convincing them their investment in you is a sure bet.
Written by Karrie Day on January 29th, 2024
Remember To
While the senior project manager role may only represent a stepping stone in your career, it is critical to convey why you love being a project manager. It is okay to start with a broad-stroke description of why you want to work as a project manager, but make sure you provide at least one aspect of the job that you enjoy because it allows your best skills to shine.
Written by Karrie Day on January 29th, 2024
Answer Example
"I want a career as a senior project manager because I am ready to take on projects with higher budgets, more complex scope, and challenging business scenarios. I love strategic planning and working to figure out how to make all of the puzzle pieces of a project fit together in the best way possible. I also love working with talented team members on large-scale projects. I feel fulfilled when I am able to facilitate their ability to collaborate and deliver outstanding work on our projects.
The senior project manager role is aligned with my professional growth goals and provides the perfect opportunity to utilize my strengths and do what I enjoy in a team setting. I am confident I am ready for this next step in my career and I am excited about the opportunity to work here at XYZ company if selected for the position."
Written by Karrie Day on January 29th, 2024
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