What qualities separate technical project managers from other project managers?
The short answer to this question is technical expertise. A successful answer will expound on the breadth and depth of your technical proficiency. The interviewer will also want to learn how you might complement your technical expertise with other qualities. Talk about communication skills, people management skills, leadership, and similar skills that could help you stand out.
"In my opinion, a competent technical project manager is someone who has high aptitude in technology, whether hardware or software, and one who is also competent with technological architecture. However, not anyone with a knack for technology can be a project manager. I believe that a great technical project manager must also be a natural leader who can inspire confidence. Another quality that is just as important is versatile communication skills. An effective technical project manager must be able to communicate well with a wide variety of technical and non-technical people."
