50 Project Manager Interview Questions [2023]

The below questions that an interviewer might ask a candidate for the role of project manager are both behavioral and technical, covering a wide range of skills and abilities required for the position. By asking behavioral questions, the interviewer is seeking to understand the candidate's approach to managing people, handling conflict, motivating team members, making difficult decisions, managing risks, and adapting to changing project scopes. 

These questions help the interviewer determine whether the candidate has the soft skills required for the position and whether their management style is a good fit for the company culture.By asking a diverse range of questions, the interviewer can better understand the candidate's overall qualifications and suitability for the position of project manager. 

The answers provided by the candidate give the interviewer insights into the candidate's experience, approach, and expertise in project management, allowing the interviewer to assess their fit for the role and the organization. This helps the hiring manager make an informed decision about whether the candidate is the right fit for the position and the company culture, ensuring that the best possible candidate is selected for the role of project manager.‍

Project Manager Behavioural Questions

1. Can you describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult team member? How did you handle the situation?
2. Can you explain your leadership style and how it translates to managing a project team?
3. Have you ever had to deal with a team member who was not meeting expectations? How did you address the situation?
4. Can you describe a time when you had to deal with conflict within a project team? How did you resolve the conflict?
5. How do you motivate and inspire your project team to ensure project success?
6. Can you describe your experience working with cross-functional teams?
7. Can you describe a time when you had to work with a difficult team member? How did you handle the situation?
8. Can you describe your experience managing remote teams?
9. Can you describe your approach to team performance evaluations?
10. Can you describe your experience with team building and fostering a positive team environment?

Project Manager Communication Questions

1. Can you describe your approach to project communication and collaboration across different teams?
2. Can you explain how you would handle a project that is behind schedule?
3. Can you explain how you would handle a project that was facing unforeseen delays?
4. Can you describe a time when you had to communicate difficult news to a project stakeholder? How did you handle the situation?
5. Can you describe a time when you had to make a presentation to senior leadership or stakeholders? How did you prepare for the presentation?
6. Can you explain how you would handle a situation where a project stakeholder had a different opinion or direction than you?
7. Can you describe your experience with project stakeholder management?

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Project Manager Interview Opinion Questions

1. Can you explain your understanding of project management methodologies?
2. Can you describe your approach to risk management on a project?
3. Can you describe your experience with project scope management?
4. Can you explain your understanding of project governance and compliance?
5. Can you describe your experience with project documentation and record-keeping?
6. Can you describe your experience with project testing and quality assurance?
7. Can you explain your approach to managing project dependencies and critical path analysis?
8. Can you describe your experience with project procurement and vendor management?
9. Can you describe your experience with project portfolio management?
10. Can you explain your understanding of project metrics?

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Project Manager Interview Performance-Based Questions:

1. Can you describe your experience managing a project from start to finish?
2. How do you ensure that project deliverables are completed on time and within budget?
3. Can you explain your approach to project performance measurement and evaluation?
4. Can you describe your experience with project resource management?
5. Can you explain your understanding of project budgeting and financial management?
6. Can you explain your experience with project risk management?
7. Can you describe your experience with project scheduling and resource allocation?
8. Can you explain your approach to change management on a project?
9. Can you describe your experience managing a project with a large team spread across different locations?
10. Can you describe your approach to managing competing project demands?
11. Can you describe a time when you had to make a tough decision regarding a project? How did you come to your decision?

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Project Manager Interview Brain-Teaser Questions:

1. How many ping pong balls can fit in a school bus?
2. How would you move Mount Everest?
3. How do you fit an elephant in a refrigerator?
4. How many gas stations are there in the United States?
5. Why are manhole covers round?
6. How many golf balls can fit in a Boeing 747?
7. How would you design a phone for a deaf person?
8. How would you estimate the total number of cars in Los Angeles?

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