With 51% of UK businesses expecting project-based activity to grow, the demand for skilled project managers (PMs) is rising – and so are the stakes of an interview.
Whether you’re just breaking into the field or overseeing multi-million-pound portfolios, the competition is stiff. To make a lasting impression, you need to show more than just experience. You need to align yourself with organisational goals, ask smark questions, highlight your soft skills and tell a compelling story.
Seizing new opportunities and landing that dream role is possible – with the right preparation. Here are seven ways you can master your next interview.
1. Get to know the interview format
Project management spans various industries, each with its own interview style. While some employers may include technical assessments, others may focus on leadership, communication, creative direction or problem-solving capabilities.
Familiarising yourself with the interview format so that you know what to expect will give you an edge. You will be able to anticipate questions, helping you tailor your responses so that they land with impact and showcase your ability to deliver in industry-specific scenarios.
Here are a few PM-specific interview questions you might encounter:
- How do you prioritise tasks when managing multiple projects with tight deadlines?
- Can you walk us through your process for mitigating risks in large projects?
- How do you keep stakeholders aligned, especially when there are conflicting priorities?
If you’re switching industries, this preparation is even more vital. For instance, while IT and Advertising interviews might explore Agile or Scrum methodologies, Construction or Engineering sectors might lean towards traditional approaches like Gantt charts or the Critical Path Method.
2. Align with organisational goals
Project managers are brought in to achieve strategic objectives. To excel in your interview, you must connect your skills and experiences to the organisation’s overarching goals, showing exactly how you can contribute to their success.
Research their recent projects, wins and challenges to shape your value proposition. How did they handle project delivery? Were they focused on sustainability, digital transformation or global expansion? Use this information to frame your experience in a way that highlights the impact you’ve had. Employers want results-driven project managers, so use data and metrics to demonstrate how your past projects moved the needle.
3. Use the STAR method to tell your story
If you’ve got through to the interview stage, rest assured your interviewer already knows the certifications and experience you’ve listed on your CV. Repeating these gets a bit redundant, so move away from them and focus on your story.
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a powerful way to tell your story, helping to illustrate how you’ve successfully applied your project management skills in real-world situations.
Don’t shy away from discussing the challenges you’ve faced; interviewers want to see if and how you can handle adversity. Whether it’s navigating a team conflict or managing a project with tight deadlines, your ability to overcome obstacles is what will truly make you stand out.
4. Showcase soft skills
As the project profession grows, the demand for skilled PMs is skyrocketing, and 56% of businesses are concerned about attracting new talent, APM finds.
While technical knowledge is essential, many organisations are increasingly valuing soft skills like leadership, communication and problem-solving. These skills are what separate good PMs from great ones, and organisations that prioritise them see greater success than those that don’t:
- 57% report high BRM maturity (vs. 18%)
- 64% report high project management maturity (vs. 32%)
- Only 28% experience scope creep (vs. 40%)
- 72% meet business goals (vs. 65%)
The most successful PMs know how to position themselves as problem solvers, strong leaders, relationship builders – someone who can deliver strategic value, remain flexible and navigate complex challenges. Beyond this, they know how to paint a picture with their soft skills, showing how they leverage them to deliver successful projects, rather than just listing them out
5. Avoid common pitfalls
Even the most experienced project managers can fall into interview traps. To avoid these, keep the following in mind:
- Don’t be too technical or granular. Focus on high-level accomplishments, showing how you led your team to success. If technical details are important, touch on them, but always connect them to broader business objectives
- Watch your body language. The smallest of gestures can leave a bad taste in an interviewer’s mouth – such as failing to smile (39%), a lack of eye contact (67%) and crossing your arms (32%). Non-verbal cues are the biggest signals of confidence and amiability – hence why they’re 55% responsible for interview success
- Reflect your interviewer’s tone and communication style to build rapport. This kind of linguistic mirroring makes you more convincing, likeable and memorable
- Avoid revealing any salary expectations. Discussing current earnings could limit your future salary potential. Refocus the conversation so that you have time to negotiate a fair offer later on
6. Ask smart questions
Remember, interviews are a two-way conversation. Asking thoughtful questions not only shows you’re engaged but also helps you determine if the role aligns with your career goals.
Inquire about the company’s long-term strategic objectives, the project management methodologies they prefer, or the challenges their PMO is currently facing. This approach signals that you’re invested in both the role and the organisation’s success.
7. Follow up
After the interview, a well-crafted thank-you email goes a long way in reinforcing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also an opportunity to reiterate your key strengths and demonstrate both professionalism and attention to detail – two qualities essential in project management.
Secure your next role with expert support
Acing the project management interview is about more than experience; it’s about preparation, storytelling and showcasing the right blend of technical and soft skills.
At City CV, we offer specialised coaching designed to help PMs shine in even the toughest interviews. Our expert coaches will equip you with the skills and confidence to navigate tricky questions, overcome challenges and secure the best possible offer.
Contact us today to learn more.
