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All projects require a great leader that can comfortably act as the nexus between management, employees, contractors, clients and customers.

An IT Project Manager is one of the most important hires to get right, as a project’s success or failure can hinge on their competence. Delivery and performance have become more pressing issues for organisations in Australia, as skills shortages and economic constraints reduce the effectiveness of how projects are managed, AIPM research suggests.

Effective interview questions for Project Managers include an emphasis on communication skills, leadership traits and problem-solving abilities. With this in mind, we’ve compiled the most important questions to ask IT Project Managers in a job interview.

Can You Describe Your Experience Managing IT Projects?

This question allows candidates to provide an overview of their project management background, including the size, complexity, and types of projects they have worked on. Answers to this question should also indicate a candidate’s understanding of project lifecycles.

Pay attention to how they can articulate their role, leadership style, methodologies and the outcomes they have achieved. Interview questions of this variety can also enable candidates to highlight the niche skillsets they have developed over time.

How Do You Ensure Effective Communication Within Project Teams and With Stakeholders?

Communication is an essential area to focus on in all IT interviews, but especially for project leaders. Look for candidates who can demonstrate how they establish clear communication channels and facilitate effective collaboration. They should be able to adapt their communication style to different stakeholders, both technical and non-technical.

This question can also cast light on how the candidate can engage stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Look for responses that emphasise their ability to identify and manage stakeholders’ needs and expectations. A good IT Project Manager is a proactive communicator and keeps all stakeholders in the loop.

How Do You Handle Project Scope Changes or “Scope Creep”?

Scope changes during a project’s lifecycle are, to an extent, inevitable. Anything from changing market forces to negative customer feedback can cause the purview of a project to change.

This makes interview questions about managing scope creep essential for any Project Manager interview. Ask candidates for examples of how they have handled change requests and reacted to sudden developments. Skilled managers can identify issues likely to cause a scope blowout at the initiation stage.

When evaluating the candidate, seek evidence of their meticulousness in documenting decisions. It is crucial for them to be aware of the importance of avoiding overly optimistic estimates and to adhere strictly to avoiding unnecessary embellishments.

How Do You Manage Project Timelines and Deadlines?

Time management is a core concern for every project. Candidates must explain their strategies for setting realistic timelines and managing dependencies. For example, how do they use tools to keep track of project tasks? How do they identify risks that may arise from specific dependencies?

An IT Project Manager will be able to articulate how to proactively address delays, make contingency plans and respond to situations that are hampering a project’s progress. This may involve reallocating resources, re-prioritising tasks, or collaborating with stakeholders to find solutions.

How Do You Assess and Manage Resources, Including Budgets and Team Allocation?

All organisations require project leaders who can deliver within budget. When asking this interview question, scrutinise the candidate’s ability to work within constraints and monitor costs. How do they reduce the risk of overspending or resource shortages?

Delve into their experience in aligning the right talent with specific project needs, to ensure they have a skilled and motivated team. An IT Project Manager skilled in resource management can effectively balance project demands, mitigate risks, adapt to changes, and maintain stakeholder satisfaction while maintaining financial discipline.

Can You Share an Example of How You Successfully Navigated Challenges or Conflicts Related to a Project?

Interview questions that assess a candidate’s agility and conflict resolution skills are vital for project management roles. This question will shed light on the candidate’s ability to react to curveballs and make decisions under pressure.

Look for their ability to identify and address challenges and adapt their approach while maintaining the project’s progress. How do they resolve interpersonal conflicts and foster a positive team environment? Can they facilitate constructive dialogue between team members? Responses to these questions will illustrate how the candidate works to achieve consensus and maintain project cohesion.

Looking for Hiring Help?

These questions provide a starting point for assessing candidates' ability to manage projects effectively. Adapt and tailor them based on your organisation's specific needs and the nature of the projects the candidate will be responsible for. As with other types of IT interviews, it’s important for Project Manager interviews to focus on behaviours that demonstrate soft skills and not just technical knowledge.

For help with perfecting your interview techniques for critical roles, it’s wise to engage industry experts. Here at Enterprise IT Resources, our seasoned team has helped hundreds of employers across Australia hire great Project Managers. Get in touch with us today.