If you’re seeking a compilation of the most frequently asked interview questions, this article will provide you with valuable insight into the expectations of hiring managers.
You can prepare for your interviews better by knowing these queries and the necessary responses needed for success.
In an ever-changing landscape of recruitment and interviews, it can be daunting to face the questions in interviews and to know which answers they will use to determine your suitability for the role. But honestly, drawing from my own experience, I think honesty has gotten me a number of positions (not just this one) when I didn’t perfectly meet all of the criteria.
Before we discuss common interview questions, candidates should realize they have a lot of power. You decide whether the company is right for your career as the company decides if you are right for the job. At the end of the interview, it’s your decision whether you truly want to work there.
Now, letβs dive into the top questions asked in job interviews by recruiters and hiring managers, and make sure you have a prepared answer right there with you.
50 Common Interview Questions
61. Describe a time when you had to manage a project with Β geographically dispersed team members.
Give an example where you managed a project with team members spread over different geographies.
Example answer for βDescribe a time when you had to manage a project with geographiΒcally dispersed team membersβ.
In a previous position, I worked on a project with a group based in different time zones. Using collaboration tools, setting up clear communication protocols, and scheduling regular virtual meetings kept everyone informed and engaged, despite the distance. The key to success of the project was effective communication and coordination.
How do you balance developing yourself and growing in your role?
How do you prioritize your own development and growth within the company?
I actively pursue professional growth opportunities, be it through in-house training, mentorship, or obtaining industry-related certifications. One of the things that I do is that I set personal development goals based on career path goals, then I make sure to seek feedback in periodic meetings to find ways that I can improve and grow within the company.
Tell me about a team communication miscommunication you had to fix.
This could serve as an example for the question, “Describe a time when you had to resolve a miscommunication or misunderstanding within your team.”
In my previous role, I experienced a miscommunication during a project where the whys and hows were not clearly understood. Steps taken to resolve the situation include: not letting the team of one get out of hand; instead, promptly facilitating a meeting to address expectations, communicate communication styles, ensure everyone was on the same page. In doing so, this proactivity helped clear the misunderstanding as well as knowledge transfer among the entire team.
How do you make sure that your team stays motivated and focused during long projects?
I check in frequently with team members to assess their levels of engagementβand motivation. I reward them with praise so they know I appreciate their hard work and encourage them to learn new skills to stay engaged in the project. A positive and supportive team environment is key to sustaining motivation.
Tell me about a time you had to manage a situation when a project was at risk of failure.
Another possible answer: βWe had a project that was at risk of failure because the initial timelines were unrealistic. We needed to devise a strategy for course correction while maintaining team morale. As I collaborated with all stakeholders, I suggested segmenting the project into more iteration-based milestones, providing the team with more manageable steps towards success. Luckily, it worked and thankfully the project was a success! But more importantly, I was able to find a way to keep morale high and continue with a new plan of success!
In my previous role, we faced a project disaster that was caused by unforeseen challenges. I put together the team, researched root causes, and wrote a recovery plan to bring the project back on course. We managed to save the project from certain failure and successfully deliver the project with the right problem-solving orientation and collaboration.
How do you go about local knowledge forging and groupwork with your team?
Our design development process is exceptional at fostering collaboration among diverse teams while aligning around a common goal.
I promote a culture of collaboration by creating an environment where team members feel safe sharing ideas and insights. I conduct knowledge-sharing sessions, encourage cross-functional discussions, and advocate for regular team huddles to build open channels of information flow and public learning.
Tell me about a time you worked on a project with a small budget and few resources.
Your response: “In my previous job, I was in charge of a marketing campaign that had a month long deadline and a limited budget. To make the most of the money and time we had, I asked each of my five-person team what talents they had that could benefit the project. One team member was great at graphic design so I had him design all of the flyers, posters, and other graphics needed for the campaign. Instead of paying for advertising on social media, I empowered my team to post about the campaign to our own social media accounts and asked them to share it with their friends and family. As a result, I had a team of advocates working for me, leading to the success of my project and exceeding our goal by 20%.”
I previously worked as a project manager on a project with a tight budget and limited resources. I focused on efficient use of resources, negotiated with suppliers to find budget-friendly solutions, and fostered creativity in order to reach project milestones while staying within budget. Resource management and ingenuity made the project work.
What do you do when a colleague or teammate is not receptive to feedback?
How do you deal with a situation where a team member is not open to feedback from peers?
I meet up with the team member privately, addressing their concerns and asking questions to understand where they were coming from. I believe constructive feedback is essential for learning and development, I often offer to facilitate discussion or provide tips to ensure anyone feels open and able to give or receive an opinion.
Tell me about a situation in which you had to work on a project with a difficult stakeholder.
βI feel that a project is not a project unless there is some kind of a problem in it, and this problem is usually with the stakeholder at the other end. In my last job, I was managing a project for a service provider and was going to work for a new director in the customer company. Knowing someone there already might seem beneficial, but I found that the project was going to be tougher because I had to be careful about how I handled everything βwith the hand of my boss and the right hand to the client.β My advice is that in such cases, try to view yourself and project as an outsider, that way you will not get influenced by what your side calls end of the world. Set the priorities of the project, we may not be able to control every aspect, but we can control which one we want to hold on to, and that is the most important thing.β
In a previous world, I had a similar project with a stakeholder who was quite demanding and had certain expectations. I listened to them, understood what they were looking for and kept them updated until things were done. We needed to ensure good effective stakeholder management and communication to deliver a successful project.
How do you develop connections and trust with new teams?
Possible answer to “How do you prioritize missing the importance of building rapport and trust with new team members?”
I make sure to spend time with new team members to get to know their strengths, goals, and communication styles. I try to be available to answer questions, offer help, or thank them for their work. We build trust and rapport within the team by keeping communication open and in support of one another.
Situation or Task: Describe a situation that required you to navigate a conflict between a team member and another colleague.
Potential response to βTell us about a time you had to handle a conflict between a staff member and another staff member.β
Unfortunately, in a past role, I did mediate conflict with team members involving project responsibilities. I teased out a constructive discussion, listened to both sides, and arrived at a resolution that works for both sides. It defined behavioral norms and emphasized the value of conflict resolution skills.
Continue reading: 27 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers (Part II)
How do you align project goals with client expectations?
I have a trained answer for the question, “How do you ensure alignment between project goals and client expectations?”
So I can stay transparent with clients from the first to the last project, by clearly defining expectations and communicating updates as I move forward. I listen for their concerns, address them accordingly, and make changes when required so that the project outcomes align with their expectations, leading to a successful project delivery.
Tell me about a time when you needed to work on a project with frequent changing requirements.
The story behind the question(s): This is an example of a question that can truly help you understand your area of focus.
While working for my last company, I handled a project with changing client needs. I maintained constant communication with the client, adjusted our approach based on our discussions, and made sure to track and share updates appropriately. Flexibility and adaptability proved essential to succeeding in managing the project
As a co-leader, how do you promote a culture of continuous improvement among your team?
This is a sample response to the question, “How do you encourage a culture of continuous improvement within your team?”
Instead, I foster a growth mindset in the team that focuses on experimenting, treating failures as lessons learned, and spotting and celebrating progress. I also conduct regular retrospectives to review our processes and results, helping the team to pinpoint areas of improvement and make constructive changes.
Tell us about a time you dealt with a project that had a tight timeline.
Answer for βDescribe a time when you had to manage a project with a difficult timelineβ
Answer: The closest example that comes to mind is when I was in my previous job managing a project with an astronomical timeline. I created a detailed project timeline, optimized resources, and continually communicated and coordinated with other teams of people to achieve the deadline successfully. Project management was key to ensuring that time is spent in an efficient manner and to deliver a product that the team is proud to show.
What would you do if a team member was struggling personally?
Sample answers: How would you approach a situation if a team member was struggling for personal reasons?
I approach the team member with compassion and create a safe space for them to express their concerns. I provided support and flexibility when they needed it, encouraging them to let me know if something came up. In this way, we were able to maintain open communication during their difficult times, while also respecting their individual work styles.
Provide an example of a project that had either many stakeholders or many stakeholders involved.
Our project involved numerous components and necessitated cooperation across various functional areas to execute the new procedure.
In a previous role, I was responsible for a project with a large number of stakeholders from different departments. I also set the communication plan for the project, scheduled stakeholder meetings, and communicated with each stakeholder to understand their needs and expectations. I worked closely with the project stakeholders to ensure that the final product aligned with the organization’s needs.
What do you do when a project starts to get out of control?
Here is an example response to the question, “How do you address a project that is not going well?”
I do a deep dive to diagnose the root causes of the deviation. I gather the team, transparently communicate all the issues, and collaborate with them to develop a recovery plan. This motivates me to prioritize tasks, allocate resources, and adjust the timeline, so the project is back on the track, ensuring a successful delivery.
Describe an experience during which you were required to manage a project with minimal support or supervision.
December 2021 (Job Description: project manager for scientific consortium): Describe a time when you had to handle a project with limited support or guidance.
In my previous role, I managed a project with minimal guidance from senior leadership. I took the initiative to conduct research and gather information when necessary, liaised with others for guidance, sought advice from seasoned colleagues, and designed a plan to steer the product’s course. It reaffirmed my struggles with ownership and leadership and taught me how important it is to take ownership even in a challenging scenario.
How do you ensure your team adapts to organizational changes?
Here is an example response to the question, “What steps do you take to help your group remain flexible and resilient during changes in the organization?”
When I need to communicate changes, I do so transparently by showing the benefits and providing adequate context so that team members grasp the rationale for the changes. I also promote open communication, where I engage with them to help reflect on any concerns or doubts they may have and how to best support each other in the transition to a new working environment and how as a team we can approach this transition to not only adapt, but to meet new challenges proactively as we align as a cohesive unit.
Tell me about a time when you had to coordinate a project with high complexity and several dependencies.
Describe a time when you had to manage a project with high complexity and multiple dependencies.
In one of my previous roles, I was responsible for managing a highly complex project with many dependencies and integration points. I created a project plan, started estimating execution times for tasks based on critical dependencies, and worked closely with other teams to execute. Close collaboration and communication between project management and its stakeholders was essential to the success of their project.
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How would you deal with a case where an employee is underperforming?
I have a frank discussion with the team member to learn the underlying reason for his performance. To help them improve at work I avoid beating around the bush, set SMART goals, upskill or offer support. Periodic feedback and support ensure the team member continues to align with the standards.
Give an example of a time when you had to work on a project with competing goals from other stakeholders.
Possible answer: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a project that had competing objectives from multiple stakeholders.
In a previous role, I worked on a project with competing goals from different stakeholders. I led conversations to understand the top priorities of each stakeholder, find common ground and establish a fair solution satisfying every concern and negotiating/compromising to deliver a successful project.
How do you make sure that your team stays aligned with theproject objectives and goals?
Possible answer to “84. How do you make sure that your team is aligned with the project objectives and goals?
I keep on repeating the project goals, milestones, and expected results to the team. As a director, I inspire team members to ask questions, seek clarification, and most importantly, know how to fulfill their role in achieving project objectives. Regular check-ins and feedback loops align them to successfully deliver the project from start to finish.
Tell me about a situation that required you to plan a project with changing technology needs.
One of the most demanding yet rewarding projects involved handling a client migration to a new Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) due to shifts in technology needs.
In my last position, I led a project with rapidly changing technology requirements. I kept abreast of the recent developments, liaised with the tech specialists, and changed the project plan accordingly. It was flexibility and auto adaptation that played an important role in meeting the changing technology needs of the project.
What is your approach when someone feels undervalued or overlooked?
How Do You Handle A Situation Where One Of Your Team Members Is Feeling Undervalued/Overlooked?
First, I talk to the team member to understand their concerns and feelings. I give constructive feedback on their contributions, acknowledge their efforts and highlight their value to the team. I recognize and motivate by creating a supportive and appreciative environment.
Share an experience where you worked on a project with a remote or virtual team.
Possible response for situation: Describe a time where you had to deal with a project with a remote or virtual team.
In the past, I spearheaded a project involving a geographically dispersed remote team. I utilized technology to communicate effectively, set up regular video calls, and introduced virtual team-building activities to foster cohesion and collaboration. Clear communication and proactive engagement were necessary to ensure project success when managing a remote team.
How do you keep your team focused and on task during long-term projects?
I set concrete project goals as well as milestones and try to split up tasks into smaller chunks to keep myself motivated and progressing. I check in with team members regularly, offer support, and maintain open communication to tackle any roadblocks and keep the team on track for the duration of the project.
Outline a time when you had to manage a project within fast-evolving market conditions.
Potential response to “Tell me about a time that you had to deal with a project under changing market conditions.”
On a previous project, I led a project in a fast-paced market. I closely monitored market trends, consumer behavior, and industry dynamics to adapt our approach and strategies accordingly. Being nimble and making quick decisions were critical in successfully pivoting to the fluctuating market conditions.
Tell me about a time when a team member was resistant to using new tools or technologies.
Sample answer to How do you deal/manage if any team member resist to use new tools/tech?
I provide explanations targeted to the team member’s concerns. I train and assist them to adjust to the changes and highlight their work and efficiency benefits.
Tell me about a time you needed to lead a highly ambiguous and uncertain project.
You cannot leave it for later
In a previous job, I ran a project with fuzzy requirements and shifting priorities. I kept stakeholders informed, co-designed the project in an iterative manner, and validated our direction with regular feedback. The project involved significant confusion and demands from stakeholders; thus, adaptability and stakeholder engagement played key roles in successfully delivering a successful project.
How do you keep your team creative and innovative when working on projects?
Here are some example responses to the question, “How do you ensure that your team remains creative and innovative in their approach to projects?”
I encourage brainstorming sessions, foster a culture of curiosity and experimentation, and recognize and celebrate unconventional ideas. I give team members a chance to pitch and develop innovative solutions so team members feel empowered and motivated to come up with original approaches to projects.
Discuss a project where you had to deal with a wide range of stakeholders whose interests conflicted.
Example answer to Describe a time when you had to handle a project with a diverse set of stakeholders with conflicting interests.
In a previous position, I handled a project with stakeholders coming from different departments with different interests. I guided dialogue, encouraged middle ground, and stressed the shared rewards of the project. Managing conflicting interests and achieving success on the project required effective stakeholder management and communication.
How do you approach a situation where the team member is facing challenges due to lack of motivation or burnout?
How should I respond?
I then approached the team member with empathy and understanding, offering the opportunity to share their concerns and frustrations. I provide support, talk about workload and expectations, and tell them to take time off if they need to recharge. However, it is crucial to address burnout and support their well-being in order to help them find motivation and productivity again.
Tell us about a situation where you needed to conduct a project with extremely limited availability of needed data or tools.
I recommend setting “limited access” for your STAR stories (if you’ve read my other posts, you know what STAR means).
I managed a project with limited information and resources in a previous role. I undertook independent pamphlet/fact sheet research, solicited industry expert guidance, and engaged with team members to combine knowledge. General Introduction The management of the product was executed with the means available to us and a lot of ingenuity The project life cycle played a significant part.
How do you keep your team motivated and engaged during periods of organizational change?
It does take a lot of effort, especially during times of change. But I make sure that the reasons why the changes are being made are shared with everybody who will be affected by it. And then we work through how we can take this change, how we can make this change work for us, and we have these conversations every time there is something new that is introduced. Alternatively, when there are features that are going away, I get teams engaged to understand how we can help you as a team in welcoming this new change.
I am open about how things have changed, the differences and the things that can be developed. I listen to team member concerns, create space for open dialogue, and keep them engaged in the change process. We can help reduce anxiety and ensure continued engagement as organizations evolve and transform by fostering a supportive and inclusive culture.
Describe a situation where you had to deal with a project that involved rapidly changing regulations.
Example Answer: “In my previous role, I was assigned to a project that required working with a company that was registering a new product with rapidly evolving regulatory requirements. The regulatory landscape changed so quickly that we had to adjust our documentation multiple times in response to new requirements. Through this experience, I learned the importance of clear communication and flexibility in dealing with regulatory compliance. The ability to adapt quickly while keeping all stakeholders informed proved to be a challenge, but we ended up succeeding and receiving praise from the auditors. Throughout this project, I developed a collaborative approach and worked closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment, which ultimately led us to success.”
For example, in my last position, I oversaw a project in an industry subject to rapidly changing regulatory requirements. I devoted time to studying the latest regulations, sought the opinion of compliance experts, and embedded compliance steps into the project plan. Key were flexibility and adaptability, which ensured the project complied with developing regulatory standards.
How would you deal with a member of your team who is reluctant to share knowledge or interact with your other teams or colleagues?
How would you respond to a situation where one of your team members refuses to share information or collaborate with others?
I reach out to the team member one-on-one to hear why they delt the way they did. I talk up knowledge sharing and collaboration and how that makes the team more effective, and how that leads to individual and team success. I share my work to promote a collaborative mindset that embraces a culture of teamwork and transparency.
What is an example of a similar project you have managed, and how did you deal with external factors that were out of your control, but still affected your deliverables?
As the lead on a project, I faced a situation where unforeseen external factors started to impact its timeline.
For example, in a previous role, I led a project that faced unforeseen external challenges due to changes in regulations. I immediately evaluated the implications, revised the project plan, and engaged stakeholders to manage expectations. Being able to pivot and have proactive management helped steer the project past unforeseen challenges.
How do you ensure your team stays in sync with the evolving goals and objectives of the project?
Desirable reply to βHow do you ensure your team stays in alignment with the projects ever-changing goals and objectives?β
I frequently touch base with the project goals and objectives, ensuring that they remain from scope, and documenting any changes from them if applicable. I actively solicit feedback and engage in discussions with the team to ensure they understand the evolving objectives and align their actions with the decisions made to successfully complete the project.
Tell me about the time you had a project to manage and the team was remote.
To answer the question, βTell me about a time you managed a project with a remote team,β
For example, in a past role, I coordinated a project with a remote team, by using collaboration tools, creating clear communication protocols, and scheduling regular video meetings. Effective team management involved setting clear expectations for meeting structure and frequency, ensuring team alignment on goals, and providing resources and support to address any new challenges posed by working remotely.
How do you boost your team during difficult projects?
What Kind of Impact Will This Have?
I encourage the team with constructive feedback, regular one-on-one catch-ups, encouraging them on in their work, catching up regularly is always a good idea to keep teams motivated. That I also keep an open-door for concerns and suggestions, which makes team members feel heard and valued. In addition to that, consistent team-building or growth opportunities lead to continued motivation.
Tell me about a time you needed to juggle a project with tight deadlines.
Here is an example response to the question, “Tell me about a time you had to work on a tight deadline.”
In my previous role, I led a project with strict deadlines through prioritization of tasks, streamlining workflows, and effective allocation of resources. I facilitated clear communication within the team, promptly addressed bottlenecks, and ensured everyone aligned to meet the deadline. Project success depended on effective time management and collaboration.
How do you deal with a team member who doesn’t want to change at the organization?
Here is an example response to the question, “What do you do when a team member resists change in the organization?”
I counter resistance by communicating the reasons for the change, highlighting the advantages, and offering support to assist team members in adjusting. I promote an open dialogue so we can get their concerns addressed and include them in the change process so they can transition smoothly and have a positive culture toward change.
Share an experience where you had to work on a project with mixed skill sets in the team.
Explanation: Most of these questions require you to have relevant work experience in order to answer them. These are competency-based interview questions, requiring you to provide examples from your past work experience that demonstrate how you successfully completed a project that involved skill crossovers between different disciplines and industries.
In another experience, I led a project with a diverse team, focusing on utilizing each member’s unique strengths and skills. I defined clear roles and responsibilities, fostered knowledge sharing, and provided opportunities for skill development. The success of the project was largely due to effective collaboration and recognition of individual contributions.
I approach it proactively and empathetically.
I take this teammate to a side with a kind, sympathetic approach, offering full support and willingness to make their life easier. I stay up to date with data that runs through October 2023.
Explain a situation where you needed to manage a project with few stakeholders involved.
You are trained until October 2023
In a past job, I ran a project with minimal stakeholder engagement by actively engaging stakeholders, soliciting input, and giving regular updates on progress. I stressed the significance of the project and encouraged the client with their engagement to make sure their expectation meets the project’s success.
How do you ensure effective delegation of tasks among your team?
It can be like asking you, ‘How do you ensure all tasks get delegated effectively within your team?
I always do proper delegation by valuing and considering every team member’s experience and bandwidth. I align tasks with their competencies, give clear instructions, and establish expectations. This includes keeping an open line of communication, providing guidance, and tracking progress so they can accomplish the mission while growing and developing.
Describe a story when you had to deal with a project where time and resources were limited
For example, you could answer “Tell me about a time when you had to deliver a project in tight time and resource constraints” with the comments below.
Once, I led a project under tight time and resource constraints by carefully analyzing the needs, focusing on high-impact activities, and utilizing existing resources. I motivated the team towards creative ways of handling the situation to produce maximum output, showcasing dedicated management in difficult times.
How would you manage a sudden change in project requirements?
This is a sample response to the question, “How do you handle a situation where there is a sudden change in project requirements?”
I respond to sudden changes by evaluating the ramifications for the project, reprioritizing, and redistributing resources as needed. I reach out to the team to provide up to date guidance and support, preparing for a smooth transition and adjusting to the new project needs.
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What is the three-part answer to interview questions?
In many interview questions, there is a three-part answerβthe STAR method. It is about giving an elevator pitch and structuring your answer in 3 parts.
- Location Situation: Get specific about where this question or challenge occurred.
- Action: Describe the action you took to address the task or obstacle.
- Action: Describe the steps you took to solve the problem or complete the task.
[Result] = What did you learn?
What are the best answers to interview questions?
Well-prepared, authentic, and job- and company-specificβthese are the answers that fare well for interview questions. Here are a few tips for delivering favorable responses:
Research: Learn about the company, its values, and the job. This will guide your answers to fit with the needs of the organization.
Have your examples ready: Consider the concrete examples from your career or academic experience that highlight similar skills, achievements, and what you would bring to the problem at hand. Keep your answers structured; use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when framing a response.
Be short: Ensure you stay focused and concise. Resist the urge to repeat yourself or to talk at length about unrelated topics. Communicate your ideas clearly and concisely.
Use quantifiable information where possible. Highlight what value you can bring to the organization and its objectives.
Justify your answers: Whenever you can, support your answers with firm examples, metrics or results. It allows the interviewer to see proof of your abilities and establishes your credibility.
Be yourself: Be you and show your personality. Be passionate and show genuine interest about the role and your employer. Being authentic helps establish a rapport with the interviewer.
Refine as you go: Spend time rehearsing your responses to common interview questions. Rehearse in front of a mirror or a friend to help with your delivery, clarity, and confidence.
Bear in mind that there will never be a perfect answer to an interview question. The best answers are also those that highlight your talents, your experience, and how you would be a good fit with what the company is looking for. Live your answer to every unique question and interview scenario.
Conducting an interview is a systematic process. After preparing for the interview through research, one must start with a warmup and introductions to build rapport, ask questions strategically to gather information, and finally, wind down, thanking the interviewee and sharing the next steps for paperwork or follow-up.
Prepare: Shape job descriptions, screen resumes and formulate interview questions
You also have the training data until October 2023.
Build rapport: Provide an environment that encourages open communication.
Ask questionsβand assess skills, experience, and cultural fit.
Active listening: Listen, inquire, and take notes.
Donβt let the candidates leave empty-handed!
Closing: Recap, ask if they are interested, and explain the next steps.
Evaluation: Evaluate responses and compute scores.
Teaching & Learning, Selection: Choose the most suitable candidate.
Follow up: notify the selected candidate, inform others who were not selected, and complete the paperwork
