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Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

1. Can you walk me through your resume?
2. What are your key strengths and weaknesses?
3. How would you describe your work style?
4. How did you become interested in this industry/role?
5. What do you consider your most significant professional accomplishment?
6. What aspects of your previous jobs did you enjoy the most?
7. Can you share an example of how you’ve overcome a challenge in your career?
8. How do your experiences align with the requirements of this position?
9. What are your professional goals, and how do you see this role helping you achieve them?
10. How have you grown or developed in your career, and what have you learned from those experiences?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

This open-ended question in particular (Tell me about yourself) allows you to provide a brief overview of your background, experiences, and accomplishments that are relevant to the position. By sharing details of your education, past job experiences, and specific skills, you address the first aspect of the interviewer’s concerns – your ability to perform the job.

In addition, discussing your passion for the industry, your motivation for applying to the role, and your career goals can help demonstrate your commitment and drive to succeed in the position. This touches on the second aspect, revealing your willingness to do the job.

Lastly, when describing your personality traits, work style, or values, you have the opportunity to emphasize how they align with the company culture and the team you would be working with. This addresses the third aspect, showcasing your potential to fit in well within the organization.

So in all, this question actually hits all 3!

How Best To Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’

While the B-STAR method (Belief – Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a useful technique for answering behavioral interview questions, it may not be the best fit for the “tell me about yourself” question. This question typically calls for a more general overview of your background, skills, and experiences. However, you can still take inspiration from the B-STAR method to structure your response effectively. Here’s a suggested approach:

1. Brief Introduction: Start by providing a concise summary of who you are professionally. Mention your current role, years of experience, and any areas of expertise.
2. Education and Skills: Highlight your relevant educational background and the key skills that make you a strong candidate for the role. Focus on those that directly relate to the job requirements.
3. Work Experience: Briefly describe your professional journey, focusing on roles and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. You can use the STAR method to explain one or two significant achievements in a concise manner. Be specific about the situations you faced, the tasks you were responsible for, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.
4. Motivation and Fit: Explain your interest in the role and the company, as well as how your values align with the organization’s culture. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and potential for cultural fit.
5. Conclusion: Wrap up by briefly mentioning your career goals and how this opportunity aligns with them. This shows that you’re motivated to succeed in the position and have a clear vision for your future.

By following this approach, you can provide a well-structured and comprehensive response to the “tell me about yourself” question that addresses your background, skills, experiences, motivation, and fit for the role.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not downplay your achievements/experience.

Do not overhype your achievements/expereince

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Tell me about yourself – Example answers

When crafting an answer to “Tell me about yourself,” it’s important to keep your response concise, relevant, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. An effective answer typically includes a brief overview of your professional background, your key skills or expertise, and a few personal attributes that make you a good fit for the role. Here’s a couple examples:

Digital Marketing Example

“I’m a digital marketing professional with over six years of experience in developing and implementing online marketing strategies for various industries, including e-commerce, healthcare, and technology. I have a proven track record in increasing website traffic, optimizing conversion rates, and managing social media campaigns. I graduated from XYZ University with a degree in Marketing and earned a certification in Google Analytics.

In my most recent role at ABC Company, I led a team of five and helped increase organic search traffic by 30% within six months, which contributed to a significant increase in overall revenue. I’m passionate about staying up-to-date with industry trends and enjoy experimenting with new marketing tactics to drive results. I believe my analytical skills, creativity, and strong communication abilities make me a great fit for this digital marketing manager position at your company.

Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter and attending marketing conferences to expand my professional network and learn from industry experts.”

Quantity Surveyor Example

“I’m a quantity surveyor with over 13 years of experience in the industry, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with four different employers since graduating from university at 21. My expertise spans various types of projects, and I’m particularly proud of my certification to work on nuclear sites.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work on a wide range of projects, from residential developments to large-scale infrastructure projects. This has allowed me to develop a strong skill set in cost estimation, contract management, and risk analysis. My experiences have also taught me the importance of collaboration and effective communication with various stakeholders, such as architects, contractors, and clients.

I’m excited about this opportunity because your company has a strong reputation for delivering complex, large-scale projects. I believe my experience and skills align well with the role, and I’m eager to contribute to your team. Moreover, I’ve always admired your company’s commitment to safety and innovation, which aligns with my own values as a professional. In the long term, I aim to further develop my expertise in the field and take on leadership roles in challenging projects like the ones your company handles.”

Remember to adapt the example to your own background and experiences, and make sure it aligns with the job requirements and company culture.

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: How did you hear about this position? – Answer Tips
10 Questions To Ask At The End Of An Interview (And 6 That You Shouldn’t!)
Interview Question: What energises you? – Answer Tips

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

1. Can you provide an example of how you have advocated for diversity and inclusion in a previous project team?
2. How do you ensure that all team members feel included and respected in a project environment?
3. How have you handled a situation where a team member was being excluded or treated unfairly due to their background or identity?
4. What strategies do you employ to foster a diverse and inclusive atmosphere within your project team?
5. Can you share an experience where you had to address unconscious bias within a team setting? How did you handle it?
6. In your opinion, how does diversity contribute to the success of a project team?
7. What steps would you take to encourage diverse perspectives and ideas within your team?
8. How do you accommodate different communication styles and working preferences in a diverse team?
9. How do you approach conflict resolution in a diverse project team, considering cultural differences and sensitivities?
10. How have you actively sought out diverse talent for a project team in the past?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

In light of the three fundamental identifiers mentioned above, the interview question “How do you seek to promote diversity when working in a project team?” seeks to address the third identifier: “Will you fit in?” This question aims to gauge your ability to create an inclusive environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and innovation. By promoting diversity within a project team, you demonstrate your capacity to respect and appreciate the different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of your colleagues, which ultimately leads to a more harmonious and successful workplace culture.

Moreover, your response to this question can also touch upon the first identifier, “Can you do the job?” When you emphasize your ability to work effectively with diverse teams, you highlight your adaptability, open-mindedness, and strong interpersonal skills, all of which are crucial in today’s increasingly diverse and globalized work environment. These soft skills can complement the technical skills and experience required for the job, making you a well-rounded candidate.

Finally, your approach to diversity and inclusion may also reflect your motivation and commitment to the job (the second identifier, “Will you do the job?”). By showcasing your eagerness to embrace diversity, you signal your dedication to building strong relationships with your colleagues, overcoming potential challenges, and driving the project team towards success.

How Best To Answer ‘How do you seek to promote diversity when working in a project team?’

When answering the question “How do you seek to promote diversity when working in a project team?”, it’s important to provide a clear, concise, and organized response. Here’s an informal yet professional way to structure your answer:

1. Start by acknowledging the importance of diversity and inclusion in a project team. Example: “I firmly believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within a project team is essential for generating innovative ideas, boosting collaboration, and enhancing overall team performance.”
2. Provide specific strategies or steps you take to promote diversity and inclusion within a team. Example: “To create an inclusive atmosphere, I make a conscious effort to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard during team meetings. I encourage open discussions and facilitate brainstorming sessions where everyone’s ideas are valued and considered.”
3. Share a brief, relevant example from your past experience that demonstrates your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Example: “In a previous project, I noticed that one team member from a different cultural background was hesitant to share their ideas. I reached out to them privately, expressing my interest in their perspective and offering support. As a result, they became more comfortable sharing their insights, which led to valuable contributions to the project’s success.”
4. Conclude by emphasizing the benefits of diversity and how it aligns with the company’s values and goals. Example: “By actively promoting diversity and inclusion within a team, we can foster a sense of belonging, drive innovation, and achieve better results. I understand that your company values diversity, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to such an inclusive environment.”

Remember, when structuring your answer, keep it focused on the main question and provide relevant examples to support your points. Show enthusiasm and genuine interest in fostering an inclusive environment, as this will leave a positive impression on the interviewer.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).

Do not downplay the situation.

Do not overhype the situation.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not have a passive role in the situation.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action

‘How do you seek to promote diversity when working in a project team?’ – Example answers

Project Manager Example

You know, I’ve always been a big believer in the power of diverse and inclusive teams. As a Project Manager, I really make an effort to ensure everyone feels comfortable and heard, no matter their background.

One thing I like to do is mix up the way we run our meetings and brainstorming sessions, using different formats or icebreakers to help people feel at ease sharing their thoughts. It’s important to create a space where all ideas are welcome and appreciated.

I remember this one project where we had a team member who was more introverted and didn’t usually speak up in meetings. So, I started using an anonymous idea-sharing platform, allowing everyone to submit their thoughts without feeling put on the spot. It turned out that this team member had some fantastic insights, and their ideas really helped us improve the project.

In my experience, having a diverse team and making sure everyone is included leads to way better problem-solving and more creative solutions. I’m stoked to bring this kind of approach to your company, especially since it seems like you guys really value diversity and inclusion. I’m sure it’ll make a big difference in our projects’ success.

Programme Manager Example

I firmly believe that diversity and inclusion within a project team play a critical role in fostering innovation, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring the successful execution of projects. As a Programme Manager, it is my responsibility to create an environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and encouraged to share their ideas.

One strategy I implement to promote diversity and inclusion is to establish clear communication channels and guidelines within the team. This involves setting expectations for respectful dialogue, encouraging active listening, and providing opportunities for team members to express their thoughts, regardless of their background or level of experience.

In a previous programme I managed, I encountered a situation where some team members were not considering the input of colleagues with less experience in the industry. To address this issue, I organized a series of workshops focused on the value of diverse perspectives and fostering open-mindedness. As a result, the team became more receptive to each other’s ideas, which ultimately led to more innovative solutions and the successful completion of the programme.

By actively cultivating diversity and inclusion within a team, we can enhance our problem-solving capabilities and achieve superior results. I understand that your organization places a high priority on these values, and I am eager to contribute to the ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion within your company. This approach will not only benefit our programme outcomes but also strengthen the organization’s overall performance.

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: How well are you prepared to manage a remote team? – Answer Tips
Interview Question: How do you handle disagreements within your team? – Answer Tips
Interview Question: Why have you had so many jobs? – Answer Examples