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Interview Question: How well are you prepared to manage a remote team? – Answer Tips

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Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. How have you adapted your leadership style to manage remote employees effectively?
  2. Can you describe your experience with using communication and collaboration tools to manage a remote team?
  3. How do you ensure clear communication with your remote team members?
  4. What steps do you take to build trust and rapport with remote team members?
  5. How do you monitor the performance and productivity of remote employees?
  6. How do you handle time zone differences when managing a remote team?
  7. Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict between remote team members? How did you handle the situation?
  8. How do you ensure remote team members feel included and valued in the decision-making process?
  9. What strategies do you use to keep remote team members engaged and motivated?
  10. How do you support the professional development and growth of remote employees?

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.

Let’s consider the interview question, “How well are you prepared to manage a remote team?” and see how it links back to these 3 things the interview is looking for.

Can you do the job? By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to gauge your skills and experience in managing remote teams. They want to know if you have a clear understanding of the unique challenges that come with remote work and if you have developed strategies to address them effectively. Your response should demonstrate your knowledge of remote team management and any relevant experience you have in leading and supervising remote teams.

Will you do the job? The interviewer wants to understand your motivation and commitment to managing a remote team. By answering this question, you have the opportunity to showcase your drive and dedication to the success of remote employees. Discuss any past experiences where you have gone above and beyond to ensure the productivity and well-being of remote team members, and highlight your passion for creating a positive work environment, even in a virtual setting.

Will you fit in? Finally, the question also aims to determine if your leadership style and approach to remote team management align with the company culture and values. When answering this question, consider the company’s work environment, communication style, and expectations for team collaboration. Discuss how you have successfully integrated remote team members into the workplace culture and ensured they felt valued and included in decision-making processes.

How Best To Answer ‘How well are you prepared to manage a remote team?

When structuring an answer to the question, “How well are you prepared to manage a remote team?”, it’s important to keep it concise, well-organized, and genuine. Here’s a suggested approach to create a professional yet informal response:

  1. Start with a brief introduction: Open your response by acknowledging the importance of effective remote team management, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Example: “I appreciate that managing remote teams is an important aspect of today’s work environment, and I’m really excited about the opportunity to lead a team, even if it’s from a distance.”

  1. Highlight your relevant skills and experience: Share specific examples that demonstrate your experience and expertise in managing remote teams. Focus on the tools, techniques, and strategies you’ve used to lead effectively in a virtual setting.

Example: “In my previous role as a project manager, I successfully led a team of 10 remote employees across three different time zones. We used collaboration tools like Slack and Zoom for daily communication, and I implemented weekly virtual stand-up meetings and regular one-on-ones to stay connected and address any concerns.”

  1. Emphasize your motivation and commitment: Show your passion for remote team management and discuss any personal values or work ethics that drive you to succeed in this area.

Example: “I believe that remote teams can be just as productive and engaged as in-person teams, so I’m always motivated to find new ways to support and connect with my remote colleagues. I value open communication, trust, and empathy, which I think are crucial for successful remote team management.”

  1. Demonstrate your cultural fit: Briefly touch on how your leadership style and approach to remote team management align with the company’s culture and values.

Example: “From what I’ve learned about your company culture, it seems like there’s a strong emphasis on collaboration and personal growth. I’m a firm believer in fostering a supportive environment where remote team members feel included, valued, and encouraged to grow professionally.”

  1. Conclude with a positive statement: Wrap up your response by reiterating your excitement and readiness to take on the challenge of managing a remote team.

Example: “Overall, I’m confident in my ability to manage a remote team effectively and can’t wait to contribute to the success of your organization in this role.”

Remember to tailor your response to your specific experiences and the company’s unique culture and values. The key is to be genuine and personable, while still maintaining a professional tone.

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 well are you prepared to manage a remote team?’ – Example answers

Customer Service Manager Example

I recognize that managing a remote customer service team is essential in today’s business landscape, and I’m truly enthusiastic about the chance to lead such a team and make a positive impact.

In my previous role as a customer service supervisor, I successfully managed a team of 15 remote agents located in various regions. We utilized tools like Microsoft Teams and Zendesk to streamline communication and manage customer inquiries efficiently. I established daily check-ins to ensure all team members were on track and conducted bi-weekly video conferences to discuss performance and address any concerns.

My passion for providing excellent customer support drives me to continuously improve remote team management. I focus on creating an environment that promotes open communication, trust, and collaboration, which I believe are essential for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

I’ve researched your company values and found that you emphasize exceptional customer service and employee empowerment. I share these values and have always encouraged my team members to take ownership of their work and seek opportunities for growth and development.

In conclusion, I’m eager to apply my skills and experience in managing a remote customer service team at your organization, and I’m confident that I can contribute to maintaining the high standards you’ve set for customer satisfaction.

Programme Manager Example

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: Tell me about a time you showed leadership – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Why have you had so many jobs? – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Why do you want this job – Answer Tips

Interview Question: What is the most desired skill that is required to become a successful project manager, according to your experience? – Answer Tips

by

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. In your opinion, what are the top three skills that every project manager should possess to ensure project success?
  2. Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated effective leadership in managing a project?
  3. How do you balance the technical aspects of project management with the interpersonal skills required to lead a team?
  4. Based on your experience, what do you believe is the most critical quality for a project manager to have when dealing with challenging stakeholders?
  5. How do you prioritize the various tasks and responsibilities involved in managing a project?
  6. Can you describe a situation where your communication skills were essential for the success of a project?
  7. In your experience, what is the most effective way to manage risks and uncertainties in a project?
  8. How do you adapt your project management approach to different types of projects or industries?
  9. Can you discuss a time when your problem-solving skills helped to overcome a major challenge in a project?
  10. What methods do you use to motivate your team and ensure their commitment to the project’s success?

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.

Relating the interview question, “What is the most desired skill that is required to become a successful project manager, according to your experience?” back to the three points raised, we can see that it touches on all three aspects.

1 – Can you do the job?: By asking about the most desired skill for a successful project manager, the interviewer aims to determine if you have a clear understanding of the skills and experience needed to excel in the role. Your response will indicate whether you possess or are familiar with the essential skills required for effective project management.

2 – Will you do the job?: Your answer to this question can also provide insights into your motivation and drive. By discussing the most desired skill, you demonstrate your commitment to mastering that skill and applying it in your work as a project manager. This shows the interviewer that you are willing to put in the effort to succeed in the role.

3 – Will you fit in?: Sharing your perspective on the most desired skill for a project manager can offer a glimpse into your personality and values. Your response might reveal how well you understand the importance of teamwork, communication, or adaptability, which are essential for fitting into a workplace culture. The way you present your answer can also provide clues about your likability and compatibility with the organization.

How Best To Answer ‘What is the most desired skill that is required to become a successful project manager, according to your experience?’

If you’re asked about the most desired skill to become a successful project manager based on your experience during an interview, here’s a decent way to structure your response:

  1. Introduction: Begin by briefly acknowledging the importance of having a well-rounded skill set for a project manager, and that you understand different people might value different skills. However, you’ll focus on the skill you believe is most crucial based on your experience.
  2. State the skill: Clearly identify the skill you believe is most desired for a successful project manager. Be specific and concise in your choice.
  3. Justify your choice: Explain why you believe this skill is essential for a successful project manager. You can mention how it contributes to the overall success of projects, helps in managing risks, improves communication, or fosters teamwork, depending on the skill you chose.
  4. Personal experience: Share a brief example from your own experience that demonstrates the importance of the skill you chose. Describe a situation where this skill was critical for the success of a project you managed or were part of, and discuss the outcome.
  5. Relate to the company/role: If possible, connect the skill to the specific company or role you are interviewing for. Mention how the skill would be particularly beneficial in the context of the organization’s projects, industry, or work culture.
  6. Conclusion: Sum up your answer by reiterating the importance of the skill and your commitment to continuously develop and apply this skill in your work as a project manager.

Just keep in mind that it’s important to sound confident and engaging while keeping your answer short and sweet. By staying organized and focusing on the main points, you’ll do a great job of sharing your thoughts on the most important skill for a successful project manager, and it’ll show that you really know your stuff!

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

What is the most desired skill that is required to become a successful project manager, according to your experience? – Example answers

Leadership is the most desired skill example

You know, being a project manager means having a bunch of different skills, and everyone might have their own thoughts on which one’s the most important. But in my experience, there’s one skill that really stands out as essential for success in this role, and that’s a combination of leadership and effective communication.

Leadership is crucial because it enables a project manager to guide their team and keep them motivated towards a common goal. On the other hand, effective communication, both verbal and written, ensures that everyone stays on the same page and helps in addressing potential risks or issues promptly. I remember this one project I worked on where our ability to communicate openly and effectively as a team really made the difference in meeting tight deadlines and managing stakeholder expectations.

Of course, other skills like decision-making, risk management, and creative problem-solving are also important for a project manager. But I believe that strong leadership and communication skills lay the foundation for success in any project.

So, to sum it up, I truly believe that a combination of leadership and effective communication is vital for any project manager’s success. I’m always working on refining and applying these skills in my daily work because I know how important they are for managing projects effectively.

Risk Management is the most desired skill example

Problem Solving is the most desired skill example

You know, being a project manager means having a bunch of different skills, and everyone might have their own thoughts on which one’s the most important. But in my experience, there’s one skill that really stands out as essential for success in this role, and that’s problem-solving.

Problem-solving is crucial because projects often face unexpected challenges and obstacles. A project manager needs to be able to think on their feet, analyze the situation, and come up with creative solutions to keep the project on track. The ability to solve problems effectively not only helps in meeting deadlines but also contributes to managing resources efficiently and maintaining team morale.

I recall a project I worked on where we encountered several unforeseen issues, and my problem-solving skills were put to the test. By quickly assessing the situation and implementing innovative solutions, we managed to overcome the obstacles and deliver the project on time and within budget.

Of course, other skills like leadership, communication, and risk management are also important for a project manager. But I believe that strong problem-solving skills lay the foundation for success in any project.

So, to sum it up, I truly believe that problem-solving is vital for any project manager’s success. I’m always working on refining and applying this skill in my daily work because I know how crucial it is for managing projects effectively.

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: Tell me about a time you made a mistake – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Tell me about a time you showed leadership – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Tell me about a time you received negative feedback – Answer Examples

Interview Question: Suppose the project has gone off the rails. What steps would you take to get it back on track? – Answer Tips

by

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

How do you handle setbacks?
Tell me about a time you worked on a project that was not on track
What do you do when you veer off the critical path?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Projects go off course all the time. Often times it is no-one’s fault, it is just a matter of life – and other times it is someone’s fault and somebody screwed up.

Either way if you are working as a Project Manager and the project goes off the rails it is your job to get it back on course, and it is you who is going to take the brunt of the blame if you can’t. Such is the life of a Project Manager, all of the responsibility of project success or failure fall on your head.

As this is the PM’s responsibility the interviewer wants to see how you would handle a situation like this. When asking this question the interviewer is looking to see if you are capable of keeping a cool head in a crisis, can you calmly identify the blockers, remove them and get the project back on its feet?

The best approach to answering this question

The best approach to this question will be a blend of theory and experience. There are certain steps that you should always take when a project is off course; such as assessing the situation, identifying the root cause, introducing remedies and monitoring the situation (all while communicating the project status to the stakeholders).

What will turn a good answer into a great answer though is being able to incorporate an example into your response. Obviously a real life example from your experience would be best but if you struggle to come up with one walk through a hypothetical answer with the interviewer.

To do this treat the question as though the interviewer has asked you to “Tell me about a time”. The best way to answer these competency based questions is via the B-STAR method.

Let’s check out how you can incorporate this technique for this question:

B – Belief – Share your thoughts / feelings on the subject. Quite simply just walk the interviewer through the theory of what you would do (identify the issues, re-evaluate project viability, resolve issues, etc.)

S – Situation – Segue from the ‘theory of projects’ direct into a personal example. Set the scene quickly. What was the project and what was the issue?

T – Task – What was your role in the project and how were you involved in it ‘going off the rails’. Obviously if you are applying for a PM role you will want to give an example where you were leading the project, but you also don’t want the issue to be something that you should have been aware of (COVID is a good external factor that everyone can relate to). A good tip would be to talk about how you were brought into the project because the project was going off the rails.

A – Activity – What did you do and why? This should be the bulk of your answer. Detail the steps you took and explain the reasoning behind why you took them.

R – Results – How did it all turn out? You can go one of two ways with this. Either the project was a success and everyone went home happy all thanks to you. Or you can talk about how the project could no longer be justified given the new state of play. The latter option is a bit trickier to explain in an interview setting but if you pull it off it shows the interviewer you are experienced and able to make the rational choices.

How NOT to answer this question

Don’t throw anyone under the bus. The project has gone off the rails, sure, and most of the time you could probably pinpoint the blame on one or two individuals. But at the end of the day, as the Project Manager the responsibility falls to you. If the project is off the rails because someone didn’t do their job properly the next question from the interviewer is going to be why you did not highlight that issue as a risk and have a mitigation or remediation plan in place.

Don’t avoid the question. Make sure you have some kind of response to the question. I have seen people avoid the question by talking about how it is impossible to say what you would do as you do not know the situation. Those type of responses will not endear you to an interviewer.

Suppose the project has gone off the rails. What steps would you take to get it back on track? – Example answer

“The first step I would take is to confirm if the project is still viable in its current state. I would do this by re-confirming the business justification and seeing if the same assumptions still hold true now. Assuming the project is still viable I would investigate the issues with the team and prioritise remediation or mitigation of each item, re-scoping or re-defining the project plan as need be. Once the new plan was ready I would re-issue to the project stakeholders for review and approval. Later on I would lead an investigation as to why these issues were not catalogued in the RAID log already, but that investigation would be held once the project was back on track.

I actually have some recent experience with a wayward project. COVID-19 had caused a number of our internal projects to stall out. I was brought onto a project when the previous PM had left the business. The aim of the project was to offshore one of our business processes. The project had stalled after our offshore office had been closed due to a lockdown.

The first thing I did was to re-confirm the business justification. In doing so I found that the project was no longer viable. The main aim of the project was to offshore a particular process (and therefore save on the labour costs), however the process itself was to be discontinued in around 18 months time anyway in favour of a new automated process. Given this, and the delays realised by COVID, the assumed cost savings were no longer accurate and the revised cost savings were negligible. I presented my findings to the Change Committee and requested I be allowed to take the necessary steps to close the project.“

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)

Interview Question: How do you seek to promote diversity when working in a project team? – Answer Tips

by

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

Interview Question: What Project Management Methodology do you believe is better? – Answer Tips

by

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

Are you familiar with Waterfall Projects?
Are you familiar with Agile Development?
Tell me about a time you had to choose a Project Management methodology
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

This is a pretty common interview question for everyone who works in projects. This can be asked to a Project Manager, Project Coordinator, PMO, Business Analyst, etc.

The interviewer is trying to understand how much you know about project management and the different ways a project can be approached. This is something that is taught early on in most PM courses so a failure to answer this question shows the interviewer that you have not done much studying in the field.

The interviewer wants to know if you understand the difference between certain methodologies. The key methodologies that you should be aware of are:

  • Agile
  • Waterfall
  • Hybrid

You should also be aware of specific Agile techniques such as Scrum, Lean & Kanban. If your interviewer is passionate about software development do not be surprised if a discussion breaks out into whether these are actual Agile techniques or Project Management methodologies of their own. But we are not getting into that mess here!

When asking this question the interviewer is most interested in seeing how you approach a new project and choose the methodology by which you will run the project.

The best approach to answering this question

This is a trick question!

The premise of the question is asking you to decide which methodology is better, or rather, which methodology do you perceive to be better.

There is no right answer. That is the trick. Each methodology has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. And each methodology suits itself best to different types of projects.

The best approach to answering this question therefore is to say how you don’t believe either methodology is better and that prior to initiating any project you choose the methodology that best suits your project, it’s deliverables and it’s aims.

Feel free to mention that you have a personal preference for one style of project and why – for me I prefer the simplicity of waterfall, in that you know exactly where you stand with it: you start a project, you deliver on its aims then you close the project. With Agile, it can be a never ending beast, particular with a regularly updated piece of software. But that is just my personal preference, I would still use Agile when the situation lends itself to a more iterative approach that Agile can support.

How NOT to answer this question

Don’t say one is better than the other. As previously mentioned no PM methodology is better than the others. Regardless of what some proponents might tell you. Stay neutral and talk about how you use the methodology that is best for the situation.

Don’t confuse terms. Project Management “Methodology” refers, primarily, to Waterfall and Agile. This is not to be confused with any other terms. Lean, Scrum & Kanban are tools and techniques used within Agile. PMP, PRINCE2, PMBOK are certifications and not methodologies.

Don’t answer a different question. This question is asking you for your opinion on which methodology is better. It is not asking you which methodologies you know, or which methodologies you have experience in – although you should weave into your answer your experience with each methodology you discuss. This question is asking which you think is better, highlighting that the interviewer is interested in what you believe the relative strengths and weaknesses of each methodology are.

What Project Management Methodology do you believe is better?- Example answer

“My preference is for Agile. I find that it is the most adaptive methodology meaning that we can pivot on a dime and be able to deliver quickly and often. Something that I don’t believe is possible when working with a Waterfall or even a Hybrid model.

That is not to say though that I believe Agile is better. I think all of the methodologies have their place in an organisation. I have worked Waterfall before and believe that it is better adapted for complex projects with a single one time delivery, like the time I oversaw the opening of a new call centre wing. That was better suited to Waterfall as there were defined stages and a handover to the business.

Contrast that with the time I managed a software deployment (to the same call centre in fact). This was better suited to an Agile-based deployment as we initially delivered a MVP of the software and then deployed multiple releases that introduced new features as we went. Agile was the better choice in this instance as it allowed us to deliver a working product much earlier than we would have done had we used Waterfall.”

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