Question forms part of
Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet
Other interview questions that are similar
- In your opinion, what are the top three skills that every project manager should possess to ensure project success?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated effective leadership in managing a project?
- How do you balance the technical aspects of project management with the interpersonal skills required to lead a team?
- Based on your experience, what do you believe is the most critical quality for a project manager to have when dealing with challenging stakeholders?
- How do you prioritize the various tasks and responsibilities involved in managing a project?
- Can you describe a situation where your communication skills were essential for the success of a project?
- In your experience, what is the most effective way to manage risks and uncertainties in a project?
- How do you adapt your project management approach to different types of projects or industries?
- Can you discuss a time when your problem-solving skills helped to overcome a major challenge in a project?
- 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:
- 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.
- State the skill: Clearly identify the skill you believe is most desired for a successful project manager. Be specific and concise in your choice.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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