Question forms part of
Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet
Other interview questions that are similar
- What makes you the best candidate for this position?
- How do your skills and experience align with the requirements of this job?
- What unique qualities do you bring to our team?
- How do you believe you can make a positive impact at our company?
- What sets you apart from other applicants for this role?
- Can you provide specific examples of how your background prepares you for this position?
- What do you think is the most important skill or attribute required for this job, and how do you embody it?
- How do your career goals align with the mission and values of our company?
- How do you plan to contribute to the success of our team in the short term and long term?
- If you were to be hired, what would be your first priority or accomplishment in this role?
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.
Taking the classic interview question and subject of this post “Why should we hire you?” as an example, let’s see how it relates to the three identifiers mentioned in the article:
- Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?) When answering “Why should we hire you?”, you should highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Demonstrate how your expertise will enable you to successfully perform the job responsibilities, and share any past achievements that showcase your ability to excel in similar roles. This will help the interviewer understand that you have the necessary skills and experience to do the job.
- Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?) In your response, emphasize your passion for the work and your dedication to achieving results. Talk about your work ethic, your ability to adapt and learn quickly, and your commitment to the company’s success. By showcasing your enthusiasm and determination, you can convince the interviewer that you are motivated to perform well in the role.
- Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?) Your answer to “Why should we hire you?” should also include aspects of your personality and interpersonal skills that make you a good fit for the company’s culture. Share examples of how you have collaborated with others, resolved conflicts, or contributed to a positive work environment in the past. Mention any company values that resonate with you and explain why they are important to you. Demonstrating that you are likeable and compatible with the team will help the interviewer see you as a valuable addition to the organization.
So as you can see a great answer to this question will be able to hit all 3 of the things that the interviewer is looking for.
How Best To Answer ‘Why should we hire you?’
When structuring an answer to the “Why should we hire you?” question, consider using the following framework:
Introduction: Start with a concise and confident statement that summarizes why you are a strong candidate for the position.
Skills and Experience: Elaborate on your most relevant skills and experience that directly align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to illustrate your proficiency and how you have applied these skills in previous roles.
Drive and Motivation: Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company, and discuss what motivates you to excel in your work. Mention any goals or aspirations that align with the company’s mission or values.
Cultural Fit and Personality: Explain why you would be a good fit for the company culture, emphasizing your interpersonal skills, work style, and any personal traits that make you compatible with the team.
Conclusion: Conclude by reiterating your key points, and express your genuine interest in contributing to the company’s success.
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
Why should we hire you? – Example answer
Project Manager Example
I’m confident that I’m the perfect fit for this Project Manager role, given my 20 years of experience managing diverse projects and my deep passion for delivering outstanding results. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills in project planning, execution, and risk management, which will allow me to hit the ground running in this position.
You know, in my previous role at XYZ Corporation, I led a team of 15 professionals to successfully complete a complex, multimillion-dollar project within budget and ahead of schedule. It was a fantastic experience, and I’m eager to bring that same level of dedication and expertise to your organization.
What really drives me is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the projects I manage, and I’m excited about the innovative work your company is doing. I’m confident that my proactive attitude, ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and strong problem-solving skills will ensure that I can contribute significantly to your team’s success.
When it comes to company culture, I pride myself on being a team player and an effective communicator. I’ve always believed that fostering a collaborative and supportive environment is key to achieving project goals. My colleagues have often praised my ability to remain calm under pressure and to inspire and motivate those around me.
In conclusion, I’m convinced that my extensive experience, technical skills, passion for the industry, and team-oriented mindset make me an ideal candidate for this Project Manager role. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the success of your organization.
Customer Service Example
I’m really excited about this customer service position because I love helping people and making sure they have a great experience. With my background in retail and my genuine passion for customer satisfaction, I’m sure I’d be a great fit for this role.
You see, I’ve worked in retail for over five years, and I’ve always enjoyed interacting with customers and finding solutions to their needs. In my last job at ABC Store, I was known for going the extra mile to make customers feel welcome and valued. One time, I even helped a customer track down a hard-to-find item by calling multiple stores, and they were so grateful for the effort I put in.
What keeps me motivated is knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s day, whether it’s by helping them find the perfect gift or just lending a listening ear. I’m excited to bring my positive attitude and willingness to learn to your team, and I think my strong communication skills will help me build great relationships with both customers and coworkers.
As for fitting in, I’ve always been a team player and I get along well with others. I think it’s super important to create a fun and supportive work environment where everyone feels comfortable and motivated to do their best. Plus, I’m really adaptable and can easily handle changes or unexpected situations with a smile.
All in all, I’m confident that my experience, people skills, and passion for customer service make me an ideal candidate for this position. I can’t wait to join your team and help create amazing experiences for your customers!
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