Program Manager

Program Manager interview questions

Your high-potential Program Manager candidate will be a natural problem-solver with a deep understanding of change management, ROI, defining objectives, and resource allocation.

Top tips: 

• Decide if you want qualifications: Program Managers don’t need a degree, but they do need experience. Depending on the role you might want to look for a tech expert, or a qualification in a specific area relevant for the role. 
• Look for experience: Learn as much as possible about the candidate’s past experience, especially when it comes to the programs/projects they’ve managed.
• Think diversity: Diversity is key for a thriving workplace. Keep an eye out for management and exec-level candidates from varying backgrounds and aim to eliminate bias from your hiring process.
  

Problem solving interview questions

• How do you prioritize different projects?
• If your program had a 6-month deadline, how would you plan and deliver it?
• Why do projects fail?
• How would you handle a change in the company’s strategy halfway through a project/program? 

Role-specific interview questions

• What does a program manager do that project managers don’t?
• Why is change management important for this role?
• What’s your favorite program management tech?
• Which metrics do you use the most?
• What’s your program charters experience?
• Are you familiar with the PMI code of ethics?
• Why do you use six sigma?
• How do you avoid scope creep?
• How do you keep up-to-date with industry trends?

Behavioral interview questions

• What was your most recent program and how did you contribute?
• Describe your biggest challenge while managing a team. 
• How do you measure the success of deliverables? 
• Describe how you planned and managed a budget in a past program.
• Have you ever dealt with a program that fell behind schedule?
• Have you ever faced a comms problem while managing a program? What happened?
• What was the most challenging sponsor/stakeholder negotiation you’ve dealt with? What did you do?