Gauge Company's Commitment to Project Management: 10 Interview Questions

Are you a project manager seeking a new opportunity and aiming to ensure alignment with your values and career trajectory? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you thought you had found the ideal role with potential for career advancement, only to realize that all the company leadership expected from a project manager was to act as a note-taker and schedule-maker?

In the excitement of landing a new opportunity, sometimes we all can look past the red flags during the interview process or online reviews. No matter how desperate you may be to land the plum title or compensation, things may not always be what they appear. Once you land the "ideal role", you may eventually have buyer's regret and want to leave due to values and career misalignment.

During the company research process and interview loop, you need to dig deeper. The project management profession is a true profession, it is meant to provide and drive value for organizations through strategic delivery. This is especially true as people advance up the project management career ladder into more senior roles. It may be a fit for a junior project manager or project coordinator to take meeting minutes and schedule calls, but it is a lost opportunity to only have senior project manager, senior program managers, Management or Director level being asked to only complete bureaucratic tasks.

How do you know that the company you wish to join values project managers? During the interview process, it's essential to assess how much importance the company places on project management.

To help you with this evaluation, consider asking the following questions:

1. Role Clarification: Can you tell me about the role of project managers within your organization? Understanding the company's perception of the project manager's role is crucial for aligning expectations.

2. Priority and Support: How does the company prioritize and support project management initiatives? Knowing if project management is a priority for the company and the level of support provided can give insight into its value.

3. Resource Allocation: What resources or tools does the company provide to assist project managers in their roles? Adequate resources and tools are essential for project managers to perform effectively.

4. Success Stories: Can you describe a recent project where the project manager played a significant role in its success? Hearing about past successes can demonstrate the company's recognition of the project manager's impact.

5. Decision-making Involvement: How are project managers involved in the decision-making process for projects? Project managers should have a seat at the table when decisions affecting their projects are made.

6. Professional Development: What opportunities are available for professional development and growth for project managers within the company? Continuous learning and growth opportunities are indicative of a company that values its employees.

7. Performance Evaluation: How does the company measure and evaluate the performance of project managers? Clear performance metrics can help project managers understand how their contributions are recognized and evaluated.

8. Recognition and Rewards: Can you provide examples of how the company recognizes and rewards the contributions of project managers? Recognition and rewards are essential for motivating and retaining talented project managers.

9. Collaboration and Communication: What is the company's approach to fostering collaboration and communication among project teams and stakeholders? Effective collaboration and communication are vital for project success.

10. Handling Challenges: How does the company handle project management challenges or obstacles, and what support is provided to project managers in these situations? Support during challenging times demonstrates the company's commitment to its project managers' success.
    

By asking these questions during your interview, you can gain valuable insights into the company's commitment to project management, its recognition of the value project managers bring, and the support it provides to facilitate their success. Remember, finding a company that values and supports its project managers is crucial for your professional growth and satisfaction.