How Do You Prepare for a Program Manager Interview?
From reflecting on relevant experience to selecting a great example that highlights your skill, here are seven answers to the question, “What are your best recommendations for how you would prepare for a program manager interview?”
- Expect to Talk About Yourself
- Review the Job Description Thoroughly
- Check the Company Website and Glassdoor Reviews
- Be Ready With Relevant Examples
- Reach Out to an Experienced Program Manager
- Become Familiar With the Company and Its Goals
- Pick a Star Program to Highlight
Expect to Talk About Yourself
When preparing for a program manager interview, I like to take the time to reflect on my experiences and accomplishments. Expecting to talk about myself helps me to think of stories and examples that would show why I would be the perfect fit for the role.
My positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm will also come through, as prepared answers may sound too rehearsed. Additionally, knowing about the background of the organization can help me better prepare for the interview questions. Taking the steps necessary to develop an in-depth understanding of what type of program manager they are looking for is a key part of being ready for the job.
Antreas Koutis, Administrative Manager, Financer
Review the Job Description Thoroughly
I would emphasize reviewing the job description thoroughly. It’s important to dig into the details and identify the key responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required for the position. Program management is an immense field, and job requirements can vary significantly from company to company.
By understanding what the company is specifically looking for, you can align your skills and experience accordingly. Don’t worry about being an all-rounder—instead, focus on highlighting how your unique strengths and experiences make you the best fit for the role.
Shaun Connell, Founder, Writing Tips Institute
Check the Company Website and Glassdoor Reviews
One of the best ways to prepare for a program manager interview is to look at the company website and see what they’re talking about. From there, come up with some questions that you can ask. For example, if the company is focusing on sustainability, it might be helpful to know what its goals are and how you can help them achieve those goals.
Besides that, on the company website, you will find information about its vision and values, then you can adjust your pitch to fit with them.
Another information source can be Glassdoor, where you can find comments from employees and from people who have been interviewed for the same company.
Luciano Colos, Founder and CEO, PitchGrade
Be Ready With Relevant Examples
One of the most important things a candidate can do when preparing for a program manager interview is to have relevant examples of success stories. Demonstrate how you’ve been able to make a powerful impact recently as a program manager. Use the WHO method to describe: What you did, How you did it, and What was the Outcome?
Be prepared to discuss how you have managed multiple projects, handled conflicts, and resolved issues. Have those examples ready for each.
Kelli Anderson, Career Coach, Resume Seed
Reach Out to an Experienced Program Manager
Preparing for a program manager interview requires research and planning. Start by researching the company you’re interviewing with, their mission, values, and goals. This will give you an understanding of what the company is looking for in a program manager, as well as give you a better sense of whether or not you are a good culture fit at the company. Additionally, it’s important to review common interview questions and develop answers that showcase your qualifications while also conveying your personality.
Most importantly, consider reaching out to experienced program managers working at companies similar to yours or through online professional networks like LinkedIn. You can ask them about best practices going into an interview, and how they prepared when they were in the same position as you are now.
Roksana Bielecka, Community Manager, ResumeHelp
Become Familiar With the Company and Its Goals
One way to prepare for a program manager interview is to become familiar with the company and its goals. Research the company’s mission, values, and culture, as well as its current programs and initiatives.
Additionally, review the job description for the program manager role carefully to gain a better understanding of the expectations and responsibilities associated with the job.
Scott Orn, Chief Operating Officer, Kruze Consulting
Pick a Star Program to Highlight
One way to prepare for a program manager interview is to think of a memorable program you’ve managed in the past. Choose a program (or project, if you’re coming from a project manager position) that encountered challenges but was ultimately successful. Don’t choose a program that went mostly smoothly, as it won’t highlight your problem-solving skills.
Review the details of the program, using them as reference points to answer questions about how you:
- Worked backward from a deadline
- Managed many different projects
- Connected projects and understood how they related to the overall strategy
- Used program management tools
- Applied role-related knowledge
- Managed people as much as tasks
Communication is crucial for a program manager, so practice answering questions aloud with clarity and confidence. It’s important to remember, if you can’t handle an interviewer, how can you handle anxious stakeholders, stressed project managers, and busy executives?
Rebecca Tay, Digital Content Researcher, Resume Genius
