Staff Project Manager:
Interview Guide

What’s the most accurate predictor of a new Staff Project Manager candidate’s job potential? Many people think it’s an interview, one where they “get a read” on the recruit’s likelihood to fit into their organization.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The typical job interview – while the most widely used selection tool – is also one of the least successful in predicting outcomes. In most studies, interviews rank 5th in predicting performance, particularly with manager candidates like Staff Project Manager.

Used correctly, however, as part of a disciplined selection approach, an interview can be very telling. The first issue is FOCUS . . . make sure your interviews are guided by the success profile you’ve chosen for your manager position.

Staff Project Manager:

• Staff orientation
• Project approach
• Takes initiative in a business unit
• Takes responsibility for results as an entrepreneurial manager
• Profit conscious in a management role
• Ability to learn the business
• Develops technical competence
• Management ambition
• Practical intelligence
• Analytic ability
• Teaching in a structured setting

Next, use a classic “coning approach” with questions to obtain the information needed to assess the candidate against specific profile elements. After the interview, individual assessment scores can be summarized, and a determination made as to how to move forward with your Profit Center Manager candidate.

Click on the adjacent Interview Guide front page. This illustrates how the Staff Project Manager interview focuses on the nine critical factors of the job.

Click here to request a complete sample Staff Project Manager Interview Guide.

Click here to request a complete sample Staff Project Manager Interview Guide.

Click to Enlarge Image