In the fast-paced world of marketing and advertising agencies, project managers (PMs) play an essential role in ensuring that campaigns are delivered on time, on budget, and with the creative quality that agencies demand.
But how do you separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to hiring a PM who can keep up with the demanding pace of the industry? Here are five revealing interview questions to help you find the perfect PM who can juggle multiple tasks while maintaining calm and inspire the agency with the confidence to deliver.
1 – Risks: What could go wrong?
In the unpredictable world of advertising and marketing, projects are fraught with potential risks that can send even the most seasoned PM into a tailspin. You need a PM who can spot issues from a mile away and address them promptly and effectively. This requires a straight-talking, problem-solving attitude and a culture of honesty within the team.
During the interview, ask the candidate about instances when a risk became a significant issue in their previous experience and how they handled it. This will give you valuable insights into their ability to pre-empt problems and eliminate risks before they rear their ugly heads.
If they answer “Risks? What risks?” then move quickly onto the next candidate!
2 – Confidence: No pushovers, please!
Confidence is a key quality that a PM must possess, especially when they’re constantly pulled in different directions by clients, teams, and stakeholders. The ability to set boundaries and manage time wisely is essential.
To gauge a candidate’s confidence and their willingness to be straightforward when necessary, pose a scenario. Ask them what they would do if invited to a meeting they didn’t need to attend, with clients present. How they respond will reveal a lot about their assertiveness and ability to navigate challenging situations.
3 – All systems down: Now what?
While project management tools and platforms are essential, true PMs manage with their minds, not software. When interviewing a potential PM, create a hypothetical scenario where all project management platforms, email, and video conferencing are down. Ask them how they would handle this chaos and keep the project on track.
This question helps assess their problem-solving abilities and their capacity to adapt in challenging situations, demonstrating their true project management skills beyond the tools.
4 – What’s their signature dish?
Every PM has their unique style and approach to managing projects. To gain insight into a candidate’s character and creativity, ask them if they have a distinctive habit, tradition, or personal touch they apply to their projects. This could be anything from personalized to-do lists for team members to giant gantt charts on the office wall, daily mini-status reports, or even celebrating milestones with a team cake.
Understanding their signature approach will reveal how they bring their unique flair to the role, which can be a valuable asset in an industry that values creativity and innovation.
5 – Curiosity made the cat more employable
In the ever-evolving world of marketing, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations is vital. A PM who is curious and eager to learn not only inspires confidence but also ensures that your agency stays ahead of the curve.
During the interview, inquire about what the candidate sees on the horizon that piques their interest. This question helps you assess their curiosity, and by extension, their commitment to staying informed about industry developments, which can be a game-changer in the dynamic marketing landscape.
Hiring a PM is not just about evaluating technical skills. It’s about identifying the qualities that set a PM apart from the rest. Asking these kind of revealing interview questions can help you find that PM hero who will keep the balls in the air, maintain a positive attitude, and ensure that your projects are delivered on time, and on budget.
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