Got a project management interview coming up? Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of PM or going for a more senior role, a bit of preparation can go a long way. To give you an edge, we caught up with Marika Powell, Senior Recruitment Consultant with based within our Engineering team. She’s spent the past five years helping project managers find roles that really suit them—and knows exactly what hiring managers want to see.
Here’s her insights on how to impress in your next interview.
The Importance of Project Management
Q: Marika, why is project management such a big deal right now?
Marika: “With the client’s I support, literally nothing gets delivered without them. PMs are the ones keeping everything on track, across all industries. It could be defence or tech, it doesn’t matter, having someone who can lead, organise, and drive things forward is critical.”
Top Tips on How to Have a Successful Project Manager Interview
1. Know the Interview Format
Q: What’s the first thing you’d advise candidates to do?
Marika: “Find out how the interview’s going to run. Is it a panel? Competency-based? Will there be a technical element? Knowing this helps you prepare properly—and makes you feel way more in control.”
2. Do Your Homework
Q: How deep should people go when researching the company?
Marika: “Go past the homepage. Check out their mission, recent projects, what they care about. Then think about how your style and experience match their goals. That’s really going to help you stand out.”
3. Show You Can Communicate
Q: What kind of communication do hiring managers like?
Marika: “Clear and confident. We coach people in using the STAR method— talk about the situation, the task, actions and the result—it keeps things simple and shows you are a critical thinker who can break problems down.”
4. Mention Team Development
Q: How do you show you’re a leader?
Marika: “Talk about how you’ve helped team members grow, mentored junior staff, or built a collaborative culture. It tells people you’re not just task-focused—you invest in people.”
5. Avoid the Usual Mistakes
Q: What are the most common interview slip-ups?
Marika: “Not knowing your CV inside out. Giving generic answers. Or throwing in buzzwords with no context. Be specific, back up what you say, and keep it real.”
6. Ask Good Questions
Q: What should people ask at the end?
Marika: “Think team dynamics, onboarding, or what success looks like in the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested—and helps you figure out if the role’s right for you.”
7. Talk Results
Q: What should candidates really focus on?
Marika: “Outcomes. Did you deliver early? Save money? Turn around a tricky project? Give examples, and make sure you mention the impact.”
8. Don’t Be Stuck for Questions
Q: Any backup questions if people are drawing a blank?
Marika: “Ask what a typical day looks like, how teams work together, or even what their favourite recent project has been. These get conversations going and help you decide if it’s the right fit.”
Why Trust Our Project Management Recruiters
At ARM, our project management recruitment team knows what it takes to land great roles. People like Marika have helped hundreds of candidates prepare, stand out, and succeed.
From perfecting your CV to giving honest feedback, our recruiters are here to support you every step of the way.
Curious about the difference between delivery managers and project managers? Check out our blog on Delivery Manager vs Project Manager.
Get in Touch
Feeling ready to tackle your next interview?
- Browse live Project Manager roles
- Upload your CV
- Drop us a message
- Read more about Marika’s experience here.
We’ll help you take that next step in your project management journey.
