You have made it past the initial grouping of applicants into the interview pool. However, preparing for a project management or project controls job interview does not have to be a nightmare.
To help you organize your thoughts and get ready for the interview, follow these seven steps for preparing yourself and your work history.
Organizing each of the following areas will help you be ready for any question you may be asked.
7 Easy Steps To Preparing For Your Project Controls Job Interview
1. Have All Of Your Top Projects In Order
In almost every interview, you will be asked about your experience in the field. Organize your portfolio according to field, length of time you spent on a project, and how your role affected the outcome of previous projects. Construction project managers need to be able to meet deadlines with a small margin of error, so make deadline-rich projects a priority when presenting to the employer.
2. Do you deal with Stress well?
You will be asked to show how you dealt with a difficult situation or problem within a project. This serves as a way to ensure you will be able to handle the stresses of the next project. Choose a few worst case scenarios, and create at least three possible solutions to these issues. Try to isolate which factors are common to all of your solutions, and make sure you mention those factors during your interview.
3. What Qualifications/Expertise Are Your Bringing To The Table?
If you have any credentials or training in project management software like Primavera P6, gather all of your documents showing your previous experience in such software. If it has been more than a month since your last time using the software, refresh your mind by reviewing the software FAQs online or Plan Academy’s Tutorials, Course Lessons, and Blog for quick tips prior to your interview.
4. Make Sure To Target The Interview to the Industry
Different industries have differences in how projects operate. If you will have an interview for a position in a construction project, prepare to provide examples of previous history in the industry. Review any news relating to that specific field before your interview. Being on top of the industry for the project will show the employer you care about the industry.
5. Managed A Team Before?
Most schedulers, do not have anyone reporting to them, but if the role you are interviewing for requires that, then it would be ideal to prepare a disciplinary plan for when team members or employees fail to perform their duties. Review your plan-of-action for addressing disciplinary issues. For example, if an employee or team member does not show up on the jobsite after reviewing the schedule, how will you address the problem? Will you have a no-call, no-show, no-job style of management, or will you allow one mess up prior to termination?
6. Always Gather References From Previous Project Employers
Your previous project management work speaks volumes about you; however, your previous employers can be your strongest voice in an interview. Select your best references from your work history to provide during the interview. If you really want to stand out, ask you previous employers to allow you to record their thoughts on your abilities as a project manager. However, always keep letters of recommendation on hand if the employer still wants to contact previous employers for verification.
7. Remember, The Little Things Count Too
Although these guidelines apply to any interview, we felt they need to be reiterated for the sake of being ready for your interview:
- Never chew gum
- Always wear professional, comfortable attire
- Ensure your hair is combed
- Your shoes are clean
- Never appear impatient
Once you have gone over all of the above steps for preparing for a project controls or project management interment, you have one more thing to do. Sleep for at least eight hours the night before your interview. While you can review your portfolio the day of the interview, do not begin preparing for the interview that day. Get prepared, and get hired.
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