What do you do if your past successes aren't translating in a Program Management interview?

1 Understand the expectations

Program Management is a broad and diverse field, and different organizations may have different definitions, standards, and methodologies for it. Before you apply or interview for a Program Management role, make sure you research the company, its culture, its goals, and its challenges. Find out what kind of programs they run, what tools and frameworks they use, and what skills and competencies they value. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications, and use keywords and phrases that match their job description.

2 Prepare your stories

One of the best ways to demonstrate your Program Management skills and experience is to tell stories that illustrate how you handled specific situations, challenges, and outcomes. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your stories, and focus on the ones that are most relevant to the role and the company you're interviewing for. Prepare at least three stories that showcase your Program Management abilities, such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing programs, managing stakeholders, risks, issues, changes, and resources, and delivering value and benefits to the organization.

3 Present with confidence

During the interview, be confident, concise, and clear in your communication. Use your stories to answer behavioral and situational questions, and provide concrete examples and evidence of your Program Management skills and achievements. Avoid vague or generic answers, and don't ramble or go off-topic. Use numbers and metrics to quantify your results and impact, and show how you aligned your programs with the strategic objectives and priorities of the organization. Be prepared to answer follow-up questions and probe deeper into your stories, and show how you learned from your successes and failures.

4 Follow up with gratitude

After the interview, send a thank-you note to the hiring manager and anyone else who interviewed you. Express your appreciation for their time and interest, and reiterate your enthusiasm and fit for the role. Highlight one or two key points from the interview that showcase your Program Management skills and value, and address any concerns or gaps that might have arisen. Keep it short, professional, and personalized, and send it within 24 hours of the interview.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?