What are the most common Program Manager interview mistakes?

2 Not answering the question

Another common mistake is not answering the question directly or clearly. Sometimes, candidates ramble, digress, or give vague or irrelevant answers that do not address the interviewer's concerns or expectations. To avoid this, you should listen carefully to the question, ask for clarification if needed, and structure your answer in a logical and concise way. You should also avoid using jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that the interviewer may not understand, and instead use simple and clear language. If you are not sure about something, do not lie or guess, but admit it and explain how you would find out or solve it.

3 Not showing leadership

As a program manager, you are expected to lead and coordinate multiple teams, projects, and stakeholders, and to ensure the program's success and alignment with the organizational strategy. Therefore, you need to show that you have the leadership skills and qualities that the role requires, such as vision, influence, collaboration, delegation, motivation, and feedback. You can do this by highlighting your leadership style, values, and achievements, and by giving examples of how you have led or managed complex and challenging programs or situations in the past. You should also demonstrate that you can handle conflict, ambiguity, and change, and that you can adapt to different contexts and needs.

4 Not asking questions

Another mistake that can hurt your chances of getting hired as a program manager is not asking any questions at the end of the interview. This can make you seem uninterested, passive, or unprepared, and can also deprive you of the opportunity to learn more about the role, the company, and the expectations. You should always prepare some thoughtful and relevant questions that show your curiosity, enthusiasm, and fit for the position. For example, you can ask about the program's scope, timeline, budget, risks, or stakeholders, or about the company's culture, values, or goals.

5 Not following up

The last mistake you want to avoid as a program manager candidate is not following up after the interview. Sending a thank-you note to the interviewer(s) within 24 hours can make a positive impression and show your professionalism, gratitude, and interest. You can also use the note to restate your qualifications, highlight your fit, and address any concerns or gaps that may have arisen during the interview. Moreover, you can ask about the next steps and the timeline of the hiring process, and express your availability and enthusiasm for the role.