Interview Questions
Interview name: __Kelly A. Mitchell____
Job Title: ____ Project Manager______
For your first job out of school, what intangible assets attracted you to that company? What are you looking for now in a company?
First job- Very large company, great reputation, best offer.
Now- Financially secure company, 401K, opportunity to advance, variety of projects
How did the recruitment by the company affect your decision to work for them?
Their decision to interview me and then hire me greatly affected me due to the fact that I was the only student in my class they approached.
Did it take a significant amount of time to learn and orientate yourself to the processes within your company? How long?
I did not have any work experience in construction after graduating from college; therefore, I had a great deal to learn. I would guess- 6 months or so.
Did you have any difficulty in the training of your job and did you feel comfortable asking your supervisor to clarify instructions?
I worked directly with the Project Manager on the job site. I did not have any problems asking questions. In my opinion, working in the field is the best way to learn.
Upon entering into the workforce, did you feel you had strong technical skills in construction as well as people management skills? Were these skills developed before you became a project manager?
As stated before, I had no experience in construction upon entering the workforce. As I learned/worked in the construction field I developed strong technical skills. I had already developed people skills throughout my school years.
As an employee, what do you feel is the most important part of the company culture that you work in? What do they strive for? Do you feel as though you are a part of the team striving to achieve these goals?
Teamwork. I think everyone should work together no matter what their title/status to achieve the goals set before them. Yes, I feel part of a team as I run the project assigned to me because I work directly with the Owner, Superintendent, subs, etc. in order to coordinate/complete the job appropriately.
As a project manager, what do you think is the most important part of working with subcontractors?
Patience- by having the ability to work with them, listen to them, and by dealing with them in a fair manner in daily occurrences (whether good or bad) that happen on each project.
Do you feel as though you should treat all subcontractors equally? Why or why not?
Yes, all subcontractors should be treated equally.
Unless there is a situation where a new subcontractor is being used.
Then, a new subcontractor might require more attention in some areas.
Viewing the specs for a job is vital for a project manager, how much do you study them to make sure that everything you do is covered?
From cover to cover.
Do you write any contracts as a project manager? If so, what advice do you have for writing them so that you cover your bases legally?
Most companies have standard contract format already. As a Project Manager, I write the scope of work in detail involving the trade.
How often do you find yourself working alongside architects, subcontractors and project managers? Do you think proper communication channels between them are essential in order to achieve positive productivity?
Every project requires direct communication between the GC and the
Architect as well as the subcontractors. Verbal
and written communication is a must between all parties in order to keep the project running smoothly.
What experiences have you had with leaving out something in the specs by subcontractors or yourself on a project?
My worst experience involved a very long paper trail and massive schedule delays. I tried to get the Architect’s approval for something not in the specs that was already installed in the field. Big headache.
13.
Since you are in the interview process now, what comments can you provide
in how these different companies are recruiting you?
What steps are they taking (calls, first or second interviews, questions
asked) to have you come work for them?
Usually they call first. Next in
line are the interviews- usually only one or two.
The persons interviewing ask questions like: What do you want to do?
Are you willing to relocate?
What are your salary requirements? What
were your responsibilities at your former company?
Background info:
How long have you been out of
school?- 5 ½ years
How many companies have you
worked for?- Three
What are your future goals as a project manager?- Complete all of my projects on time and aim for Senior Project Manager