For employers · 2 min read
The project manager is often the person who decides whether a job finishes on time and on budget. Because the title covers a wide range of experience, screening carefully matters more here than for most roles.
Match the project type and size
Someone who has run residential builds may not be ready for a large commercial or infrastructure project, and the reverse is also true. Ask about the type, contract value and duration of the projects each candidate has led, not only the ones they worked on.
Core skills to verify
- Budgeting and cost control, including change orders
- Scheduling with tools your team already uses
- Managing subcontractors and coordinating trades on site
- Reading drawings and resolving RFIs with architects and engineers
- Safety leadership and familiarity with local codes
- Client communication and progress reporting
Interview questions that reveal real experience
Ask candidates to walk you through a project that went over budget or behind schedule. Listen for what they noticed first, what they changed and how they kept the client informed. Specific numbers and decisions are a good sign. General statements about teamwork are not enough.
Ask how they handle a subcontractor who is falling behind. The best answers include both the conversation and the paperwork.
Move quickly once you find the right person
Experienced project managers are rarely on the market for long. Agree on the interview steps and the decision makers before the search starts, so you can make an offer while the candidate is still available.
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