17 PMO Coordinator Interview Questions and Answers

Project management offices, or PMOs, have become an essential part of many businesses, as they coordinate and oversee all aspects of a project. PMO coordinators are the backbone of the PMO, as they are responsible for ensuring that all the necessary resources are allocated to the project, that deadlines are met, and that communication is clear between all stakeholders.

If you’re looking to land a job as a PMO coordinator, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough questions. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a list of PMO coordinator interview questions and answers to help you ace your interview.

Are you familiar with the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)?

PMI is a professional organization that offers certification programs for project managers. The PMBOK is the most widely used standard of best practices in project management. Your answer should show that you have an understanding of this important resource and how it can be applied to your work as a coordinator.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the PMBOK. In fact, I’ve earned my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification through PMI. This credential requires candidates to pass a test on the PMBOK. As part of my preparation for the exam, I read the entire PMBOK thoroughly. I also took notes on key concepts and developed flashcards to help me remember them. Studying for the PMP helped me develop a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of project management.”

What are the different types of project management processes?

This question is a great way to assess your knowledge of the different types of project management processes. It also allows you to show how you can apply these processes in your work as a PMO coordinator.

Example: “There are three main types of project management processes, including sequential, iterative and incremental. The first process, sequential, is when all tasks must be completed before moving on to the next step. Iterative projects involve completing several smaller tasks until they’re complete. Finally, incremental projects have multiple stages that require feedback from stakeholders.”

How do you determine which project management processes are most appropriate for your organization?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your knowledge of project management processes to benefit an organization. Use examples from past experience to explain how you analyze which processes are most effective for a company and why they’re beneficial.

Example: “I first assess what type of projects my organization is working on, including their size, budget and timeline. Then I consider the skillsets of the team members who will be managing each project. From there, I evaluate the tools that we use to manage our projects and determine if any additional resources or processes may be helpful in completing them effectively. In my last role, this process helped me implement new software that streamlined many of our existing processes.”

What is your experience with using project management software?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with using project management software. This can help them determine if you are familiar with the software they use at their company and how quickly you can become comfortable using it. In your answer, try to describe what project management software is and mention which software you have used in the past.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different types of project management software throughout my career. I started out working for a small business that didn’t have any project management software, so we had to create our own system. We used Microsoft Project to organize our tasks and deadlines. Then, when I moved to my current role, we implemented TeamQuest PM software. It’s been helpful to be able to transition between two different systems.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided guidance to a project manager who was struggling to meet their deadlines.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you can help others succeed. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you helped a project manager meet their deadlines or goals.

Example: “In my previous role as PMO coordinator, I worked with several project managers who were new to the company. One of these project managers was having trouble meeting his deadlines for reporting on his projects’ progress. I met with him one-on-one to discuss what he was struggling with and offered some advice on how to improve his performance. He followed my advice and was able to complete his reports in a timely manner.”

If a project manager is consistently following ineffective processes, how would you address the issue with them?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to manage a team and ensure they’re following company processes. In your answer, demonstrate that you can provide constructive feedback while also supporting the project manager’s success.

Example: “If I noticed a project manager consistently ignoring or avoiding our standard processes, I would first meet with them one-on-one to discuss my concerns. I would explain how adhering to our processes has helped me be successful in my role as PMO coordinator and encourage them to try it out for themselves. If they still didn’t want to follow the process, I would have an open discussion with my supervisor about what other actions we could take.”

What would you do if you noticed that two different teams were using conflicting project management processes?

This question can help the interviewer assess your ability to resolve conflicts and ensure that all teams are using the same processes. Your answer should show that you have conflict resolution skills, along with a willingness to work with different teams to create solutions that benefit everyone involved.

Example: “I would first meet with both teams to discuss their project management processes and identify any similarities or differences between them. I would then ask each team which process they prefer and why. After this, I would try to find a compromise solution that allows both teams to use their preferred method while also ensuring that they’re using similar processes so there aren’t any communication issues. If neither team is willing to compromise, I would decide on one of the two processes based on its effectiveness.”

How well do you perform under pressure?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work under pressure and still meet deadlines. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a time when you had to complete a project or task in a short amount of time.

Example: “In my previous role as a PMO coordinator, I was responsible for managing the company’s budget. One month, our department overspent by $10,000. This meant that I needed to cut expenses across all projects and departments. I met with each manager to discuss how we could reduce spending without affecting productivity. We were able to find ways to save money while maintaining efficiency.”

Do you have any experience working with a PMO’s senior leadership team?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with a senior leadership team. This can be an important part of the PMO coordinator role, as you will likely need to collaborate with the senior leadership team on various projects and initiatives throughout the year. In your answer, try to highlight any specific skills or experiences that make you qualified for this position.

Example: “In my current role as PMO coordinator, I work closely with the senior leadership team on several projects each month. For example, last month we worked together to develop a new project management methodology for our company. My previous experience in this role has helped me develop strong communication and collaboration skills that allow me to effectively work with senior leadership teams.”

When is it appropriate to escalate a project?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your decision-making skills and ability to prioritize projects. Your answer should include a specific example of when you escalated a project and the results of doing so.

Example: “In my previous role, I was working on a large project that required multiple teams to work together. One team member wasn’t completing their tasks in a timely manner, which caused other members of the team to fall behind. I spoke with the team leader about the issue, and they agreed to speak with the employee. However, after two weeks, the employee still hadn’t completed their tasks. The team leader and I decided it would be best to remove the employee from the project until they could complete their tasks. We reassigned the employee’s tasks to another team member, and we were able to finish the project by our deadline.”

We want to improve our project management processes. What processes would you add to our PMO?

This question allows you to show your creativity and problem-solving skills. It also gives the interviewer insight into how you would implement processes that are beneficial for their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what processes you have used in previous roles or what processes you’ve seen work well at other organizations.

Example: “I noticed during my research of your company that you use Agile methodology for many projects. I find that Agile is a great framework for project management because it allows teams to create flexible plans based on changing needs. However, I also understand that there are times when more structure is needed. That’s why I would add Waterfall methodologies to your PMO. This process provides clear guidelines for each stage of the project, which can help ensure that all deliverables are met.”

Describe your experience working with project managers at different levels (i.e. senior managers, mid-level managers, entry-level employees).

This question can help interviewers understand how you will work with their team members. Your answer should include a few examples of your experiences working with different levels of project managers and the outcomes of those relationships.

Example: “In my current role, I have worked with senior-level project managers who oversee multiple projects at once. They are responsible for making sure all aspects of each project run smoothly. I also work with mid-level project managers who manage smaller teams or individual projects. These project managers typically report to senior-level managers. Finally, I work with entry-level project managers who are new to the field. These individuals may need more guidance from senior-level managers.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this PMO coordinator position?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are qualified for this role. You can highlight your relevant experience, education and skills in relation to the job description.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this position because of my extensive knowledge of project management software and my ability to communicate effectively with team members. I have used several different types of project management software throughout my career, including Microsoft Project, Basecamp and Trello. In my previous role as a PMO coordinator, I helped my organization transition from Basecamp to Trello, which allowed me to train other team members on how to use the new system. This experience has given me valuable insight into what features are most important when choosing a project management platform.”

Which project management processes do you enjoy working with the most?

This question can help the interviewer understand your interests and preferences. It also helps them determine if you would enjoy working in their company’s PMO. When answering this question, think about which project management processes you find most interesting or enjoyable to work with. Try to pick processes that align with the job description.

Example: “I really enjoy working with risk management because it allows me to use my critical thinking skills. I also like collaborating with other team members on a project because it gives me an opportunity to meet new people and learn from their experiences. Finally, I love using data to make decisions because it makes my projects more efficient.”

What do you think is the most important role of a PMO coordinator?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand what a PMO coordinator does and how important it is for an organization. Your answer should include examples of how you would perform this role in your current or future position.

Example: “I think the most important role of a PMO coordinator is to ensure that all projects are on schedule, within budget and meeting quality standards. I have experience managing project budgets and schedules, as well as implementing strategies to help teams meet these goals. For example, when I worked at my previous company, I noticed that several projects were running behind schedule. I met with each team leader to discuss their progress and determine if there was anything we could do to get back on track. We decided to hire more employees to work on the project so we could finish by our deadline.”

How often should project managers update their plans?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your understanding of project management best practices. They want to know that you understand how important it is for managers to update their plans regularly and often. In your answer, explain the importance of regular updates and provide an example of a time when you helped a manager do so.

Example: “I think it’s very important for project managers to update their plans as frequently as possible. I’ve worked with many managers who have had trouble updating their plans on a regular basis, which can lead to problems later in the project. For instance, one of my previous clients was having issues meeting deadlines because they weren’t updating their plans regularly enough. I spoke with them about the importance of more frequent updates and provided tips for doing so.”

There is a high turnover rate among project managers in the PMO. How would you address the issue with the PMO coordinator?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others. In your answer, demonstrate that you can collaborate with the PMO coordinator to find solutions to improve project manager retention in the organization.

Example: “I would first try to understand why there is a high turnover rate among project managers. I would then discuss my findings with the PMO coordinator to see if we could implement any changes or improvements to reduce the turnover rate. For example, I might suggest offering more training opportunities for new project managers so they feel more prepared when starting their roles.”