Project Manager Interview Situational Questions (3 of 3)

Strengthen your project manager interview performance with situational QAs focused on Agile delivery, dependencies, changing requirements, hybrid environments, governance expectations, leadership reporting, and challenging people interactions.

Each scenario includes explanations for every option, helping you compare alternatives and understand professional PM reasoning.

This is Part 3 of a 3‑part PM interview preparation series, covering modern delivery models, executive reporting, and people dynamics essential for project success.

What You Will Learn

• Navigate Agile and hybrid delivery interview scenarios

Who This Course Is For

• Project Managers & aspiring PMs

Course Requirements

• Understanding of Agile or Waterfall basics will be helpful

Topics Covered

3.1 Delivery Delays, Dependencies & Execution Challenges

3.1.1 Removing execution blockers

3.1.2 Handling multi-team dependency delays

3.1.3 Off-track project recovery

3.1.4 Managing external constraints

3.1.5 Prioritizing critical execution tasks

3.1.6 Handling technical debt

3.1.7 Last-minute release issues

3.2 Requirements, User Needs & Business Alignment Scenarios

3.2.1 Misaligned business expectations

3.2.2 Requirements misunderstandings

3.2.3 Handling missing requirements

3.2.4 Managing frequent requirement changes

3.2.5 Balancing UX vs business goals

3.2.6 Requirement conflicts between stakeholders

3.2.7 Ensuring value alignment

3.3 Agile Situations: Scrum, Kanban & Team Dynamics

3.3.1 Sprint goal misses

3.3.2 PO/developer conflicts

3.3.3 Unplanned work injection

3.3.4 WIP limit violations (Kanban)

3.3.5 Poor backlog refinement

3.3.6 Unclear Definition of Done

3.3.7 Flow bottlenecks

3.4 Hybrid Project Delivery (Agile + Waterfall) Scenarios

3.4.1 Waterfall deadlines with Agile teams

3.4.2 Mixed governance requirements

3.4.3 Agile inside waterfall phase gating

3.4.4 Documentation conflicts

3.4.5 Aligning Agile cadence with waterfall milestones

3.4.6 Reporting challenges in hybrid

3.4.7 Managing change in hybrid projects

3.5 Governance, Steering Committees & Executive Reporting Scenarios

3.5.1 Preparing executive-level status

3.5.2 Responding to tough steering questions

3.5.3 Projects in red/amber status

3.5.4 Defending decisions with data

3.5.5 Executive escalations

3.5.6 Handling governance audits

3.5.7 Presenting trade-offs to leadership

3.6 Difficult Conversations, Feedback & People Skill Scenarios

3.6.1 Handling difficult team members

3.6.2 Giving constructive feedback

3.6.3 Managing emotional stakeholders

3.6.4 Handling complaints

3.6.5 Performance discussions

3.6.6 Conflicts with senior leadership

3.6.7 Maintaining calm under pressure