Prepare for the interview

Below is a structured guide you can use to prepare for your interview. It includes a concise self-introduction, key points about your background and project management experience, the tools and methods you use, and how you add value to an organization. Feel free to adjust the wording to match your personal style.

1. Self-Introduction (2–3 Minutes)

Key Points to Cover:

  1. Name & Overall Experience

    • You have almost 5 years’ experience in software development and project management: more than 4 years as a Software Developer and 3 years as a Project Manager. (started out as Information System Engineer?)

  2. Education & English Proficiency

    • Graduated from K College in Michigan (2nd best school in Michigan).
    • Used English in most professional contexts, working with international clients from Australia, Europe, and the US.

  3. Brief Career Narrative

    • First role was at Mywishes as the only Software Developer.
      • Took on multiple responsibilities including recruitment and training of new developers because of the expanding workload.
      • Eventually organized an Agile team to serve important healthcare clients in London.
    • Recent role at BENIT company, where you led an engineering team.
      • Initiated a contract with Kalamazoo College in Michigan to develop an application for assignment submission and grading.
      • Integrated Git to promote coding activities in the IT department.

  4. Unique Value

    • Your developer background means you can translate technical complexities into more accessible language for clients. You focus on ensuring clients genuinely understand project requirements and progress.

Sample Script:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I have about 7 years’ experience in the software industry, starting as a Developer for 4 years and transitioning into a Project Manager role for the past 3 years. I graduated from K College in Michigan, which provided me a strong foundation in both technical and communication skills.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with global clients in Australia, Europe, and the US, so I’m very comfortable communicating complex ideas in clear, easy-to-understand terms. My first position was at Mywishes, where I was the sole developer at the start. As the company grew, I took on additional roles—recruiting and training new developers—before forming an Agile team that served key healthcare clients in London.

Most recently, I led an engineering team at BENIT, where I initiated a contract with Kalamazoo College in Michigan. We developed a custom app for assignment submission and automated grading, and I introduced Git to streamline their coding activities. My technical background helps me collaborate closely with developers while also bridging the gap with non-technical stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project goals.”

2. Highlighting Project Management Experience

Key Points to Cover:

  1. Agile / Scrum Methodology

    • Mention that you have been using Agile–Scrum to manage sprints, stand-ups, and retrospectives.

  2. Toolset

    • Ticket Management: Asana for task/ticket management.
    • Time Tracking: Everhour for monitoring time and productivity.
    • Communication: Microsoft Teams (upgraded from Google Meet) for daily stand-ups, stakeholder meetings, and remote collaboration.
    • Metrics Collection: Performance dashboards showing ticket aging, tickets closed per day/week/month, and communication logs.

  3. Risk & Dependency Management

    • You identify project dependencies early and communicate them across teams.
    • Proactively develop mitigation strategies.

  4. Stakeholder Communication

    • Emphasize your ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders effectively.
    • Explain you “translate” tech lingo into simple terms.

  5. Results & Continuous Improvement

    • You drive continuous improvement by measuring team performance, facilitating retrospectives, and refining processes based on data insights.

Sample Script:

“In my Project Manager role, I rely heavily on Agile–Scrum practices. I use tools like Asana for creating and prioritizing tickets, and Everhour for time tracking. This combination helps me see how each sprint is progressing, monitor tickets’ status, and keep an eye on resource allocation.

I’m also very data-driven; I track metrics such as ticket aging, closed tickets per day/week, and communication frequency to ensure each stakeholder is aligned. Using Microsoft Teams for daily stand-ups and stakeholder check-ins has streamlined our remote collaboration.

My technical background means I’m comfortable discussing architecture or code-related issues with the dev team, but I also know how to break it down for clients who may not have a technical background. This results in more productive discussions and fewer misunderstandings.”

3. Discussing Your Technical Development Background

Key Points to Cover:

  1. Tech Stack

    • Java, NestJS, React Native, Vue.js.

  2. How It Helps in PM

    • You can assess feasibility, estimate development timelines, identify potential technical pitfalls, and maintain realistic expectations for stakeholders.

  3. Examples of Hands-On Development

    • Building or managing internal tools to track performance metrics, bridging the gap between dev and management.

  4. Innovation & R&D

    • You’re capable of leading or guiding a research team to prototype new ideas or custom tools for process improvement.

Sample Script:

“Before moving into project management, I was a full-stack developer with hands-on experience in Java, NestJS, React Native, and Vue.js. This technical foundation is extremely valuable as a PM: I can accurately estimate development efforts, anticipate challenges, and ensure the solutions we build are scalable and robust.

In my previous roles, I even created—or led teams to create—internal tools for measuring performance, tracking issues, and automating daily tasks. I believe in continuous improvement and would love to bring that mindset to build or refine any tools that help streamline project workflows.”

4. How You Can Add Value to NSC Software

Key Points to Cover:

  1. Technical Project Management

    • You’ll ensure projects stay on scope, on budget, and on time, leveraging your tech expertise for accurate estimations and risk analysis.

  2. People & Culture Fit

    • With your remote and international experience, you’re comfortable collaborating with diverse teams and clients worldwide.

  3. Training & Mentoring

    • As you’ve done in the past, you can help onboard new developers, run tech workshops, or lead a research team to explore new tools and processes.

  4. Proactive Communication

    • You ensure timely, clear updates and can mediate between technical teams and stakeholders.

Sample Script:

“At NSC Software, I see an opportunity to blend my technical knowledge and project management expertise to deliver successful projects. I’m proficient in handling remote, cross-functional teams, and ensuring a smooth flow of communication. I also enjoy mentoring and training; if needed, I can help the company build or refine internal tools to optimize processes—whether it’s performance measurement dashboards, communication trackers, or streamlined workflows.

Having worked with clients in Australia, Europe, and the US, I understand the nuances of managing different time zones, cultural expectations, and communication styles. I believe these experiences will help me work effectively in the global environment at NSC.”

5. Common Interview Questions & Suggested Responses

  1. “Tell me about a challenging project you managed and how you handled it.”

    • Discuss a specific project (e.g., the healthcare project in London or the Kalamazoo College app).
    • Mention the challenges (tight deadlines, unclear requirements) and how you used Agile methods, communication, and risk management to overcome them.

  2. “How do you handle changes to project scope?”

    • Talk about having a change management process in place: analyzing impact on timeline, cost, and resources; communicating with stakeholders; and revising project plans accordingly.

  3. “What is your approach to ensuring effective communication in a remote or global team?”

    • Highlight structured daily stand-ups, weekly demos or retros, plus asynchronous channels like Teams or Slack for immediate updates.

  4. “How do you motivate your team?”

    • Emphasize recognition for achievements, regular feedback, setting clear goals, and creating a culture of open communication.

  5. “Why do you want to join NSC Software?”

    • Align your answer with NSC’s global vision and the opportunity for professional growth.
    • Talk about your passion for working with international teams, and how your background matches NSC’s need for a technically strong, globally minded PM.

6. Final Tips

Good Luck!

Use these talking points to structure your conversation, remain concise yet thorough in describing your experience, and show genuine enthusiasm for the role. You’ve got a strong background that combines technical expertise with proven project management skills—a great fit for a Technical Project Manager at NSC Software!