White Collar
Project Manager
Want to make the most of your reference check for a Project Manager candidate? This guide outlines the critical areas to focus on, and provides a set of targeted questions to help you gather the most relevant information from your candidate's references.
What's Included in the Download?
Get the free template
- Fully Editable Word Document
- Candidate Details Section
- Referee Details Section
- Easy To Fill Form Fields
- Job Specific Reference Guide
- Things to Consider Checklist
Reference Guide 📖
When conducting a reference check for a project manager, it's important to look for candidates who have a proven track record of successfully managing projects from start to finish, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. You should seek references who can provide examples of the candidate's ability to communicate project goals, timelines, and progress to stakeholders and to manage project risks and mitigate potential issues.
Additionally, you should evaluate the candidate's ability to manage conflicts or difficult situations within the project team, handle changes to project scope or requirements, and delegate tasks effectively. It's also important to look for evidence of the candidate's ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, team members, and other stakeholders.
Finally, you should look for candidates who have strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure. By paying close attention to these factors during the reference check process, you can help ensure that you select a project manager who will be a valuable asset to your organization.
Click To Copy Questions 🙋
Tap any question to copy it to your clipboard.
- 1
What was your relationship with the candidate and how long did you work with them?
- 2
Can you confirm the candidate's job title, responsibilities, and dates of employment?
- 3
How did the candidate perform in their role?
- 4
Could you provide an example of a successful project the candidate managed and their contribution to its success?
- 5
How did the candidate ensure that projects were completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards?
- 6
How did the candidate communicate project goals, timelines, and progress to stakeholders?
- 7
How did the candidate manage project risks and mitigate potential issues?
- 8
How did the candidate manage conflicts or difficult situations within the project team?
- 9
How did the candidate handle changes to project scope or requirements?
- 10
Would you rehire this candidate or recommend them for a similar role?
Red & Green Flags
Red flags
- Unclear or inconsistent answers to questions about the candidate's skills, experience, or qualifications
- Lack of enthusiasm or hesitation when discussing the candidate's potential fit for the role
- Lack of detailed knowledge about the candidate's work history or responsibilities
- Information that contradicts what the candidate has shared during the hiring process, such as employment dates or job titles
- Any indication of unethical or inappropriate behavior, such as dishonesty, harassment, or violation of company policies
Green flags
- Consistent and clear answers to questions about the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications
- Enthusiastic endorsements of the candidate's fit for the role and potential for success in the position
- Detailed knowledge about the candidate's work history, accomplishments, and areas of expertise
- Reports of the candidate's strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Strong endorsements from multiple references, particularly those who have worked closely with the candidate