Usually, a coordinator guides a project from beginning to end. In the PR setting it could mean anything from searching for an event location, to planning a formal dinner with the President of Japan.
Prepare a list of questions for the interview, focusing on how the skills you have can benefit this new company. Ask about how they expect the candidate winning the job to interface with the project team as a leader and coordinator.
Basically, the Project Manager sets the goals and the methodology for a project; the Project Coordinator assists the PM with the implementation. Duties typically include:
Updating project plans
Setting up meetings, taking notes, and compiling/distributing the minutes
Tracking deliverables (often involves keeping after stakeholders to DELIVER their deliverables!)
Preparing presentations
Maintaining project files and documentation
There is a lot of variation, depending on the project itself & the needs of the PM. Remember that the PM is in charge - a common mistake is to think that you are the one running the project, which most PMs resent. The most important attributes of a good project coordinator are reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work constructively with all kinds of people.
I've been a project coordinator for nearly fifteen years, and I love it. It's an easily transferable skill that's useful in many different business setting - I've worked in IT, manufacturing, finance, and marketing. So I never have trouble getting a job. I don't want to put up with the midnight calls, the hassles and the politics of being a PM. I make good money, my work is valued and respected, and I have fun - what more can you ask?
Tips project coordinator interview questions
Dress appropriately. Plan your outfit at least the night before and make sure it is clean/pressed.
Turn OFF your cell phone (a lot of people forget this one).
Bring copies of your resume and references for the interviewer as well as a pad of paper and a pen. Be polite and friendly to EVERYONE that you meet because the hiring manager may ask for their opinion.
Look the interviewer in the eyes. Speak clearly. Smile. Try to use "confident" body language.
Stay calm and try to remember that an interview is a 2 way discussion. You're trying to find out of an employer is going to be good for you, just like they are trying to find out if you will be good for them.
Prepare some answers for the typical questions like "tell me about yourself" "what are your greatest strengths/weaknesses" "where do you see yourself in x years" (you can search for interview questions and answers and see what more of the typical questions are as well as the best ways to answer them)
Try to include specific examples of your relevant skills, experience, and abilities in your answers. Remember you're selling yourself so you want to point out things that are relevant to the company.
Stay positive. Try to frame everything in a positive way, even if it is/was horrible. Never speak badly of other people or past positions/companies. There is always something polite to say.
If you find yourself flustered, its ok to ask for a moment to think about the question... it is, afterall, a discussion and discussions have pauses and silence in them.
DO YOUR RESEARCH! Look into the company, their vision, the duties of the job, and the typical pay for a similar position in your area.
Ask questions at the end. You should prepare 5-10 questions (I prepare 8 in case some get answered) based on the research you have done.
Interview questions samples of Project coordinator
- Tell me a little about yourself?
- Where would you like to be in five years? Ten years?
- What made you choose to apply to Project coordinator?
- What have you learned from your past jobs?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- Tell me about your last position and what you did?
- What do you know about the position of Project coordinator?
- What are key tasks for Project coordinator?
- What are top 3 knowledge/top 3 skills for Project coordinator?
- What are KRAs/output of position: Project coordinator?
- How to measure/appraise your position: Project coordinator?
- What do you know about this company?
- Describe two or three major trends in your did you choose this profession/field?
- What tertiary qualifications have you attained that related to Project coordinator?
- What is the most recent skill you have learned that related to Project coordinator?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
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