Program Manager Jobs Overview
Program manager jobs involve leading projects, delegating tasks, and making sure that everyone's in sync. As a program manager, you coordinate and oversee numerous products, projects, or initiatives within an organization.
Many program managers work in office settings across industries. For example, research institutes and talent acquisition agencies often hire program managers. The many different activities you manage and participate in extend to everything from communicating with stakeholders to performing cross-project resource management.
A 40-hour work week is the norm, but your job as a program manager might come with lengthier work days depending on the stage a project is in. For example, if you're nearing the end of a project and need to finish it by a specific date, your employer might ask you to work overtime.
Program Manager Salary
The salary for program manager jobs ranges from $49,182 to $143,413 annually. You might earn a higher salary if you work in a high-demand location. The median annual salary for the locations with the highest demand for these jobs is:
- Chicago, IL - $91,688
- New York, NY - $92,183
- San Francisco, CA - $104,693
- Seattle, WA - $106,427
- Washington, DC - $111,969
You can find more information about salaries in your area by using our salary calculator. Just enter the job title and your location to find the median salary as well as the salary for related jobs.
How to Find Program Manager Jobs That Fit You
To find a program manager job that suits your skills and preferences, define your career interests and goals. Gain a better understanding of your current strengths and weaknesses to figure out if you qualify.
You might also consider what you want from this type of job. Are you looking to continue advancing your career? Maybe you're trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Review the Job Description and Evaluate Your Qualifications
When you start reviewing a program manager job description, measure your qualifications for the position. Determine if the requirements and responsibilities match your experience and skills.
Consider areas where more development or training might improve your application. While you should qualify for these jobs with a bachelor's in program management or business administration, some employers ask for a master's degree.
Research the Company and Its Culture
Before you apply for a program manager position, research the company online to see if its mission and values align with your own, and think about the size of the company you want to work for. Maybe you'd enjoy managing programs for a smaller startup company that's attempting to scale its operations. Or, you might prefer a larger corporation that focuses on exciting and innovative projects.
How to Apply to Program Manager Jobs
To apply for program manager positions, make sure you thoroughly review the job listing to look for key qualifications and skills that you might emphasize throughout your application. If the employer gives specific instructions within the listing, follow them closely.
Create an Effective Resume
Creating an effective resume means presenting your experience and skills in the best light possible. Before you even start writing it, look for resume keywords to use throughout the document. These are words or phrases that are relevant to the job you're applying for, and you'll find them in the listing.
The main advantage of implementing keywords in your resume is that it helps your application pass through the applicant tracking system (ATS) software that many employers use. The keywords that are often present in listings for program manager jobs include:
- upgrading quality control programs
- meet objectives
- manage resources
- conflict resolution
- manage product launch activities
Since this is a managerial position, focus on your experience before anything else. Consider using the reverse chronological resume format. This format has you list your experience in descending order, which means that you begin with information about your most recent job.
Make sure you include the types of skills that employers want for program manager jobs, including the following:
- project management skills
- ability to generate timelines
- proficiency in MS office, including Word, Access, and Excel
- ability to use AutoCAD
- strong interpersonal and communication skills
- willingness to work overtime
- knowledge of software capitalization rules
If you'd like to have a professional write your resume, use Monster's Resume Writing Services. You'll receive a keyword-rich and custom resume that's unique to your experience and skills.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter
Applications for program manager jobs should always include a cover letter. Make sure that every letter you write for an application is unique.
Customize your cover letter to the company and job you're applying for. Just like your resume, your cover letter should include information and details that are relevant to the job. If, for example, the listing emphasizes the need for five years of experience and comprehensive knowledge of acquisition policies, include these details in your cover letter.
Write about your interest in the job before describing the skills you bring to the table. Keep in mind that cover letters are often less formal than resumes, which gives you the opportunity to write passionately about the position you're applying for.
Need some help creating the perfect cover letter? Read our guide on proper cover letter etiquette to gain some insight on how to craft yours.
Submit Your Application
It's time to submit your application through Monster. You can begin this quick and easy process by creating an account, after which you can upload your application and all supporting documents.
Making an account with Monster is quick and easy. You'll gain access to a professional resume review and the ability to apply to thousands of program manager jobs in no time.
The final step in the application process involves double-checking your documents for grammatical or spelling errors. Read your resume and cover letter out loud to more easily spot mistakes. Reviewing the application can also help you determine if anything's missing.
How to Follow Up With an Employer
Before following up, wait about a week. The hiring manager needs enough time to review your application.
How to Follow Up
Following up with an employer is crucial if you want them to remember your name and application. Program manager jobs might receive interest from dozens or even hundreds of applicants, which means that you'll need to do anything you can to put your name at the top of the list.
Send an email that asks about the status of your application. While you shouldn't make this email longer than a few paragraphs, be sure to reiterate your interest in the position as well as your skills.
Who to Follow Up With
Follow up with the hiring manager in charge of this process. Their contact information is likely on the company's website or in the job listing. If you can't find it, call the human resources or customer service department to inquire about it.
Interviewing Tips
Now that you have an interview on the calendar, it's time to prepare. Review the information you've researched about the company's values, mission, and culture, and take another look at the company's website.
Interviews for program manager jobs involve questions about how you manage projects, what you do to delegate tasks, and the steps you take to turn around a failing project. Practice answering common interview questions with a friend or family member. Use Monster's interview questions guide for inspiration.
The types of questions you'll likely receive during your program manager interview include the following:
- How do you avoid scope creep?
- What's your most challenging yet successful project?
- How do you meet strict deadlines?
- What's your process for analyzing risks in a project?
- How do you prioritize the projects you manage?
Interview Process
Depending on the company you apply with, program manager positions can have an intensive interview process that involves anywhere from two to six rounds of interviews. You might take part in a screening interview over the phone or by video before attending one or more in-person interviews. Hiring managers often handle this entire process and conduct in-person interviews.
The two most common formats for interview questions include competency-based and behavioral formats. Interviews that feature behavioral questions look at your experience. For example, the interviewer might ask you how you recovered when a project fell behind schedule.
Competency-based questions require you to answer how you'd tackle certain situations. You may need to describe the method you use to fire project managers or the steps you take to ensure the success of a project. You'll also receive some generalized questions about your skills and experience.
Interview Tips
One technique that's effective for answering behavioral questions is the STAR method. When you answer with the STAR method, you'll:
- detail the situation
- talk about the issue you had to resolve
- mention the actions you took
- describe how your actions produced a favorable result
Even when you're answering competency-based questions, demonstrate your experience and skills with examples. Make sure you speak with authenticity and confidence throughout the interview. Hiring managers and recruiters for program manager jobs expect applicants to know what they're talking about.
Follow Up
Once you complete your interview, it's time to focus on sending a follow-up message. First, send a brief email that thanks the hiring manager for the interview and reiterates your qualifications and knowledge of the position. Send this email within 24 hours following the interview.
If you don't hear back from the employer after around seven to 10 business days, call the hiring manager. During the conversation, mention something from the interview. Speaking directly with the hiring manager makes it more likely that they'll remember you when it comes time to make a final decision.
Talking with someone over the phone who represents your potential employer may be nerve-wracking. To gain more confidence before you have this conversation, read our advice about how to make a follow-up phone call.
What to Do When You Get an Offer
Congratulations on making it this far! Now all that's left is to consider your offer. Thank the hiring manager and inform them that you need a few days to think about it and get back to them.
The most important things to look for in a job offer include your responsibilities, salary, and benefits. If any of this information is unclear, ask the hiring manager for clarification. Base the decision you end up making on your career needs and priorities.
Your offer may be lacking regarding your benefits or salary. In this case, you can mention your concerns and negotiate your salary with the hiring manager. Remember to show professionalism during this conversation.
Career Paths
Program manager jobs usually provide excellent career advancement opportunities. Effectively managing numerous projects and providing guidance to project managers in your company should prepare you for a more senior position. You might apply for a better position at another employer or receive a promotion from the company you work for.
Your options for advancement include program director, senior program manager, or vice president of programs. Depending on the company you work for, you might also gain the skills necessary to become a director of operations or chief operating officer. While these jobs often come with higher salaries, they also give you more responsibilities.
While you're earning experience and gaining skills to help you advance your career, take advantage of any networking and professional development opportunities you have. For example, earning a Master of Business Administration can help you qualify for a more senior position in this field.
Networking opportunities are often available by joining professional associations. A couple of options that are available to program managers include the International Association of Project Managers (IAPM) and the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Similar Occupations
If you're considering getting a job in a similar field, many occupations might interest you. Some of your options include the following: