STORE Capital Advisors Project Manager interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions are representative of the patterns observed in interviews for the Project Manager position at STORE Capital Advisors. While exact phrasing may vary, these categories reflect the core competencies the hiring team evaluates.

Behavioral and Situational Awareness

These questions assess how you handle the interpersonal dynamics and pressures inherent in a program coordination role.

• How do you handle difficult situations or conflicts with stakeholders?
• Can you describe a time you had to manage a project with limited resources?

Preparation for STORE Capital Advisors requires a blend of professional self-reflection and a deep understanding of the programs you will manage. You should frame your past experiences in a way that highlights your reliability and your capacity for autonomous work.

Role-Related Knowledge – You must demonstrate a clear understanding of the specific program requirements, whether in EXSC or Talent Development. Familiarize yourself with the typical lifecycle of these programs and be ready to explain how your background directly translates to the administrative and coordination needs of the team.

Problem-Solving Ability – Interviewers look for evidence that you can identify bottlenecks before they become issues. Focus on explaining your methodology for troubleshooting; show them your "logical map" for how you move from a problem statement to a resolution.

Communication and Stakeholder Management – As a coordinator, you will be the point person for various groups. Demonstrate your ability to adjust your communication style to suit faculty, students, and management, ensuring that information is clear, concise, and professional.

The interview process at STORE Capital Advisors is characterized by its responsiveness and efficiency. Candidates often report a streamlined experience, moving quickly from application to evaluation. The process is designed to be interactive, often involving not just traditional Q&A, but also demonstrations of your work, presentations, or meetings with the actual teams and stakeholders you would be supporting.

You should expect a high degree of transparency. The team is known for being direct about expectations, and you will likely find that they value a straightforward, honest discussion about your skills and their needs. Because the role is often rooted in academic or talent-focused environments, the culture is collaborative and professional, favoring candidates who show genuine interest in the program's mission.

This timeline shows a progression from initial screens to more hands-on evaluations like presentations or stakeholder meetings. Use this to gauge the intensity of your preparation; early rounds focus on your background, while later rounds are designed to test your ability to think on your feet and fit into the team dynamic.

Administrative Proficiency

This area is critical for ensuring the operational success of your programs. You are evaluated on your attention to detail and your ability to maintain records and schedules.

• Record Keeping – Maintaining accurate and accessible data.
• Scheduling – Managing complex calendars and program timelines.
• Process Documentation – Creating and updating manuals or guides.

Example scenarios:

• "How do you organize your workflow to ensure no deadlines are missed?"
• "Explain a time you identified an error in a process and how you corrected it."

Stakeholder Engagement

You will interact with diverse groups, and your ability to manage these relationships is a core metric of your success.

• Faculty/Leadership Relations – Reporting progress and escalating issues appropriately.
• Student/Participant Support – Providing guidance and maintaining program standards.
• Conflict Resolution – Addressing grievances or misunderstandings with tact.

Example scenarios:

• "How do you handle a request from a stakeholder that falls outside of the project scope?"
• "Describe your approach to onboarding a new program participant."

As a Project Manager at STORE Capital Advisors, your primary responsibility is the successful delivery of program objectives. You will be expected to manage the end-to-end lifecycle of your assigned projects, which includes everything from initial planning and student outreach to reporting and final evaluation.

You will likely work closely with faculty and administrative staff to ensure that every task—from data entry to event coordination—is handled with high accuracy. The role requires you to be a self-starter who can navigate the ambiguity of program management while keeping your stakeholders informed. Whether you are managing an EXSC Academic Program or a Talent Development initiative, your daily work will involve a mix of technical coordination, communication, and strategic oversight.

A competitive candidate for the Project Manager role possesses a mix of organizational rigor and interpersonal agility. While specific technical skills are important, your ability to integrate into the existing team culture is paramount.

• Must-have skills:
  • Strong proficiency in office software and project management tools.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Experience in an academic or corporate coordination role.
• Nice-to-have skills:
  • Prior experience with STORE Capital Advisors programs or similar environments.
  • Background in data analysis or process improvement.
  • Familiarity with specific academic or talent development software platforms.

Q: How difficult are the interviews? A: Interviews range from easy to difficult depending on the level of the role and your familiarity with the team. While the process is generally straightforward, the rigor lies in your ability to prove you can handle the specific responsibilities of the role.

Q: Should I prepare a presentation? A: Be prepared for the possibility. Some interview processes for this role have historically included a presentation component to test your communication and project planning skills.

Q: How long does the process take? A: The process is typically quick and responsive. You can expect a relatively fast turnaround from your initial application to the final decision.

Q: Is the role remote? A: Based on the location data, most positions are based in Provo, UT. Always confirm the specific location requirements with your recruiter during the initial screen.

• Know the Programs: Research the specific programs mentioned in your job description. Understanding the mission of the EXSC Academic Program or Talent Development initiatives will give you a significant edge.
• Prepare Your Stories: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to behavioral questions. This keeps your responses concise and impactful.
• Be Professional and Responsive: The team values efficiency. Respond to interview requests promptly and maintain a professional demeanor throughout the process.
• Ask Insightful Questions: Use the end of your interview to ask about the team’s current challenges or the most important goals for the program in the coming year.
• Leverage Past Experience: If you have been part of the program as an intern or student, highlight this. Your institutional knowledge is a major asset.

The Project Manager position at STORE Capital Advisors is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in the success of specialized academic and talent programs. By focusing on your ability to organize complex workflows, communicate across different stakeholder groups, and maintain a high standard of administrative excellence, you can position yourself as a top candidate.

Preparation is your greatest ally. By reviewing the core competencies outlined in this guide and reflecting on your own experiences, you will be well-equipped to navigate the interview process with confidence. We encourage you to continue exploring additional resources on Dataford to refine your strategy. You have the skills to succeed; approach your interviews with clarity, professionalism, and a focus on the value you bring to the team.

The salary data provides a baseline expectation for the compensation associated with this role. Use this to align your expectations with the market rate for Project Manager positions in Provo, UT, and to prepare for any potential compensation discussions during the final stages of the process.