American Express Project Manager Interview Questions & Reviews

Interview Details – The interview process was a phone screening and then a panel interview with two other people. I think that my unwillingness to start right away was the downfall of my interview.

I do think that American Express is a great company and would like to have the ability to interview with them again.

Interview Details – American Express outsourced external recruiting to a third-party. My interview process consisted of a phone screen, which was unscheduled. I didn't feel like she had enough technical knowledge about the position, skills and experience that she was looking for. My phone interview with the hiring manager and another manager was great. As a last step, I had an in-person interview, which was also a great experience.

Throughout the process, the recruiter repeatedly made admin/scheduling snafu, which should have been a red flag to me. Then, she tried to convince me to consider a more junior role for what she said to be "similar pay" (I found out later than the pay would have been much less and the benefit structure would have been anything but similar). The recruiter and another colleague of hers that I also interfaced with were very inconsistent in their communication (should have been another red flag). They both seemed equally confused when I asked them details about my benefits. I had to call a couple different numbers to find out about the 401k matching, bonus structure, and other benefits. Lastly, the recruiter flat out lied to me and said that my offer could not be raised any more due to it being somewhat in the higher end of the salary range for my band level. Later, I found out that my salary was in the lower end of the range. I would strongly suggest taking detailed notes throughout the process and to follow up with the hiring organization directly if you have questions.

Overall, the people at Amex itself seem to be very collaborative and competent. There's a great work-life balance. It seems to be a great company to work for if you are not concerned about banking top dollars but rather would like to explore different career options (lateral move is very encouraged), maintain an active life outside of work, and be happy at work.

Negotiation Details – American Express will ask you for specific dollar figure that you are looking for very early in the process. You should be prepared to provide a good estimate from your very first phone screen. You should ask very detailed questions about your compensation, benefits, position, and band level --- and take really good notes of this (record the conversation if you are having this conversation with the recruiter).

Interview Details – Recruitment Consultant phone discussion
Conference call interview with two Project Management Directors
Face to face interview with two VP's

Negotiation Details – Straightforward. Asked for expectation. Offered lower. Could have pushed as I knew company having worked for them before, but I was happy with returning to the company.

Interview Details – Applied on-line through their website. Phone interview with the recruiter who called the next day to schedule the phone interview. One week later was called for face-to-face with 2 managers (hiring and support). They described in detail the skillsets they were looking for in the answers to their questions, then proceeded with the questions, some around describing projects generated on your own, what prompted you to begin them and what were the results. Others around difficult group situations encountered, what happened and how was it handled. Very thorough and professional.