Tailor your format to the audience. Executives want a one-line status and decisions needed. Teams want detailed plans and blockers resolved.
Look for: tailored communication for different audiences (executives want outcomes, team wants details), regular cadence (weekly updates, monthly reviews), clear format (RAG status, key decisions needed, risks), and proactive bad news delivery. Best candidates mention the difference between informing and engaging stakeholders.
Communication is the PM's primary tool. Ask to see a sample status report or describe their format. Red flag: only communicating when there is a problem. Good sign: consistent, proactive, tailored communication.