What is the Scrum Master’s role and how does it differ from a project manager?

Short answer: The Scrum Master facilitates, coaches, and removes obstacles.

Explain a bit more

Unlike a traditional project manager, they don’t assign tasks or manage timelines. Scrum Master Project Manager Facilitates Scrum practices Manages scope, schedule, and budget Focuses on team dynamics and coaching Focuses on deliverables and deadlines Servant leader Authority figure Example: If a developer is stuck due to a permissions issue, the Scrum Master will help resolve it. A project manager might instead adjust timelines or escalate to keep the schedule on track.

Real-world example (ShopNest)

Agile for ShopNest means ship a thin checkout slice every sprint, get feedback, then improve—not a 6-month big-bang release.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.