How to Answer: What kind of management style do you prefer?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Microsoft job interview.
8. What kind of management style do you prefer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When Microsoft hiring managers interview candidates, they want to ensure that candidates' personalities align with their company as much as their qualifications do. They are looking to place new employees with teams and managers who can communicate well together, collaborate, and promote productive operations.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 22nd, 2022
How to Answer
Your ability to effectively communicate your preference and needs helps your interviewer properly evaluate whether you're the right candidate for their company. It also ensures that you receive job offers from companies that have similar leadership and a workplace culture that allows you to perform well and enjoy your job. Demonstrate your ability to interact with and work under professionals with varying management styles. Be sure to provide a few examples of previous managers and how their management style promoted your work ethic or job performance.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 22nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I have a lot of respect for managers who make a point of connecting their employees and individual job roles to the company as a whole, so I prefer the visionary management style. At my former workplace, my manager held weekly meetings to discuss how our department's actions affected the rest of the company. It really helped me develop a sense of accountability and a sense of purpose in even the smallest tasks. I also find it helpful when managers have a pacesetting management style as it gives me a goal to aim for each day."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 22nd, 2022