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Our Newest Interview Questions

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Question 3 of 20

Tell me about your last manager. What did they do to motivate you?

This question is a two-part inquiry where the interviewer first wants to see how you speak about your most recent manager. The second part is that the interviewer wants to know how to motivate you on the job best. Be sure to always speak highly of your previous boss, no matter the situation. Even if you did not appreciate their management style, this is the time to dig deep and think of at least one positive.

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How to Answer: Tell me about your last manager. What did they do to motivate you?

  • 3. Tell me about your last manager. What did they do to motivate you?

      How to Answer

      This question is a two-part inquiry where the interviewer first wants to see how you speak about your most recent manager. The second part is that the interviewer wants to know how to motivate you on the job best. Be sure to always speak highly of your previous boss, no matter the situation. Even if you did not appreciate their management style, this is the time to dig deep and think of at least one positive.

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Answer Example

      "My last manager had an open door policy which was refreshing. She encouraged questions and new ideas. I appreciated her management style because it instilled confidence in me."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Admin

      "My last manager liked to laugh and joke around which made the day seem lighter even if we were stressed out. We were serious when required and had pressing deadlines, but she tried to focus on the lighter side for the most part. This light-hearted attitude always kept us motivated."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Manager

      "My last manager was tough when it was required and gave kudos when it was deserved. It was a tough love type of relationship. It helped guide me to become self-motivated. I did not need to wait for feedback from him to keep going on a day to day basis. Also, as a manager, I now know that consistent feedback is important for my team members."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Marketing

      "My last manager was one of the greatest creative minds I have ever worked for. I learned so much and was motivated to come to work every day. When I am in an environment of constant learning, where things do not become stale, I stay incredibly engaged."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Retail

      "I was motivated by my previous manager through opportunities for earning bonus' and in-store credits. She knew how to make us competitive but still keep the competition friendly. It was a fun environment, and I was sad to see her go when a competitor poached her."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Sales

      "In my most recent role, I spent a lot of time working on the road, so I did not see my manager all too often. She kept me motivated through words of encouragement and openly recognizing any wins, big or small that I experienced along the way. She was also very quick to provide positive customer feedback which I enjoyed."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Teacher

      "The principal whom I now work for is quite hands off and allows a lot of independence in the classroom. I like this because it shows me that she has an appreciation and trust for my teaching methods. I am best motivated when I know that I have the room to work with my ideas and vision for my students' learning."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "They convinced me that although I am overly anxious when it comes to interviews that I have to at least try. When she gave me the advice it was right after I canceled an interview I had scheduled. She helped me realize I wasn't doing myself any good by giving up."

      Marcie's Feedback

      That's great that she provided you with this advice, especially because she's right! You definitely won't make any progress if you don't even try. You might not want to mention canceling an interview due to nerves, however, since this may not come across positively to the interviewer. You want to try and exude confidence. Was there another time when this same manager motivated you? Consider discussing that example instead. It sounds like she believed in you.