How to Answer: What kind of leadership experience do you have?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an IT Business Consultant job interview.
29. What kind of leadership experience do you have?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is asked to determine the specific level of experience a candidate has in leadership roles. Some IT business consultants are asked to formally lead, and others are expected to lead through influence. Candidates with experience in multiple leadership formats are optimal in many cases.
Some interviewers are concerned with aspects such as a candidate's ability to lead efforts of a certain size or manage direct reports. Be prepared to answer follow-up questions regarding direct management of resources and the size of any teams you were responsible for.
Written by Karrie Day on March 8th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid exposing your relative lack of experience if you were not given formal leadership opportunities in previous roles. Interviewers understand that not all leadership experience is explicit.
Written by Karrie Day on March 8th, 2022
Remember To
Mention any significant leadership experience you have from your personal life such as coaching, committee leadership, or mentoring. Also include examples of awards or accolades you received for outstanding leadership in your answer.
Written by Karrie Day on March 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"I mentored and led numerous business analysts throughout my career. I was responsible for setting the direction of their work, ensuring quality standards were met, and helping them grow professionally. Additionally, I led custom development and vendor implementation project teams while working as a project manager.
As an IT business consultant, I mostly lead through influence and serve as a facilitator. I bridge groups with competing needs together and help them to define a common set of goals that collectively contributes to the value stream of their business."
Written by Karrie Day on March 8th, 2022