Manager Mock Interview

Practice 32 Manager interview questions covering leadership, team dynamics, and strategic decision-making.

Question 1 of 32

If I were to interview the people who have reported to you in the past, how would they describe your management style?

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Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.

There are many management styles, and the interviewer would like assurance that your style fits well with their needs and workplace culture. Before your interview, you should have a solid idea of the type of leadership the company is seeking. There will be keyword indicators in the job posting, job description, and the hiring company's website. Use the company's terms and language as often as possible to build a connection.

Some management styles are:

- Democratic or Participative
- Authoritative or Directive
- Collaborative or Affiliative
- Pacesetting or Coaching

If you are unsure of your management style, try taking a free personality test like 16Personalities.com. By completing this exercise, you will gain a firm understanding of your personality highlights and the type of leadership style you possess, as well as the type of leadership style to which you best respond.

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.

"I believe my team would describe me as a pacesetter or coach. I have strong expectations set for my team, and I motivate them to achieve these standards by showing my employees rather than just telling."

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

"At this point in my early management career, I have been emulating the actions of my management, and have taken the points that I like, implemented those and eliminated the parts I did not like. My team has responded well to me, and I think they would describe me as an affiliative-style leader. I like to try new ways to get my team members to bond with each other, creating a more cohesive team environment. We spend a lot of time together, so I believe it's important to establish trust and relationships among coworkers."

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

"If asked, I believe my team would describe me as a democratic-style leader. I like to involve my team in the decision-making process and do not believe in a leadership system built on hierarchy. Even my newest team members should feel empowered."

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Anonymous Answer

This is a question I often ask my team because my goal is to be collaborative. The feedback I've gotten is that I am the type of leader that isn't scared to roll up her sleeves and assist whenever it's necessary. I am supportive of the needs of my team and their customers and communicate with them at the frequency that's needed so that they feel the support without being crowded.

Rachelle's Feedback

I like that you already ask this question of your team. It shows a lot of awareness and a willingness to learn. Mentioning your ability to support without crowding is an excellent way to position your leadership style.

Anonymous Answer

Honest, reliable, happy, but serious about getting the job done. The type of person who believes in teamwork.

Rachelle's Feedback

These are good descriptive words, and it's nice that you elaborated to discuss more of your management philosophy.

Anonymous Answer

I had been a gas station manager in the past, and I believe they would say that I am a responsible leader because I always complete my tasks. They would also say that I am a good leader who likes to train employees for better performance, increasing productivity, which benefits the company.

Rachelle's Feedback

Very nice revision! This answer sets the stage nicely for the interviewer to understand your previous management responsibilities and leadership style.

"I have led 25 direct reports in the past, and I believe they would say that I am a responsible leader because I always complete my tasks. They would also say that I am a good leader who likes to train employees for better performance, increasing productivity, which benefits the company."

Anonymous Answer

I believe my employees would say I am a kind, collaborative, and result-oriented manager.

Experience

29.Do you have experience in corrective discipline and terminations?

Direct

30.Why are you seeking to leave your current position?

Accomplishment

31.Tell me about yourself.

Adaptability

Manager Mock Interview

If I were to interview the people who have reported to you in the past, how would they describe your management style?

32Manager Interview Questions & Answers

1.If I were to interview the people who have reported to you in the past, how would they describe your management style?

2.If I were to interview those who report to you, what would they say is one of your strengths and weaknesses as a leader?

3.Rate your management skills from 1 to 10 with 10 representing excellent management skills. Why did you choose that rating?

4.Discuss a time you managed an employee with a behavioral problem. What was their behavior, and how did you correct it?

5.If you could buy any new skill what would it be?

6.How do you determine if your team is successful?

7.What has been your favorite management role so far? What made it so enjoyable?

8.What leadership qualities do you possess?

9.What immediate changes would you like to see, if you were hired for this management position?

10.For you, what is the most difficult aspect of leading employees?

11.Tell me about a manager you have had in the past and how you have modeled your behavior after them?

12.Tell me about a cost-cutting initiative you created at your last position. Was it effective?

13.What mistakes have you made when you hiring new employees? What have you learned from those mistakes?

14.What qualities and traits do you look for in a candidate when hiring?

15.Describe how you like to train new employees.

16.When has another manager criticized your work? How did you respond?

17.What do you expect from your own manager?

18.In any of your leadership roles, what was the toughest decision you have made?

19.What strategies do you use to motivate your team?

20.Who is your favorite influencer in the management or leadership space?

21.How do you handle the pressure of holding a management role? Give me an example of when you have succeeded under stress and pressure.

22.Have you ever had to enforce a company policy that you disagreed with?

23.What qualifies you to become our manager?

24.How would you handle a rude customer?

25.Tell me about a time you effectively delegated tasks.

26.What type of team members do you dislike working with?

27.Tell me about a time you provided honest feedback to a team member.

28.Tell me about a time there was a serious conflict with your team. How did you resolve it?

29.Do you have experience in corrective discipline and terminations?

30.Why are you seeking to leave your current position?

31.Tell me about yourself.

32.What is your greatest weakness?