MockQuestions

Manager Mock Interview

32 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Manager interview, here are 32 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

32 Manager Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   Tell me about yourself.

What You Need to Know

This is typically posed as an introductory question. You have your interviewer's attention; now is your chance to set a great first face-to-face impression. To maintain their interest, you'll want to showcase your talents. Exemplify your excellent communication skills by delivering a concise and well-worded professional bio. Think of it as your elevator pitch. Try to keep it around 200-250 words and make it relevant to the management role for which you are competing. When able, organically adopt the keywords and key phrases they have peppered throughout their values and culture statements on their website into your answer.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

Stay Away From

Stay away from over-sharing, bouncing around, or rambling. As a manager, you want to showcase how organized you are. So make sure your answer is linear and well constructed.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

Pro Tip

A simple guideline on what to cover when mapping out your career journey, and making it relevant to your career as a manager, is to cover the following basics: who you are as a person concerning your career choice, where you come from or where your career journey began, why you are here or how you feel the best next move for your career is with the company you are interviewing with, and where you are going, or how you hope this next career move will move you closer to your goals. These are the elements your interviewer is looking for in your answer.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 24th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"My grandfather owned a convenience store, and in the summers, I worked for him, stocking and on the register. But as time passed, he trusted me with more responsibilities. In my late teens, I managed the store a few days a week, ordering, and balancing the books. I went to college and earned my bachelor's in business management and administration from Minnesota University. I am a natural-born leader and an excellent coach, and I know what I am looking for when developing or forming my teams. I wanted to take my time finding the right fit for my values and the opportunities for advancement from within aligned with my career goals and an environment that would foster my brand of innovation. So here we are. Thank you for meeting with me."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

Experienced Example

"I started working in the warehouse at my first job just out of high school when I took a gap year before college. They were so impressed by my work ethic that I was promoted to supervisor within six months. But I explained I wanted to go to college, and they didn't want to lose me, so they offered to help pay for my education. I accepted, and that's why it took me six years to earn my bachelor's degree in business management because I was working full time instead of going to school full time. When I earned my degree, I was promoted to warehouse and logistics manager. I've been at the same company for ten years. I've built a lot of relationships there and improved the KPIs dramatically with several systems overhauls, rules, and procedures. But at this point, I have grown restless overseeing this well-oiled machine, and everything feels a bit too status quo with little room for advancement. I am ready for new challenges and to step outside my comfort zone."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

General Manager Example

"I have been the general manager of my store for seven years. I manage a staff of thirty, including my assistant manager and three shift supervisors. There are eight stores in our district, and I have a strong relationship with my regional manager. I started at the bottom and worked my way up. When our company started its expansion and asked for anyone interested in launching a new region in another state, I stepped up. That move launched my career. I fully embrace the brand, am loyal, and am ready to steer the ship in any direction the company tells me. I am in every way a real company man. However, the company has recently been experiencing some major cutbacks, especially with its difficulties in competing with an online market, and growth within the company has stalled. I am grateful for what the company has done for my career and proud of my contributions, but at this juncture, I want to prioritize my career path, which is what leads me here today."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

Project Manager Example

"After obtaining my MBA in project management, I landed a job as a personal assistant for the head of our PR firm. I spearheaded and executed campaigns, acted as a concierge for client relations, organized benefits and galas, and arranged travel accommodations, meetings, and presentations. This has been a successful career for me, and I've learned how to accomplish the seemingly impossible at times, with little prep time and incredibly short timeframes. I am grateful for the networking opportunities it has provided and the experience I've earned, among other things. But I have considerably adjusted my career goals and am interested in moving into an official project manager position, as there's little growth opportunity in my role. I am ready for this next stage of my career to begin, and having worked with your company in my present position, this move feels like the right fit for me."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

Regional Manager Example

"My story is one of humble beginnings. I started as a stock boy and worked my way up the ladder. Six years later, I was managing my own store and have been a regional manager for the past ten years. I am proud of how well my region has done and proud of each one of my managers and the KPIs in my region. After 16 years in the same company, with little growth on the horizon, I am ready for more. I promised myself long ago that when there was nothing more to strive for and little left to accomplish, I would consider moving on. I am impressed by how quickly your company is expanding, and I love your brands. It's something I would have no trouble getting behind, and I am interested in helping build something new which I could get behind."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

2.   What is your greatest weakness?

What You Need to Know

Your interviewer's ideal candidate will possess the emotional intelligence, communication skills, patience, and empathy required to manage staff, along with your other responsibilities. This requires adaptability, accountability, ownership, and a drive for continual self-growth. Part of this is having the confidence to admit to one's growth opportunities or failings as a manager. Share this with your interviewer with transparency, and take the time to prepare for this question before your interview. If the company details methods they can facilitate this growth, align this career goal with this opportunity. This will showcase your motivation and dedication to your career choice as a manager.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

Stay Away From

Stay away from any weaknesses that are required skills detailed for the position. Volunteering you have little to no experience will work against you. Remember, they are looking for an ideal fit for them, just like you are looking for an ideal fit for you. So be filtered, sincere, and put your best foot forward.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 24th, 2023

Pro Tip

Think of a weakness that can be considered a strength. If you are extremely organized, that can be a good thing. But if you are sometimes too obsessive about how neat and tidy everything has to be, there is room to relax a little, especially if it rubs other members of your team the wrong way. Something like this could work well, especially if you have already shown tremendous growth but feel it is a constant struggle.

Written by Kevin Downey on March 24th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"I would say one of my greatest weaknesses as a manager is my ability to delegate effectively. My instinct is to set the pace, work alongside my crew, and lead by example. It is hard for me to delegate, be hands-off, and step back. I learned long ago that trust is earned, and this is the practice I have made to earn the trust of my crew. But I have dramatically improved my communication skills, slowing down and adapting my communication style to that of my crew. My weakness has been being able to slow down and take the time to ensure I communicate effectively with each individual rather than trying to save time by telling everyone all at once. This balance is my struggle. But I am aware of it and am working on it actively."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

Experienced Example

"I'd say one of my weaknesses is learning how to help the other supervisors on my team with their goals without stepping on their toes. I thrive when coaching, but others have been known to steal credit by detailing how they taught someone else how to do something. This is not so uncommon, but it isn't my motive. I am just very team-oriented. As I see it, the more successful the team is, the more successful I am. But this doesn't mean the credit is mine. The merits of their efforts and accomplishments belong to them. If, after coaching them, they want to give me some credit, the choice is theirs. How to do this, according to every personality, is tricky. Some are more receptive than others to my intentions. I feel like the more I work on enhancing my communications skills, the further I have to go."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

General Manager Example

"One of my greatest weaknesses as a manager is that I rely too much on my supervisors to build effective relationships with our crew. We have a staff of 30, and I haven't always prioritized the time to touch base with every one of them. As a result, in the past, I've earned the reputation of being aloof. Honestly, I don't see myself that way, and the first time I heard an ugly nickname in that regard, it hurt my feelings. That was my first clue that I had to improve my image. Whether I saw myself differently or not is irrelevant. Perception is reality. I am aware of this, and now I walk and greet every one of my employees at the onset of each day, giving them what I can of my time and working it into my time management. But I still have a way to go before I shake that reputation."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

Project Manager Example

"I push myself too hard and don't take advantage of my breaks as I should. I often work through my lunch break, never take my ten-minute breaks or micro-breaks, and sometimes take my work home. I try to plan for contingency time and beat my deadlines by at least ten percent of the timeframe I am given. But holding myself to too high of a standard, I have learned, is unkind to myself. I am learning the benefits of recharging and taking those breaks when I can. I am constantly implementing new ways to fill those breaks so they don't derail my productivity as I fear but rather improve my focus. But it is part of my makeup, and I feel I will always struggle with this."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

Regional Manager Example

"As regional manager, part of my job is to find new potential real estate for our expansion. But real estate is not my strong suit. I have a firm grasp on how to improve our KPIs, generate more foot traffic, and help each one of my managers grow and hit all their targets. But when it comes to those core principles of how much location matters, I have been a bit risk averse in the past, as this falls outside of my comfort zone. I have read quite a few books on the subject and know much more now than I did previously, but confidently putting these principles into practice has been a struggle. I know what the company is looking for and all the parameters, and we've opened two new stores under my watch, but there is much to learn, and I have room for growth as a regional manager in this regard."

Written by Kevin Downey on March 25th, 2023

3.   How would you handle a rude customer?

What You Need to Know

When you work as a Manager, your duties may also include customer service responsibilities. When working in a service-based role, you might come across rude or disgruntled customers now and then. The interviewer wants to know that you can handle such a situation with professionalism. Give an example of a time that you had to deal with a rude customer. Discuss what you did and how you came to a positive resolution.

Some methods for efficiently handling a rude customer:

- Remain kind, polite, and pleasant
- Actively listen to their grievances
- Apologize for the situation
- Maintain a neutral tone of voice
- Avoid taking anything they say, personally

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"When I was working as a Bar Manager, I handled many rude customers who were also intoxicated, which always adds a challenging twist! I made sure to let anything rude they said slide off my back like it was nothing. I just kept smiling and doing my job! I still handle rude customers this way. Smile, and move on, disallowing any hurt feelings. As a Manager, I train my team members in this same approach. Proper dispute resolution is an essential skill for any manager to have, and one that I've worked hard to achieve."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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

What You Need to Know

The interviewer would like to see that you can handle criticism and feedback professionally and productively. Nobody wants to hire a manager that believes they are perfect and have all the answers. Tell the interviewer about a time when your work was criticized and describe how you reacted. Then, describe how you implemented changes to address the feedback. Perhaps you asked for further coaching. Maybe you took the criticism to heart and took a course or workshop to improve in that area.

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Entry Level Example

"I recently had my manager criticize my approach in pre-screen interviews. He thought that I should ask tougher questions from the get-go to better screen out. We have many applicants per job posting, so this feedback made a lot of sense to me. I have researched challenging phone interview questions and now mix them in with my usual question set."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Department Manager Example

"Last year, I had a manager of another department let me know that they noticed my team morale dropping a bit. She had overheard some conversations in the break room about my leadership style. These particular employees were complaining about my last-minute changes to the schedule, to be exact. I thanked this manager for approaching me with the information, rather than allowing me to continue being blissfully unaware. I asked for her help with scheduling, and she took the time to train me on her method for building out a schedule, one month in advance. I think her honesty, transparency, and assistance saved me from having these employees quit my team."

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Experienced Example

"Last week, another manager approached me and said that he didn't like my meeting style. I was taken aback at first because the feedback was completely unprompted. I took a couple of days to think about what he said, and then approached him to ask for additional detail on his comment. He apologized for being brash and explained that he thought my approach was too lax. I told him that I would accept the criticism; however, I had this approach on purpose, to make my team more receptive to the information I was presenting. Nobody needs a stuffy morning meeting!"

Written by Rachelle Enns

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

What You Need to Know

We have all had managers that we have enjoyed and others - not so much. Discuss with the interviewer one particular manager that stands out to you. Talk about what made them a memorable leader. You can also mention what you learned from this person and any methods that you continue to apply in your management career. Keep your response positive. This question is not the time to pick anyone apart or complain about past leaders.

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Entry Level Example

"The manager that I had when working my way through University was a flexible person who trusted his team unless we showed him otherwise. I plan to take that approach in my first leadership experience. I will show my team trust, and give them autonomy - along with a clear direction. I believe this is the best way to see what your team can accomplish."

Written by Rachelle Enns

General Manager Example

"I have had some effective managers in the past, including my current district supervisor. She takes a true interest in my team and me and offers continued education opportunities when she sees an opening to push someone's talent and career a little bit further. I take this approach with my team now - showing them that I care about their career growth and trajectory."

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Experienced Example

"A few years ago, I had a manager who was possibly the most thorough and clear communicator I have ever met. She relayed expectations clearly, which made us all want to deliver our best and most thorough work. I emulate her communication style as much as possible, and my current team responds well to it."

Written by Rachelle Enns

6.   What do you expect from your own manager?

What You Need to Know

The interviewer would like to know the expectations that you are going to have with your manager, should you join their organization. Be clear on how you are best motivated, the style of communication you like, and how you prefer expectations to be laid out.

Some expectations you may have of your manager:

- Mutual respect
- Consistent communication of expectations
- Clear targets and goals
- Regular check-ins
- Frequent opportunities for continued education
- Regular mentorship and coaching
- Camaraderie when it comes to the company goal
- Support when tackling challenging employee-related issues

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Entry Level Example

"I would like to work for a manager who is consistent and respectful in their communication. When I know the expectations at hand, I deliver my best work!"

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I expect from my manager that they challenge my learning and career growth as time goes on. I prefer having a manager who is strong in the areas of mentorship and coaching. Does this describe the qualities of the individual I would be reporting to in this role?"

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Experienced Example

"The type of manager that I work best with offers support with challenges surrounding employee behavior or logistical issues. Whoever manages me is someone more experienced than I am, and a person that I would like to learn from."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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

What You Need to Know

Think about the type of team members you dislike working with and think of the kind of team members you really enjoy working with. Frame your answer in a positive way rather than taking this question as a chance to complain about your current or previous team members. Highlight for the interviewer that you can adapt and act as a leader - perhaps even helping your team member change their ways and learn to work more collaboratively. Be sure to show the interviewer that you don't let challenging individuals get you down!

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I really like when my teammates are punctual. Working with people who are late for their shift or important meetings is a challenge. When I have a team member who is often late, I am comfortable addressing the issue with them face-to-face. I will pull this person aside in a private setting and address their punctuality issue. It's important that I made a plan of action with this team member so that we can work toward the goal of fixing the behavior."

Written by Rachelle Enns

8.   Describe how you like to train new employees.

What You Need to Know

As a Manager, you likely have a method for onboarding and training new employees. Discuss how you ensure that your new employees are on-boarded correctly and how you set them up for success. If you have a recent story-based example that you can tell, this is a highly engaging addition to consider.

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Entry Level Example

"When I am in charge of training new employees for the first time, my style will emulate the style of onboarding that I have received in my current role. This onboarding included a great mix of reading and research, hands-on work, and job shadowing. This all-encompassing training method ensured a successful start."

Written by Rachelle Enns

General Manager Example

"I use a variety of strategies to train new employees. First, I like to hire and train in groups of two or more. This way, employees can create a bond and lean on each other as they navigate new waters together. I frequently ask for their ideas, questions, and input along the way. New hires who feel an immediate sense of involvement and inclusion will be more likely to stay long-term. I also utilize my experienced and senior employees as coaches and mentors. I match them with a new-hire that I believe will benefit from their mentorship approach. This method allows the new hire to feel the camaraderie of a team from the start. I also give realistic and achievable goals until their full ramp-up period is complete. Last, I ensure that I give AND receive feedback so that it doesn't feel like a one-way street for the new hire."

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Experienced Example

"I have a great method for training new employees. I ask for their involvement right away. I believe in limited classroom training and more hands-on work. I encourage questions, feedback, and opinions right away. This method of training increases engagement and creates a sense of importance, and belonging, right away."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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

What You Need to Know

This question is another way of asking about your weaknesses. The interviewer wants to learn more about who you are, as a leader. Every Manager has an aspect of their role that is challenging for them. Share one aspect of leadership that you find most challenging, and why. Your example may be something that pushes you emotionally. It may be a hard skill that does not come to you easily. Feel free to share what you struggle with, and be sure to talk about the actions you are taking to improve in this area of leadership.

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Entry Level Example

"I believe that, initially, the most difficult aspect of leading a team will be getting to know the variety of personalities present and how to motivate them individually and as a team. I have been reading many resources on leading and managing various personalities and will be ready to apply a few techniques right away."

Written by Rachelle Enns

General Manager Example

"The most difficult aspect of leading a team is terminating an employee. My goal is to end someone's employment only after having multiple conversations geared to improving a specific area of their performance. This way, the termination will not come as a surprise and can be less emotional for the employee. I often hear other leaders say that their terminated employee knew it was coming. Even so, I still find it very challenging to pull the trigger because I know that my decision is going to directly impact them and their family financially. To improve on this area of leadership, I have been reading books and immersing myself in resources such as blogs and resources from national human resources groups."

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Experienced Example

"The most difficult aspect of leading employees is keeping them constantly motivated and interested in the company's end goal. To overcome this challenge, I take the 'What's in it for me?' approach (WIIFM) by showing my team how they will benefit from performing to a high standard."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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

What You Need to Know

If you apply for a promotion within your current organization, you may already know what changes you would like to make upon receiving this position. That is great! Share with the interviewer what you have observed while in your current job and the changes you want to see. Be sure to support your reasoning for making those changes and what benefit they will bring to the company.

If you are applying for a position with a new company, it is essential to recognize that many interviewers fear bringing someone on board who will immediately make sweeping changes. Tell the interviewer that you plan to come on board and observe to gain an understanding of the organization's culture and team dynamics while building a strong rapport with the staff. Explain that once you have a thorough understanding of the dynamics, you will decide what changes to suggest to your leadership team. Of course, you can mention that you will address any glaring issues or pain points immediately.

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

1st Entry Level Example

"If hired for this management position I would want to immediately assist you with the lack of systematic training that you mentioned earlier. I would be happy to start creating a system and training manual right away, and then implement the changes along with the help of senior management and the human resources team."

Written by Rachelle Enns

1st Experienced Example

"I know, from my years' experience as a manager, that it is rarely a good idea to come to a new team guns-a-blazing, ready to change everything. This behavior creates resistance. I would want first to observe the areas you are struggling in, mainly the employee retention rate you mentioned earlier and the fact that many of your high performers are leaving. Once I observe for a week or so, I will be more comfortable making solid recommendations for change."

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

2nd Experienced Example

"If I earn this internal promotion to Manager, I will first address the issues that our company has been working hard to improve. These issues include staff turnover, and strengthening our diversity and inclusion plan. As far as any new ideas, I would like to observe my new team and how this department operates, overall. Once I have taken the time to observe, I can then present new ideas for change and improvements."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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

What You Need to Know

If you are responsible for rating your skills, chances are, you will lean more on the modest side of a 1 to 10 scale versus overselling yourself. On a scale of 1 to 10, discuss how skilled you are in managing a business or others. Avoid giving yourself a rating of 10/10. Nobody is perfect, and you do not want to come across as overly confident or someone who has no room for feedback and improvement.

Alternately, avoid giving yourself too little credit. You do not want to appear incapable when it comes to managing others. The best case is to remain in the 7.5 to 9 range while staying honest and accurate. Use an example of your excellent management skills in action to support your rating.

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Entry Level Example

"Despite my being new to a career in management, I would rate myself as a 7.5. I have done a deep dive into many management books lately to hone my team leadership skills and abilities. I strive to be an eager learner who will pass that knowledge on to my team."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I would rate my management skills as a 9/10. Sometimes I am not as swift as I could be with delegating tasks. However, I am a very approachable leader who encourages questions from my team, which they seem to appreciate. I recently had an employee tell me that I was the best manager they have ever had. That felt great to hear."

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Experienced Example

"I realize that I should not rate myself as a 10/10 because I do not believe anyone is a perfect manager. I would describe myself as an advanced leader when you combine my ten years' experience as an active leader. I have taken many leadership and communication workshops over the years and have generated incredible results in the way of employee retention, for my current employer."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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

What You Need to Know

This question is a hypothetical one, meant to show the interviewer what skill you would like to instantly possess if you could! This question is a creative way to ask about your biggest weaknesses, but it's disguised as a fun question. Your answer can be short and sweet, but if you want to turn the question into a more memorable conversation, you can certainly ask the interviewer this question in return. Of course, this approach should depend on the rapport you have with the interviewer and the overall vibe of the meeting.

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Entry Level Example

"If I could buy any new skill, I would buy the knowledge that comes with many years' experience in Human Resources. I would love to have the most robust knowledge of employment regulations, and more. I love this question! If you could choose any skill, what would you choose?"

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"This question is very creative, thank you for asking! I recently enrolled in an Excel workshop to take my skills from intermediate to expert. So, if I could instantly buy any skill, I would make myself an expert-level Excel user."

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Experienced Example

"That's a great question! Well, if I could purchase any new skill, I think it would be budget and finance related. My people management skills are exceptional. However, I could use more work when it comes to budget management. I am currently an intermediate level but would love to be an expert."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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

What You Need to Know

The interviewer would like to know how you determine whether your team is operating successfully or not. Discuss the methods that you use to gauge if your leadership style is working or not working. Be sure to mention the action you take, should you notice that your team is not operating as successfully as you would like.

There are a variety of ways to measure success as a manager:

- Employee engagement levels
- The resignation rate of your highest performers
- The number of promotions you or your team receive
- Overall client feedback
- Trends in bonus' or commission

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Entry Level Example

"I believe the best indicator of team success would be the overall engagement level of the team members. If a significant number of team members are disinterested or have not bought into the overall team goal, they may not see enough reward or wins to keep them happy. How do you measure team success in your company?"

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I determine the success of my team primarily from our direct client feedback, and by looking at our KPI's and delivery deadlines. If we meet and exceed client expectations and deliver projects on time, I know that team engagement is high. If this is not the case, I will meet with my team to immediately find out the core issue. If we ever receive less than favorable feedback from a client, we all meet to discuss what we could have done differently and then put those ideas into action immediately."

Written by Ryan Brown on November 13th, 2020

Experienced Example

"In my management experience, I believe that the greatest measurement of my sales teams' success are the numbers when it comes to bonus and commission payouts. I like to compare our numbers month over month and then through a broader lens, looking at quarterly and annual trends. By keeping an eye on these numbers, I can quickly adjust when we are trending towards a low month."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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

What You Need to Know

Even if you get along well with your employer or boss or have a lot of respect for your company, there may be times when you disagree with a policy. Think of a conflict or disagreement you had with your boss or company to which you responded professionally. Maybe you suggested a great compromise. Perhaps, instead of taking a heated tone, you remained calm and relaxed while explaining your stance. Getting along well with others puts you in a favorable position because it shows your desire to collaborate and highlights your ability to problem solve and produce excellent results, despite a challenging situation.

When asked a 'Have you ever...' style of question, it's important to remember that the interviewer is looking for a specific story-based example that highlights your behavior in challenging situations. By using the STAR interview method (an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result), you can more easily form a story-based response.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Assistant Manager Example

"(Situation) Some time ago, I had a boss that regularly forced overtime on employees at the last minute. (Task) I was the Assistant Manager at the time and could quickly see team morale sinking. (Action) I spoke with him at length about team morale. I approached the conversation with data and facts rather than emotion. (Result) He agreed to start giving the overtime notice sooner, making everyone's lives easier."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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

What You Need to Know

The hiring company needs assurance that this management role will meet your needs now and in the long term. If you are employed and looking for a new opportunity, the interviewer will want to know how this job differs from the one you want to leave. Be transparent about your current situation, yet be careful not to overshare or speak negatively about your current employer or role. Focus primarily on your 'wish list' for your next job rather than dwell on what is wrong with your current position.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"In my current role, there are minimal growth opportunities. One of the owners holds the next position in line, so I truly have reached my peak there. I am very thankful for everything my current company has offered me the past four years; however, I am ready to expand my horizons."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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