What immediate changes would you like to see, if you were hired for this management position?
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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
While I pride myself on being able to make quick decisions, as a newbie, I am not comfortable making a decision that will change a process until I have had at least fourteen days to study the situation.
Rachelle's Feedback
Fourteen days is very specific which, as an interviewer, would make me feel extra-confident in the fact that you have an onboarding plan in mind already :)
Anonymous Answer
I first want to understand current procedures and policies. Whatever changes that I think are required I would implement them slowly so that the changes would complement the existing procedures, rather than bringing a radical change. My methods are based on slow and steady implementation for a successful new policy/change.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! The interviewer will likely appreciate that you don't plan to rush in and make rash decisions. Instead, you come across as thoughtful and level-headed. This is a good answer!
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