40 First Time Manager Interview Questions

Below is a list of our New Manager interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.

Table of Contents

1. Accomplishment Questions
2. Adaptability Questions
3. Behavioral Questions
4. Career Goals Questions
5. Communication Questions
6. Compatibility Questions
7. Competency Questions
8. Critical Thinking Questions
9. Discovery Questions
10. Diversity Questions
11. Job Satisfaction Questions
12. Leadership Questions
13. Management Questions
14. Problem Solving Questions
15. Teamwork Questions

Accomplishment

1. What is your greatest work-related accomplishment to date?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer would like to hear about one notable professional success that makes you feel proud. The way you answer this question will also show the hiring company what you value most in the workplace. Think about a time when you were given kudos in the workplace or received a special award. Explain why this accomplishment means so much to you. Provide details of how you achieved this work-related accomplishment, and be sure to express how this event relates to your success as a new manager. Finish your response with a qualifying statement describing how you will continue earning these achievements if you are the chosen candidate for this management role.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"In my current position, I helped my company reduce warehouse administration costs by reviewing packing slips, contracts, invoices, and calling out vendor billing errors. Then, I assisted Accounts Receivable by making collection calls and bringing in potential lost revenue. Lastly, I created a new filing system that helped us research transactions faster. These changes resulted in a 15% revenue increase in just 90 days. My manager commented that I acted like a manager despite not being in a leadership role, and they were proud of my ability to think past my core job responsibilities. It felt wonderful to make a difference for my employer, and I am eager to do the same for your organization in this management position."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"In my current position, I coordinate and manage the Teaching Gardens which involves coordinating with several departments, creating cropping plans, communicating with parents, mentoring summer students, and writing and leading programs. When I stepped into the role enrollment was very low, and the program was suffering. I evaluated the type of programming that was occurring changing it to be more garden-centric and youth-led as opposed to instructor-led. I changed the marketing of the program to reflect this, reaching out to local schools and community groups to increase advertising and by the next season enrollment carried over by 95%, we were able to expand programming to occur year-round. I've introduced two new programs, which consistently see high return rates, and reach maximum enrollments, I have created a new volunteer scheme to assist with garden maintenance, and the coordination of all vegetable harvests across 3 garden sites to donate to the local food banks."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is an excellent example to share! It contains specific details that will really help the interviewer understand the work that you did.

Accomplishment

2. What does success look like to you at the end of the day?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to see what motivates you as a leader. You'll want the way you answer this question to reflect those instances where you felt a sense of accomplishment and personal and professional growth, or where you exhibited big-picture thinking and were instrumental in the success of the group and the advancement of goals. This can pertain to you as an individual or to leading the charge of the team. This approach will suggest you aren't the type of leader who equates to success with everything going according to plan or where everything feels easy. You want to equate success to accomplishment. As Margaret Thatcher once said, "Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's a day you've had everything to do and you've done it."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Experienced Example

"What feels like success to me at the end of the day is when I feel like I have truly exemplified what it means to be a leader. It's when I help make the team shine, and everyone feels like they climbed the mountain and are thrilled with their accomplishments, which is accented by the fact that everyone else on the team feels that way as well. And then, being able to tell them they were each responsible for our success, and to mean it, that feels like success. And it is absolutely true. If, as a leader, I am able to manage the effort, to coordinate everyone's strengths, and to get them to get us there as a group, I've helped them realize their full potential. That's a great feeling."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Adaptability

3. How do you go about earning the trust and support of a team you are being introduced to?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to know how you go about earning the confidence and respect of your teams. How you answer should inform them of your leadership style and approach to building relationships with your employees. Break down your approach to earning the respect of the people who will be working for you. Display an alignment with the leadership style they aim to promote in their work culture. Showcase your understanding of the value of identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your crew early on. Your success relies on having a firm grasp and a clear understanding of what they have to offer.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Answer Example

"I always like to mirror the words of thought leader Amy Cuddy in my actions when it comes to entering a team. She said the most important thing to do is to lead with trust and to assume that the people in your team are there for the right reasons. They want to create value, and they are there with good intentions because if you give them that trust, you get that back. So, I approach entering a team through humility, asking about themselves, their work, what their strengths are, their observations of what they like about working there and as part of that team, and what they feel could be improved upon. I basically lean on them for advice, tips, and move forward with transparency and integrity, helping out with sincerity wherever I can. I prove myself, show them that I have their best interests at heart, sing their praises, and make sure their merits are recognized. The rest is up to them."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Behavioral

4. Tell us about a time when you disagreed with your leader and convinced them to see things your way.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Persuading your leader to see your point of view highlights your ability to influence others. You probably have a great relationship with your leaders, but there might be times when you don't see eye to eye, and that is okay! What is important is how you approach this type of situation. The interviewer wants to know that you can be diplomatic in the workplace, even when you may disagree with your leader. Explain that you believe everyone is entitled to their own professional opinion, but it is important to maintain respect for each other while expressing those opinions.

When asked a "Tell us about a time..." question, it's important to remember that the interviewer is looking for a specific story-based example that highlights your behavior in challenging situations. Using the STAR interview method (an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result), you can more easily form a story-based response. Think of a time when you disagreed with someone in a leadership role. Describe how you responded and discuss the positive outcome or the lesson that you learned from the situation.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Experienced Example

"(Situation) In a previous role, my supervisor believed that the company did not need to invest time or money into growing an email distribution list. (Task) As a skilled email marketer, I strongly disagreed. (Action) I approached the topic gingerly, used hard numbers from case studies, and tied them to our business goals. By removing emotion from the equation and focusing strictly on data and analytics, I expressed my stance in a way that would be hard to dispute or elicit an emotional response. (Result) Ultimately, my supervisor gave the green light to pilot the program, and it was a great success. I built an email list of over 10,000 contacts, and our conversion rate increased by nearly 25%."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"In a previous role, during my first month scouting one of the sites I found that the 1-acre farm had landscape fabric under the topsoil. I had raised my concerns about this management practice which as it turned out the owner had made the decision to put in place. I explained that the volunteers were finding it very difficult to manage the weeds, and appealed to his desire of "growing more" by explaining that by removing the landscape fabric, we would be able to use the rototiller, reducing weeds, increasing growing efficiency and more harvest."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good example to use. You were professional in discussing why you disagreed, and the benefits of doing it another way, and you shared feedback in a constructive way. Be sure to share the positive outcome of the situation as well in your response.

Behavioral

5. Talk about a time you had to act like a leader.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

As a new manager, you may not have experience officially leading a team. However, you can still demonstrate the qualities of a leader in your daily activities. The interviewer wants a specific example of how you act as a leader, even when leadership is not a formal requirement of your role.

Rather than only tell the interviewer that you act as a leader in non-leadership situations, try showing this by giving a story-based example. Maybe you coached a coworker who was having difficulty preparing for a big presentation. Maybe you gave them confidence in their strengths by encouraging them, or perhaps you offered some helpful hints. Show the interviewer that you are a natural motivator and a confident communicator.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I naturally take on the role of mentor and coach with my co-workers who are newer to their careers. In one instance, I had a new co-worker who was having some trouble fitting in. I took her out for lunch and talked to her about the workplace culture and semantics surrounding the various departments. I wanted her to stay and enjoy her employment with us, so I took on the responsibility of ensuring she was settling in well. I believe there are many opportunities to demonstrate leadership, and I am sure to keep my eyes open for them."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Coordinating the public programs and children and youth programs I naturally fall into the role of a leader working with external instructors, training new students, and working with volunteers."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great start! Can you include more detail that highlights your abilities? Perhaps the specific volume of students or volunteers you work with or abilities like giving presentations or demonstrations, etc.

Career Goals

6. Talk about one of your professional goals. What actions are you taking to achieve this goal?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to know that you have thought about your career and set goals to grow and learn as a new manager. Most people have career goals. What will set you apart as a candidate is how you express these goals. Provide the interviewer with details of your goals and discuss how you plan to achieve them. You can achieve your professional goals by taking advantage of career development opportunities such as:

- Attending industry-related conferences, seminars, and workshops.
- Reading books related to management and leadership.
- Listening to podcasts from leaders that you admire.
- Completing online coursework and certifications to extend your knowledge base.
- Finding a mentor to help you learn and grow.

Discuss your goals, how you plan to achieve them, and be sure to tie this information into how your goals and actions will benefit their company, should they choose to hire you as their new manager.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"My biggest professional goal right now is to earn my first management position. This is a goal that I set for myself five months ago after I realized that I have a real talent for streamlining workflow and creating organizational efficiency. The first step that I took was asking a senior manager in my department to mentor me. I felt it was vital to learn from someone I admire who is a few steps ahead of me in their career. This mentorship has benefitted me in many ways. For instance, my confidence level has skyrocketed. I know how to present new ideas in a way that is communicative and persuasive. I have learned more about developing co-worker relationships through active listening. I will continue to have a mentor throughout my career, which will greatly contribute to my success as a new manager with Company ABC."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My primary professional goal is to become an educational manager at a botanical garden. Honestly, this has been my goal since I started teaching. When I realized that this was my path, I asked my manager to mentor me as she was the type of manager I greatly respected and admired, and was much farther in her career than me. I have taken positions in various gardens to learn management styles from different perspectives, picking and choosing those traits that align with my core values, to grow, challenge and improve my leadership abilities. I have learned many valuable lessons in creating and maintaining a positive work environment, the importance of communication, and working with people that have different leadership styles to me."

Jaymie's Feedback

This was a great professional goal to share! Great job.

Career Goals

7. What are your career aspirations beyond your first management position?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

You are a new manager, and it's an exciting time in your career. Focus on the now while keeping in mind that the interviewer also wants to see evidence that you are looking to your future. Discuss where you'd like to see this first management position take you. Include the hiring company in your career aspirations, and assure the interviewer that you plan to stay with the organization for the foreseeable future.

Consider what you visualize when you think about your future with the hiring company. Although this question presents an opportunity to share a career-related dream or aspiration, be sure that your goals are realistic. For instance, the interviewer does not want to hear that you plan to become the company's director in five short years when the current director dedicated fifteen years towards earning the promotion.

You can benefit from researching the tenure and career path of the hiring company's management team. LinkedIn is a helpful platform for researching this information. Search on LinkedIn for individuals in this role before you and take time to study their career path. Gain an understanding of what reasonable and achievable career growth looks like within the hiring organization.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"After researching your organization and learning more about this position, I feel that this role fits well with my future aspirations of leading beyond a local level and moving into regional leadership. I would love to see myself promoted based on my hard work and results and eventually managing multiple local branches and then moving into a regional management position. To achieve this goal, I will dedicate my time to learning the company values and expanding my leadership and business skills to help the organization achieve growth in the local market, better brand positioning, and deeper customer loyalty."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My passions are education and plant sciences. I would I love to see growing and increasing program numbers and visitation and making position and moving us into a position where programming can be expanded, and a strong youth-teen program would emerge. I would do this by learning more about the role and organization, improving my leadership skills, and the relationships with community stakeholders."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are excellent aspirations to share!

Communication

8. How do you plan to set and communicate goals for your team members?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Goal setting is an important skill for any new manager to understand. Since you are new to your management role, you may not be an expert in goal setting. The interviewer wants to see evidence that you understand and prioritize goal setting and communicating goals to your team members.

Proper goal setting requires you to learn about your team, consider the company's objectives, and understand how to motivate each individual to work hard towards achieving these goals. Discuss how you plan to set goals with your team members and ensure that expectations are properly communicated.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"Team alignment and a clear understanding of goals go hand-in-hand. I want to begin by setting goals for the team and then give each person time to consider the actions they would specifically like to take to achieve these goals. While attending college, I learned about SMART goals and how to apply them to my studies to create strong habits and maintain good grades. Although SMART goals are somewhat overused in corporate environments, they are often misunderstood, which can cause employees to dislike the approach. For this reason, I would show my team how beneficial it can be to consider setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. It's important that I set deadlines and track progress correctly to give praise when it's due, and we can course-correct promptly if necessary. My greatest goal is to help my team reach their goals. In turn, the company will reach its goals."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I love meetings. One of the most important determiners of success is clear communication. Things tend to fall apart when information isn't relayed to those who need it. Having weekly team meetings with students, and regular monthly check-ins allows everyone to share where they are in projects, and relay important changes - information in emails can get lost very quickly. But most important is setting clearly defined goals. Much like writing a school or youth program, you have to be specific about the goals and objectives, how these align with the mission and vision of the gardens, how will these be evaluated for success, what success means in the situation we are speaking of, and creating timelines. This provides a clear picture to everyone working on the project (s), what the intention is, if we end up on a tangent, how to get back to the original goal who needs support, who can offer support, and the like."

Jaymie's Feedback

Well done! You clearly understand the importance of effective communication and have techniques and strategies in place to set and communicate goals to a team.

Communication

9. How do you approach providing constructive criticism or feedback to others?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Giving constructive criticism and helpful feedback isn't as simple as it sounds. There is an art to providing feedback to others without making them feel defensive or put down. The interviewer would like to know that you are capable of this challenging task. When you provide constructive criticism, it's important that you:

- Provide specific details about the actions that need to be changed.
- Make the feedback actionable and set achievable goals towards change.
- Provide a clear timeline for this change to occur.
- Follow up regularly to ensure change is being made.

Discuss any formal training you have received or a book you have read on the topic. Perhaps you use a particular methodology to deliver feedback that generates positive results the majority of the time. If you have a specific story-based example of a time you provided honest feedback with a positive result, be sure to weave in the details of this real-life example.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I have been learning about the 3x3 method for giving feedback. With this method, I offer three strengths and three potential areas for development. I recently applied this method with a co-worker who often arrived late or called in sick. I let her know that I enjoyed working alongside her. I told her that our clients often complimented her customer service skills. I also said I appreciated her willingness to help me when our workload increased. Then, I proceeded to let her know that I felt disappointed and let down whenever she would call in sick, leave early, or show up late to her shift. I told her how it impacted my work and explained that her actions often meant that I needed to work late to reach our goals. She apologized and told me that she would work on her attendance. So far, her reliability has significantly improved, and I am glad that I approached her using this method."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I approach providing constructive criticism and feedback to others as if I was speaking with myself. That old adage, treat others as you would want to be treated. I consider how I would phrase the goals for improvement, using positive feedback, followed by areas for improvement to ensure that the conversation overall is empowering as opposed to correctional. Typically two positives followed by a needs improvement, but also asking how I could support them more to get them back on track, or to the place where they need to be in their position. I try and keep the conversation real and authentic, as I approach leadership and management as a supporting role most of the time, not a "boss" who "tells" employees what to do. I have always found people whether peers, coworkers, or students, if they are able to learn on their own, they perform better and with pride."

Jaymie's Feedback

Perfect! This is a great approach. Your response highlights your ability to communicate effectively, treat others with respect, and be a supportive manager.

Communication

10. Talk about a time where you faced difficulty reaching a consensus in a time sensitive situation.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Some new managers end up struggling with asserting themselves in work environments that have more of a democratic approach, and where efforts are made to make sure everyone's voice is heard. The interviewer wants to see how capable you are at acting decisively, without taking an autocratic approach. They need to see that you can lead with confidence while engaging your team and retaining their trust. As Michelle Obama put it, "People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together." So think about a time when members of your team voiced doubt about the approach you wanted to take as a leader. Showcase your strong communication skills, and how you got everyone to adopt your approach.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Answer Example

"There was a morning where things were going really well. One employee had a personal conflict that was causing them a certain degree of stress, and they were advocating for being allowed to get off work early since things seemed to be going so smoothly. I assured them if everything continued to go well, and our schedule allowed for it, I would consider it. So they put in a maximum effort. But, later, we got word our last delivery truck wouldn't be arriving at the warehouse until after our shift ended. So, when I suggested we take on several of the mid-shifts duties to ensure they would be able to shift priorities and handle the shipment, this employee voiced dissent, and got another employee aligned with their arguments. Despite their arguments, it was clear their true motive was getting off work early, despite how it would impact our other teams. So, I gave a speech about how we always help out our teams, even those teammates we don't see or often work with, and we always do the right thing. Otherwise, we shouldn't expect them to repay the favor in our hour of need. This rallied most of the team, and we took a vote, and when that single employee was the only dissenter, they fell silent and got to work."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Compatibility

11. What is the number one quality that will contribute to your success as our new manager?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

There are many excellent qualities that a successful manager should possess. These traits include honesty, integrity, ambition, and enthusiasm. The hiring manager wants to know what you believe to be the number one quality that will contribute most to your success in this role. When responding, describe a quality that you know will resonate with the interviewer. You can achieve this by choosing a unique, memorable, and personalized approach to the hiring company's needs.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"While preparing for this interview, I conducted a lot of research on Company ABC, its mission and values, and its goals for the years ahead. One common theme that I found was continued inclusion and diversity for this company's employees. The number one quality I can bring to this organization that will contribute to my success as your manager and the company's success as a whole is my natural ability to be inclusive of others. I have supported my current company's diversity and inclusion efforts in a variety of ways. One significant example was when our company planned the mass hiring of over 100 individuals in its technical department. I suggested that we find and hire an independent diversity mentor to inspire us to look at our new talent attraction strategy without bias. Our company leaders agreed, and this resulted in a much stronger team that has taken our company further than ever before. If hired, I will eagerly support your organization's diversity and inclusion efforts by rethinking policies, educating others through trustworthy resources, making mindful decisions, and encouraging more diverse hires."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"The quality that I believe will most contribute to my success as a new manager would be my natural ability to be aware of the world around me and attuned to the environment.

I am very aware of myself and the people around me. So I can understand and appreciate the different perspectives everyone has.

I always look for new opportunities by listening to what others have to say. It is important to be a good listener, no matter your role, and to not be afraid to do things differently. By being attuned to those around me I am able to sense when something is amiss, knowing when balancing the task and the relationships need adjustment, to work towards a productive cohesive team."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job! These are all qualities the interviewer will be looking for in a candidate.

Compatibility

12. How would your closest friend describe you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

There could be many words to describe you as a person; however, the interviewer wants you to emphasize a few key descriptors. The descriptive words you use should reveal your character while showing the hiring company that you are compatible with their team spirit and organizational values.

Choose descriptors that will help you stand out from other candidates. Show confidence while being humble at the same time. Avoid over-used descriptors such as "responsible," "team player," or "people person." Perhaps your closest friend would describe you as "eager," "generous," or "self-assured." These examples are more unique and will show the interviewer that you have deeper insight.

Once you pinpoint the characteristics that you believe your closest friend would use to describe you, be ready to tell a story that supports your response. It's very effective when you can support your answer with an engaging story. Then, be sure to describe how the hiring company will benefit from these qualities, should they choose to hire you as their new manager.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"My closest friend of 15 years would describe me as curious and analytical. From a young age, I have been the one in our group of friends to look deeper for answers when a problem arises. For example, when we would tackle group projects in school, I would be excited to find workarounds by researching and experimenting until we found a proper solution. I believe my desire to look at a potential roadblock, push away the idea of 'how it's always been done,' and explore new approaches will benefit Company ABC. I will enthusiastically lead your ambitious team to deliver the best results possible in the most productive way."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My friends typically describe me as kind, considerate, passionate, and driven. That I am a very hard worker, I am able to look at the bigger picture where some people get stuck looking at the fine details, and I bring enthusiasm and light, into their world, constantly surprising them with my - love of plants - and being able to inspire a curiosity in them."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are great qualities to share with the interviewer. They will definitely find them valuable in a candidate.

Compatibility

13. Why do you want to begin your management career with our company?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question is another way for the interviewer to ask why you want to work for this company. This is a common query that an interviewer can phrase in a variety of ways. Candidates often believe that this type of question is asking why this company should hire you. The difference is subtle; however, an answer to this particular question should be more company-focused instead of self-focused.

Consider the aspects of the organization that stood out to you when you first became aware of the job opportunity. Compliment the organization by talking about a stand-out factor that impressed you, such as the company's values or its involvement in the community. You can find a lot of the information you need online, so do your research and be specific about why you wish to begin your management career with this particular organization.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I would like to begin my management career with Company ABC for many reasons. The most personal and compelling reasons are (give one or two reasons why this job is a stand-out opportunity). I have spent a lot of time researching and getting to know your company and (discuss your findings with enthusiasm). This partnership would be mutually beneficial because (discuss how the findings tie to your career goals). Should you choose to hire me as your new manager, I will contribute to (the original highlights you mentioned in the beginning) by (offer details on how you will contribute)."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"As a manager at TBG, I would have the opportunity to nurture a productive, respectful workplace culture while also learning and growing as a person. I believe working in an environment that I already find inspiring will enrich and exemplify these qualities, I can serve as a role model for my team and inspire them to be their best, and for a love of plants."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great! If you can incorporate any positive employee reviews that you've read, that will also add impact to your response.

View This Question and Answers

Competency

14. This position will be your first management role. Why should we give you this opportunity?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question is another way for the interviewer to ask why they should hire you. This is a common yet challenging question an interviewer can ask you in a variety of ways. It's common for candidates to answer this type of question in a way that directly "sells" themselves as the person for the job. However, the correct way to approach this question is to speak less about your needs and more about the benefit to the hiring company.

For instance, most candidates will respond along the lines of "I believe you should hire me because I am passionate about sales. This job is exactly what I have been looking for, and I will work hard to deliver results for your company." Notice how this answer is all about the job seeker and not about the hiring company. Do your research on the company and the role, and then describe what you will bring to the company should they choose to hire you as their new manager.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"You mentioned earlier in the interview process that you were struggling to retain your junior sales staff. I developed an exciting onboarding strategy that I took to my current manager last year when we had similar issues. Together, we implemented many of the strategies I carefully crafted. As a result, we saw our 25% employee turnover rate reduce to just 7% in twelve months. If you choose to extend this opportunity to me, I will quickly address your retention rates using the same strategies. I learned a lot about program implementation from my manager as we worked on these changes, and I feel confident in my ability to lead the process the second time around."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"If you choose to extend this opportunity to me, I will bring the best of my skills and experiences to the position through my passion for garden education, and my strong leadership, communication, and time management skills. I believe my extensive experience in program planning and evaluation, experience leading teams and I am always looking for ways to establish and improve my skills, so working for TBG would be such a tremendous opportunity for me to do both."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job!

Competency

15. How has your education prepared you to be an effective manager?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Many of the skills gained through primary or post-secondary education are highly beneficial to a professional's success. For instance, exposure to teamwork in group projects can help you learn to build strong communication skills and interact with coworkers. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills developed in the classroom can teach you to analyze information and deal with roadblocks you encounter in your professional career.

The hiring company wants to know how you believe your education has prepared you to be effective in this management position. This question should not be approached with a generic response. Take this opportunity to stand out from other candidates by providing specifics of the skills and training you plan to leverage to fulfill your duties as a new manager.

If you have some work experience, give an example of how your education has made you successful in your career so far. If you are interviewing for your first professional position, talk about how your education will help you to be successful in meeting the company's job requirements.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I view my post-secondary education as an important step in my professional career, as it gave me a foundation in analytical thinking, self-guided learning, and discipline. Specifically, concerning this new management position, my education prepared me to find answers, research, dig deeper than the surface, and solve complex problems by exercising curiosity and putting in the work. Today, I feel confident in my ability to analyze situations and come up with solutions to various questions and issues that will come my way as a manager for Company ABC."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I view my post-secondary education, and graduate studies as an important step in my professional career, as it gave me a foundation in analytical thinking, self-guided learning, and discipline; it taught me how to learn.

As a research student, I was planning and designing my own field trials under a strict timeline - I had two seasons to run the experiment so being efficient in researching, asking, and solving complex problems has taught me how to do the same in the workplace. I learned how to do risk assessments to be prepared for situations unexpected, to speak with peers and advisors to articulate important information, and then analyze and interpret the results of data coming in - this could be feedback from the advisor, a funder looking for a different perspective, teaching undergraduate students, and then the actual field data of the study.

Although this example is very specific to my graduate studies, it has provided confidence in my ability to have transferable skills in managing teams in complex and remote situations, to be well prepared with information, and to look at more than one perspective to achieve a means to an end."

Jaymie's Feedback

Well done! You may consider sharing what your degree is in specifically so the interviewer can better understand your coursework.

Critical Thinking

16. As a new manager, what decision do you think will be the hardest for you to make?

How to Answer

Managers face many challenging decisions throughout their day. Some examples of decisions you will need to make include changes to workflow, hiring and termination decisions, promotions, and making budget cuts. Discuss which decisions you believe will be the most challenging for you to approach as a new manager.

Be sure to focus on how you will overcome this challenge. You should acknowledge that there will be challenges in your first management position while showing confidence that you will become more comfortable as you gain more experience.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"As a new manager, I believe the hardest decision for me to make will be when it comes time to consider layoffs or terminations. I understand that your organization did lay off a significant number of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. I empathize with the decision-makers who had to make those decisions. If I needed to release someone from their position, I would consult the human resources manager to ensure I approach the situation correctly to protect the company and respect the employee through the difficult transition. As I become more experienced in my role as a manager, I am confident that I will learn and grow in this area. Although terminations and layoffs will never be easy, I will develop a system that makes them more comfortable for everyone involved."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"The decision I think will be the hardest for me to make will be firing or letting someone go. As someone who loves to teach and empower others, I can empathize with the difficulty in telling someone they no longer have a role at the gardens, and receiving that information. I have been in a situation where I have had to deliver this news, and it was a difficult conversation. Not something I relish doing, It is difficult for everyone involved.

The first thing I would do is to throughly review the employees file, reasonings for termination and speak with HR (manager) on the best way to approach the conversation by being respectful and protecting the company.

I would ensure that I choose an appropriate time for the conversation. I would write a script with keywords to follow to ensure that the communication is clear and respectful, and be sure to provide some positive feedback at the same time. Tricky, but again why I would practice ahead of time.

I know that the more experienced in my role I become, the more confident I will be in this area of management, learning and growing these communication skills, and I will eventually create a process that works for everyone.

Go home and eat ice cream."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a tough situation for every leader, so this is a great example to share! You walk the interviewer through your process of handling the challenge and demonstrate that you do not take difficult decisions like this lightly. Excellent job!

Critical Thinking

17. If you were to have hiring authority in this management position, what would you look for in the candidates that you choose to hire?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

If this management position requires you to attract new talent and make hiring decisions, you must know how to make a good hire! The interviewer wants to know which qualities you will value the most when hiring new members for your team.

Many people will respond to this question by saying they would look for a "positive personality" or candidates who are "honest" and "enthusiastic." Challenge yourself to stand apart from the rest by providing a more thoughtful answer. Show the interviewer that you understand which qualities would work best for their organizational values and company mission.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"Some of the greatest qualities I would look for when engaging a candidate is if they are prepared for their job interview and have thoughtful questions for me. When a candidate asks a very intriguing question, I will know that they are thinking deeply about the position and are already picturing themselves performing in the role. I would also love to see a candidate who shows good judgment when answering hypothetical or scenario-based interview questions. It's one thing to know the right thing to do, and it's another to think outside of the box and become a problem solver when a challenge arises. I would love to learn more - could you share with me the primary traits Company ABC looks for when choosing between candidates?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"If I had authority in this management position to hire, I would look for a balance of skills and experience, passion, and an eagerness to learn. I would pay attention to their preparedness for the interview, how they present themselves, consider their personality and demeanor - will it fit with the team, with the campers, and I would want to know how they think, and problem solve."

Jaymie's Feedback

Your response is well-rounded and covers a solid mix of skills, experience, and personality traits you would be seeking in an ideal candidate.

Discovery

18. How do you showcase your leadership abilities in your personal life?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Although you are a new manager, you are not new to the idea of acting as a leader. The interviewer wants to see evidence of your leadership abilities. Since you are new to your management career, one of the greatest ways to discover your natural leadership tendencies is to ask how you emulate leadership qualities in your personal life.

Perhaps you are the captain of your hockey team, and you lead others by encouraging them to practice harder. Maybe you volunteer at the local food bank and encourage those that you are there to serve. Be as specific as possible by giving an example of what it means to act like a leader in your personal life.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I have a consistent history of setting people up for success. One of my favorite questions is, 'How can I support you?' By asking this question in my personal life, whether it be with family, friends, soccer teammates, or the people I meet when volunteering, this question shows those around me that I am ready to help them succeed. A leader in a workplace setting, and a personal setting, should be ready to uplift others, empower them, and be enthusiastic about their success."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"In my personal life I ensure that my friends know that I am available, they can always reach out to me. I am supportive and caring of those in my life, so offer to assist them when they need it or when they do not realize they need it; I am honest and open, and offer praise and encouragement, learning to communicate in their love language. My love language is spending quality time and words of affirmation, whereas, my mum, for example, communicates through gifts. Although I enjoy getting gifts, to me they have to be very functional as I live in a tiny apartment. A lot of the time she provides stuff, but I know she takes the time to consider if it is something I would like - I don't need an antique teapot, but she knows my love of tea. I like the cable-knit sweater, it isn't my style, but I know it took you almost a year to knit. I know you love to knit, and I absolutely appreciate and cherish it because I know it is how you communicate with me."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are all great qualities and actions to share with the interviewer. It really shows you're a compassionate and supportive person both professionally and personally.

Diversity

19. What's your approach to encouraging innovation in the workplace?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewer wants to see how you bring out the best in the individuals on your team. Embracing a company's DEI efforts and sustainability goals is often integral to promoting innovation in the workplace. When everyone is given a voice and diverse perspectives are encouraged and heard, they feel more encouraged to contribute. These are key elements to fostering a vibrant a work culture while driving the progress of the goals of the company.

However, not every idea should be implemented. As Angela Merkel once said, "Remember that openness always involves risks." If implementing an idea results in success, that member of your team should get all the credit. Yet, if the idea isn't a success, the responsibility falls on you. So how you communicate with, and encourage the contributions of your team, and the decisions you make, all fall on effective leadership.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Answer Example

"Well, I wouldn't necessarily say I take a fully democratic approach when it comes to solving problems. But I will say that I give everyone a voice, and make sure everyone on my team feels like their voice is heard. I am very transparent in my communication style, and I host frequent meetings or huddles to get everyone on the same page, to inform them of what we are facing, and the challenges we have to overcome. Aside from those matters which I personally need to handle, I open the floor up to invite alternate approaches, for any ideas and input, which often results in innovative solutions which I hadn't considered. It is these solutions that increase productivity, contribute to efficiency, and keep us accelerating forward. However, if someone offers solutions that have been tried and tested before, I'll acknowledge the merit of their suggestions. Then I'll explain why we won't adopt their approach, and encourage them to keep coming up with equally credible ideas."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Job Satisfaction

20. Since this is your first management opportunity, how can we best support you to ensure your success?

How to Prep

If you are asked questions about the support that you need to succeed as a new manager, this is a sign that this is a mindful company that values its people. Remember that a great manager is focused on the logistics of managing people, projects, and more while also focusing on the soft skills required to lead effectively. Some resources that a new manager may need to succeed include:

- Access to a mentorship program. Managers need to grow and learn from their leaders, as well!
- Resources for their team members to encourage knowledge building.
- An innovative leadership team steering the ship.

First, consider the resources you believe a new manager needs to succeed in general. Then, think about what you specifically need to excel in your role. When you express your needs, be as specific as possible. At the end of your response, think about asking a direct question regarding the tools and resources that will be made available to you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"Thank you for asking this question. I appreciate that Company ABC has expressed a desire to help me succeed in this role. As an ambitious and enthusiastic new manager, I value active and positive support from my leaders and training-based opportunities for my team members. When I am equipped with the right tools to boost my team's knowledge base, I can generate the strongest results. These resources might come in the form of continued education opportunities or internal training. My ultimate goal is to succeed as a new manager while empowering my team members to do their best work. Could you share with me the tools and resources Company ABC has available to help new managers and their teams to succeed?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Thank you for asking. For me, I am going to want to jump right into work, seeing where we can take the camps and programs, where we can improve, and try different ideas to reach a larger audience. I will need clear goals and objectives, and positive feedback to ensure that I am on the correct track. I appreciate having regular meetings, more frequent in the beginning and once I have my legs, less often. Establish a rapport and open dialogue, knowing that I will have the support and be provided with opportunities for growth and improvement through continuing education, going to conferences, but also internal training support. I appreciate a well-thought-out onboarding process with checklists.

Ultimately, my goal is to succeed while also ensuring my team succeeds."

Jaymie's Feedback

Perfect!

Leadership

21. How do you go about incentivizing your team in high-pressure situations?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewer would like to hear how you go about promoting the continued productivity of your teams in high-stress situations without compromising camaraderie or morale. How you answer should inform them of your experience level as a leader. Think about situations where you inspired your staff to succeed rather than bribing them with incentives. Touch on how you motivate the individual as well as the group, getting them invested as stakeholders into the mutual success of the team.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Answer Example

"I work with a supervisor whose shifts nearly always run behind schedule. He works hard, but almost always promises our morning crew breakfast once the big push is done. But another supervisor nearly always faces the same odds, and she rarely runs behind, nearly always ahead of schedule. She is very organized, plays on everyone's strengths, and delegates strategically. However, the first supervisor I mentioned, assigns tasks seemingly at random, and spends more time being friendly at the beginning of the shift, and then playing catchup later on. And, everyone comes to expect a big fancy group breakfast once the store is open. And, at that point, even though there are still a few more hours in our shift, productivity plummets. Honestly, I don't see it as a sustainable use of the manager's expense account, nor does it really set the right tone among the group, nor play to the team's merits. I find I am more aligned with the second supervisor's approach. Lead by example, work smarter not harder, play to everyone's strengths, and give them a sense of accomplishment for the work they've put in, rather than incentivizing through bribes that are rarely earned, all while burning out the crew in the process. One thing is certain, the crew looks forward to working with her when she comes to work and leads. Yet with him, the first supervisor, no one looks forward to working with him, they just look forward to breakfast. I think the ancient philosopher, Lao Tzu, put it best, 'To lead people, walk beside them. As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. When the best leader's work is done, the people say, 'We did it ourselves!"

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Leadership

22. What leadership style do you relate to most?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to know how familiar you are with the different types of leadership styles, and which of those you find effective and model your own style after. Yours can also be a fusion of more than one style as well. It can be a bit uncomfortable answering questions like these, not knowing if there is a right or wrong way to answer the question, or the type of leadership style they may promote or frown upon in their organization. And sometimes that information isn't always easy to find online. But, you can follow industry trends, and which styles are more recruitable than others. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Good leaders inspire people to have confidence in their leader. Great leaders inspire people to have confidence in themselves."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Answer Example

"I am not sure if it is my place to say whether one style is the right way and another style is wrong. All I can do is speak from my own experience, and the types of leadership styles that have motivated me, provided me with a sense of accomplishment or job satisfaction, or helped me increase in ability. Personally, I would say I model myself off of more of an inspirational approach, and try to inspire and lead as more of an influencer. I like to think of myself as transformational, collaborative, and supportive. This is what I respond to, and what comes from my nature. I would rather respect my leader than fear them and I don't work well with those who have more of an authoritarian approach. Nor do I respect someone who has more of a laissez-faire approach. 'Do as I say and not as I do' never earns my trust nor my respect, and I don't find them motivating."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Leadership

23. Talk about a manager that you did not connect with. How will you lead your team differently?

Focus Your Answer On

Although you should always avoid criticizing a previous boss in your job interviews, this question specifically asks you to point out a time when you may not have appreciated your manager's leadership style. Rather than turn your answer into a negative reply, focus on a situation where you learned a valuable lesson. Instead of providing a list of issues and complaints, briefly mention why you could not connect with this person, and then focus most of your answer on your actions to succeed in the environment.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"As an enthusiastic employee, it's important to me that the workplace feels like a collaborative place where I can learn and grow from others. Two years ago, I worked for a manager who was very driven by their successes and career growth. It felt as though this manager had little interest in growing the team members as individuals. To make the best of the situation, I gathered a digital library of helpful resources, added the resources to a Google Workspace, and shared my findings with my co-workers. Together, we all took free online courses, listened to podcasts, and discussed how we could optimize our roles in a way that would benefit the team and our career trajectory. The results were uplifting, and my teammates felt empowered by their new knowledge. This initiative also skyrocketed our team collaboration. When I am a manager, I will ensure that every team member has access to the education and training they want and need. We win by helping others to succeed. This is the philosophy I will always lead with, especially after witnessing such positive results with my team just a couple of years ago."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I had an interim manager that did not seem to have the same dedication as he used to and showed little interest and support in the work, and projects of his team. He was an okay manager but caught in the cog of daily tasks. A bit disconnected from his team; we were all working on our projects in our own areas but our monthly meetings weren't happening and you could sense the disconnectedness. I discovered one of the things that people were struggling with was the new software.

As"

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great start! Be sure to finish the response with how you will lead your team differently.

Leadership

24. Tell me about a time when you had to lead by example.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to know that, as a new manager, you understand the importance of leading by example. Your actions, decisions, and demeanor will be under observation once you hold a management title. Even if you are new to management in a work setting, you can show that you have a genuine interest in setting a good example by providing an example from your education, a competitive sport or hobby, or your volunteer experience.

Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with "Tell me about a time when..." are best answered by providing a story-based example. You can achieve this by using the STAR framework. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling story highlighting your leadership strengths.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"(Situation) Last year, our company merged with a competitor, and there were rumors of pending layoffs. (Task) Even though I was not in a leadership position, I was a top-performing sales rep, and many of my co-workers looked to me for answers. (Action) I knew that I must lead by example and showcase a positive mindset. Rather than show my stress of the potential job loss, I encouraged my team to perform harder than ever. I suggested that we show the corporate head office exactly what we were made of to convince them that we were indispensable during this merger. (Result) Most of the team members jumped on board with this approach, and our group ended up being the #1 sales team in our region that quarter, which resulted in zero layoffs for our team. It was an honor to help lead these efforts, and this experience provided me the evidence I needed to pursue an official leadership position, which is what gave me the confidence to apply to this management role with Company ABC."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I treat others with respect, and a lot of my work is outdoor education so I am right down there in the dirt with the kids, and the adults to show the volunteers and new instructors to be yourself and authentic. There is more than one way of making a connection and as long as you can inspire them to learn more, provoke learning, and make it relatable you will be successful. I always keep this in mind."

Jaymie's Feedback

Anytime you're educating, you are leading, so this is a good example! You're leading them in their technical skills and learning as well as showing them what a kind and caring person looks like.

Leadership

25. Tell me about the last time you took the initiative to mentor someone on something.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to see what your approach is to developing others on your team and motivating them to perform at their best. As President John Quincy Adams said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." However, new managers frequently struggle with the balancing act of monitoring the productivity of their teams without micromanaging them, being too hands-off. Studies show those teams who retain job satisfaction are trusted to be self-managed in their work, are provided the tools necessary to do their job well, and the development necessary to excel.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Answer Example

"When I was training to be a supervisor in my current role, and I was leading a team, I would do my best to balance keeping my finger on the pulse on how things are going without micromanaging and trusting my team to be self-managed in their work. I need to show them I trust them, while ensuring I retain their trust. But, on occasion, you can get a feeling for when someone is struggling to keep up. It's the stress that crinkles their forehead or makes their shoulders ride up. So, you passively check in on them, and ask how things are going, see their progress on whatever they're working on, and then offer suggestions. Last week, this same situation unfolded. I asked them about their approach to tackling the work, and they were performing tiny tasks then trying to piece them together as a whole, which was resulting in rework and slowing them down. I asked them if I could show them the approach I developed after struggling with similar issues. They agreed and swiftly adopted my approach. Soon, they were constantly asking for feedback and tips. Over the next month and a half, their productivity soared."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Leadership

26. Managing and leading others is a task that requires constant growth and learning. What resources do you use to learn about effective management approaches?

Focus Your Answer On

It's imperative, especially as a new manager, to rely on reputable resources to help you explore, build, and develop effective management approaches. It's much easier to begin doing things right the first time than to undo bad habits and replace them with constructive ones. Talk to the interviewer about the resources that you currently lean on to learn about effective management. Be sure to show a desire for continued learning by discussing tangible ways you plan to achieve growth as a leader.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I bring a lot of enthusiasm to the workplace, and part of this enthusiasm is a desire to learn new approaches, grow my knowledge base, and help my co-workers achieve their goals. Currently, my favorite resources for learning about effective management approaches include Harvard Business Review and my mentor. The HBR online magazine is primarily created to benefit managers and leaders, and it provides insights that I can rely on. For the past 12 months, I have engaged with a mentor once per week. She is the CEO of a technology company, and I have learned a significant amount of management methodologies from her during our weekly meetings. I plan to continue leaning on these resources for my growth and development, but I am always open to new ideas! Do you have any suggestions for me as I enter my career in management?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy listing to audiobooks when driving to-and-from work. Usually for pleasure but every once in a while I add in a work growth-related book, or self-growth book to ensure my constant growth and learning. There are some with fun titles that sometimes catch my attention such as the five dysfunctions of a team, and I love listening to Ted Talks.

Each week I usually touch base with a mentor turned friend for a quick chat and we share stories and reflections, and offer feedback.

I also query coworkers and managers on what they are reading or listening to, and sometimes as a team we will watch webinars together.

The great thing about working in the education department, is that you have a natural inclination to keep learning and growing."

Jaymie's Feedback

Perfect!

Leadership

27. In your current position, what efforts have you put into helping your co-workers to learn and grow?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The best managers often take on leadership responsibilities naturally and seek opportunities to mentor or coach others without being asked. The interviewer wants to know that you have a habit of helping others, even when you do not hold a formal leadership position.

Rather than deliver a generic response, try incorporating a story-based example of when you helped a peer or co-worker learn a new skill, achieve a goal, or grow in their career. Show your enthusiasm for helping others and express how this natural ability will benefit your new team and the hiring company should they choose to hire you as their new manager.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I often seek out more effective and productive ways to manage my workflow. I will find helpful tools and free resources online to help me work quickly and generate better results. When I come across a constructive solution, I will introduce the solution to my team members. For instance, I recently discovered a few new tricks to optimize Asana for project and workflow management. I took a weekend course on the platform and then shared my new knowledge with the team during a 'Lunch & Learn' a few days later. My manager was very impressed with the initiative I showed, and my co-workers were thankful for the information. I desire continued growth, and I have a passion for sharing my knowledge with my co-workers. Our team is more successful, overall, when we support each other."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Each of us has a specialty, school programs, public programs, video conferencing, interpretation, garden hort education - when one of us finds a compelling webinar we will send the information around in our department so everyone is aware of it. A small gesture for each other.

I have been in a unique situation to have built relationships with a lot of external instructors so every once in a while I can create some PD opportunities, or let staff know of upcoming programs; eg. a grafting workshop.

There was a very stressful time at work and a lot of people have been really feeling it, so I approached some staff to see whether they would be interested in some mindfulness, health and wellness programs. There was a very positive response, so I reached out to one of our regular instructors who was very happy to offer her services for our staff.

I have organized a few fun lunch-and-learns, some technical, some more on the fun side providing opportunites for staff to learn about other departmental work, and each other, pick up some new skills."

Jaymie's Feedback

All of these are great strategies and techniques to highlight!

Leadership

28. What kind of managers have you looked up to in the past?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

As a new manager, you must build your leadership style on a strong foundation. This foundation can be formed by learning from others. For this reason, the interviewer wants insight into the type of leaders that you admire and wish to emulate.

Perhaps you have been led by an intelligent and inspiring leader who taught you about leading with integrity and developing a healthy workplace culture. In that case, discuss who you looked up to in the past and why. Maybe you have not been so lucky and have had to work with challenging managers who did not set a strong example for you. In that case, think of the positive takeaways that you learned from the experience. Discuss how you took this potentially negative experience and turned it into a positive lesson on leadership.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"The manager I looked up to the most was my Sales Manager at Company XYZ. Not only was she an active listener and well-spoken, but she also put a lot of emphasis on creating an inclusive workplace that was comfortable for everyone. The most notable lesson that I learned from this manager was that everyone has a story, and each person has their own motivating factors. Although we are all a team, it's important to remember that everyone is an individual. I took this lesson to heart and will apply this approach as I enter my new career in management."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"There are two managers that come to mind, both of them I had worked with for years.

Sabrina - manager for 7 years, mentor; you can be caring and friendly as a manager; you don't have to be distant all the time. She would eat lunch with everyone, great listener, and provide encouragement and feedback

Barb - head of education, very similar personality and approach.

Both are very down to earth, encouraging, and trusting which creates a lot of trust, and their teams and working with them is always a positive experience."

Jaymie's Feedback

Both of the leaders you speak about have excellent qualities that are ideal in a manager.

Management

29. This is your first management role. Will you feel comfortable delegating to others?

Focus Your Answer On

It can feel a bit uncomfortable delegating to others, especially when you are a new manager and not accustomed to being in a formal leadership role. Luckily, there are many resources available to learn about proper delegation and other management techniques. Talk to the interviewer about your knowledge of delegating and show confidence in your ability to lead others while delegating tasks and driving your team to success.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I am thrilled to take on my first official management role and am confident that I will be able to delegate to the team mindfully and effectively. For the past three years, I have been the captain of my college basketball team. Most of my role is delegating to my teammates and encouraging them to be active participants on and off the court. I have studied delegation in preparation for a future management position. A significant factor in proper delegation is a high level of organization, a strong understanding of tasks and deadlines, and a firm knowledge of each team member's strengths and motivators. I will take the time to get to know team members as individuals and am confident that I will delegate carefully and correctly to ensure the best possible outcomes."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Yes. Although I utilize all leadership styles, selling, directing, delegating, and participating; delegating is my preferred, I find it very empowering. Each person has their own story and they bring their own experiences to their role, which is why each of us is hired for our skill set. Most projects that I have managed are very group-oriented - school programs, workshops, courses, summer classes camps, and gardening work. I always find that when in these groups you present the problem and the individuals can choose their role you have great success. Of course, this depends on the role, timeline, and components - in instances where you have more urgent needs, a storm is approaching quicker than expected, or kids fell and hurt themselves and crying, you need to be more direct and say - you, put all the tools away and close the greenhouse roof; you I need a first aid kit - you take the group and do some teambuilding games.

For example in the garden with volunteers, it is a mixture of directing and delegating. Here are the tasks for today: turn the compost over, pull the weeds, plant kale, shovel 7 yards of soil. Surprisingly, most people volunteer to move the soil. They are able to choose the task that interests them the most, I ensure that the tasks are getting done, provide lessons or corrections where needed. Sometimes there are tasks no one is sure what to do, sort of waffling, then it is directed out. It also depends on teh age group.

I am less likely to delegate a list of tasks to the grade 3s, then then grade 11s or adult participants. A lot of the time it is reading the group and situation; new groups of people / strangers directing, but teams of coworkers delegating works better."

Jaymie's Feedback

Getting to know the team's strengths, as you mentioned, is definitely key! You gave a very detailed and specific response that shows you have given this topic major thought and would be competent in this area.

Management

30. Managers must command the attention of their team members. As a new manager, how do you plan to achieve this goal?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Managers follow many important best practices to lead their teams effectively and produce excellent results. Since you are a new manager, the interviewer wants to hear specifically how you believe you will command your team members' attention and generate successful results under your leadership.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I have been preparing myself for many months to approach a position in management. During my preparation and research, I learned that a staggering number of employees believe that their managers are ineffective communicators. There is significant dissatisfaction among employees when asked about workplace communication. To command my team members' attention, I will be specific and clear about the team's objectives and visit these goals regularly. I will do everything I can to avoid misinformation and confusion. I will speak truthfully, openly, and with honesty and transparency. I believe that these efforts will ensure my new team members are captivated and eager, active participants."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"The road to success is communication - if we know that we have to drive to Halifax, and it has to be by car by the 15th we have a very clear goal. Planning would be pretty straightforward. If I presented the scenario which was more ambiguous, get to Halifax, somehow sometime then we would struggle to make a plan, and things would fall apart quite quickly as misinterpretations and misunderstandings take place.

This is why I love having clear set-out goals and objectives, having them written down, and regular open dialogue so everyone is on the same page. I try to be as clear as possible, I will either send an email before a meeting and/or after the meeting follow-up with key outcomes, dates, and relevant details to the end goal. For larger projects, before the meeting ends I will set a date for a follow-up, or a debrief to evaluate the project"

Jaymie's Feedback

Communication is key! These are great strategies to help you achieve the goal in question.

Management

31. Talk about a time you helped motivate a struggling employee and improved their performance.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer is curious how you motivate your crew while ensuring the success of the team as a whole. When answering this question, it is important to maintain a positive tone while communicating that you see the value in all of your co-workers. Several new managers might grow frustrated by a staff member who they claim isn't contributing their equal share. However, it is up to the manager to identify the strengths of every employee, and ensure they have the proper training and the tools to perform at their best.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Experienced Example

"While I haven't yet had experience motivating a struggling employee in a managerial role, I have had experience motivating my co-workers and my team. My motto is to play on everyone's strengths and never exploit their weaknesses. Every weakness is a growth opportunity, and the way to get them to seize that growth opportunity is by playing on their strengths, assigning tasks they are good at, and giving them a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Then offer training to get them to develop. You have to ensure they don't take on more work than they can handle, which just sets them up for failure. It's a marathon, not a race. Then, if you have another employee whose growth opportunity is training others or assisting their fellow teammates, pair them up with that employee who you're developing. The more perspectives they have to help them overachieve, the better."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Problem Solving

32. If a project was threatening to run over budget or over deadline, how would you handle the situation?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

If this is your first management role, it may be easier for budget or time overages to sneak up on you. The interviewer wants to know that you understand the warning signs of a budget that is about to go awry and that you can course-correct when needed.

When a project threatens to run over deadline or budget, there are a few options available to you:

1. Lower your costs or increase hours spent on the project
2. Revisit the project scope and make reductions/cuts to ensure your deadline or budget is met
3. Ask the required stakeholders for more time or more funding

Each of these options has its challenges as well, so it's time to show the interviewer that you have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Express how you would handle the situation while highlighting your professionalism and confidence.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Experienced Example

"First, it's important that I carefully track a project's budget and carefully review the workflow and timelines regularly. These actions can prevent a project from going off-track in the first place. However, if the situation were to still go off track, I would approach the project stakeholders and be transparent about the situation. When a project threatens to run over budget, I could choose to make a case for more funding, or I can pivot by lightening the project scope or reassigning resources. Above all, I would handle the situation by thinking critically and acting quickly. Once the project is complete, I would do a full review and assess where I went wrong so that I could correct my actions for future projects."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I would have to look at what the final outcomes are - is there room in the budget, or is there an opportunity to increase the budget? Is there a way the deadline can be extended?

In either situation I would have to look at how much flexibility is available; budgets are not much in a non-profit so perhaps there are places where costs can be reduced. Higher cost activities, see if there is a way to reduce the costs but still achieve the same learning goals.

Is the deadline firm, speak to a senior manager/stakeholder if a new deadline would be possible"

Jaymie's Feedback

Your response demonstrates your ability to critically think and problem-solve. Well done!

Problem Solving

33. How would you present bad or disappointing news to your team members?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Since you are new to your management career, the hiring company needs to be sure that you are ready and capable of challenging management-related tasks. Delivering disappointing news to others is one example of a managerial task that takes practice, insight, and emotional intelligence. The interviewer wants to see that your leadership approach will be a fit for their company's culture and that you can handle uncomfortable situations while maintaining a position of authority.

Give an example of a time when you had a challenging conversation. Since you are a new manager, you can use an example from a peer-to-peer relationship, an instance that occurred during your education career, or even a team sport or volunteer experience. Explain what the bad or disappointing news was, how you approached the conversation, and the result of your approach.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I recently read an article by Amy Gallo published on the Harvard Business Review, one of my favorite online resources for management information and skill-building. This article gave a step-by-step approach that I believe is highly effective. First, I prepare ahead of time for the conversation. Then, I speak clearly and directly. The article advised that people often take bad news better if they believe the decision-making process was sound, so my next step is to explain how I reached the decision. The next step is to allow for venting but not a debate. Last, I move the conversation to focus on the future. I had the opportunity to use this framework a few weeks ago when I had to tell my volunteer leader that I was no longer able to commit to three evenings per week at the food bank. I had been a reliable volunteer for four years. I approached her and let her know that my university workload had grown immensely. I explained that I had decided to step down after breaking down the hours I needed to study for my final semester. She expressed her disappointment and asked me to reconsider. I let her know that I was firm on the decision but appreciated her persistence. I let her know that I would be willing to help out at special events in the future and even put the word out for other volunteers to increase their commitment. As I step into my first management position, I will take this framework with me for every challenging conversation I face. I don't believe anyone enjoys delivering bad news, but as a leader, it is part of my job."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Problem Solving

34. As a new manager, what do you believe will be your most significant challenge?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Since you are new to your management career, you will face unique challenges that come with starting a new job and joining a new company. The interviewer wants you to openly share what you believe will be the most significant challenge for you as you enter your management career.

Some of your challenges may include:

- Decreased team performance, which commonly occurs after a management change.
- Rebuilding team expectations, especially if the previous manager was not highly effective.
- Pressure to perform and make an immediate positive difference.
- Creating a vision for your new team while adjusting to a new work environment.

To answer this question meaningfully, draw on the job description and show that you have a solid understanding of the position requirements and the pain points you need to solve. With this knowledge, you can customize your response to show that you understand the hiring company's needs. Discuss the most significant challenge you believe you will face. Then, focus on the actions you will take to meet these demands.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I understand from our discussion and the landscape you have described for me that the current team is experiencing an absence of structure and decreased performance levels. As a new manager joining this team, I will be the 'outsider,' which means implementing a new workflow structure and a solid set of performance expectations should be handled carefully to avoid further demotivation and mass employee turnover. I will take my time when developing and introducing a new structure. I will first take the time to meet and get to know each employee while finding out what they expect from me and what they need to feel motivated at work. I will listen intently and learn how I can gain their loyalty and respect. I will carefully review existing processes and perform a detailed workflow analysis to develop initial ideas for improving systems and structure. Then, I will ask the team members discovery questions and work alongside them to offer solutions that will get us to our goals. Group and one-on-one meetings along with 360-degree feedback will be important. I expect this will be a significant undertaking, but I am confident that I am equipped to enthusiastically lead this team and create the change that Company ABC wants to see."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Problem Solving

35. Managers should be strong problem solvers. Talk about a time when you solved an important issue in the workplace.

Focus Your Answer On

When approaching this question, it's important first to understand what makes a strong problem-solver. A great problem solver can quickly assess an issue, identify the factors at the core of the issue, brainstorm options for repairing the issue, implement a plan to solve the problem, and assess whether their course of action was the most suitable. From that point, a great problem solver will know how to avoid the issue in the future. They can also adapt their solution as needed to ensure a suitable outcome.

Provide the interviewer with an example of a time when you solved an important issue in the workplace. When giving your story-based example, try using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answer method to form a response that is clear and easy to follow.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"When I first started as a Sales Associate for Company XYZ, I inherited a neglected client portfolio. In addition to repairing client relationships, I was also required to build the portfolio through new business development activities. As a new associate to the team, I wanted to make a strong impression on my boss and team members. I prepared a call schedule to ensure I touched base with every existing client within my first 10 days. I also allotted a fair amount of time to new business development activities such as cold calling and emailing. For the first 10 days, I worked twelve hours a day to ensure that I met my ambitious goals. By quickly reaching out to every neglected client, I built trust. I introduced myself and showed that I was a go-getter rather than just 'telling' the client that I was there for them. I solved my portfolio backlog in no time. My new manager expressed great enthusiasm for my ability to take the issue, engineer a solution, and work hard to repair this broken book of business. Now, I look forward to taking my ambition and ability to strategize solutions as a manager for Company ABC."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Problem Solving

36. Tell me about your approach to taking a risk when you didn't have all of the information necessary to solve a problem.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewer wants to know what kind of risk-taker you are. Your answer could tell them how informed and resourceful you are and whether you think outside of the box. Your approach to taking risks could also let them know whether they can trust you with making big decisions surrounding the company's reputation, resources, and assets. So when answering this question, talk about how engaged you are and how informed you are. Talk about your approach to your work and the systems and processes you develop to ensure better outcomes.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Answer Example

"I pride myself on being an active listener, and on having a thorough understanding of what might be considered a gamble versus a calculated risk. In high-pressure situations, I am driven to rise to a challenge and want to be that hero who saves the day. But, I also never gamble on something unless I am absolutely certain the odds are strongly in my favor. So, when it comes to deciding which is the better approach, taking measured action versus no action at all, I would say I tap into every resource at my disposal, quickly assess all of my options, and take every precaution to make sure I don't jeopardize the interests of my company or superiors. And then, I take action."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Problem Solving

37. When you encounter a problem with another individual, how do you approach the situation?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

As a manager, you must be confident in your conflict resolution skills. The hiring company wants to see that you have the skill and poise to deal with issues quickly and professionally. Show that you are comfortable addressing sensitive issues surrounding conflict with another individual despite being new to your management career. It is also important that you show the interviewer that you can deal with conflict in a manner that aligns with the company's core values and leadership approach.

Instead of giving a general response about how you deal with conflict, try offering a real-life example of when you worked closely with your team to resolve a conflict. When providing your story-based example, use the STAR answer framework to ensure that your story is clear, concise, and easy for the interviewer to follow. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I have strong conflict management skills thanks to my time playing competitive team sports. As the captain of my rugby team for the past two seasons, I have had to exercise my conflict-management skills numerous times. Our team is filled with highly competitive athletes with many endorphins running through their veins during games and practices. Although positively challenging in many ways, this environment can cause conflict among teammates when misunderstandings arise. For instance, a few months ago, one team member came forward claiming that another team member was not carrying their weight in practice. He was upset that I had not noticed this other teammate's behavior. I asked the two to meet with me privately to assess the situation and talk through any underlying issues. It turns out the accused team member had been daydreaming during practice and had been late for practice a handful of times. The accusing team member wanted this person to become more present, and they wanted me to be more observant of these issues in the future. We came to a satisfactory solution, and I regularly checked in to ensure they were working nicely with each other again. I will continue to be diligent in my follow-up outside of practices and keep a keen eye on future issues. When a conflict presents itself, I like to deal with it swiftly, openly, and with total resolution. Transparency and openness are how I lead my rugby team, and I believe this approach will generate positive results throughout my career in management as well."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Problem Solving

38. Tell me about the last time you didn't meet your goals when leading a team.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This question has to do with how you handle failure and how you reduce the impact of that failure. The interviewer wants to see that you can hold yourself responsible for your failures and what you learn from them. How you answer will help them see how you react in the face of adversity.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Answer Example

"It happens on occasion. And when it does, I accept what is beyond my control, and take pride in what I am able to accomplish. I always try to plan for contingencies, and always count on something, somewhere, not going according to plan. So, when that happens, I am in a good position to succeed. But, recently I led a team project and had a handful of employees who went out drinking mid-week and contracted Covid. They were all out for the next ten days. So, I swiftly surveyed their work and leaned on several other teams to recruit help from wherever I could. But everyone was already stretched thin. So, I informed my leaders and our client that this project would be delayed, and gave them a delayed deadline, allowing for a little extra room in case something else came up. Then I coordinated the rest of the team to work on other, more detailed aspects of the project, to hasten the final sprint for when our missing team members would return to work. In the end, we beat our second deadline, but missed our first."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 27th, 2024

Teamwork

39. What would you do if a team member was not working efficiently?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Although you may be new to your management career, you likely know a bit about motivating others. The interviewer wants to see you will be comfortable correcting and mentoring team members who are not performing efficiently. Describe how you would approach the team member and the plans you would put into action to maximize their success.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Experienced Example

"If I had a team member who was not working efficiently, I would address the situation immediately so that their underperformance did not spread and impact the rest of the team. I would have a private conversation with the person and ask if any external factors are affecting their ability to perform their job. I would also ask the person if any internal factors were impacting their efficiencies, such as workplace conflict or job dissatisfaction. After understanding the core issues, I would work with the team member to create a plan to improve their efficiency. If needed, I would set up further training opportunities or collaborate with our HR department for further guidance. Last, I would learn more about what motivates the team member. With an understanding of their motivators, I will be better equipped to ensure the momentum we gain stays for the long term."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Teamwork

40. What type of people do you believe you can lead most effectively?

Focus Your Answer On

Being new to your management career, the hiring company may have concerns about your ability to lead various people and personalities. Show that you have the confidence to lead a range of individuals, even if their personalities are different from yours. Express your ability to be flexible and remain true to yourself regardless of who is on your team. Discuss your experience working with many different personalities and being a part of teams in the past.

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021

Answer Example

"I read an article in Forbes recently where the CEO of DX-Learning was quoted as saying, 'Ask more, tell less. Be inquisitive and always look to allow others to think for themselves versus stealing their autonomy.' Rather than focusing on who I can lead the best, I plan to think about how I can influence others and provide autonomy to everyone, allowing them to be who they are. I plan to be a manager who has integrity, shows authenticity, and takes the initiative to get to know people and allow them to be themselves. By leading in this way, I can effectively manage a much broader range of individuals."

Written by Rachelle Enns on April 16th, 2021