30 First Time Manager Interview Questions
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Behavioral Questions
- 3. Career Goals Questions
- 4. Communication Questions
- 5. Compatibility Questions
- 6. Competency Questions
- 7. Critical Thinking Questions
- 8. Discovery Questions
- 9. Job Satisfaction Questions
- 10. Leadership Questions
- 11. Management Questions
- 12. Problem Solving Questions
- 13. Teamwork Questions
Accomplishment
1. What is your greatest work related accomplishment to date?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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 potentially 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."
Behavioral
2. Talk about a time you had to act like a leader.
How to Answer
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.
1st Answer Example
"I naturally take on the role of mentor and coach with my co-workers who are newer to their career. In one instance, I had a new coworker 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."
Behavioral
3. Tell us about a time when you disagreed with your leader and convinced them to see things your way.
How to Answer
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.
1st Answer 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%."
Career Goals
4. What are your career aspirations beyond your first management position?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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."
Career Goals
5. Talk about one of your professional goals. What actions are you taking to achieve this goal?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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."
Communication
6. How do you approach providing constructive criticism or feedback to others?
How to Answer
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.
1st Answer Example
"I have been learning about the 3x3 method for giving feedback. With this method, I offer up 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."
Communication
7. How do you plan to set and communicate goals for your team members?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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 university, 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."
Compatibility
8. How would your closest friend describe you?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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."
Compatibility
9. What is the #1 quality that will contribute to your success as our new manager?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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 #1 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."
Compatibility
10. Why do you want to begin your management career with our company?
How to Answer
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 their 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.
1st 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)."
Competency
11. How has your education prepared you to be an effective manager?
How to Answer
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 their 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.
1st 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."
Competency
12. This position will be your first management role. Why should we give you this opportunity?
How to Answer
This question is another way for the interviewer to ask why they should hire you. This is a common yet challenging question an interview 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.
1st 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."
Critical Thinking
13. 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.
1st 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."
Critical Thinking
14. If you were to have hiring authority in this management position, what would you look for in the candidates that you choose to hire?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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 that 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?"
Discovery
15. How do you showcase your leadership abilities in your personal life?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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."
Job Satisfaction
16. Since this is your first management opportunity, how can we best support you to ensure your success?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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 supports. 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?"
Leadership
17. Tell me about a time when you had to lead by example.
How to Answer
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.
1st 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."
Leadership
18. Talk about a manager that you did not connect with. How will you lead your team differently?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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."
Leadership
19. Managing and leading others is a task that requires constant growth and learning. What resources do you use to learn about effective management approaches?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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?"
Leadership
20. In your current position, what efforts have you put into helping your co-workers to learn and grow?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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."
Leadership
21. What kind of managers have you looked up to in the past?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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."
Management
22. This is your first management role. Will you feel comfortable delegating to others?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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 members' 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."
Management
23. Managers must command the attention of their team members. As a new manager, how do you plan to achieve this goal?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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."
Problem Solving
24. If a project was threatening to run over budget or over deadline, how would you handle the situation?
How to Answer
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.
1st Answer 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."
Problem Solving
25. As a new manager, what do you believe will be your most significant challenge?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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 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."
Problem Solving
26. Managers should be strong problem solvers. Talk about a time when you solved an important issue in the workplace.
How to Answer
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.
1st 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."
Problem Solving
27. When you encounter a problem with another individual, how do you approach the situation?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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 for 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."
Problem Solving
28. How would you present bad or disappointing news to your team members?
How to Answer
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.
1st Answer Example
"I recently read an article by Amy Gallo published on Harvard Business Review, one of my favorite online resources 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."
Teamwork
29. What would you do if a team member was not working efficiently?
How to Answer
Although you may be new to your management career, you likely know a bit about motivating others. The interviewer wants to see that 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.
1st Answer 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."
Teamwork
30. What type of people do you believe you can lead most effectively?
How to Answer
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.
1st 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."