New Manager Mock Interview
Practice 40 New Manager interview questions covering leadership transition, team dynamics, and first-time management challenges.
Question 21 of 40
Talk about a time you had to act like a leader.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
General
Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
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.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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."
Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
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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.
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