First Time Manager Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your first manager job interview, here are 40 interview and answer examples.

New Manager was updated by Kevin Downey on March 13th, 2024. Learn more here.

Question 5 of 40

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

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Answer Example
Community Answers

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.

"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."

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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How to Answer: Talk about a time you had to act like a leader.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Entry-Level Manager job interview.

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."