Manager Interview Questions

1) How do you handle the pressure?

I stay calm under pressure and handle it well. My complete focus is on the job
done.

2) How do you motivate yourself?

I am very self-motivated. I enjoy my work, so I am always looking for new ideas
to bring to the table. With my passion being the work that I do, I am always
giving my full potential to all my tasks.

3) Why are you leaving your current position?

There isn’t much growth opportunity at my current workplace, and I’m ready for
a new challenge.

4) What is the most challenging thing about being a

manager?
The most challenging thing about being a manager is also the most rewarding. It
is easy to handle your performance, however, as a manager, you are responsible
for your teams. So you must continually measure their performance, set clear
expectations, goals, motivate them, and keep them focused. It is a great feeling
to be able to accomplish this.

5) How do you manage your workload?

I prioritize my task by what is most important and urgent to least important and
urgent. If there are some tasks that I can assign to others, I will also delegate.

6) What kind of work environment do you prefer?

I am flexible to my work environment. I can adapt according to almost any
situation.

7) Do you take your work home with you?

I know the importance of getting work done in a timely manner. So when I need
to, I will take work home with me if needed.

8) Why did you apply for this position?

I wanted to join a company like ABC that values their employees and helps them
achieve their potential. This position is a great fit for my current skills, so I will be
able to contribute to the company immediately. There is also an opportunity to
continue to develop my abilities to the next level and help in company’s
continued success.

9) What do you think your employees would say about

your management style?
They would say that I’m straight-forward and my actions are aligned with the
goals of the company. They would say that I am an open communicator and give
them the tools they need to succeed.

10) What are qualities of a successful manager?

A successful manager must also be a leader because that is how you can
motivate and influence your employees to perform at their peak ability. A
manager must also have the vision to take the team and company.

11) How do you motivate your employees in tough

times?
I believe that as a leader, I have to be the one who is constantly driving an
atmosphere of positivity and focus. I make sure that I am acting and saying
positive things about my employees. I remind them daily of the goals and
celebrate as we accomplish them.

12) How do you delegate an important assignment to

others while ensuring that it will be completed
successfully?
I try to match up the strengths of my employees with the task or if it is
something they are learning. If it is the latter, I will provide support and check in
to ensure that it’s completed correctly. With an employee that is strong in the
task, I will check in periodically. Either way, I set up milestones for the employee
to let me know how they are progressing.
13) Do you have an example of when you motivated
your staff using a reward?
I communicated the reward and the goal to the staff and ensured they
understood how to win the reward. Then on a daily basis, each employee had to
keep track of their progress with the rest of the team. That kept each member
personally accountable for the reward. This gave an additional motivational piece
for them to complete the goal.

14) What are some of your weaknesses?

I have started multiple projects at one time. I know that it is more productive to
complete one task at a time. So anytime I catch myself doing this, I take a step
back and prioritize my work.

15) What type of pace do you work?

I keep a steady pace. This way I am being efficient with my time and going at a
pace that I do not make mistakes.

16) What do you think will be the most challenging part

of this position?
It will be to build the relationship with my employees because that will take time.
However, I also feel it is one of the most rewarding part of this position. I enjoy
relationship-building and helping others to achieve their success.

17) Why should we hire you?

(Refer to the job description for this question) You need a manager who is
confident, goal-driven, and can motivate your team. I have those qualities and
will be able to take the team to the next level that your organization needs.

18) How do you keep updated on your management

skills?
I continually read a book about the subject matter. I listen to feedback that I
receive from my leaders and implement them. When opportunities arise that will
provide a challenge to my current skills, I will take on the task.
19) What do you think are important aspects of a team?
To have a diverse group of people who have a basis of trust and respect for each
other. The communication level must be high and the ability to work together as
a team.

20) Do you have experience with setting budgets?

Yes, I have set budgets in the past. I look at what the typical cost for a certain
activity would be based on history or other manager’s experience. I set the
budget based on these metrics.

21) What was the least rewarding part of your previous

position?
Some of the paperwork that I would handle for another department on an
occasional basis.

22) What will you contribute to this company?

I will contribute my experience and knowledge. I have vision. Moreover, I have
necessarily experienced in the areas that this company will need to grow and I
have a plan that will facilitate that growth.

23) What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength would be my ability to drive my team to excellence. I give
them all the tools they need to be successful, communicate on an open level,
and constantly evaluate performance.

24) How would you go about delivering bad news or a

decision that will not be popular?
I would state the news, the reasons behind the news/decision, and I would focus
on the positives. I would also take time to ask questions or feedback and answer
accordingly.

25) How do you establish rapport with a new employee?

I will have an initial one on one meeting with the new employee to let them know
what my expectations are and also learn about how they like to be managed.
That’s a way I will understand how to be effective when I communicate with
them.

26) How do you communicate an expectation to an

employee?
I make sure that there are no distractions when I am speaking to the employee.
We will meet on face to face, and I will clearly state what the expectation is. I will
ask if they have any questions and ask them to re-state it, so we are on the
same page.

27) How do you go about coaching an employee who is

not performing where they need to be?
I will go over what the expectation of their performance is and show them where
they are currently at. I will ask them what they think they can do to help improve
their performance. Depending on what their response is, I will offer additional
suggestions and reinforce my confidence that their performance will improve if
they take suggested actions. At the end of the conversation, I would set the
expectation that their performance must improve.

28) How do you manage the performance of your

employees?
Me and the employee, together, will create achievable goals based on the
company goals and their own goals. On a regular basis, I will give feedback to
my employees on how they are performing.

29) A high-performing employee has recently been

under-performing. How would you deal with the
situation?
I would show them their performance history so they can see the drop in their
performance. I would then ask them why it has changed. I would reaffirm my
commitment to help the employee get back on track and offer actionable steps. I
would ask for the employee’s input as well and draw an action plan for
improvement based on this.
30) When you enter a new workplace with new
employees, how would you go about gaining rapport
with them?
I would meet them all on a one on one basis as soon as possible. I would use that
time to get to know each employee individually. I would ask them what their
strengths and what they want out of the manager. That way I can adjust my style
to each employee accordingly.

31) How do you handle conflict with two employees?

I would diffuse the situation by speaking to each employee individually about the
situation. After understanding each side, I will find some mutual solutions for the
conflict. Then I bring both the employees together and mediate a resolution.

32) How do you handle failure?

I take failure as a learning experience. I go back and understand why I failed.
That way I can ensure that I don’t make the same mistakes again.

33) How do you solve problems?

I find out as much as possible about the problem. Then I look at all possible
solutions. If there are others who may have some valuable input, I will also find
out what their thoughts are. Based on this information, I will choose the course of
action that will be the most effective.

34) Describe how you would manage your work week.

I would use Monday to come in early and prioritize my work for the week. I will
set up deadlines and goals for each day of the week. I would make sure that I
allocate some time each day for a certain task that may come up. That way, I
have a plan of attack for each day of the week and also time to handle
unexpected activities.

35) How would you explain your management style?

I am a relationship builder. I get to know my employees and gain their trust and
confidence. I am very direct and to the point in my communication style so there
is no ambiguity in my messages.
36) How would you go about disciplining an employee
who is continually under-performing?
I would have given them the opportunity to improve their performance first and
set those expectations. In this conversation, I would also ensure they understand
what will happen if they do not improve their performance.

However, if they are still under-performing, I would refer to the guidelines of the
organization first to take the necessary action steps. Then I would meet with the
employee and show them how they have not been performing.

I would tie that to the action steps that are necessary from this point. We would
then set expectations and a plan to improve performance. If the performance
issues continue, then we will continue the disciplinary steps.

37) How do you handle different personalities of your

employees?
I get to know each person on an individual level so I can adjust my style to suit
each person effectively. It’s a positive thing to have people with different
personalities because you can get a lot of different viewpoints that are valuable
for ideas and decision-making.

38) How do you adapt to change?

When a change occurs, I ensure that I have all the information about it first. I
understand all the implications and the possible reactions to the change. As a
manager, you must be the first to adapt to the change, so I adjust accordingly.
Then after communicating the change to my employees, I help them improve
and show my buy-in to the change.

39) What do you find most rewarding about your

previous position?
I found it very rewarding to help my employees achieve success and move on to
different roles. There is nothing more satisfying than watching someone grow
and achieve their potential.

40) Have you ever challenged the status quo?

Yes, I looked at processes that have not been successful, to find ways to improve
that process. Once I have my plan, I will take it to my leader. I keep to the facts
and show how the current way of doing is not effective and how a new approach
would be beneficial.
41) How would you handle a decision that you made that
did not have the effect that you were expecting to
achieve?
I would trace the root-cause and try to minimize the damage. I would then take
this as a learning opportunity and try a different solution for the current problem.
However, if it is not possible to do this, I would ensure that I do not take the
same decision in a future situation.

42) How do you evaluate what success is?

At work, I evaluate success by meeting the goals that have been set forth by my
leaders and team.

43) What are your goals for the future if you are hired in
this company?
To continue learn and take on additional responsibilities. I see myself
contributing as much value as I can.

44) How will you achieve these goals?

This company has training for their employees that I would be interested in
attending. I also plan to continue my professional development by attending
seminars, continuing my education, and other activities.

45) How would you go about disagreeing with your

supervisor about a decision that you know is not the
right one?
I always build a strong working relationship with my supervisor so, in situations
like these where I have a different opinion, I can openly speak to them. I would
stick to the facts. I explain the implications of that decision to my supervisor.
Then I would help come up with alternatives.

46) How do you show confidence in your employee’s

ability when you assign them a task?
When I delegate the task, I talk about, how I thought that they were the best
person to handle this task. I give them all the resources they need to achieve
success. I follow-up and set deadlines as well. During these follow-ups and
deadlines, I make sure to show my confidence in the person on their progress.

47) An employee reports a problem to you, how do you

go about solving it?
I will review all the relevant facts to consider alternatives. I will then decide on
the most appropriate action.

48) How do you motivate an employee who is reluctant

to take on an additional task?
I take a look at their needs and perspectives to understand why they are
reluctant. I would ensure that they have all the tools necessary to complete the
task I would communicate the goal, gain commitment, and establish a reward or
incentive that will motivate the employee.

49) You are at a point with an employee that it is best to

have them leave the organization. How would you go
about the conversation?
I would clearly state what the expectations from this person have been and the
track record so far. I would tie that in with the decision that it is time to let them
go from the organization due to performance goals not being met. In these
situations, it’s important to stick to the facts.

50) An employee wants a promotion, however, he or she

is not qualified for the new position. How would you
have the conversation with the employee?
I would sit them down and let them know what the qualifications are for the
position and explain the reasons why they are not ready for the position. Then
we would work with the employee to put together an action plan that will help
them work on the skills they would need for the position. I would regularly check
on how they are progressing to ensure they are on the right track.