Whether you want to move up within your current organization or desire a position at a new company, interviewing for your first management job can be a daunting experience. Take a look at some standard management interview questions to prepare for the interview and keep jitters at bay. Here are a few common interview questions and topics to consider as you strive to become a future manager.
How Do You Show Management Potential in Your Current Position?
Every job includes opportunities to incorporate management ideals. Do you makes decisions when necessary? Do you step up and speak to your team when problems arise? If so, discuss these experiences when asked about your management potential, and present your strengths with a confident air to give interviewers a peek into your future management persona. If you are applying for a management position within your current organization, it's likely that the interviewer and your fellow employees already know your management potential; this could give you an advantage.
What Is Your Definition of a Good Manager?
This questions presents a roundabout way for the interviewer to find out how you intend to manage your employees. Prepare for this interview question by determining the type of manager you intend to be and the qualities a good manager should possess. Also, be ready to describe the typical daily activities of a manager. Avoid rambling when describing management traits, as this might make you appear nervous. Include information about the work ethic and communication skills effective managers must posses, and explain why it's important to be a hands-on manager.
Tell Me About Your Leadership Experience
Behavior-related questions require you to provide details about specific situations you encountered at work. These questions help interviewers determine if you have the competencies required to perform the job. Discuss times when you led a team or managed an important project. You can also discuss instances when you helped someone solve a work-related problem. Write down multiple work-related scenarios that required you to take an active leadership to help you answer behavioral questions on the spot.
What's Your Plan for Establishing Credibility With Your Team?
It is difficult to incorporate a new person into an established team, especially in a leadership role. Interviewers use this question to determine how you plan to gain the respect of your team. This is a good time to reiterate the qualities of a good leader and share how you intend to ease into your role without stepping on toes. Show an interest in getting to know your new colleagues, and explain how learning from them is a necessary part of your transition into management.
Interviewing for a management position doesn't have to be a stressful process. Prepare for interview questions by creating a list of traits an ideal manager must possess, and be ready to describe how you have already exhibited those traits.
Photo courtesy of simo tata by Flickr.com
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