Interview Questions for Managers

Listed below are typical interview questions that candidates for managerial positions may encounter. JobTestPrep has also provided an ideal answer to each question, bringing you one step closer to a successful interview. Start preparing today.

Answer: Recently, I had to make a decision involving promoting a worker to a managerial level. One of the candidates for the job was close to me, but, despite the closeness, I decided to choose another person. This was an important decision that strengthened the department.

Answer: When I know that changes that will bring about efficiency and progress, I go about with eagerness and determination. However, when the change is not certain to bring about improvements, I truly believe it can be reconsidered and reassessed.

Answer: I led a change in which numerous (or specific number, this quantifies your work) workers underwent job re-training for work in a different department. Although the change required moving workers from place to place, and the firing of a few workers, ultimately, the change brought about efficient productivity and success.

Comment: Answers that demonstrate your ability to change arouse respect. Therefore, be sure to prepare an example of a significant change which brought about positive results.

Answer: Making decisions requires level-headedness. Therefore, when I'm not 100% sure, I do not make hasty decisions; instead, I gather more data. When I feel confident that the decision is right, I act decisively and move forward without hesitation.

Answer: I am looked up to as a manager who leads and is authoritative, but listens to other views with open-mindedness, and I know how to make decisions when need be.

Comment: A good candidate believes in himself and is not overly modest. 

Answer: I set a goal of increasing annual revenue by 15%, and we were able to meet this goal on time. 

Answer: When I first took on the managerial position I worked in four years ago, I fired a worker for a small error that she made. This was a personal mistake of my own, but it was a managerial error that I learned from.

Comment: Do not avoid answering the question by saying, 'I don't remember making a mistake'. Talk about a failure of yours, but show that you have learned from it. 

Answer: Recently, my superior told me to give customers a discount above the customary one. My opinion was that such discounts could hurt the ability of the company to offer a consistent price for our service. I explained my reservations and I clarified why, in my opinion, it was a mistake, but when he stood by his decision, I complied with his instructions.

Comment: The candidate's approach shows the right attitude towards the project and his superior.

Answer: Recently, I encountered a disagreement between me and a customer regarding fees. The customer was upset and claimed that he paid unreasonably high fees, and he threatened to leave the firm. I politely explained to him that the fees we charge are a set, but that I would inquire as to whether we could give him better fees. I made a purposeful effort to maintain respect for him as well as for the company I represent.

Comment: The answer, 'I don't remember having a disagreement with a customer', will not work here.

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