Job Interview Questions for Managers



Samples of top job interview questions and answers for managers, senior executives and supervisors



There is no substitute for effective preparation ahead of your interview. To help prepare you for common managerial type questions, we have prepared a list of interview questions for managers, some with answers. Interview questions for executive managers are designed to test your management experience, style and potential; and are typical of those you may be asked. Try to adapt the answers to these managerial interview questions in line with the information contained in your resume.

Sample selection of difficult interview questions:

1. What immediate change(s) would you make, if we appoint you to work here?
This question requires careful thought and has many angles. Are they recruiting a manager to bring about radical changes? Or are they seeking managerial continuity? You should have an idea from the job description and person spec. It is perfectly acceptable to clarify this first before answering. Unless you are specifically tasked to make rapid changes, it would be prudent to adopt a strategy of familiarization of the business, its people, corporate culture and your role within it. This should precede any meaningful changes.

2. What is your management style?
They will expect a management style that is in line with their own corporate style. So you will need to make prior research of the organization. Mention your ability to motivate staff, listen to people, delegate tasks, and leadership skills evidenced in your resume.

3. Do you have what it takes to be a top manager?
Highlight your leadership skills, achievements and management skills, as evidenced in your resume.

4. What are the most difficult aspects about being a successful manager?
You can mention something such as "the ability to motivate people to achieve objectives as a team."

5. Are you a leader?
Answer with an emphatic "yes" and mention examples in which you demonstrated leadership skills, evidenced in your resume.

6. What do you look for when you hire people?
Mention those things that you would look for if your were seeking to employ staff, such as initiative ability to work in a team and leadership potential.

7. Have you fired people in the past?
If so, explain the circumstances. Project the image of a professional, able to fire people if the need arises; even though you dislike performing that duty.

Other questions are as follows:

  • How many people have you supervised in your career?
  • Have you personally hired, trained, and coached people before?
  • How do you handle difficult staff members?
  • Have you ever fired someone for bad conduct? If so, explain the steps you used to implement the dismissal?
  • Describe your management philosophy.
  • How would your subordinates describe your style ofmanagement?
  • Why should we choose you over other candidates?
  • How do you decide important decisions?
  • How do you motivate your staff?
  • What do you think makes you unique as a leader?
  • Tell us about your managerial achievements in the last 4 years?

The answers to these top interview questions for managers should help you perform well during your interviews. Even though you are a manager with experience interviewing others, it is well worth practising answering questions and re-assessing your career goals ahead of your own interview.


Interview Questions For Managers
TOP JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR MANAGERS