Top It Manager Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your It Manager interview by going through these most asked It Manager interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: How can you add value to our company?
  • Question Overview: An IT manager should be able to add value to your company by improving the efficiency of your IT services and systems. A candidate should be able to explain how they can improve your company's IT services and systems.

    Sample Answer: I can improve your company's IT services by implementing new software and hardware. I'll also make sure that all of your systems are up-to-date and secure. I'll also help you with your network security and data backup.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience improving IT services
    • - Knowledgeable about the latest technology
    • - Commitment to staying abreast of the latest technology

  • Question: How would you explain storage virtualization?
  • Question Overview: Storage virtualization is a technology that allows you to store data on a single server and access it from different computers. A candidate should be able to explain how storage virtualization works and how it's used in the workplace.

    Sample Answer: Storage virtualization is a technology that allows you to store data on a single server and access it from different computers. It's used in the workplace to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of how storage virtualization works
    • - Ability to explain how it's used in the workplace
    • - Comfortable explaining complex IT concepts

  • Question: What are some of the challenges you have faced when you were met with resistance?
  • Question Overview: IT managers are responsible for managing teams and completing projects. They must also deal with clients and workers who may be resistant to change. A candidate should be able to explain how they handled resistance from clients and workers when they were met with it.

    Sample Answer: I was met with resistance when I implemented new software for an organization. The staff was resistant to the changes, but I was able to manage the project by providing training and communicating with the staff to ensure they understood the new system.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience managing teams and projects
    • - Knowledgeable about handling client and worker resistance
    • - Commitment to completing tasks despite resistance

  • Question: What is your opinion on outsourcing IT?
  • Question Overview: Outsourcing IT services is a common practice among companies. It allows companies to focus on their core business while outsourcing the IT department to an outside company. An IT manager should be able to explain how outsourcing can benefit your company and the pros and cons of outsourcing.

    Sample Answer: Outsourcing IT services can be beneficial for companies that don't have the resources to manage their own IT departments. However, there are risks involved with outsourcing that should be considered before making a decision.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledgeable about the benefits of outsourcing IT services
    • - Understands the risks of outsourcing
    • - Comfortable with outsourcing IT services

  • Question: How would you introduce a new process to your team?
  • Question Overview: IT managers introduce new processes to their teams to improve efficiency and productivity. The manager should be able to identify the best way to introduce a new process to the team, whether it's through training or a new software program. A candidate should be able to explain how they would introduce a new process to their team.

    Sample Answer: I would first identify the best way to introduce a new process to my team. If it's a software program, I'd train the staff on how to use it. If it's a new procedure, I'd provide training and then monitor the staff's progress until they're comfortable with the changes.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledgeable about the best way to introduce a new process
    • - Comfortable training staff on new processes
    • - Experience with introducing new software programs

  • Question: Why do you want this job when it might be gone in 6 months or less after we merge with BMS?
  • Question Overview: An IT manager will be laid off if the company merges with another organization. This is a common occurrence in the IT industry, so a candidate should be able to explain why they want the job even though it might not be available in the future. A potential hire should also be able to explain why they're a good fit for the job and how they'll help the organization succeed.

    Sample Answer: I'm aware that this position might not be available once our company merges with BMS. However, I'm confident that I can help our organization succeed and grow. I've worked with several companies that have merged successfully, and I've learned how to work with teams to complete projects and meet deadlines.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company's current situation
    • - Commitment to helping the organization succeed
    • - Skills in working with a team

  • Question: Have you ever had a project that failed?
  • Question Overview: IT managers work with a team to complete projects. When a project fails, the IT manager is held responsible for the failure and must determine what went wrong and how to prevent similar failures in the future. A candidate should be able to explain how they handled past project failures and what they learned from the experience.

    Sample Answer: I had a project that failed because of a lack of communication between team members. I reorganized the team and assigned each member a specific role. I also provided training for the staff to improve their skills and knowledge of the project.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience with handling project failures
    • - Knowledge of how to prevent future failures
    • - Ability to learn from past mistakes

  • Question: Based on your knowledge, what are the three things you believe Qantas should do to become the best premium airline in the world?
  • Question Overview: A candidate should be able to provide a list of three things that Qantas can do to become the best premium airline in the world. The list should include suggestions that can be implemented to improve the airline's business. The candidate should also have a strong understanding of the airline industry and how Qantas can improve its services.

    Sample Answer: I believe that Qantas should focus on improving its customer service, increasing its flight routes and expanding its business to other countries. By increasing its customer service, Qantas will be able to compete with other airlines and attract more customers. Expanding its flight routes will allow it to reach more customers and increase revenue. Finally, expanding its business to other countries will help it reach more customers and increase revenue.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the airline industry
    • - Experience in providing suggestions for improvement
    • - Commitment to staying updated about new business practices

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult co-worker.
  • Question Overview: Co-workers can be difficult to deal with when they don't work well with others or have a negative attitude. As an IT manager, you need to be able to handle these situations and resolve conflicts in a professional manner. A potential hire should be able to explain how they handled a difficult co-worker and how they resolved the conflict.

    Sample Answer: I had a co-worker who was very negative about the company and the work we did. I tried to talk to him about his attitude, but he didn't change. I then spoke to his supervisor about his behavior. His supervisor spoke to him about his attitude and he eventually changed for the better.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle conflicts with co-workers
    • - Comfortable resolving issues with co-workers
    • - Skills in communicating with co-workers

  • Question: How do you manage your team?
  • Question Overview: IT managers are responsible for managing the staff they supervise. They assign tasks, monitor progress and provide feedback to help workers improve their performance. A candidate should be able to explain how they manage their team to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

    Sample Answer: I assign tasks to my team members based on their skills and experience. I monitor their progress and provide feedback to help them improve their performance. I also meet with my team members regularly to discuss their progress and any issues they're facing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience managing a team
    • - Knowledgeable about providing feedback to workers
    • - Comfortable assigning tasks and monitoring progress

  • Question: Why are you leaving your current company?
  • Question Overview: It's important for an IT manager to explain why they're leaving their current job. They should be honest and explain the reasons for their departure. A good answer will show that they're committed to the position and understand the responsibilities of an IT manager.

    Sample Answer: I'm leaving my current company because I'm seeking a position with a company that has a larger IT department. I believe I can contribute more to a larger team and help the company grow.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledgeable about the responsibilities of an IT manager
    • - Commitment to the role

  • Question: How many usable IP addresses are there in a /22 network?
  • Question Overview: An IP address is a unique identifier for a device connected to the internet. IP addresses are grouped together in blocks to make it easier for organizations to manage them. An IP address block is a set of consecutive IP addresses that are assigned to a company or organization. A candidate should be able to identify the number of usable IP addresses in a block.

    Sample Answer: There are 22 usable IP addresses in a /22 network.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of how IP addresses are grouped
    • - Knowledge of how IP addresses are assigned to organizations
    • - Understanding of how IP address blocks are used

  • Question: How will you benefit the company?
  • Question Overview: A job candidate should be able to explain how they will benefit the company and why they are the best person for the job. They should be able to demonstrate their skills and experience in the interview.

    Sample Answer: I will benefit the company by improving its IT services and streamlining its technology. I'll also help improve productivity by creating new systems and software that are easy to use.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of how to benefit the company
    • - Skills in identifying how to benefit the company
    • - Experience in showing how they will benefit the company

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an unhappy customer.
  • Question Overview: IT managers deal with customers on a daily basis. They must be able to handle customer complaints and resolve issues in a timely manner. A candidate should be able to describe a time when they had to deal with an unhappy customer and how they handled the situation.

    Sample Answer: I had to deal with an unhappy customer who was upset about a service outage. I explained the issue and apologized for the inconvenience. I then worked with the IT team to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience resolving customer complaints
    • - Knowledgeable about handling customer issues
    • - Commitment to providing excellent customer service

  • Question: What is one thing you want to accomplish in your first month?
  • Question Overview: The IT manager should have a plan for the first month on the job. They should be able to identify the tasks they'll complete to get started and what they'll do to improve the company's IT services. A candidate should be able to identify a few tasks that will help them get started and improve the company's IT services.

    Sample Answer: I'd like to meet with each team member and review their responsibilities. I'd also like to review the current software and systems in place and identify any issues that need to be addressed. I'd also like to create a schedule for completing projects and identify any potential risks that may affect the completion of each project.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of what tasks are important to complete in the first month
    • - Commitment to getting started on new projects
    • - Ability to identify a few tasks that will help them get started and improve the company's IT services

  • Question: What is a database?
  • Question Overview: A database is a collection of data organized in a way that makes it easy to retrieve and use. It's a tool used by IT managers to store information about clients, employees, products and services. A candidate should be able to explain the purpose of a database and how it's used by your company.

    Sample Answer: A database is a collection of data organized in a way that makes it easy to retrieve and use. It's used by companies to store information about clients, employees, products and services. I use databases to store information about our customers and their orders.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledgeable about the purpose of databases
    • - Familiar with the different types of databases
    • - Ability to explain how databases are used in your company

  • Question: Have you ever managed an IDS system?
  • Question Overview: An IDS system is a network security system that monitors and protects an organization's data from unauthorized access. An IT manager should be familiar with how to manage an IDS system to ensure it's protecting your company's data. A candidate should be able to explain how they would manage an IDS system for a company.

    Sample Answer: I've managed an IDS system for my previous employer. I was responsible for monitoring the network and ensuring the IDS system was updated with the latest security patches. I also worked with the IT team to resolve any issues that occurred with the IDS system.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience managing IDS systems
    • - Knowledge of the latest security threats
    • - Commitment to staying updated about new IDS technologies

  • Question: How would you get your team members to provide documentation?
  • Question Overview: IT managers are responsible for documenting their team's work. They assign tasks to team members, review their work and provide feedback. The manager then compiles the documentation and provides it to the client. A good candidate will be able to get their team members to provide documentation in a timely manner.

    Sample Answer: I would assign tasks to my team members and provide them with a deadline for completing the work. I would then review their work and provide feedback on how they can improve their documentation. I would compile the documentation and provide it to the client in a timely manner.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience getting team members to provide documentation
    • - Skills in providing feedback on documentation
    • - Commitment to providing timely documentation

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to convince senior leaders to change their decision or perception.
  • Question Overview: IT managers are responsible for communicating with senior leaders about IT-related issues. They must be able to convince leaders to change their minds or perceptions about IT-related issues. A skilled candidate should be able to explain a time when they had to convince leaders to change their minds or perceptions about an IT-related issue.

    Sample Answer: I had to convince the CEO of a past employer that the company needed a new server. The current server was outdated and unable to handle the company's needs. I presented my findings and explained how the new server would improve the company's productivity and save money in the long run. The CEO agreed with my findings and approved the new server.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders
    • - Knowledge of how to persuade leaders to change their minds
    • - Comfortable with presenting IT-related issues to senior leaders

  • Question: What development methodologies have you worked with?
  • Question Overview: IT managers use development methodologies to manage projects and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. The manager should be familiar with the most common methodologies and be able to select the right one for each project. A candidate should be able to explain how they used each methodology to complete projects.

    Sample Answer: I've used Agile, Waterfall and RUP methodologies to manage projects. I was able to determine which methodology was best for each project by reviewing the requirements and budget.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of development methodologies
    • - Experience using each methodology
    • - Ability to select the right methodology for each project