Top Manager Interview Questions with Example Answers [2020]

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

Manager Questions

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  • Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

    • Question Overview: This question is a classic interview question, but it's important to understand how your candidate answers it.

    Sample Answer: I am very detail-oriented. I like to make sure we have all the information we need before we make a decision. This is a strength when it comes to planning, but it can be a weakness when it comes to moving forward quickly. I've learned to be more flexible in my approach as I've gained experience.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confirmation that they are self-aware
    • - Evidence of honesty
    • - Indications that they have thought about their weaknesses and how they plan to improve them

  • Question: Why do you want to work with us?

    • Question Overview: This question helps you evaluate whether the candidate is interested in your company or just interested in the job.

    Sample Answer: I've been a big fan of HTWW for years. I love the way you've grown the business and I'm excited to be a part of that growth. I also love the way you've built a team that is so passionate about what they do. I want to be a part of that team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence that the candidate has researched your company
    • - Evidence that the candidate has researched the position
    • - Confirmation that they are aligned with your company's mission

  • Question: What have you learned about yourself in the last year?

    • Question Overview: This question reveals how your candidate has grown and developed in their career. It also gives you insight into how they view their own development.

    Sample Answer: I've learned that I need to be more open to feedback. I used to be a very confident person, but I've learned that I need to be more open to hearing what others think about my work. It's helped me grow as a writer and editor.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of growth and development
    • - Confirmation that they are self-aware
    • - Indications that they are open to feedback and willing to change

  • Question: How is your SQL knowledge?

    • Question Overview: This question is a great way to see how much experience your candidate has with the technical side of your business.

    Sample Answer: I have a decent understanding of SQL. I've used it to pull data from our databases into Excel for analysis and reporting. I've also used it to create new tables and fields in our database.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confirmation that the candidate has the technical knowledge to succeed in their role
    • - Evidence of how they've used their SQL knowledge in the past
    • - Indications that they are willing to learn new skills

  • Question: Why do you think you are a good fit for this position?

    • Question Overview: This question is a great opportunity for the candidate to sell you on their skills and experience. It also allows them to show that they've done their research and are aware of the position's responsibilities.

    Sample Answer: I am a good fit for this position because I have experience in all of the areas you are looking for. I have a proven track record of increasing traffic and revenue for my clients, and I have experience managing a team of writers and editors. I am also familiar with your company's goals and mission, and I think I can help you reach them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of alignment with the position's responsibilities
    • - Confidence in their ability to succeed
    • - Evidence they've done their research on the company

  • Question: How do you manage your team?

    • Question Overview: This question is designed to find out how the candidate manages their team. You'll want to know if they are hands-on or hands-off, and if they have a specific management style.

    Sample Answer: I am a hands-off manager. I like to give my team the tools they need to succeed and then let them do their thing. My staff tell me they appreciate the space I give them to make decisions, but I think they would also tell you I am there for guidance when they need it. I schedule monthly check-ins to find out about any challenges or ideas for change.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confirmation that the candidate has a management style
    • - Evidence of how they manage their team
    • - Indications that they are aware of the best way to manage their team

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in this business in a year?

    • Question Overview: This question is designed to get a sense of your candidate's career goals. It is important to know if they are looking for a short-term position or if they are planning to stick around for the long haul.

    Sample Answer: I see myself as a leader in this industry. I am excited about the opportunities that HTWW Marketing has to offer, and I am confident that I can make a big impact here. I am looking for a long-term position where I can continue to grow and learn.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of career goals that align with your company
    • - Confidence in their ability to achieve their goals
    • - Evidence of ambition and drive

  • Question: How would you handle a production issue?

    • Question Overview: This question is designed to evaluate how your candidate will respond to a crisis. It's important to know how they will handle a situation that could negatively impact the company.

    Sample Answer: I would first assess the situation and determine if it was something I could handle or if I needed to bring in someone else. If I could handle it, I would make sure the team was aware of the issue and what we were doing to fix it. If I needed help, I would reach out to my manager or another team member who could help.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence in their ability to handle a crisis
    • - Evidence they have experience with production issues
    • - Indications that they will be able to think on their feet

  • Question: How many people have you managed in your career?

    • Question Overview: This question helps you understand how much experience your candidate has managing people. It also allows them to qualify their experience, if they have managed enough people to make an impact.

    Sample Answer: I've been a manager for eight years. I started with a team of two writers six years ago at HTWW Magazine, and then I transitioned to my current role at HTWW Marketing with a team of five writers and two editors. In that time we added a project manager to the team, so I currently have eight direct reports who give me weekly status reports and receive project approvals from me.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confirmation of enough management experience to make an impact
    • - Evidence of how many people the candidate has managed
    • - Indications that they've taken on more responsibility over tim

  • Question: How would you approach a superior manager that was out of line?

    • Question Overview: This question evaluates the candidate's ability to be assertive and stand up for themselves. It also shows you how they would handle a situation where they disagree with a superior.

    Sample Answer: I would approach the situation with an open mind. I would want to understand the reasoning behind their decision before I made any judgments. If I still disagreed with them, I would explain why and ask for a different solution.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence in their ability to stand up for themselves
    • - Evidence of their ability to be assertive
    • - Indications that they are comfortable with confrontation