To pass a manager interview, prepare to answer the hardest interview questions for managers. That’s not all it though, find out more in this article.
Interview preps with qualified HR or recruitment agencies are a great way to plan a perfect pass for your next interview.
However, According to the blog post by the legal jobs website as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “out of 10 applications, only 47% of job seekers are likely to receive an invitation to one or two job interviews, leaving 38.3% out of the call”
From these statistics, you can tell how competitive the labor market is. Judging from the data above, it is safe to say that the labor market is highly saturated. Hence, to secure a competitive role as that of a manager, you need to be adequately prepared to answer both easy and tough interview questions.
How do you scale this process? What interview questions should you practice with? and what information should out source from the company?
No doubt, these are some of the troubling questions prospective managers contemplate before the interview.
Here in this article, we discuss the steps it takes to prepare and tips to take to help you ace your next interview.
Why Should you Prepare for Your next Interview?
Preparing way in advance for your next interview process gives you higher chances of acing your interview. Meanwhile, the Interview is an important phase in the recruitment process that helps interviewers assess your performance as a prospective Manager.
The role of a manager is sensitive in every organization because you occupy key positions that demand high leadership and organizational skills. So, hiring managers want to be certain of your competence before filling such a sensitive position.
Also, they want to know how much you are willing to contribute to the success of the organization and its team of employees.
Therefore, taking the necessary steps to prepare in advance is a smart way to increase and improve your chances of impressing your boss during the interview.
More so, it gives you confidence in the interview process while increasing your chances of securing the managerial role of interest.
How to Pass a Manager Interview in 10 Steps
Below are key steps to help you pass your next managerial interview process
Step 1: Know the Basic Details
Before you even go on the interview, take some time to evaluate the company. It is important you know the core values of the company, possibly its competitors, and key products or services. This is a good way to prove to the interviewer that you were not idle while waiting for a call, it shows how much value you attach to the job you are applying for.
Additionally, while researching the company, ensure you also look deep into the role description. Know what your key performance indicators are for the role. By so doing, you would be better prepared to answer any tricky interview question targeting your performance and skills.
Furthermore, engaging in a thorough search before your interview helps build your motivation for the job. This also helps you identify what makes you unique for the role. In the process, you would identify key values and insight into the company which builds confidence and zeal — Key metrics to help you pass your interview
Step 2: Test yourself with Common Questions
Preparing a script containing specific and common interview questions related to managerial roles is a good way to ace your next interview. Doing this way in advance can help you practice how to calm your nerves when the interview is on.
In addition, it is not enough to know the hard interview questions for managers without having the right response. To pass your manager interview, ensure you practice your responses. Prepare concise responses that are focused on results, and that align with the company’s needs, goals, and objectives.
Furthermore, consider using the STAR interview technique when practicing the right response to strategic interviews asked during sessions like this. Consider rehearsing with a friend. Then have him assess your performance with constructive feedback about your posture and response/ More than anything, doing this helps you prepare for any form of interview.
Step 3: Come Ready to Interview the Interviewer
Yes, usually towards the end of your interview, the interviewer expects you to ask certain questions in context with the interview. Coming into the interview with questions already
prepared for the interviewer shows that you did your homework
In addition, this also is a great way to impress your boss because it gives you room to correct areas where you might have made some mistakes
A Good interview question to ask your interviewer should be centered around the company’s work culture, team dynamics, or specific challenges the team is currently facing. Asking good questions proactive approach showcases your genuine curiosity about the role and the organization.
Here are some good examples to ask the interviewer:
- How would you describe the company’s culture, and how does it support the success of managers?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the team or department I would be managing?
- How would you measure my success in this role, and what would be some of the key indicators of my effectiveness?
Step 4: Review the Details in your CV
More than often, interviewers access candidates based on the details provided in their CVs. They do this to ensure that there is no foul play.
Therefore, to pass your next interview, ensure you prepare alongside your resume. As a tip, ensure your resume is optimized with the right keywords and contains the right skills and experiences.
Also, Take note of the skills in your resume that appear in the job description.
Your ability to answer accurately interview questions from your CV keeps you at a higher advantage.
Step 5: Revisit your Skill/ Achievement Book
It’s possible your CV may not capture in detail the events and scenarios that lead to your achievements. Therefore, your merit boost book, or whatever title you wish to give it is a record that documents your key wins, projects, and events where you demonstrated your skills.
As you prepare for your manager interview questions, to improve your chances of scaling though ensure you visit those records. This will help you have enough examples to give when speaking about your experiences and achievements and provide you with examples to back your claim.
Step 6: Dress Smart and Elegant
The old saying applies here “First impressions matter”. Interviews are corporate and official events, hence, it is expected that you dress in the attire that reflects the company’s culture and the managerial position you are seeking.
As a tip, for the ladies, you want to avoid any dressing that looks too skimpy and colors that appear too bright and glaring. Generally, Women can choose to wear a skirt suit or dress. Make sure your outfit is not too short or too tight.
Related: Best Interview Outfit for Men
Related: Best Interview Dress Code for females
Also, For men, a tailored suit with a button-down shirt and tie is always a safe bet. If you are not comfortable in a suit, you can also opt for a pair of dress pants and a blazer.
- Choose shoes that are polished and professional. Avoid sneakers or sandals.
- Accessorize with simple jewelry. Avoid anything too flashy or distracting.
- Make sure your hair and makeup are neat and professional. Avoid anything that is too overdone
Hence, to make a good first impression, take some time to choose a conservative outfit that is well-fitting and clean. Wearing a smart look also gives its advantages during interviews.
Step 7: Practice Interview Etiquette
To succeed in your next interview, learn and practice the right interview etiquette. Doing this will win you some silent points.
Here is key interview Etiquette you must abide by to pass a manager interview:
- Arrive on time for the interview
- Know the interviewer’s name, spelling, and pronunciation. …
- maintain eye contact
- Use proper manners and the right friendly tone when addressing the interviewer
- Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and avoid making them repeat a particular question
Step 8: Calm your Nerves with Positive Posture
Staying calm and collected during your interview is a good way to showcase your confidence and level of preparation. Consider applying the 5Cs interviewing, this will help you maintain a better posture throughout your interview.
In addition, when interviewing Candidates for managerial roles, interviewers also assess the non-verbal movement these candidates make. They do this to assess how well you can compose yourself even when things appear tough and out of control.
More so, Interviews will always come and go but the impression you leave behind matters a lot. Therefore as a tip, ensure you wear confidence and compotment and be mentally and physically present. Stay calm, focused, and articulate throughout the discussion.
Although, you may encounter unexpected questions, do not fidget. Always maintain composure and address them with confidence. Remember, the interviewer is assessing not only your skills and experience but also your personality and fit within the company culture. This will increase your success score.
Step 9: Plan your Closing Statement
When drafting possible questions to ask the interviewer, also make sure you not only draft but practice your closing statement. At the end of the interview, you want to reiterate why you are the right fit for the job. It’s just like selling yourself again without mentioning the words sell.
Practicing your closing statement in advance of your interview helps you pick the right skills to emphasize and also, the right words to speak.
Keep in mind also, that the end of your interview, presents you an opportunity to know where you stand, you can take some time to blow your trumpet. However, don’t get caught in the trap of speaking so much about yourself and forget what you can offer to the company.
Step 10: Follow Up with a Thank-You Note
No after the interview, whether you get an immediate response or not, do well to send a personalized thank-you note to the interviewer.
In your note, express your gratitude for the time spent in the interview and reiterate your interest in the position. Additionally, why you are a good fit, talk confidently about your qualifications, and emphasize your enthusiasm for contributing to the company’s success.
Furthermore, Send your thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. This shows that you are prompt and professional. A well-crafted thank-you note may be all you need to secure the job, don’t take it for granted.
Conclusion on How to Pass a Manager Interview
As an interviewee, your approach to the interview determines the outcome. However, no one can say for sure if the interview process will turn 100% favorable.
But, it is better to be prepared well in advance by following the steps outlined above than hoping without planning.
References:
- Indeed.com
- glassdoor.com
- oriontalent.com
- ung.edu/career
