What are the most important things to do during a management interview?

1 Research the company and the role

Before you go to the interview, do some homework on the company and the role you are applying for. Find out what their mission, vision, and goals are, what challenges they face, and what kind of culture they have. Also, learn as much as you can about the specific responsibilities, expectations, and objectives of the management position. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you are genuinely interested and informed.

2 Showcase your achievements and skills

During the interview, you want to demonstrate that you have the relevant skills and experience to lead a team and achieve results. To do this, use the STAR method to answer behavioral questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It is a way of describing a specific situation where you faced a challenge, what task you had to do, what action you took, and what result you achieved. This will help you provide concrete examples of your management skills and achievements, such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, delegation, motivation, and feedback.

3 Explain your leadership style and philosophy

Another key aspect of a management interview is to convey your leadership style and philosophy. This means explaining how you approach your role as a manager, what values and principles guide you, and what kind of leader you are or aspire to be. You can use different frameworks or models to describe your style, such as situational leadership, transformational leadership, or servant leadership. You can also share your vision for the team or the department, and how you plan to align it with the company's goals and culture.

4 Ask insightful questions

A management interview is not only a chance for the employer to evaluate you, but also for you to assess the opportunity and the fit. Therefore, you should ask insightful questions that show your curiosity, enthusiasm, and professionalism. For example, you can ask about the current challenges and opportunities for the team or the department, the expectations and feedback mechanisms for the role, the culture and values of the company, and the career development and growth opportunities for managers. Avoid asking questions that are too basic, personal, or irrelevant.

5 Follow up with a thank you note

After the interview, you should follow up with a thank you note to express your appreciation and interest. This is a simple but effective way to make a positive impression and stand out from other candidates. In your note, you should thank the interviewer for their time and attention, restate your main qualifications and fit for the role, highlight one or two key points from the interview, and reaffirm your enthusiasm and availability. You should send your note within 24 hours of the interview, and keep it brief and professional.