Interview: What should I have said?

[marylou]

I had an interview this morning. I didn't realize it was a management position when I applied. I thought it was more of an independent role. I still really want the job, though, and think I can handle the management role even though I've never formally been in a managing position before.

But I wasn't prepared for some of the questions, and at the end when I asked her if she had any reservations that I could address (thanks MM!) she said the only thing was that, even though I had "interesting" views about management (that's not good, right?), she was concerned about my lack of management experience. But then she said that everything else about my previous experience made her feel like I'd be a great fit, and she scheduled the 2nd interview for next week.

The questions she asked me about management were what I thought made great/bad managers, and I said good/bad communication. What would have been a stronger answer? I want to make sure I'm more prepared for that part of the interview next week.

[marylou]

Oooh, perfect. Those are all things I've truly appreciated in previous bosses. That's exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

[ejpint]

I think communication is a huge part of being a good manager, but I'd definitely beef that up. If that's her concern, I'd be prepared for questions focused around leadership.

How do you influence others? How do you champion change, even if it's unpopular? How do you address conflict? Problem performers? Motivate top talent? Encourage diversity? I'd be prepared to share examples from any leadership you have, such as leading projects, running a committee, times you've had to influence without authority, any positions you hold in organizations outside of work. If you're still young and recently finished school, campus leadership experience can be great, too.

[liveintheville]

Let me preface with I don't work.

I'd google management styles. Decide which one applies to you. Think of examples of how you utilized this type of management. And use the appropriate lingo in the second interview.

My husband dislikes micro management and his style to get the best fit for the role and really concentrate on putting together a functional team. But that's not how you convey it in an interview. I don't recall what style of manager he is, but I do know that interviewers are looking for some key phrases and catch words.

[marylou]

This is all great, thanks so much. I'm already getting ideas about stories I can use to help them understand why I think I'd be a great fit.

And I found this WSJ article on leadership styles, in case anybody else is wondering what theirs might be: guides.wsj.com/management/developing-a-leadership-style/how-to-develop-a-leadership-style/

And also one specifically for women:
online.wsj.com/article/SB118825040976910243.html

[vanillacourage]

The best managers I've had have been the ones who can successfully walk the line of being friendly, even socializing, with their reports, but still avoid playing favorites or divulging info about another coworker that really should not be communicated. I.e. so and so's work quality has declined lately, so and so's husband is sick, etc.

Another line that's difficult to walk is being realistic about organizational challenges, while not dogging the company in general and trying to keep morale high.