Your interviewer will probably ask you why you want to change careers from team member to manager if you’re trying to do so. You can expect to get some variation of the question: “Why do you want to manage people?” or “Why do you want to be a supervisor?”
Both good and bad reasons can be given for wanting to move into management, and how you respond to this question will reveal a lot to the interviewer about your management abilities and leadership potential.
These examples and tips will help you provide the best response possible.
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Why Employers Ask, “Why Do You Want to Be a Manager?”
The response to this question should demonstrate that you have the assurance and preparation hiring managers look for in managerial candidates. Your response should clearly show off your leadership abilities, give specific examples of your prior on-the-job leadership, and offer a clear benefit to the hiring organization.
How to Respond to”Why Do You Want to Be a Manager?”
Follow these steps to craft an effective answer to the question, “Why do you want a management position?”
Highlight Benefits to the Company
Indicate a benefit you would offer the company as a manager in your response to this question. Connect that value to a competency or qualification necessary for the job.
Example: “My background in analytics will immediately raise the marketing team’s digital success rate.”
Provide Examples
Describe a leadership trait or ability that is required to carry out the job and provide an example. Give an example that demonstrates how you used the skill specifically and successfully in a previous job or position. If you can, put a number on the success you experienced.
Example: “Managers must be extremely well-organized. I assisted in maintaining and creating the work schedule for 18 employees in my previous role as an assistant manager.”
Discuss Management Styles
Explain what a particular management style is and how you would apply it to your leadership. Give examples of how this management style would improve your success as a manager.
Example: “A mentoring program would be beneficial for this division. If selected, I would implement a management style based on the value of learning from senior members of the team”
Give Real-World Examples of Your Leadership
You must demonstrate your suitability for the position and your capacity to handle it, as well as your aptitude for group leadership, in order to persuade the hiring manager. Describe your leadership style with specific examples. Do you have expertise in project management or collaborating with individuals from various backgrounds and personalities? Any instance in which you used leadership to accomplish a goal can serve as your example; it doesn’t have to be a large project that you oversaw.
Example: “In my previous position, I was given charge of the beginning of a new initiative. It was a time-sensitive project, but I handled every aspect of it and divided up duties among the team members. The team was commended for our efforts after the launch went off without a hitch.”
Display Empathy for Colleagues
Discussing how you would respond to any interpersonal conflicts or stressors that might arise between coworkers will demonstrate that you would make a sympathetic manager.
Example: “As a former waiter, I am aware of the value of planned breaks and peer support. To ensure an exceptional customer experience, I would make sure to cater to the needs of our waitstaff.”
Demonstrate Interest in Company Processes
Process streamlining and delegation for increased functionality and efficiency are frequent tasks in management positions. In your response, demonstrate a sincere desire to enhance those procedures.
Example: “To improve our stocking procedures and save time and space, I have some fantastic ideas.”
Demonstrate Your Management Mindset
When explaining your motivation for wanting to become a manager to the hiring manager, it’s a good idea to acknowledge the significant responsibility that comes with the position. Describe your management philosophy and the strategy you’ll use to inspire and guide a group of people to success. Perhaps discuss some of the difficulties in leadership that you have encountered or seen, and describe how you would approach the situation differently.
Example: “I’m ready to assume the additional duties that come with managing people. A daily team meeting would be preferable to the current weekly progress meetings in order to monitor how the project is progressing and address any problems.”
There are many kinds of interviews, and many companies trying a new form of interview — open interview.
Why Do You Want to Be a Manager? Example Answers
Retail
“I want to be a manager because I am confident that I can mentor and develop my team members to provide excellent customer service and boost sales. As a result of my ability to make customers feel comfortable in our store and attractive in our clothing, I have three times in the past year been awarded employee of the month. By providing the associates with training and incentive programs, I want to set the bar high for others to follow. As a seasoned sales representative, I am aware of the difficulties that the position entails and am equipped to guide my team through them. I’m sure I can raise sales and overall employee morale.”
Office Goods Supplier
“I’d make a great manager because of my excellent organizational abilities and interest in streamlining sales processes. I created a client tracking system while working in sales, which helped the entire team save time and avoid confusion. After using the new system for a full year, our conversion rate increased by 12%. We have a very skilled and knowledgeable sales team. I believe that the company would benefit from a laissez-faire management style with intervention as necessary to increase the effectiveness of processes.”
Restaurant
“I adore this restaurant, and I believe I could contribute to raising customer interest and staff morale. My second year working at the restaurant, I started the employee softball league, and we’ve continued it ever since. Even when we are not on the field, it maintains team unity and improves employee morale. I also have some other suggestions, like a mentorship program, that I believe would increase employee training and retention. Leadership that is clear and consistent is what our team needs, and I am prepared to deliver it.”
Read about Assistant Manager Interview Questions
