INTERVIEWING QUESTIONS

Listed in the first section are interview questions designed to help the interviewer gain behavioral
examples to evaluate if an applicant possesses the qualities and skills of an effective manager. The
second section (last page) contains additional questions to evaluate applicants’ experience, education
and interests.

I. QUALITIES OF A MANAGER

Problem-Solving – Analytical thinking

1. Give an example of a situation in which your ability to conceptualize and see the “big picture”
helped you deal more effectively with a business issue/problem.

2. Give me an example of an important decision which you made on any job and tell me how you
went about making this decision.

3. Give an example of a time in which you had to use your resourcefulness to gain information for
solving a problem – then tell me how you analyzed the information to come to a decision.

4. Describe the kinds of problems whose solutions provide you with the most stimulation.

5. Give an example of a difficult problem which you faced on any job which you have had and tell
me how you went about solving it.

6. Describe how you go about analyzing situations/issues at work. Give an example.

7. Give an example of how you have used strategic thinking in your work.

8. Describe the most creative work-related project you have performed.

9. Give an example of a situation in which you were able to see solutions that others did not see as
readily.

10. Describe how you use creativity to solve problems.

11. What do you consider to be the most important idea you have contributed in any job?

Career Performance - Achievements

12. Describe your career path at your current (or most recent) job. Provide promotion timetables.

13. What do you consider to be your most significant accomplishment at any job?

14. What specific skill strengths do you bring to your work? Which of these provide you with the
greatest satisfaction?

15. Describe a situation in which you felt you were successful because of your persistence and
determination.

16. Give an example of a difficult situation /problem you faced on any job which tested your coping
skills. How did you handle it? Be specific.

17. What kinds of tasks at work do you find the most trying and why?
18. What was the biggest mistake you ever made? What did you learn from this?

19. Describe a situation in any job in which you experienced difficulty in managing your time. Why?

20. What was one of the most difficult decisions you had to make on any job? What were the
results?

21. Tell of some situations in which you have had to adjust quickly to changes over which you had no
control. What was the impact of the change on you?

Interpersonal/Communication skills + Teamwork

22. Describe a time in which you felt it was necessary to modify or change your actions in order to
respond to the needs of another person.

23. Give an example of a situation in which you had difficulty in getting along with a co-worker.
Why was this difficult? How did you handle it?

24. Describe a situation where you found yourself dealing with someone who didn’t like you. How
did you handle it?

25. Are you better at persuading others through words or writing? Be specific.

26. What personal qualities do you have that would make you an effective manager? What
reservations about yourself do you have as a manager?

27. What have you done to facilitate better communications amongst team members? Co-workers?

28. Give an example at any job of how you balanced your concern for a particular business outcome
with your concern for people.

29. Give an example of how you provided criticism to a co-worker or subordinate.

30. Describe a verbal presentation you made in which you were successful in selling an
idea/concept/product. Why were you so successful?

31. What have you done to come to a consensus with your manager when you have had conflicting
ideas/perspectives? With a co-worker?

32. What did you do in your most recent job to contribute toward a teamwork environment? Be
specific.

33. When you start working with new people, how do you go about it?

Outlook and attitude: values, inner-motivations, self-awareness

34. Describe a situation at work where your values conflicted with carrying out a particular
assignment/task. What did you do?

35. Give an example of a specific situation in which you followed a policy with which you did not
agree.

36. Describe the kind of manager that you have worked best with.

37. Give an example of a time at work when you had to adjust to significant change in a short period
of time.

38. What do you really want to do in life?

40. How do you think others really see you? (professionally, personally). Are their perceptions
correct?

41. What does success mean to you?

42. What personal qualities do you have that would make you a good manager? What personal
qualities do you need to develop to become a more effective manager?

43. What do you consider to be your most important personal accomplishment? Why?

44. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

45. In what kind of environment are you most comfortable?

46. What are your key strengths? Areas for improvement?

47. What is the most outrageous thing you have ever done?

48. How does a career in business suit your talents and personality?

Leadership Potential

49. Describe a situation in which you had a leadership role at work and give some examples of your
impact.

50. Give an example of a time when you felt you were successful in instilling motivation in your co-
workers. Subordinates.

51. Describe a situation where others you were working with on a project disagreed with your ideas;
what did you do?

52. Give an example of a situation in which you took initiative in your job. What were the results?

53. How would you define an effective leader?

54. What have you done to lead a team that was at a roadblock to action?

55. Describe a situation in which you were able to positively influence the actions of others in a
desired direction.

56. Describe your leadership abilities.

57. What leadership roles have you had in the past outside of work?

58. How do you motivate others? Give examples.

59. Give an example of a time when you took a risk which resulted in a positive outcome for others.
 II. EXPERIENCE

Experience + Focus/Dedication

60. Describe you major position responsibilities (for each job). What were your reasons for leaving
each job?

61. Describe a typical day in your previous position.

62. Which of your past work responsibilities have you found most challenging? Why?

63. If you pursued a career in another field, what would it be? Why?

64. What are your short and long career goals? How do plan to achieve these goals?

65. What have most and least enjoyed about each job you have held?

66. How do you see your education, work experience, and MBA degree fitting together toward
achieving your professional and personal goals?

62. Why did you decide to major in ______________________ in college? What other subjects did
you find appealing?

63. Why are you interested in pursuing an MBA? Why are you at IMD?

Interests - Personal

64. If you had $50 to spend on leisure or entertainment, how would you spend it and why?

65. Which hobby do you wish you had more time for?

66. What are your interest/activities outside of work? How have these interests influenced your
development?