There’s no question that job interviews are stressful, but they can become even more nerve-wracking when you have an interview for your first management job. You somehow need to show off your leadership abilities and relevant experience, even when you’ve never held a leadership title.
However, don’t get discouraged just yet. There are still ways you can impress the interviewer and prove why you’re the best candidate for the position.
Even though each interviewer will be looking for specific skills depending on the position and the company, there are certain innate leadership qualities that many companies will find relevant and impressive.
BE PERSONABLE
It’s okay to be nervous during your interview, but do your best to appear confident, prepared, and let your personality show through. Make sure to show that you’re able to have a conversation, but also be assertive and professional when answering questions.
Most companies are looking for leaders who are able to maintain their composure in stressful situations, and a first interview is a great way for them to see if you have what it takes. No matter how nervous you may be, if you maintain eye contact, answer questions clearly, and have a genuine tone, then you will appear calm and in control.
Also, many companies are looking for someone who is a good leader but who also will fit into their culture so don’t forget to show off your personality too.
STAND BY YOUR DECISIONS
Another quality of good leaders is decisiveness. Most likely if you’re interviewing for a leadership position, you will have multiple rounds of interviews with many people asking similar questions. Make sure to stand by your initial answer and provide sufficient explanation to back up your response.
If given the opportunity, describe examples of good decisions you have made recently and a decision that took you a long time to deliberate.
Managers can’t be indecisive and providing consistent, well-developed answers and examples of decisions you have made in the past will help you get the job.
ASK GOOD QUESTIONS
Asking questions is a must in any interview, but it becomes even more important when interviewing for a management position.
Managers should be constantly asking their team questions and even asking questions to the people they report to. Not being afraid to ask questions will help you become a better manager and constantly improve your team and your own skills.
Before your interview, prepare a list of questions about the position, company, culture, and the team you would be leading.
Also, finding out the information to these answers early on will help you determine whether or not you think you would be a fit for the position.
INCLUDE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN RESUME
Even if you’ve never held a leadership position in the past, there are still ways to include leadership skills in your resume.
Have you ever managed an intern or small team, took the lead on a small project, or managed a conflict? These are all things you can include in your resume.
However, don’t just say that you managed a conflict, make sure to include specific examples. Once you’re in the interview, you can then elaborate further and describe how you gained leadership skills from the experience.
SHOW YOUR MOTIVATION FOR THE POSITION
Many turnovers in leadership jobs come from professionals being promoted to leadership roles when they weren’t qualified. It also happens when the person realizes they don’t actually want all of the responsibility that comes with the job.
You need to make sure that you convey to the interviewer why you want this job and why you would be a good leader. If the interview is for a Marketing Manager role, talk about your favorite marketing blogs or how you like to work on your personal website on the weekend.
Whatever it is about this position that you’re passionate about, make sure it comes across in the interview.
Interviewing for your first management job may seem daunting, but if you’re prepared and able to show off your leadership skills, then you’re one step closer to landing the position.
