Manager Interview

Interview Questions

1. How would you describe your position? **
A brand leadership position that combines deep understanding of consumer behavior with strategic thinking and execution of creative messages that help brands connect with consumers. 2. What would you say is your greatest weakness?

Being a perfectionist and believer in process, at times I will delay moving forward with a decision until we have more information on hand. Sometimes you need to move forward recognizing that 80% of the information is all you need to decide. 3. What are your greatest strengths?

I am a brand builder that teaches people how to win.
4. What tools or habits do you use to keep organized?
I continually update to-do lists and make extensive use of Evernote, an app that lets you synch your notes across all your digital devices. Electronic calendar is a must. 5. What opportunities are available to you for growth?

I can either move into a general management position (division President or CEO), or join a new/growing company as head of marketing. 6. How do you motivate your subordinates? **
I encourage creativity and risk-taking after they have presented a strong business case, let them take ownership of managing their projects and then publicly give them credit for successful programs. 7. What do you enjoy most about the profession? The least? ** I enjoy solving a different problem every day and that each day is never like the day before. I dislike when people in other positions put too much emphasis on marketing solving all of a brand’s problems vs. other important functions (e.g., customer service). 8. What are your short and long term goals?

Short term, to drive sales to support our annual business goals. Long term is to have consumers fall in love with our brand experience so that other brands are far second, third choices or no choice at all. 9. What do you think are three key abilities of a good manager? ** Be an active listener, encourage different points of view and solutions and have great confidence in communicating with and influencing others. 10. When interviewing job applicants, what general characteristics do you look for? Passion/initiative, skills that align with job I am trying to fill, communication skills (ability to explain a problem they solved and why it matters), firm understanding of their current role and how it contributes to their company, chemistry/fit with my team. 11. What do you feel are the biggest challenges that face the industry? ** Differentiating our products and experience from many competitors and making sure our customers get value for their money. 12. What is your typical way of dealing with conflict?

Get as much input and points of view as possible then decide and provide the rationale for my decision. 13. What advice would you offer someone who expected to enter your field? Become an expert at mining consumer insights and be very current on emerging technologies for communicating with and influencing customers.