Why Does Interviewer Ask This Question?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask “who was your favorite manager and why?” during a job interview:

• To Learn About Your Leadership Style And Preferences: Your answer to this question can reveal your values and preferences when it comes to leadership and management. The interviewer may be trying to get a sense of what you value in a manager and how you respond to different leadership styles.
• To Understand Your Work History: Your answer to this question can provide insight into your work history and the types of environments you have thrived in. The interviewer may be trying to get a sense of your past experiences and how you have grown and developed as an employee.
• To Gauge Your Communication Skills: How you articulate your thoughts and feelings about your favorite manager can give the interviewer a sense of your communication skills. Are you able to clearly and concisely explain why this person was your favorite manager?

Overall, the interviewer is likely asking this question to get a better understanding of your work style, values, and communication skills. By thoughtfully considering your answer, you can demonstrate your fit for the role and the company’s culture.

Also, Check – 100 Situational Questions For The Interview

5 Tips To Answer This Question

Here are five tips for answering the question “who was your favorite manager and why?” in a job interview:

1. Choose A Specific Example: Instead of making a general statement about your favorite manager, choose a specific example of someone who has had a significant impact on your career.
2. Explain Why They Were Your Favorite: Clearly articulate the specific qualities and actions that made this person your favorite manager. This could include things like their leadership style, support for your professional development, or the way they created a positive work environment.
3. Focus On The Positive: While it’s okay to mention the challenges you faced with this manager, try to focus on the positive aspects of your relationship. This will show that you are able to find the good in even difficult situations.
4. Avoid Discussing Negative Experiences: This question is specifically asking about your favorite manager, so try to avoid discussing negative experiences with other managers.
5. Be Genuine And Authentic: As with any interview question, it’s important to be genuine and authentic in your answer. Choose a manager who truly had a positive impact on your career, and be honest about the reasons why they were your favorite.

Things To Avoid While Answering This Question

Here are a few things to avoid when answering the question “Who was your favorite manager and why?” in an interview:

1. Avoid Getting Too Personal: It’s important to keep your answer focused on the professional aspects of your relationship with the manager. Avoid discussing personal topics or sharing too much personal information.
2. Avoid Complaining Or Speaking Negatively About Other Managers: Even if you didn’t have the best relationship with all of your past managers, it’s important to frame your answer in a positive light and avoid complaining or speaking negatively about others.
3. Avoid Being Too Vague: Instead of just saying that you liked your manager, try to identify specific traits or actions that made them a great leader. This will make your answer more meaningful and show that you have thought about the question.
4. Avoid Focusing Solely On Yourself: While it’s important to talk about how your favorite manager supported your growth and development, try to also mention how they supported the team as a whole. This will show that you are a team player and considerate of the needs of others.

Overall, it’s important to be authentic and thoughtful in your response, highlighting the traits and actions that made your favorite manager a great leader. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you give a professional, well-rounded answer to the question.

Also, Check – Important Interview Etiquette You All Need To Know

How To Answer “Who Was Your Favourite Manager And Why” In An Interview?

Here are a few tips for answering the question “Who was your favorite manager and why?” in an interview:

1. Keep It Professional: It’s important to keep your answer focused on the professional aspects of your relationship with the manager. Avoid getting too personal or discussing any negative experiences you may have had with other managers.
2. Emphasize Specific Traits And Actions: Instead of just saying that you liked your manager, try to identify specific traits or actions that made them great leaders. For example, you might say “I really appreciated how approachable and open to feedback my manager was. They always made time to listen to my ideas and concerns, and I felt like I could contribute to the team in a meaningful way.”
3. Show How You Learned And Grew: You can also talk about how your favorite manager helped you grow as an employee. Did they provide you with opportunities for learning and development? Did they give you the support you needed to take on new challenges?
4. Keep It Positive: Remember that the interviewer is looking for a positive, professional response. Even if you didn’t have the best relationship with all of your past managers, it’s important to frame your answer in a positive light and avoid complaining or speaking negatively about others.

Overall, the key is to be authentic and thoughtful in your response, highlighting the traits and actions that made your favorite manager a great leader.

Also, Check – What To Wear For a Job-interview

Example

1. Answer: “My favorite manager was [Name]. They were always very clear in their communication and provided me with the support and guidance I needed to succeed in my role. They had a great balance of being approachable and firm, and I always felt like I could go to them with any questions or concerns.”
2. Answer: “I really appreciated how [Name] was always open to new ideas and encouraged us to think outside the box. They were a great leader and really fostered a culture of innovation and creativity within the team.”
3. Answer: “One of my favorite managers was [Name], who was always very organized and efficient. They had a clear vision for the team and were able to delegate tasks effectively, which helped us stay on track and meet our deadlines.”
4. Answer: “I really enjoyed working with [Name] because they were always very fair and unbiased. They treated everyone on the team with respect and made sure to listen to everyone’s ideas and concerns.”
5. Answer: “One of my favorite managers was [Name], who was always very supportive and encouraging. They provided me with opportunities for learning and growth, and gave me the confidence to take on new challenges.”
6. Answer: “I really appreciated how approachable and open [Name] was. They were always available to listen to my ideas and provide feedback, which really helped me grow as an employee.”
7. Answer: “One of my favorite managers was [Name], who was always very positive and enthusiastic. They had a great attitude that really rubbed off on the team and made work feel enjoyable.”
8. Answer: “I really enjoyed working with [Name] because they were very knowledgeable and experienced in their field. They were always happy to share their expertise and provide guidance, which helped me learn a lot and grow in my role.”
9. Answer: “One of my favorite managers was [Name], who was very transparent and honest in their communication. I always knew where I stood and what was expected of me, which made it easier for me to do my job effectively.”
10. Answer: “I really appreciated how [Name] was able to bring out the best in each member of the team. They had a great ability to motivate and inspire us to do our best work, and I always felt like I was part of a supportive, cohesive team under their leadership.”