If you are planning to apply for a management job then you need to be prepared how to answer questions regarding your motivation for being/becoming a manager.
It is one question that you cannot run away from. It is surely going to be darted at you and you will have to not only answer but prove it to the interviewer that you ‘know the job’ and possess the required prerequisites.
Well, it is easier to say than to do. Let’s look at an example in order to understand the basics of it and how should one answer.
Communicating your motivation for being in the management positions
Interviewer: “Why do you want to become a manager?”
Interviewee1: “I have attained a bachelor’s degree in Management and I feel I shall do justice to the job by organizing and delegating the responsibilities.”
Interviewee2: “I want to be a manager because that is what I have always wanted to be. I have always led and managed teams since childhood. I was captain of the school baseball team, I was a team lead in the National Scouts Team and thus, I believe I have the right mental ability and experience to be a good manager.”
If you look at the two answers, you will realize that both the answers are complete to a certain extent. Although, the first interviewee has stated that he has educational qualification to be a manager but he has been too short to elaborate. The second interviewee has spoken volumes about his abilities and prior experience of handling and managing teams but s/he has not touch-based on having the required educational qualification to be one. Moreover, none of the interviewees have talked about how they fit in the job profile. Thus, none of the answers are appropriate and complete.
The Best Answer
Interviewee3: “I want to be in managerial positions because I have the born/gained qualities to lead, delegate and coach/direct. I have read the job description and I understand that you require a manger that can successfully manage a team in ‘retail space’ and deliver the targets as well. My professional record, job achievements, education and qualification can prove my abilities as a manager – I believe you can find how I fit in for I have the required educational qualification, the skill sets and prior experience in a similar capacity. Moreover, I am an extrovert and thus, able to gel well with people be it team members, existing customers or new customers.”
Clearly, interviewee3 has been the most elaborate of all – He has stated that he ‘understands’ the job involvement and he possesses the educational qualification, experience and personal traits to handle the position well.
Thus, he has a better chance of winning the job!
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