By leah jones
Team leader is a position with a lot of responsibility and the hiring manager for such a position will not take that lightly. This makes acing the interview just as important as having what it takes.
Use this as your guide to the best ways to approach interview questions, follow-up questions to ask the employer and other tips with example questions and answers at the end.
Study the job description carefully to narrow down what skills, tools and leadership style they are looking for. Also, do research on the company's culture, values, recent news, etc.
Prepare specific examples that demonstrate how you have managed common leadership tasks like conflict resolution, performance management and team building.
A great way to describe your leadership is by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare examples that walk through how you implemented each step.
Besides examples of how you have led a team, you will also want to demonstrate key leadership skills you possess with examples of when you enacted them.
Communication, empathy and active listening. Decision-making under pressure. Coaching and mentoring abilities.
Skills to consider:
Some jobs may want to test your skills by giving you scenario-based questions, role-play exercises like running a mock meeting or problem-solving tasks.
Use the examples you have prepared to guide your responses. Conduct role-play exercises in the most effective way you have seen such scenarios performed and be ready to back it up.
Never skip over the portion of an interview when you are asked if you have any questions. Preparing some of your own shows interest and enthusiasm for the job.
"How is successful leadership measured here?" "What are the team's current biggest challenges?" "What support or training do team leaders receive?"
Some questions to consider are:
"I bring a combination of strong leadership skills, hands-on experience managing teams and a commitment to continuous improvement. I focus on building a positive team culture and developing individuals so the whole team succeeds.”
"Why should we hire you as our Team Leader?"
"Our team faced a tight project deadline after a major change. I quickly organized a meeting to reassess priorities, delegated tasks and set up daily check-ins. I kept morale high by celebrating small wins. Ultimately, we delivered on time."
"Tell me about a time you led a team through a difficult situation."