Grokking the Engineering Manager Interview
Ask Author
Back to course home

0% completed

Vote For New Content
Understanding People Leadership
Table of Contents

Contents are not accessible

Contents are not accessible

Contents are not accessible

Contents are not accessible

Contents are not accessible

Image

People leadership interviews are a crucial part of the hiring process for engineering managers.

Unlike technical interviews, which can be more straightforward with right or wrong answers, people leadership interviews are subjective and tricky. The questions in these interviews don’t have a single “correct” answer and are designed to gauge how you think, react, and behave in various team-related situations, making them inherently subjective.

These interviews help the interviewers understand your leadership style, how you handle team dynamics, and how you motivate and manage people.

Why No Magic Formula Works

  • Variety of Experiences: Every candidate has different experiences, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

  • Context Matters: The context of the situation can change how an answer is perceived. What works in one scenario might not work in another.

  • Personal Style: Your personal leadership style influences your answers. Authenticity is key, and trying to fit into a "magic formula" can come off as insincere.

What Interviewers Look for in People Leadership Interviews

Companies use people leadership interviews to assess various aspects of your leadership abilities.

Here’s what they typically focus on:

  1. Communication Skills
  • How well do you articulate your thoughts and ideas?
  • Can you effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical team members?
Skills for People Leadership questions
Skills for People Leadership questions
  1. Conflict Resolution
  • How do you handle disagreements or conflicts within your team?
  • Are you able to mediate and find solutions that work for everyone?
  1. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
  • Do you understand and consider the feelings and perspectives of your team members?
  • How do you support your team through challenges and changes?
  1. Decision-Making
  • How do you make decisions, especially under pressure?
  • Can you balance short-term needs with long-term goals?
  1. Team Motivation and Development
  • How do you keep your team motivated and engaged?
  • What strategies do you use for developing your team’s skills and careers?
  1. Adaptability
  • How do you handle changes and unexpected challenges?
  • Are you flexible in your approach while maintaining focus on the objectives?

In short, People leadership interviews are designed to test how you manage and lead people, which is essential for an engineering manager role.

Let's move on to the different types of questions you can expect in your interview.

.....

.....

.....

Like the course? Get enrolled and start learning!

Table of Contents

Contents are not accessible

Contents are not accessible

Contents are not accessible

Contents are not accessible

Contents are not accessible