Page 91 - Boost Your Hiring

The Manager’s Hiring IQ Test 77

INTERVIEWER’S QUESTION
35. Can you give me an example of a time when your leader-
ship made a difference in your current or previous job?
Which response actually answers the question? Which answer
should you be wary of? Are there any red flags?

(A) “Leadership has been a role that I have assumed in every job
I’ve ever held. My last position was as general manager of the
entire East Coast. My strength lies in my communication
skills. I learned early in my career that you have to communi-
cate to reach out to the various customers you serve; that in-
cludes internal as well as external customers. I am a believer in
giving praise and rewards for a job well done.”
(B) “As national sales operations manager I trained, developed, and
lead a 20-person national sales account and support team tar-
geting the textile industry worldwide. I led the team in strate-
gic and tactical leadership. We were extremely successful in the
installations of state-of-the-art technology. We had a record
sales year every year that I was there; the team pulling together
made the difference. I think any member of my team would tell
you that I am a leader they would work for anytime. We really
had a very successful team spirit.”
(C) “When I took over my role as CEO for a retail chain, I was in
full charge of strategic planning and operations.The first thing
I did was to hold a meeting with my staff to find out best prac-
tices of the company. I let staff members do most of the talk-
ing. I find that good communication includes good listening
skills. After the meeting I had a transcription of everything
that was said and summarized it on a spreadsheet. In our sec-
ond meeting I revealed my plans and how the suggestions they
had made would be incorporated. I can honestly say that I have
never had a more solid relationship with my staff members.
Including them in the planning made a huge difference in the
success of the project.”

I think the strongest answer is ______.