From the course: Job Interview Tips for Software Engineers

How to approach this question

From the course: Job Interview Tips for Software Engineers

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How to approach this question

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- Now, assuming you'll meet the technical threshold for the role, the hiring manager wants to know what it's like to manage you as a resource. As a potential colleague and a manager, I'd want to know what you expect from me, and what our working relationship would look like. Questions like these can be tough to answer, especially if you've dealt with good and bad managers over the course of your career. Now, this is not the time to gripe about bad managers. We've all had those, but this is not the time. Instead, think about that ideal manager, their strengths and weaknesses, and then define that two-way relationship. Think about the goals for you and the team and how this manager could help you achieve those goals. Express a point of view, but then also show some empathy. Here are some tips to answer this question. First, start with explaining how you see the role of a manager. Different engineers have different types of expectations from future managers, there is no right answer here, so provide some context. Second, define the relationship you are seeking. What you need from your manager will depend upon where you are and where you wish to be. Explain what you're looking for and what you bring to the table. Finally, make sure you explain and acknowledge your own responsibility. Authority and relationship are two-way streets. You should also explain how you can empower your manager so they can help you and the team succeed collectively. Relationships are like icebergs, there's always more beneath the service, but this interview is your opportunity to look beneath the surface and start building that relationship, that trust. Use that opportunity wisely, confidently, and empathetically.

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