Top It Manager Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your It Manager interview by going through these most asked It Manager interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult co-worker.
  • Question Overview: Co-workers can be difficult to deal with when they don't work well with others or have a negative attitude. As an IT manager, you need to be able to handle these situations and resolve conflicts in a professional manner. A potential hire should be able to explain how they handled a difficult co-worker and how they resolved the conflict.

    Sample Answer: I had a co-worker who was very negative about the company and the work we did. I tried to talk to him about his attitude, but he didn't change. I then spoke to his supervisor about his behavior. His supervisor spoke to him about his attitude and he eventually changed for the better.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle conflicts with co-workers
    • - Comfortable resolving issues with co-workers
    • - Skills in communicating with co-workers

  • Question: How would you explain storage virtualization?
  • Question Overview: Storage virtualization is a technology that allows you to store data on a single server and access it from different computers. A candidate should be able to explain how storage virtualization works and how it's used in the workplace.

    Sample Answer: Storage virtualization is a technology that allows you to store data on a single server and access it from different computers. It's used in the workplace to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of how storage virtualization works
    • - Ability to explain how it's used in the workplace
    • - Comfortable explaining complex IT concepts

  • Question: Have you ever had a project that failed?
  • Question Overview: IT managers work with a team to complete projects. When a project fails, the IT manager is held responsible for the failure and must determine what went wrong and how to prevent similar failures in the future. A candidate should be able to explain how they handled past project failures and what they learned from the experience.

    Sample Answer: I had a project that failed because of a lack of communication between team members. I reorganized the team and assigned each member a specific role. I also provided training for the staff to improve their skills and knowledge of the project.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience with handling project failures
    • - Knowledge of how to prevent future failures
    • - Ability to learn from past mistakes

  • Question: Based on your knowledge, what are the three things you believe Qantas should do to become the best premium airline in the world?
  • Question Overview: A candidate should be able to provide a list of three things that Qantas can do to become the best premium airline in the world. The list should include suggestions that can be implemented to improve the airline's business. The candidate should also have a strong understanding of the airline industry and how Qantas can improve its services.

    Sample Answer: I believe that Qantas should focus on improving its customer service, increasing its flight routes and expanding its business to other countries. By increasing its customer service, Qantas will be able to compete with other airlines and attract more customers. Expanding its flight routes will allow it to reach more customers and increase revenue. Finally, expanding its business to other countries will help it reach more customers and increase revenue.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the airline industry
    • - Experience in providing suggestions for improvement
    • - Commitment to staying updated about new business practices

  • Question: What are some of the challenges you have faced when you were met with resistance?
  • Question Overview: IT managers are responsible for managing teams and completing projects. They must also deal with clients and workers who may be resistant to change. A candidate should be able to explain how they handled resistance from clients and workers when they were met with it.

    Sample Answer: I was met with resistance when I implemented new software for an organization. The staff was resistant to the changes, but I was able to manage the project by providing training and communicating with the staff to ensure they understood the new system.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience managing teams and projects
    • - Knowledgeable about handling client and worker resistance
    • - Commitment to completing tasks despite resistance

  • Question: What is your opinion on outsourcing IT?
  • Question Overview: Outsourcing IT services is a common practice among companies. It allows companies to focus on their core business while outsourcing the IT department to an outside company. An IT manager should be able to explain how outsourcing can benefit your company and the pros and cons of outsourcing.

    Sample Answer: Outsourcing IT services can be beneficial for companies that don't have the resources to manage their own IT departments. However, there are risks involved with outsourcing that should be considered before making a decision.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledgeable about the benefits of outsourcing IT services
    • - Understands the risks of outsourcing
    • - Comfortable with outsourcing IT services

  • Question: Why do you want this job when it might be gone in 6 months or less after we merge with BMS?
  • Question Overview: An IT manager will be laid off if the company merges with another organization. This is a common occurrence in the IT industry, so a candidate should be able to explain why they want the job even though it might not be available in the future. A potential hire should also be able to explain why they're a good fit for the job and how they'll help the organization succeed.

    Sample Answer: I'm aware that this position might not be available once our company merges with BMS. However, I'm confident that I can help our organization succeed and grow. I've worked with several companies that have merged successfully, and I've learned how to work with teams to complete projects and meet deadlines.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company's current situation
    • - Commitment to helping the organization succeed
    • - Skills in working with a team

  • Question: How do you manage your team?
  • Question Overview: IT managers are responsible for managing the staff they supervise. They assign tasks, monitor progress and provide feedback to help workers improve their performance. A candidate should be able to explain how they manage their team to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

    Sample Answer: I assign tasks to my team members based on their skills and experience. I monitor their progress and provide feedback to help them improve their performance. I also meet with my team members regularly to discuss their progress and any issues they're facing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience managing a team
    • - Knowledgeable about providing feedback to workers
    • - Comfortable assigning tasks and monitoring progress

  • Question: How would you introduce a new process to your team?
  • Question Overview: IT managers introduce new processes to their teams to improve efficiency and productivity. The manager should be able to identify the best way to introduce a new process to the team, whether it's through training or a new software program. A candidate should be able to explain how they would introduce a new process to their team.

    Sample Answer: I would first identify the best way to introduce a new process to my team. If it's a software program, I'd train the staff on how to use it. If it's a new procedure, I'd provide training and then monitor the staff's progress until they're comfortable with the changes.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledgeable about the best way to introduce a new process
    • - Comfortable training staff on new processes
    • - Experience with introducing new software programs

  • Question: How can you add value to our company?
  • Question Overview: An IT manager should be able to add value to your company by improving the efficiency of your IT services and systems. A candidate should be able to explain how they can improve your company's IT services and systems.

    Sample Answer: I can improve your company's IT services by implementing new software and hardware. I'll also make sure that all of your systems are up-to-date and secure. I'll also help you with your network security and data backup.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience improving IT services
    • - Knowledgeable about the latest technology
    • - Commitment to staying abreast of the latest technology

  • Question: How do you handle situations when a coworker asks you to compromise your integrity?
  • Question Overview: IT managers are responsible for the integrity of their team and the projects they work on. They must also be able to identify when a coworker is asking them to compromise their integrity. A candidate should be able to explain how they handle situations when a coworker asks them to compromise their integrity.

    Sample Answer: I would explain that I'm not comfortable compromising my integrity and that I'd like to discuss the situation with my manager. I would then report the incident to my manager and ask for advice on how to handle the situation.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Commitment to maintaining integrity
    • - Ability to identify when a coworker is asking them to compromise their integrity
    • - Skills in handling situations when a coworker asks them to compromise their integrity

  • Question: What motivates you to work hard?
  • Question Overview: A candidate should be motivated to work hard to complete projects and meet deadlines. They should also be motivated to work hard to help your company grow and succeed. A candidate should be able to explain their motivations for working hard and how they've demonstrated their motivation in the past.

    Sample Answer: I'm motivated to work hard because I want to help my company grow and succeed. I've demonstrated my motivation by completing projects on time and working hard to meet deadlines.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Motivated to work hard
    • - Demonstrated commitment to completing projects
    • - Commitment to helping the company succeed

  • Question: Can you tell me about yourself?
  • Question Overview: This is a general question that gives you an opportunity to highlight your skills and experience. You should discuss your education, work history and any other relevant information that will help the interviewer get to know you better. You should also mention your career goals and how you're interested in the position.

    Sample Answer: I'm a recent graduate with a degree in computer science. I've been working as an IT manager for the past two years and I'm interested in a career in this field. My goal is to become a successful IT manager and lead a team of workers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A candidate should be able to explain their career goals and how they relate to the position

  • Question: What do you think makes you a good fit for this position?
  • Question Overview: A good candidate should be able to explain why they're a good fit for the position. They should be able to explain how their skills and experience are relevant to the job and how they can contribute to the organization.

    Sample Answer: I'm a good fit for this position because I have a strong background in IT management and I'm familiar with the company's operations. My experience managing IT projects and staff will help me contribute to your organization.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the position's duties
    • - Skills that align with the job's requirements
    • - Experience that shows you're qualified for the job

  • Question: Can you be both a subject matter expert and a leader?
  • Question Overview: IT managers are responsible for leading teams of workers and overseeing the completion of projects. They must be able to perform tasks and provide guidance to workers. A candidate should be able to demonstrate that they can lead a team and provide guidance while also being an expert in the field.

    Sample Answer: I've led teams of workers to complete projects and provided guidance throughout the process. I've also been a subject matter expert on several projects and have been able to provide guidance to my team members.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience leading teams
    • - Expertise in the field
    • - Ability to work with a team to complete projects

  • Question: Tell me about a technical project you were involved with.
  • Question Overview: A technical project is a service or system that requires the use of technology. An IT manager should be able to identify the type of project they were involved with and explain how they contributed to the project's success. A candidate should be able to provide details about their role in the project and how they helped it succeed.

    Sample Answer: I was involved with a technical project that required the installation of new software and hardware. I developed a plan for the project and assigned tasks to team members. I also provided training for the staff to implement the changes into everyday practices.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience with technical projects
    • - Knowledge of how to contribute to a project's success
    • - Skills in managing technical projects

  • Question: Why do you want to work with us?
  • Question Overview: It's important for a candidate to be enthusiastic about the company they're interviewing with. They should be able to explain why they want to work with your company and what they like about the business. A good answer will show that the candidate is interested in the company and its goals.

    Sample Answer: I'm interested in working with your company because I believe in your mission and goals. I've read about your company and understand how you help clients. I'm passionate about technology and want to work with a company that shares my interests.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company
    • - Commitment to working with the company
    • - Passion for the company's goals

  • Question: What is your experience in CI/CD?
  • Question Overview: Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) is a software development process that involves automating the build, test and deployment of applications. A candidate should be familiar with the CI/CD process and how it's used to streamline software development.

    Sample Answer: I've used the CI/CD process to automate the build, test and deployment of applications. I've also used it to set up a continuous integration environment for my team to use.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience with CI/CD
    • - Knowledge of the CI/CD process
    • - Commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest software development trends

  • Question: How many usable IP addresses are there in a /22 network?
  • Question Overview: An IP address is a unique identifier for a device connected to the internet. IP addresses are grouped together in blocks to make it easier for organizations to manage them. An IP address block is a set of consecutive IP addresses that are assigned to a company or organization. A candidate should be able to identify the number of usable IP addresses in a block.

    Sample Answer: There are 22 usable IP addresses in a /22 network.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of how IP addresses are grouped
    • - Knowledge of how IP addresses are assigned to organizations
    • - Understanding of how IP address blocks are used

  • Question: How would you handle a difficult or frustrated person when tackling an IT issue?
  • Question Overview: IT managers are responsible for handling difficult people and situations when they arise. They need to be able to handle angry or frustrated clients and coworkers when they're dealing with IT issues. A candidate should be able to remain calm and collected when dealing with difficult people and situations.

    Sample Answer: I would listen to the client's concerns and offer solutions to their problems. I would also explain the steps I was taking to resolve the issue and provide updates until the problem was resolved.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience dealing with difficult people
    • - Comfortable handling angry or frustrated clients
    • - Ability to remain calm in stressful situations