Hiring the right manager isn’t just about checking boxes on a resume—it’s about choosing someone who can think on their feet, make smart decisions, and lead teams with confidence. Today, mid- and senior-level managers are expected to juggle competing priorities, solve complex problems, and drive performance—all while keeping their teams motivated.
Whether you’re hiring an Operations Manager, HR Manager, or Accounting Supervisor, one trait separates good managers from great ones: decision-making. But how do you accurately assess this critical skill during the hiring process? Here are proven strategies to help you uncover how candidates really think, act under pressure, and lead with purpose.
Use Scenario-Based Questions
Asking candidates to respond to real-life or hypothetical workplace challenges gives insight into how they approach problems, analyze risks, and prioritize outcomes. These questions help uncover strategic thinking and practical judgment.
Example:
“Imagine your team is missing key project deadlines because of a staffing shortage. What steps would you take to get back on track, and how would you communicate those decisions to your team and leadership?”
Follow-up:
“What would success look like in this situation, and how would you measure the impact of your solution?”
Leverage Behavioral Interviews
Behavioral questions reveal how a candidate has approached past decisions—especially those involving pressure, conflict, or ambiguity. These questions show whether someone takes initiative, learns from mistakes, and adapts to change.
Example:
“Tell me about a time you had to make a tough call without complete information. What was your process, and what happened as a result?”
Follow-up:
“If you had a chance to revisit that decision, would you do anything differently?”
Evaluate Problem-Solving with Case Scenarios
Providing candidates with a mini case study—like a departmental budget cut or process inefficiency—can simulate real challenges and reveal how they tackle complex decisions.
What to look for:
- Can they identify the core problem quickly?
- Do they consider both short- and long-term outcomes?
- Are their solutions realistic and aligned with company goals?
- How do they present and explain their decisions?
Test Alignment with Company Values
The best managers don’t just solve problems—they do it in a way that supports company values, engages their teams, and maintains trust. Assess how a candidate’s decision-making reflects emotional intelligence and cultural alignment.
Example:
“How do you balance meeting team KPIs with maintaining employee engagement? Can you share a decision you made that supported both?”
Follow-up:
“What role do your personal values play in leading your team and resolving workplace challenges?”
Hire High-Impact Leaders with A.R. Mazzotta
Hiring the right manager means hiring someone who can think on their feet, make smart decisions, and lead with clarity and confidence. At A.R. Mazzotta, we help Connecticut employers find experienced, capable leaders who are ready to drive results—whether it’s in finance, administration, manufacturing, or beyond.
Our screening process and personalized approach ensure we connect you with management-level talent who meet the job requirements and make a lasting impact.
