Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for GM Roles – 2025

Preparing for a general manager job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and experience in managing a team and achieving business goals. Whether you’re applying for a role in a small or large company, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your previous experience as a general manager.
  A: I have been working in the role of general manager for the past seven years. In my previous position at XYZ company, I successfully led a team of 50 employees and increased annual revenue by 20%.
• 2. How do you motivate your team to achieve their goals?
  A: I strongly believe in setting clear goals and providing regular feedback and recognition to my team. I also make an effort to understand each team member's strengths and assign them tasks accordingly to keep them engaged and motivated.
• 3. How do you handle difficult team members or conflicts within a team?
  A: I approach conflicts with an open mind and try to resolve them by listening to both sides and finding a mutually beneficial solution. I also make sure that all team members feel heard and valued throughout the process.
• 4. What is your leadership style?
  A: I am a collaborative leader, and I believe in empowering my team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. I also prioritize open communication and encourage feedback from my team.
• 5. How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects at once?
  A: I use a combination of project management tools and regular check-ins with team members to ensure all projects are on track and deadlines are met. I also prioritize tasks based on their impact on business goals.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult decision as a general manager.
  A: In my previous role, our company was facing financial difficulties and had to make tough decisions to cut costs. I had to make the difficult decision to downsize our team, but I made sure to support and assist those affected in finding new opportunities.
• 7. How do you handle stress and maintain a positive attitude in high-pressure situations?
  A: I believe in prioritizing self-care and finding a balance between work and personal life. In high-pressure situations, I focus on problem-solving and seeking support from my team and superiors when needed.
• 8. Can you provide an example of a time when you took the lead on a major project and saw it through to success?
  A: In my previous role, I led a project to expand our services into a new market. I worked closely with cross-functional teams and developed a comprehensive strategy that resulted in a successful launch and significant increase in revenue.
• 9. Tell us about a time when you had to resolve a difficult customer complaint.
  A: During my time at XYZ company, I received a complaint from a customer who had a negative experience with our product. I listened to their concerns, apologized for their experience, and offered a full refund. I also took immediate action to ensure the issue would not happen again.
• 10. How do you stay updated on industry trends and changes?
  A: I make sure to regularly attend industry conferences and seminars, and I am a member of several professional organizations. I also stay updated through networking with colleagues and reading industry publications.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where a project is behind schedule and over budget?
  A: I would first assess the reasons for the delay and work with the team to come up with a plan to get back on track. I would also review the budget and make necessary adjustments to ensure the project stays within budget.
• 12. How would you handle a team member who consistently misses deadlines?
  A: I would have a one-on-one conversation with the team member to understand the reason for the missed deadlines. I would also provide support and resources to help them meet their deadlines and offer feedback to improve their time management skills.
• 13. How would you handle a disagreement with a senior manager or executive?
  A: I would approach the disagreement with respect and actively listen to their perspective. I would also present data and facts to support my position and work towards finding a compromise that benefits the company.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where one of your team members is not performing up to expectations?
  A: I would first have a private conversation with the team member to understand the reason for their underperformance. I would then offer support and resources to help them improve and set clear expectations for future performance reviews.
• 15. How would you handle a sudden crisis or emergency in the workplace?
  A: I would immediately take charge and gather all necessary information to assess the situation. I would then work with the appropriate teams to address the crisis and communicate updates to all stakeholders.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 16. What experience do you have in budget management?
  A: In my current role, I manage a budget of 2 million dollars annually. I am responsible for creating and adhering to budget plans, monitoring expenses, and finding cost-saving opportunities.
• 17. How do you stay updated on industry regulations and compliance?
  A: I make sure to attend regular training and workshops on compliance laws and regulations. I also have a strong understanding of our company's policies and procedures and ensure all team members are informed and compliant.
• 18. What experience do you have in managing a team remotely?
  A: In the past year, I have successfully led a remote team of 20 employees. I prioritize regular check-ins and open communication to ensure tasks are completed efficiently, and team members feel supported.
• 19. How do you handle performance evaluations for your team members?
  A: I believe in providing regular feedback and setting SMART goals for each team member, which we review during performance evaluations. I also offer opportunities for growth and development and recognize and reward exceptional performance.
• 20. What experience do you have in implementing new processes or systems?
  A: In my current role, I led a project to transition our hardware and software systems to a cloud-based solution. I worked closely with the IT team and provided thorough training and support for all employees during and after the implementation process.