Part of any management job is to to have to fire certain employees when things don’t work out, or the company needs you to fire them. Answering these types of management interview questions can be difficult. You need to be able to fire someone – it is part of your job duties. Yet, at the same time, it is important that you do not come off as callous or lacking empathy.
This is one of the most important interview questions for a manager. It is vital that you answer this question correctly.
How to Answer
Focus on the company’s needs, yet acknowledge that it has always been difficult and it will always be difficult. Make sure you show empathy, but the willingness to put the company ahead of your own needs.
Bad Answer
“Yes, I have fired people before. I don’t have a problem with it. If it needs to be done, it needs to be done.”
Good Answer
“Yes, I have. Though it is never easy, for the company to succeed, it must make tough decisions on those in its employ. Without making those tough decisions, the company would fail and everyone that works for it would be without employment. I recognize that, so while I may not enjoy it, I also know that it is these tough decisions that help the company survive in the tough economy.”
Make sure you show that you show you know why layoffs must occur, and that you are loyal to the company’s long term plan.
Take Away Interview Tips
- Focus on the needs of the company.
- Never act like you enjoy firing people.
To fired or to fire?
Thanks for that. Fixed.