28 service delivery manager interview questions and answers pdf

28 Service delivery manager interview questions and answers pdf ebook free download.

In this post, let me share all of you about #top 28 common Service delivery manager interview questions and answers. If you need more details such as: Service delivery manager behavioral interview, Service delivery manager interview process, Service delivery manager interview tips...pls leave your comments below.

1. Service delivery manager interview question: Tell me a little about yourself.

Where to start? What do they want to know? Should I start in high school, college, first grade? It’s one of the most frequently asked questions in an interview: Tell me about yourself. The way you answer this question will set the tone for the rest of the interview. This can be a challenging question to answer if you are not prepared for it, but it’s really asked as an icebreaker.

Briefly talk about your current employer. Discuss 2-3 of your most significant accomplishments. Talk about a few of your key strengths as they relate to the job for which you are applying and how they can benefit from your strengths. Then discuss how you see yourself fitting into a position at their company.

Related posts: 10 tips to answer question: tell me about yourself?

2. How would you describe your management style?

One of the most common management job interview questions is going to be about your specific management style. There are various ways to answer this question. You may be tempted to share a specific management style, but the best answer to this question is, “I choose to adapt my management techniques based on the present situation, as work environments are constantly dynamic and often need to be handled in unique, novel ways.”

3. Service delivery manager interview question: What are your greatest strengths?

They are asking you this in a broad sense. So ask yourself:  What are you best at doing?

Are you a good leader?
Are you a skilled time manager?
Are you a great communicator?
Are you a detailed planner?
Are you good at convincing others?
Whatever you are best at doing, give the interviewer the top 2 or 3 things you excel at.

DO THIS when answering: What are your greatest strengths?

+ Research the job description to find out what they are looking for and leverage your strengths to match.
+ If leadership is something they are looking for talk about your experience as a leader and projects you have successfully led.
+ Your strengths should be aligned with the requirements of the position you are applying for.
+ Talk about your strengths as a solution to their problems.

DON’T DO THIS:

+ Don’t rattle of a list of strengths that are out of context with the job.
+ Don’t list personal strengths, like that you’re a good parent.
+ Don’t list strengths that you are unable to articulate through work experience.
+ Don’t say you’re not sure.
+ Don’t tell them you don’t have any.
+ Don’t be modest when you answer because this is an opportunity to sell yourself.

4. What is your decision making process?

When you hear this question, the interviewer is interested in the factors you consider when making a business decision. Therefore, there are technically no right or wrong answers. We suggest that you begin with an outline of your process. You might start with a general statement, such as, “I gather all the available information to me, analyze the options, and prioritize outcomes based on the project and company goals and objectives.” Then, follow up with a specific example of a decision-making situation from your experience.

5. Service delivery manager interview question: Why did you leave your last job?

Unless you’re still working, you will get asked this question. Even if you are working, they will ask you why you want to leave. But more often than not, if you are not working, chances are that you were laid off, terminated, or quit. You just have to let them know the reasoning behind why you are not working at your most recent job.

If you left of your own free will, then explain why you left and what your plans were in doing so. If you were fired for performance reasons, a simple explanation is all that is needed, but make sure this will not affect the requirements for this new job. If you were laid off, let them know several members of your team were laid off due to the economy and slowing product sales. But warm that up a bit and put it into your own words so it makes sense.

DO THIS when answering:  Why did you leave your last job?

+ If you left of your own free will, tell them why you left and reflect positively on your former employer. Tell them it was a hard decision to make but you felt it was the right choice for you.
+ If you were fired, be as brief as possible in your explanation and accept responsibility for what happened.
+ If you were laid off due to downsizing or the economy then tell them this as long as it’s true.

DON’T DO THIS:

+ Don’t bad mouth your past company, boss or co-workers
+ Don’t say that the pay was bad and you wanted more money.
+ Don’t say that the hours were terrible.
+ Don’t say that you could not get along with your manager.
+ Don’t lie if you were terminated.
+ Don’t defend yourself or place blame on the employer.

6. What is your definition of failure?

This question is really just the opposite of your definition of success. What does failure mean to you and how do you know you have failed within a given time frame. Keep in mind that failure is just a perspective.

“For starters, failure is an event and not a person and you only fail if you quit and I’m not a quitter. I may not complete a project on time or miss an important deadline, but that does not qualify as having failed in my book. If I complete a task, but miss a deadline, I still consider it a success because I finished, but without the desired result.”

7. Service delivery manager interview question: What do you know about the company?

Any candidate can read and regurgitate the company’s “About” page. So, when interviewers ask this, they aren't necessarily trying to gauge whether you understand the mission—they want to know whether you care about it. Start with one line that shows you understand the company's goals, using a couple key words and phrases from the website, but then go on to make it personal. Say, “I’m personally drawn to this mission because…” or “I really believe in this approach because…” and share a personal example or two.

8. Describe your process for delegating tasks to your team.

This is one of the more popular manager interview questions because, as a manager, delegation is a critical part of the job. There is no right or wrong answer to this question either, so answer honestly. For example, start by clarifying that you delegate according to individual team members’ strengths. Explain how you manage the distribution of tasks so that the work is divided evenly among members for maximum efficiency. Then, provide a specific (and successful) example from your work experience. Break down your example into the same steps you described as your process for delegating tasks. There! That wasn’t so bad, right?

9. Service delivery manager interview question: What are your long term career goals?

This top 10 question is asked to see how goal oriented you are with your life and if you have a short or long term goal or plan for your career. Don’t say that you don’t know.

This is a good chance to tell the interviewer how you progressed through your career, how you started and where you are at, today, and that you are right on track. Be specific and to the point. Again, this is a short answer question.

You can really turn this answer around any which way that works best for you. The basic idea that you want to get across to the interviewer is that you have a plan for where you are going. Most people don’t, they just wander around from job to job, but not you.

For what every position or qualifications you possess, identify the next logical step for that position and use that as your answer. Try to avoid job titles and focus on gaining experience and responsibilities.

“For the past 3 years, I have been working as a systems analyst and I see myself growing by moving into more challenging roles, with greater responsibility perhaps in management, or project management.”

Related post: 10 tips to answer question: Where do you see yourself in five years

10. How would you handle a project that was running over budget?

Let’s face it — budgets are stressful. This is asked for two reasons: to learn how you handle stress and to understand your budgeting skills. Provide an example from your own experience in your answer. If you don’t have an example that works, describe honestly how you would deal with a budget issue. Your interviewer will want to see how you prioritize tasks and what soft skills you use to make the rest of the project run efficiently and within the budget. Don’t give an example where your project went over budget and you were not able to resolve it. For this type of question, it’s important to focus on an example that shows you can foresee issues and re-align your project to stay on track with the budget. Take a deep breath, and get ready for more manager interview questions.

11. Service delivery manager interview question: What are your biggest weaknesses?

Every candidate knows how to answer this question: Just pick a theoretical weakness and magically transform that flaw into a strength in disguise!

For example: "My biggest weakness is getting so absorbed in my work that I lose all track of time. Every day I look up and realize everyone has gone home! I know I should be more aware of the clock, but when I love what I'm doing I just can't think of anything else."

So your "biggest weakness" is that you'll put in more hours than everyone else? Great...

A better approach is to choose an actual weakness, but one you're working to improve. Share what you're doing to overcome that weakness. No one is perfect, but showing you're willing to honestly self-assess and then seek ways to improve comes pretty darned close.

12. How do you keep your team motivated?

This is one of the most great manager interview questions. As a leader, your team looks to you set the tone of morale and motivation. Interviewers seek the following in your answer: your communication style, specific things you do to empower your employees, and how you take time to get to know your employees (so that you understand what motivates them on an individual level). In your answer, give specific examples of ways that you provided positive communication to your team, encouraged them to take initiative, and understood each person’s strengths. In addition, explain how you’ve shown recognition to employees who meet expectations.

13. Service delivery manager interview question: What do you consider to be your biggest professional achievement?

Here's an interview question that definitely requires an answer relevant to the job. If you say your biggest achievement was improving throughput by 18 percent in six months but you're interviewing for a leadership role in human resources ... that answer is interesting but ultimately irrelevant.

Instead, talk about an underperforming employee you "rescued," or how you overcame infighting between departments, or how so many of your direct reports have been promoted....

The goal is to share achievements that let the interviewer imagine you in the position -- and see you succeeding.

14. How do you support an employee who is not meeting expectations?

It’s important to have a good example on hand for all manager interview questions, but it’s especially critical here. Interviewers ask this question to determine how you will work with a direct report to encourage success. They will look for methods, such as giving clear feedback to an employee then working together to develop an action plan that supports meeting performance goals in the future. Be sure to include examples from your own experience.

15. Service delivery manager interview question: What was your salary in your last job?

This is a tough one. You want to be open and honest, but frankly, some companies ask the question as the opening move in salary negotiations.

Try an approach recommended by Liz Ryan. When asked, say, "I'm focusing on jobs in the $50K range. Is this position in that range?" (Frankly, you should already know -- but this is a good way to deflect.)

Maybe the interviewer will answer; maybe she won't. If she presses you for an answer, you'll have to decide whether you want to share or demur. Ultimately your answer won't matter too much, because you'll either accept the salary offered or you won't, depending on what you think is fair.

Related post: Tips to answer question: what are your salary expectations?

16. How would your coworkers describe you? How would your direct reports describe you?

These are a couple of tough manager interview questions, but they do come up often in these types of interviews. These questions are designed to see how well you relate to your peers, as well as those who work for you. The best way to answer this question is to be positive, but sincere. Your answer is a great opportunity to speak about your strengths as a manager, so be sure to talk about the characteristics that make you an excellent manager. Avoid sounding absolutely perfect, though, as your interviewer will think that you are making up everything!

17. Service delivery manager interview question: Do you have any questions for us?

Beware of candidates who say “no” or that everything has been thoroughly discussed, Enelow says. Now is the time for them to re-emphasize why they’re the most logical choice for the opening by asking key questions they’ve prepared and haven’t had a chance to voice. Those who want to learn more about the company’s professional development opportunities or ask what you personally like best about working there are looking for insights to help them decide whether to accept an offer if it’s extended.

Related post:  10 questions to ask employer at an interview

18. Are you a risk taker?

Yes, this is a tough one. The best way to answer this interview manager question is to do your research on the company. Get a good idea of the company’s culture and goals. If this is a company that moves quickly and praises risks taken by management, then play up your ability to take calculated, informed risks. If this company prides itself on its steadiness, then it’s a good idea to focus on your preference to make only fully-informed decisions. Don’t lie. Accept that you’re a multifaceted worker, but some facets fare better in certain environments.

19. Service delivery manager interview question: Out of all the other candidates, why should we hire you?

Since a candidate cannot compare himself with people he doesn't know, all he can do is describe his incredible passion and desire and commitment and ... well, basically beg for the job. (Way too many interviewers ask the question and then sit back, arms folded, as if to say, "Go ahead. I'm listening. Try to convince me.")

And you learn nothing of substance.

Here's a better question: "What do you feel I need to know that we haven't discussed?" Or even "If you could get a do-over on one of my questions, how would you answer it now?"

Rarely do candidates come to the end of an interview feeling they've done their best. Maybe the conversation went in an unexpected direction. Maybe the interviewer focused on one aspect of their skills and totally ignored other key attributes. Or maybe candidates started the interview nervous and hesitant, and now wish they could go back and better describe their qualifications and experience.

Plus, think of it this way: Your goal as an interviewer is to learn as much as you possibly can about every candidate, so don't you want to give them the chance to ensure you do?

Just make sure to turn this part of the interview into a conversation, not a soliloquy. Don't just passively listen and then say, "Thanks. We'll be in touch." Ask follow-up questions. Ask for examples.

And of course if you're asked this question ... use it as a chance to highlight things you haven't been able to touch on.

20. What Would You Do if You Had a Subordinate Doing Their Job Inefficiently?

True leadership is about personal responsibility. That is why an effective answer to this question is, “I consider anyone who works with me to be an extension of my effectiveness as manager. I will discuss any problems with the employee individually and honestly, but if their work affects the bottom line of the company, their shortcomings are also my responsibility.”

21. Service delivery manager interview question: What can we expect from you in your first three months?

Ideally the answer to this should come from the employer: They should have plans and expectations for you.

But if you're asked, use this general framework:

+ You'll work hard to determine how your job creates value -- you won't just stay busy, you'll stay busy doing the right things.
+ You'll learn how to serve all your constituents -- your boss, your employees, your peers, your customers, and your suppliers and vendors.
+ You'll focus on doing what you do best -- you'll be hired because you bring certain skills, and you'll apply those skills to make things happen.
+ You'll make a difference -- with customers, with other employees, to bring enthusiasm and focus and a sense of commitment and teamwork.

Then just layer in specifics that are applicable to you and the job.

22. Service delivery manager interview question: Why do you want this job?

Again, companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job, so you should have a great answer about why you want the position. (And if you don't? You probably should apply elsewhere.) First, identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you (e.g., “I love customer support because I love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a problem"), then share why you love the company (e.g., “I’ve always been passionate about education, and I think you guys are doing great things, so I want to be a part of i

23. Service delivery manager interview question: What can you contribute to this company?

Often in job interviews, you will get a question about how you will contribute to or add value to a company. This question gives you a chance to explain what makes you stand out among all the other candidates and how you will be an asset to that particular company. If you're asked about what you can contribute to the organization, you'll have the perfect opportunity to show the interviewer why you're a good candidate for the job.

The company wants to discover how you can help and what you'll be able to accomplish, if you were to be hired.

How to Prepare a Response

The best way to answer questions about your contributions to the company is to give examples of what you have accomplished in the past and to relate them to what you can achieve in the future. This is known as the STAR interview response method. It provides a simply way to remember how to respond to interview questions: Situation (describe), Task (what you decided to do), Action (how you completed the task), and Result (the outcome of the situation).

First of all, be sure to have researched the company prior to the interview, so you are familiar with the company's mission. Try to identify the company’s specific needs, and then respond by giving examples as to why your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience will make you an asset for the employer in fulfilling these needs.

Take a few moments to compare your goals with the objectives of the company and the position. Match your qualifications to the job, so you're prepared to share what you have to offer. Also, be ready to mention what you have accomplished in your other jobs. Your goal is to impress the interviewer with your accomplishments to date and what you expect to accomplish if you were to be hired.

24. Service delivery manager interview question: Why was there a gap in your employment?

If you were unemployed for a period of time, be direct and to the point about what you’ve been up to (and hopefully, that’s a litany of impressive volunteer and other mind-enriching activities, like blogging or taking classes). Then, steer the conversation toward how you will do the job and contribute to the organization: “I decided to take a break at the time, but today I’m ready to contribute to this organization in the following ways.”

25. Service delivery manager interview question: How would your boss and co-workers describe you?

First of all, be honest (remember, if you get this job, the hiring manager will be calling your former bosses and co-workers!). Then, try to pull out strengths and traits you haven't discussed in other aspects of the interview, such as your strong work ethic or your willingness to pitch in on other projects when needed.

26. Service delivery manager interview question: Describe your dream job?

Three words describe how you should answer this question: relevance, relevance, relevance.

But that doesn't mean you have to make up an answer. You can learn something from every job. You can develop skills in every job. Work backward: Identify things about the job you're interviewing for that will help you if you do land your dream job someday, and then describe how those things apply to what you hope to someday do.
And don't be afraid to admit that you might someday move on, whether to join another company or -- better -- to start your own business. Employers no longer expect "forever" employees.

27. Service delivery manager interview question: What kind of work environment do you like best?

Maybe you love working alone ... but if the job you're interviewing for is in a call center, that answer will do you no good.

So take a step back and think about the job you're applying for and the company's culture (because every company has one, whether intentional or unintentional). If a flexible schedule is important to you, but the company doesn't offer one, focus on something else. If you like constant direction and support and the company expects employees to self-manage, focus on something else.

Find ways to highlight how the company's environment will work well for you -- and if you can't find ways, don't take the job, because you'll be miserable.

28. Service delivery manager interview question: What really drives results in this job?

Employees are investments, and you expect every employee to generate a positive return on his or her salary. (Otherwise why do you have them on the payroll?)

In every job some activities make a bigger difference than others. You need your HR team to fill job openings, but what you really want is for them to find the right candidates, because that results in higher retention rates, lower training costs, and better overall productivity.

You need your service techs to perform effective repairs, but what you really want is for those techs to identify ways to solve problems and provide other benefits -- in short, to build customer relationships and even generate additional sales.

Great candidates want to know what truly makes a difference and drives results, because they know helping the company succeed means they will succeed as well.

Useful materials for your job interview:

+ 14 tips to prepare for your job interview
+ Common mistakes in a job interview
+ Best hack tips for job interview
+ Tips to answer behavioral interview questions