- What would you consider your best leadership characteristics? …
- Describe a time when you had to address poor performance. …
- Can you explain how you go about prioritizing tasks? …
- Describe a plan you implemented that failed.
Department managers are just ordinary managers but with a broader scope. They manage a larger workspace, work with a bigger budget, and lead more employees. They also have more responsibilities.
This article will look at some of the questions you should expect in a department manager’s interview to increase your chances of landing the job.
Head Of Department Interview Questions
What prompted you to apply for a job at [school]?
Asking why you applied for a job at a specific school is common in head of department interviews. When interviewers question why youd like to work for them, they use your answer to understand if youve researched the school, your goals and your motivations for seeking a job in this position. Acknowledging why you applied for the job, proving your research and explaining your career goals are valuable for this answer.
Answer: As one of the top five schools in Birmingham, I applied for a role at [school] to broaden my horizons and seek a position that focuses on excellence and top-quality education. In my experience, I worked in a college environment, and Id enjoy the challenge of being at the forefront of childrens educational futures by supporting them through their GCSEs. Im confident my experience working in higher education would be valuable as a department head. My ultimate goal is to improve my knowledge and skill to enhance education for the teachers I supervise and the students they support.
How do you handle teachers that resist change?
Understanding how youd manage the people you supervise is crucial for interviewers when hiring for management positions. As heads of departments have involvement in delegating and supporting teachers, hiring managers look for answers that include leadership, problem-solving and collaboration in the workplace. A past example of how youve handled such a situation can be helpful to illustrate your answer.
Answer: In my role as head of maths at [school], weve undergone numerous changes to the curriculum to account for new educational requirements. As such, I have plenty of experience in handling uncooperative environments. In one case, where a teacher was resistant to change, I took the time to sit down with them and cover the full extent of the new teaching method. Through taking the time to listen and the opportunity to elaborate on instructions, that teacher was able to see those changes in a new light and they implemented the new tools in the classroom as a result.
What questions may interviewers ask during a head of department interview?
As head of department roles cover a range of working environments and specialisations, the questions at an interview vary. For example, head of maths interview questions for a college may differ from head of year interview questions for a secondary school. Depending on the specifics of your role, interviewers may tailor their questions to specific subject areas.
For instance, you could have a question about implementing new STEM theories into a curriculum or the most effective way to support other teachers in improving class grades. Alongside industry-related questions, interviewers may also use their time in an interview to decide whether youre a good cultural fit for their educational environment. For example, a high-performing academy may have different requirements from an art-focused college or university. Preparing for many kinds of interview questions can help you answer each one effectively and concisely, and make the best possible impression on a hiring manager.
How to prepare answers for head of department interview questions
To help you prepare for the interview, run through commonly asked interview questions for a head of department and work out some answers. After you have completed your own answers, spend some time reflecting upon them. In the interview, you can alter the answers as required to meet the exact question you are being asked.
It also helps to learn what qualities and skills the interviewer will be looking for, so that you can think about how you meet them. Although each head of department position will be different, there are common qualities and skills which the interviewer will be looking for. Prepare for this by thinking of some examples of how you are proficient in the following: expertise in your teaching subject, teaching skills, using assessment data, student care, organisation and people management. Be alert for suitable moments during the interview to appropriately tie in any examples of these themes.
Attending an interview is daunting enough, but when you’re up for your school’s Head of Department role, or – even worse – interviewing at a new school for a Head of Department role, teachers will quite rightfully find themselves nervous. As with many things, interview fear is often just fear of the unknown, so we’re here with a few sample Head of Department role interview questions that you can practice before the big day.
What are the Roles of a Department Manager?
Do you know your mandates as a department manager? You need to assure the interviewer that you understand what your job description entails and live up to it. Make sure that everything you mention is role-related. You can either refer to your job experience or the particular job description when answering this question.
Sample Answer
A department manager plays several roles within the organization. He/she manages staff, controls stock, implements strategies to improve sales, hits sales targets, analyzes accounts, handles customer queries and complaints, and forecasts future sales. (These are just a few roles. You can choose to be as detailed as possible)
One of the most useful interview tactics is to remain positive about your work and achievements. This question lets the candidate draw on their own personal history to show how they have been positive and successful in the face of difficulties. Choose a specific occasion to describe, rather than dealing with generic platitudes.
There are some questions that your potential employer arent allowed to ask (but trust me, they probably want to). For instance, they shouldnt really ask about your family or how far away you live from your potential place of employment. If you can find a way to answer these questions anyway (with the answers they want to hear), that will give them a little added info to help them make the (right) decision!
One of employees was conflicting with other and colleague who was prove his was wrong hi denied and was invite union to defend him but we have prove his wrong and I was facing disciplinary action.
Seemingly random personality-test type questions like these come up in interviews generally because hiring managers want to see how you can think on your feet. Theres no wrong answer here, but youll immediately gain bonus points if your answer helps you share your strengths or personality or connect with the hiring manager. Pro tip: Come up with a stalling tactic to buy yourself some thinking time, such as saying, “Now, that is a great question. I think I would have to say… ”
This question can be tricky because you need to show your worth As Department Head without sounding cocky or arrogant. Research the business ahead of time and become familiar with its mission and values. Take the time to figure out how your personal qualities fit the needs of the business and use that fit to provide your answer.
FAQ
What questions should I ask a new department head?
- Who should I meet with outside of our team? …
- How do you prefer to communicate? …
- What’s the best way to ask for your input and feedback? …
- What can I do to support the team and add value to the organization? …
- What would you do if you were in my shoes? …
- How can I further develop my potential?
How do you prepare for a department interview?
- What is your approach to delegation? …
- What skills, in your opinion, are most important in a department manager? …
- Describe an experience where you had to manage conflict in the workplace. …
- How do you ensure your staff does not fall complacent in their duties?
Why should we hire you for department manager?
- Research the role. …
- Consider the company. …
- Read up on the field. …
- Mention recent news. …
- Research the hiring committee. …
- Prepare yourself for criticism. …
- Expect tough questions. …
- Build a brag book.
