So, you’re ready to hire a community manager. You’ve already answered these three questions. Yes, that’s a community manager you want to take care of your relationships with your users, speak up for them, help them connect with each other, get them more involved, and keep them around.
That person is the community manager you need, and they are also the kind of person who would truly represent your community. You’ve even posted the job and have a dozen interviews lined up. But how do you distinguish top talent from the rest?.
It’s really tough to hire people for community work, especially since the best person to represent your community might not have any formal experience running a community. They could be brand new from college or have worked in a completely different field for ten years. The ideal candidate could have three years of experience in community work. The good thing is that many of the tactical skills of community can be taught. The softer skills, however, are that much harder.
These are the questions that I have found are best at identifying true community management talent during interviews:
Ready to join the WeWork revolution? This global workspace provider is known for its innovative approach to co-working offering dynamic collaborative environments for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and businesses of all sizes. But before you can become part of this dynamic team, you’ll need to ace your WeWork interview.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the insights and strategies you need to confidently answer the most common WeWork interview questions.
Get ready to impress your interviewer and land your dream job at WeWork!
WeWork Interview Questions: Your Ultimate Guide
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
- WeWork’s Hiring Process: A detailed overview of what to expect from the WeWork interview process, from phone screenings to in-person interviews and presentations.
- Common WeWork Interview Questions: A comprehensive list of the most frequently asked WeWork interview questions, along with expert advice on how to answer them effectively.
- Additional Resources: Links to valuable resources that can help you prepare for your WeWork interview and learn more about the company’s culture and values.
Let’s dive into the details!
WeWork’s Hiring Process: What to Expect
The WeWork hiring process typically involves multiple stages
- Phone Screenings: This initial stage involves a brief phone conversation with a recruiter to assess your basic qualifications and interest in the position.
- In-Person or Video Interviews: If you successfully pass the phone screening, you’ll be invited for an in-person or video interview with a hiring manager and potentially other team members. This interview will delve deeper into your skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role.
- Presentations or Assignments: In some cases, you may be asked to present a sample project or complete an assignment related to the position. This allows the hiring team to assess your problem-solving abilities and communication skills.
Overall, the WeWork interview process is known to be positive and friendly. However, candidates have reported delays in communication and feedback. It’s essential to be patient and persistent throughout the process.
Common WeWork Interview Questions: How to Answer Like a Pro
Now. let’s tackle the most frequently asked WeWork interview questions
1. Can you describe your experience managing a coworking space, and how you ensured member satisfaction?
This question aims to gauge your understanding of managing a coworking space and your ability to deliver a positive member experience.
How to answer:
- Highlight your experience in managing coworking spaces, including operational duties and community-building initiatives.
- Share specific examples of how you took actions to enhance member satisfaction, such as resolving issues promptly or providing personalized service.
- If you lack direct experience, discuss transferable skills like customer service or facilities management.
- Remember, demonstrating understanding of the shared workspace culture will be a plus.
Example:
“In my experience managing a coworking space, I focused on creating an environment that fostered collaboration and productivity. This involved ensuring the physical layout of the space was conducive to both individual work and team meetings, providing necessary resources like high-speed internet and printing services, and maintaining cleanliness and organization.
To ensure member satisfaction, I prioritized open communication and feedback. By checking in with members often, I was able to understand their needs and quickly deal with any problems that came up. Additionally, I organized networking events and workshops to build community within the space. People who used the coworking space were happy with it because I took care of potential problems before they happened and listened to what members wanted. “.
2. How would you handle a conflict between two members within the community?
Conflict resolution is a vital aspect of community management. This question assesses your ability to mediate disagreements and find solutions that satisfy all parties involved.
How to answer:
- Highlight your conflict resolution skills. Discuss a situation where you mediated a disagreement in a previous role.
- Show how you maintain impartiality, listen to all sides, and work towards a solution that respects everyone’s perspective.
- If you haven’t experienced this before, explain the steps you would take to de-escalate the situation, ensuring fairness and preserving community harmony.
Example:
“In managing a conflict between two community members, the first step I would take is to ensure both parties feel heard. This involves meeting with each individual separately to understand their perspectives and concerns. It’s crucial to approach these conversations without bias or preconceived notions about who may be at fault.
After gathering information, I’d facilitate a mediated discussion where each party can express their viewpoints in a controlled environment. The goal of this conversation isn’t necessarily to reach an immediate resolution, but to foster understanding and empathy between the conflicting parties. If the issue persists, I might consider involving a neutral third-party mediator or implementing specific action plans based on company policies. Throughout the process, maintaining respect for all involved and ensuring confidentiality is paramount.”
3. What strategies have you used to foster a sense of community among diverse groups of people?
WeWork thrives on fostering a strong sense of community among its diverse members. This question explores your strategies for creating an inclusive environment.
How to answer:
- Begin by highlighting your experience in creating an inclusive environment.
- Share specific strategies you’ve used, such as organizing multicultural events or facilitating team-building activities that accommodate diverse interests and backgrounds.
- Mention how open communication, mutual respect, and empathy have played a key role in fostering community among diverse groups in your previous roles.
Example:
“In my experience, fostering a sense of community among diverse groups requires creating an environment that encourages open dialogue and mutual respect. For instance, I’ve organized regular team-building activities designed to highlight the value of each individual’s unique perspective and skillset. These activities ranged from collaborative problem-solving tasks to cultural exchange sessions where individuals shared aspects of their heritage with the team.
Moreover, I believe in leading by example when it comes to promoting inclusivity. I make it a point to show appreciation for varied viewpoints, actively seek input from everyone in group discussions, and ensure fair distribution of opportunities regardless of background or identity. This approach not only helps create a more cohesive community but also fosters an atmosphere conducive to innovation and creativity.”
4. Tell us about a time when you successfully organized an event or program that engaged members and contributed positively to the community.
This question assesses your ability to foster community and your experience in organizing engaging events.
How to answer:
- Reflect on your past experiences where you organized an event or program that had a positive impact.
- Consider the strategies you used to engage participants, how you promoted the event, and what were the outcomes.
- Highlight specific examples such as increased participation, community feedback, or any improvements made based on this experience.
- Remember to focus not just on the ‘what’ but also the ‘how’ – showing your planning skills, creativity, and ability to foster engagement and positivity within a community setting.
Example:
“In my previous experience, I had the opportunity to organize a weekend-long hackathon event aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration within our local tech community. The goal was not only to engage existing members but also attract new ones while contributing positively to the community by creating solutions for local businesses.
I led a team of five in planning and executing this event. We started by identifying key stakeholders, securing sponsorships, and marketing the event through various channels. During the event, we facilitated workshops, networking sessions, and mentorship opportunities that engaged participants beyond just coding. The result was an engaging event with over 150 participants from diverse backgrounds. Notably, several innovative ideas were generated, some of which have since been implemented by local businesses. Furthermore, post-event surveys indicated high satisfaction rates among participants and sponsors alike. This successful organization and execution demonstrated my ability to create impactful events that foster community engagement and positive change.”
5. Describe your approach to maintaining strong relationships with vendors, landlords, and other external partners.
Building and maintaining relationships with external partners is crucial for many roles. This question evaluates your skills in negotiation, communication, and relationship management.
How to answer:
- Emphasize your communication skills, professionalism, and reliability.
- Share examples showing how you’ve maintained connections through regular check-ins and meetings to ensure all parties are satisfied.
- Describe situations where you’ve problem-solved with partners and ensured their needs were met, while also keeping the company’s interests in mind.
- If new to this, outline steps you’d take towards relationship-building like understanding their goals, consistent communication, and providing timely responses.
Example:
“Maintaining strong relationships with vendors, landlords, and other external partners is crucial for the success of any business. My approach to this involves regular communication, transparency, and mutual respect. I believe in keeping all lines of communication open by scheduling regular check-ins or meetings to discuss ongoing projects, address concerns, and ensure that we are aligned on expectations and timelines. For example, if a vendor is unable to meet a deadline due to unforeseen circumstances, it’s important to have an open dialogue about how to best manage the situation rather than assigning blame. Transparency, too, is key – sharing relevant information about our company’s goals, challenges, and progress helps build trust and understanding. Lastly, treating each partner with respect and acknowledging their expertise fosters a positive working relationship. This approach has helped me successfully navigate complex negotiations and resolve potential conflicts before they escalate.”
6. How do you prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities in a fast-
“In what way are you a community person?”
This question gives the person you’re interviewing a chance to talk about the groups they belong to and why they think they would be a good fit for your job. Also, this question will make it clear who is part of the community and who is just good on Twitter, can run a support box like a pro, or can throw a fun party. It’s not that these skills aren’t important or useful for community managers; what’s more important is that they are backed up by real community skills.
“How do you define a community?”
People often use the word “community,” but few have thought about what it really means. Good community members will have their own ideas and opinions and be able to give a short definition right away. Answers that raise red flags will make vague references to content and social media. Also, community management is not the same as social media management.
