Prepare for your Development Manager interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with leadership and how you might manage their team. Use examples from previous roles to highlight your leadership skills, communication abilities and problem-solving skills.
Answer Example: "In my last role as a development manager, I was responsible for managing a team of five developers. We worked on projects together that ranged in size and complexity. To ensure that we met deadlines and met the needs of our clients, I had to create a schedule for the team that included tasks and deadlines. I also had to monitor progress on each project and provide feedback to help the team stay on track."
The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you make decisions and whether your process aligns with the company’s. Use examples from past experiences where you made a decision based on data, research or input from others.
Answer Example: "I always start by gathering as much information as possible about the issue at hand. This includes talking to stakeholders, reviewing data and documents and asking questions to get a better understanding of the situation. Once I have all of the necessary information, I then analyze it to determine the best course of action. I also consider any potential risks or challenges that could arise from implementing the solution I propose. Finally, I share my decision with others so they know what’s happening and why."
As a development manager, you may be responsible for managing a team of developers. It’s important that you can resolve conflicts between team members and encourage collaboration among the group. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you helped two or more people work through a disagreement.
Answer Example: "I believe that conflict within a team is natural and can actually be beneficial if handled correctly. In my last role as a development manager, I had a team of five developers who were working on a large project. One day, one of the developers came to me with a concern about one of his colleagues. He felt that the other developer was not contributing enough to the project and was taking credit for his work. I met with both developers separately to discuss their issues and ultimately came up with a solution that satisfied both of them."
This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your background and experience. It’s important to highlight any relevant skills or experiences that make you qualified for this role. Consider including a few of your strongest skills, but also mention any areas where you’re willing to develop new ones.
Answer Example: "I have been working in software development for five years now, and during that time I’ve gained a lot of experience working on projects of all sizes. I’m confident in my ability to manage a team of developers and ensure that they are working efficiently and effectively. My previous role as a development manager gave me the opportunity to work with multiple teams, so I understand the challenges that come with managing different personalities."
This question can help the interviewer understand what drives you to succeed. Your answer should include a few things that motivate you, such as challenge, achievement or helping others.
Answer Example: "I’m motivated by the opportunity to help others succeed. I love seeing my team members grow in their careers and develop new skills. I also enjoy being challenged with new projects and goals. Finally, I’m motivated by the desire to achieve excellence in everything I do. I want to be the best development manager I can be for my team and company."
Development managers often work with multiple teams and individuals. They need to be able to resolve conflicts and communicate effectively. Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills necessary to manage a team effectively. In your answer, explain how you would handle a conflict situation. Share an example of a time when you resolved a conflict or helped someone do so.
Answer Example: "I believe that conflict is a natural part of any team environment. I always try to approach it from a positive perspective, looking for ways to collaborate rather than argue. When I encounter a situation where there is conflict, I take time to listen to both sides of the issue. This allows me to understand each person’s perspective and find a solution that works for everyone."
This is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research and are interested in the role. It’s also a chance for you to ask about any information you may have missed from the job description.
Answer Example: "I noticed that this position requires managing a team of developers. I’ve worked with a variety of teams in my previous roles, so I’m confident I can help your developers grow and develop their skills. However, I do have one question. What type of training do you provide for managers on how to best manage their teams?"
This question allows you to talk about your experience managing projects and how you helped them succeed. You can use this opportunity to highlight any skills or abilities that helped you succeed in your role as a development manager.
Answer Example: "I recently managed a project for an online retailer that required me to work with multiple departments. The goal of the project was to create an easier user experience for customers, so I worked with the marketing team to create new content and improve existing content. I also worked with the design team to create a more aesthetically pleasing website. Finally, I worked with the coding team to ensure that all of our changes were implemented correctly."
The interviewer may ask you this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you manage teams. Use examples from previous roles to describe your management style, including what types of strategies you use to motivate employees and achieve goals.
Answer Example: "I believe in being a supportive manager who encourages collaboration among team members. In my previous role as a development manager, I had an entire team of developers who worked on different projects. To encourage collaboration, I would hold weekly meetings where we could discuss any issues or ideas they had. We also had weekly check-ins where I could give feedback on their progress and provide guidance if needed."
This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for the role. You can answer this question by listing some of your other skills, such as communication or leadership, and explaining how they relate to the job.
Answer Example: "I have extensive experience managing projects and teams, which makes me a good fit for this development manager position. In my previous role, I managed a team of five developers who were responsible for creating new software applications. My leadership skills helped me communicate effectively with my team members and ensure that they were all on track with their projects."
