214: Applying for Your First Manager Role: Owning your Experience (Part 2)

214: Applying for Your First Manager Role: Owning your Experience (Part 2)

From Interview Boss by Interview Boss

February 11, 2026 · 38 min · Season 6 · Episode 5

About this episode

This episode discusses how to approach interviews for first-time manager roles, emphasizing self-awareness and a growth mindset.

What are you supposed to say in an interview…when you've never actually been a manager before? In Part 2 of this deep dive series, we explain why self-awareness is your secret weapon, what to say when you don’t have a perfect example, and how to show a growth mindset instead of panicking. We also share the fundamental advice every first-time manager isn’t always told, but absolutely needs to hear. Remember, you don’t need to fake leadership experience. You need to show how you think, how you learn, and how you’ll lead. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Kyle who bought us 5 coffees! “Hi Emma and Sarah! I would like to thank you both so much for the helpful advice on your episodes. After 6-7 months of interviewing I was able to land a job that I believe is the right fit for me with many opportunities for growth. I moved for personal reasons and I was leaving behind a job that I held for over 5 years. It was actually quite difficult to land a job that was the right fit for me. I had many swings and misses like making it to the final round 3 times prior to finally getting this role. But your episodes deep diving into your 'best bits' and really thinking and doing the hard part was…

People in this episode

Hosts: Emma, Sarah

Topics covered

  • first manager role
  • self-awareness
  • growth mindset
  • interview advice
  • leadership experience

Keywords

  • manager interview
  • self-awareness
  • leadership
  • growth mindset
  • interview tips

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