25 Incident Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Incident managers are critical to the smooth operation of any organization. They are responsible for the identification, containment, and resolution of incidents, which can range from a simple printer outage to a full-blown data breach.

If you’re looking to become an incident manager, you’ll need to be prepared to answer a range of questions during your interview. In this guide, we’ll provide you with sample questions and answers that will help you stand out from the competition and land the job.

1. Are you comfortable working in emergency situations?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you are a good fit for this role. They may want to know that you have experience working in high-pressure situations and how you react when things get hectic. Use your answer to highlight your ability to work under pressure and solve problems quickly.

Example: “Absolutely. I have extensive experience working in emergency situations as an Incident Manager, and I’m confident that I can handle any situation that comes my way. I understand the importance of responding quickly and efficiently to incidents, and I’m comfortable making decisions under pressure. I’m also experienced in managing teams during emergencies, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working together to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. My goal is always to minimize disruption and damage while restoring operations as soon as possible.”

2. What are some of the most important skills for an incident manager to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills for an incident manager and explain why they are so important.

Example: “As an experienced incident manager, I believe there are several important skills that are essential for success in this role. First and foremost is the ability to think quickly on your feet and make decisions in a timely manner. This requires having a deep understanding of the processes involved with managing incidents, as well as being able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

Additionally, strong communication skills are vital for any incident manager. Being able to clearly communicate with stakeholders, both internally and externally, is key to ensuring that everyone understands the current state of the incident and what steps need to be taken to resolve it. Finally, having excellent organizational skills is critical for keeping track of all the details associated with each incident, such as timelines, tasks, and resources.”

3. How would you handle a situation where your team is not working well together?

An interviewer may ask this question to see how you handle interpersonal conflicts. They want to know that you can resolve conflict and work with a team of people who have different opinions or approaches. In your answer, try to show the interviewer that you are willing to collaborate with others and compromise when necessary.

Example: “If I were to find myself in a situation where my team was not working well together, the first thing I would do is assess the underlying cause of the issue. It could be due to lack of communication, unclear expectations, or something else entirely. Once I have identified the root cause, I can then create an action plan that addresses it.

I believe in creating an environment of open dialogue and collaboration so I would start by having a discussion with the team to understand their individual perspectives on the problem. This will help me gain insight into what might be causing any friction between members. From there, I can work with them to come up with solutions that everyone agrees on.

In addition, I would also look for ways to improve our processes and procedures. This could include introducing new tools or technologies to streamline tasks, setting clear goals and objectives, and providing ongoing training and support. By doing this, I hope to foster a culture of trust and respect among the team, which should ultimately lead to better collaboration and productivity.”

4. What is your experience with managing large teams of people?

An incident manager needs to be able to lead a team of people who are all working toward the same goal. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with managing teams and can do so effectively. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure everyone is on the same page and understands their role in the process.

Example: “I have extensive experience managing large teams of people. In my current role as Incident Manager, I lead a team of 10 individuals who are responsible for responding to and resolving incidents in our organization. My team is spread across multiple locations, so I’ve had to develop effective strategies for communication and collaboration that ensure everyone is on the same page.

I also prioritize developing strong relationships with each member of my team. This helps me understand their individual strengths and weaknesses, which allows me to assign tasks accordingly. I’m always looking for ways to motivate and inspire my team members, whether it’s through recognition or providing them with additional resources. Finally, I make sure to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices related to incident management so that I can provide guidance and support when needed.”

5. Provide an example of a time when you had to make a quick decision in a high-pressure situation.

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you make decisions in challenging situations. Use examples from your experience that highlight your ability to think critically and solve problems quickly.

Example: “I recently had to make a quick decision in a high-pressure situation while working as an Incident Manager. I was managing a critical incident that involved a major system outage for one of our clients. The client was expecting the issue to be resolved quickly, and there were multiple stakeholders involved in the process.

To ensure that the issue was resolved in a timely manner, I had to make a quick decision on how best to proceed. After assessing the situation, I decided to prioritize certain tasks and assign them to different team members so that we could work together to resolve the issue. This allowed us to focus on the most important tasks first and get the system back up and running as soon as possible.

In the end, my quick decision enabled us to successfully resolve the issue within the expected timeframe. My experience in this situation has taught me the importance of being able to think on my feet and make decisions quickly when needed.”

6. If you could choose any team members to work with, who would they be and why?

This question is a great way to see how you work with others and who you would choose as your colleagues. It also shows the interviewer what kind of people you prefer to work with, which can be helpful in determining if you’re a good fit for their team. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you value teamwork and collaboration.

Example: “If I could choose any team members to work with, I would select individuals who have a strong background in incident management and are highly motivated. I believe that having a team of people who understand the importance of incident management is essential for successful outcomes. Furthermore, I think it’s important to have team members who are willing to take initiative and be proactive when dealing with incidents. This will help ensure that all potential issues are addressed quickly and effectively. Finally, I would look for team members who are able to communicate clearly and efficiently, as this is key to successful collaboration. With these qualities in mind, I am confident that I can assemble a team that is capable of handling any incident that may arise.”

7. What would you do if you didn’t have enough resources to handle a situation?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you will handle challenges in your role. Use examples from past experiences to show that you are willing to ask for help when needed and work with others to solve problems.

Example: “When it comes to managing incidents, having enough resources is essential for a successful outcome. If I were in a situation where I didn’t have the necessary resources to handle an incident, my first step would be to assess what resources are available and determine if there are any alternative solutions that could be used. For example, if I don’t have enough personnel to respond to an incident, I may need to look into outsourcing or utilizing remote support teams.

Once I have identified potential solutions, I would then communicate with stakeholders and team members to discuss the best course of action. This would involve outlining the risks associated with each solution, as well as the benefits. Ultimately, this will help us make an informed decision on how to best use our limited resources.

I understand the importance of making sure we have the right resources available when responding to an incident. That’s why I always strive to stay up-to-date on industry trends and new technologies so that I can identify creative ways to solve problems even when resources are scarce.”

8. How well do you handle stress?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to handle pressure and remain calm during an emergency. Your answer should demonstrate that you can stay focused, communicate clearly and maintain a positive attitude even when faced with challenging situations.

Example: “I believe I handle stress very well. When faced with a stressful situation, I take a step back and assess the situation objectively. I then prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency, allowing me to focus my energy on the most important ones first. I also make sure to take breaks throughout the day to give myself time to relax and refocus. Finally, I am always open to feedback from colleagues or supervisors in order to improve my performance and stay organized.”

9. Do you have any questions for us about the incident manager position?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research on the company and position. It’s also an opportunity for you to learn more about what it would be like to work at this organization. When answering this question, try to ask questions that will help you understand more about the role or the company itself.

Example: “Yes, I do have a few questions about the position. First, can you tell me more about the team structure and how incident management is organized? Second, what kind of tools are used to track incidents and manage communication with stakeholders? Finally, what processes are in place for escalating incidents when needed?

I believe my experience as an Incident Manager makes me an ideal candidate for this role. I have extensive experience leading teams through complex incident resolution processes while managing stakeholder expectations. I am also familiar with various industry-standard tools used to track incidents and communicate with stakeholders. My ability to quickly assess situations and develop effective strategies has enabled me to successfully resolve numerous high-profile incidents. I am confident that I can bring these skills and experiences to your organization and help ensure successful incident management.”

10. When do you think it’s appropriate to call in outside resources to help with an incident?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your decision-making skills and how you handle challenging situations. Your answer should show that you can make informed decisions, but also consider the opinions of others when making choices.

Example: “When managing an incident, it is important to assess the situation and determine if outside resources are needed. I believe that calling in outside resources should be done when the incident requires specialized expertise or additional personnel to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. For example, if a system outage affects multiple departments, then bringing in a third-party vendor with experience in resolving similar issues would be beneficial. In addition, if the incident involves complex technical problems, such as a network security breach, then having a team of experts from different areas can help identify the root cause and develop a solution more quickly.”

11. We want to improve our response time to certain types of incidents. What areas would you focus on to improve our performance?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to make improvements. You can use examples from previous roles where you helped improve performance or efficiency.

Example: “In order to improve our response time to certain types of incidents, I would focus on three key areas.

The first area is process optimization. This involves analyzing the current incident management processes and identifying any bottlenecks or inefficiencies that may be causing delays. By streamlining these processes, we can ensure that all steps are completed quickly and efficiently.

The second area is communication. It’s important for everyone involved in an incident to have clear expectations and a shared understanding of what needs to happen. This includes setting up regular meetings between stakeholders, ensuring that everyone has access to the same information, and establishing protocols for escalating issues when necessary.

The third area is training. Having well-trained staff who understand how to respond to different types of incidents will help us reduce response times. This could include providing refresher courses on incident management procedures, as well as offering additional training on new technologies or tools that may be used during the incident resolution process.”

12. Describe your process for debriefing with team members after an incident.

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your leadership skills and ability to collaborate with others. Your answer should include an example of how you debriefed team members after an incident, as well as the steps you took to ensure everyone was on the same page before moving forward.

Example: “I believe that debriefing after an incident is a critical step in the incident management process. After an incident has been resolved, I like to take time to review what happened and discuss lessons learned with my team members.

My approach to debriefing starts by gathering all relevant information about the incident, including any logs or reports from the incident response process. Then, I will hold a meeting with the team involved in the incident to review the timeline of events, identify areas for improvement, and discuss how we can prevent similar incidents in the future. During this meeting, I also encourage open dialogue so that everyone on the team can share their thoughts and ideas.

After the meeting, I document our findings and create an action plan for implementing changes. This helps ensure that we are taking steps to improve our processes and procedures going forward. Finally, I make sure to follow up with the team to check in on progress and provide additional support if needed.”

13. What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight a skill or experience that makes you unique from other candidates. You may also want to mention any skills you have that are relevant to the position.

Example: “I believe my experience and qualifications make me an ideal candidate for this position. I have been working in incident management for over five years, and during that time I have developed a strong set of skills and knowledge that are essential to the role.

My expertise includes developing and implementing incident response plans, coordinating with stakeholders to ensure incidents are resolved quickly and effectively, and providing training to teams on best practices for incident resolution. I am also well-versed in ITIL processes and procedures, which allows me to provide valuable insight into how to improve existing processes.

In addition, I have a proven track record of success in managing high-priority incidents and resolving them in a timely manner. My ability to stay organized and focused under pressure has enabled me to successfully lead teams through difficult situations. Finally, I possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which allow me to build relationships with stakeholders and ensure everyone is informed throughout the process.”

14. Which industries do you have the most experience working in?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience level and how it may relate to their company. If you have relevant experience, share what you did in that role. If you don’t have any experience working in a particular industry, consider sharing an example of when you helped solve a problem in another industry.

Example: “I have extensive experience in the IT industry, specifically working with incident management. I have worked for various companies across multiple sectors, including healthcare, finance, retail, and education. My experience has enabled me to develop a deep understanding of how different industries approach incident management, as well as the unique challenges they face.

In addition, my background includes leading teams through complex incidents, developing processes and procedures to ensure successful resolution, and providing guidance on best practices. This has allowed me to gain valuable insights into the nuances of each industry and its particular needs when it comes to incident management.”

15. What do you think is the most important aspect of incident management?

This question can help the interviewer understand your priorities and how you would approach a role as an incident manager. Your answer should reflect your understanding of what is important in this position, such as teamwork, communication or problem-solving skills.

Example: “The most important aspect of incident management is to ensure that incidents are responded to quickly and efficiently. This means having a well-defined process in place for identifying, responding to, and resolving incidents. It also requires having the right tools and resources available to help with this process.

I believe that communication is key when it comes to incident management. Having clear channels of communication between all stakeholders involved in an incident helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working together towards resolution. I have experience in creating communication plans and ensuring that they are followed during an incident.

Another important aspect of incident management is documentation. Documenting each step of the incident response process ensures that lessons learned can be identified and applied to future incidents. I am familiar with best practices for documenting incidents and have experience in developing templates and processes for doing so.”

16. How often do you think an incident manager should update higher-ups on the status of an incident?

The interviewer may ask you this question to gauge your communication skills and how often you update your team. Your answer should show that you value the opinions of others, especially those in management positions.

Example: “As an Incident Manager, I believe it is important to keep higher-ups informed on the status of an incident as often as necessary. Depending on the severity and complexity of the incident, updates should be provided at least once a day or more frequently if needed. It is also important to provide regular updates to stakeholders who may not have direct involvement in the incident but are impacted by its resolution.

I understand that providing timely updates can be difficult when managing multiple incidents simultaneously. To ensure this happens, I use a variety of tools such as automated reporting systems, project management software, and communication platforms. This allows me to quickly gather information from all involved parties and provide concise updates to those affected.”

17. There is a lot of disagreement among your team members about the best way to handle an incident. How do you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you can use them to resolve conflicts among team members. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to listen to all sides of an argument before making a decision.

Example: “When it comes to handling disagreements among team members, I believe in taking a collaborative approach. First, I would listen carefully to each person’s point of view and try to understand the underlying reasons for their disagreement. Then, I would facilitate an open discussion where everyone can express their opinions without fear of judgement or criticism. During this process, I would encourage team members to come up with creative solutions that take into account all perspectives. Finally, I would help the team reach consensus on the best way forward by summarizing the key points of agreement and outlining any areas of compromise. By taking this approach, I am confident that we can find a solution that works for everyone involved.”

18. What is the best way to stay organized when dealing with multiple incidents at once?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your organizational skills and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should include a specific strategy or process that you use to stay organized during an emergency situation.

Example: “When dealing with multiple incidents at once, the best way to stay organized is to prioritize each incident based on its severity and urgency. This will help me determine which incidents need immediate attention and which can wait for a later time. I also like to create a timeline for each incident so that I have an idea of when it needs to be completed by. Finally, I make sure to document all my actions in order to keep track of progress and ensure that nothing gets overlooked.

These strategies allow me to manage multiple incidents efficiently while still ensuring that they are handled properly. My experience as an Incident Manager has given me the skills necessary to handle any situation that may arise during the course of managing multiple incidents. With these strategies in place, I am confident that I can effectively manage multiple incidents simultaneously.”

19. Describe a time when you had to make a difficult call in an incident management situation.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your decision-making skills and how you handle pressure. Use examples from previous work experiences where you had to make a tough call, but also highlight the positive outcome of your actions.

Example: “I recently had to make a difficult call in an incident management situation. I was managing an incident involving a critical system outage that impacted multiple departments within the organization. After assessing the situation, I determined that the best course of action was to take the system offline and perform a full restore from backups.

This decision was not taken lightly as it would cause significant disruption to the business operations. However, after careful consideration I concluded that this was the only way to ensure that the system could be restored quickly and securely. To minimize the impact on the business, I worked with the affected teams to develop a plan for restoring the system while keeping other systems running.

Ultimately, my decision proved to be the right one and the system was successfully restored without any further issues. This experience taught me the importance of making tough decisions when necessary and how to effectively manage incidents under pressure.”

20. How would you go about setting up contingency plans for potential future incidents?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to plan ahead and anticipate potential problems. Use your answer to highlight your organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.

Example: “When it comes to setting up contingency plans for potential future incidents, I believe in taking a proactive approach. First, I would assess the current environment and identify any areas of risk or vulnerability that could lead to an incident. Once these areas have been identified, I would work with stakeholders to develop strategies to mitigate those risks. This might include developing processes for monitoring and responding to suspicious activity, as well as establishing protocols for escalating issues when necessary. Finally, I would create a plan outlining how to respond to different types of incidents, including who should be notified and what steps need to be taken. By having this plan in place, we can ensure that our team is prepared to handle any situation that may arise.”

21. Do you have experience working with different stakeholders on an incident?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your communication skills and how you collaborate with others. Use examples from past experiences to explain how you communicate effectively, build relationships and work as a team member.

Example: “Yes, I have extensive experience working with different stakeholders on an incident. In my current role as Incident Manager, I am responsible for leading the response to any major incidents that occur within our organization. This involves coordinating and communicating with a variety of stakeholders including IT personnel, business owners, executives, and customers.

I understand the importance of establishing strong relationships with all stakeholders in order to ensure successful resolution of an incident. I take the time to listen to their needs and concerns, while also providing clear direction and expectations. I also make sure to keep everyone informed throughout the process, so they know what is happening and how it will affect them.”

22. Are there any particular procedures that you think should be put into place for incident managers?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can improve it. You should answer this question by explaining what procedures you think are important for incident managers, why they’re important and any ideas you have for implementing them.

Example: “Yes, I think there are several procedures that should be put into place for incident managers. First and foremost, it is important to have a clear process in place for responding to incidents. This includes having an established chain of command, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and well-defined escalation paths. It is also essential to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of their roles and responsibilities during an incident.

In addition, I believe that effective communication is key when managing incidents. Communication should take place between the incident manager and all relevant stakeholders throughout the entire incident response process. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal. Finally, I think it is important to document all aspects of the incident response process. This includes documenting any decisions made, actions taken, and lessons learned from the incident. Doing so will help to ensure that similar incidents can be handled more efficiently in the future.”

23. What do you believe are the most important values and principles of incident management?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the field and how you apply it. Your answer should include what you believe are the most important values and principles, why they’re important and examples of when you’ve applied them in your previous roles.

Example: “I believe that the most important values and principles of incident management are communication, collaboration, and accountability. Communication is key to successful incident management because it ensures that all stakeholders involved in the incident have access to the same information and can work together to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. Collaboration between teams is also essential for effective incident management as it allows different departments to come together to share their expertise and resources to solve the problem. Finally, accountability is an important value in incident management because it ensures that everyone involved takes responsibility for their actions and works towards a common goal. By following these values and principles, I am confident that I can help my team successfully manage any incidents that may arise.”

24. How would you handle a situation where the team members are not following protocol?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your leadership skills and ability to motivate others. In your answer, demonstrate that you can use your communication skills to resolve conflict and encourage team members to work together.

Example: “When it comes to handling a situation where team members are not following protocol, I believe that communication is key. First and foremost, I would take the time to understand why they are not following protocol. Is there something missing from the process? Are they unclear on the expectations? Once I have identified the root cause of the issue, I can then work with the team to create an action plan for addressing the problem.

I also think it’s important to be proactive in preventing issues like this from occurring again in the future. This could include creating more detailed protocols or providing additional training and support for the team. Finally, I would ensure that all team members are held accountable for their actions by implementing clear consequences for any violations of protocol. By taking these steps, I am confident that I can help the team stay on track and meet their goals.”

25. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing incident managers today?

This question can help interviewers understand your perspective on the role of an incident manager and how you might approach challenges in the workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to discuss a specific challenge that you have faced as an incident manager and how you overcame it.

Example: “The biggest challenge facing incident managers today is the need for them to wear many hats at once. In my experience, I’ve had to manage multiple projects while also overseeing the safety of employees and maintaining communication with stakeholders. This has led me to develop skills in time management and delegation so that I can focus on what’s most important during each workday.”

Example: “I believe the biggest challenge facing incident managers today is balancing the need for quick resolution with the need to maintain quality. In a world where technology moves at an ever-increasing pace, it can be tempting to rush through incidents in order to get them resolved quickly. However, this often leads to problems down the line as issues are not properly addressed or documented. As an Incident Manager, I understand that speed and accuracy must go hand in hand. My goal is always to ensure that incidents are handled efficiently while also ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to prevent future occurrences. This means taking the time to thoroughly investigate root causes, document findings, and develop solutions that will address the issue in the long term.”