Question Overview: This question will reveal how the candidate has dealt with difficult employees in the past. It's important to find out how they would handle a situation like this in your company.
Sample Answer: I had a situation at my last job where one of my employees was not performing up to par. I tried to work with him on his performance, but he didn't seem interested in improving. I was forced to let him go. It was a difficult situation, but I felt it was the right thing to do.
Question Overview: This is a classic interview question, but it's important to ask because it will help you determine if the candidate is a good fit for your company.
Sample Answer: I'm very organized and detail oriented. I like to make sure that all of my ducks are in a row before I begin working on a project. I think this is an important skill for a supervisor to have, because it helps them to ensure that their team members are on the same page and working towards the same goals.
Question Overview: Safety is a priority for every supervisor. This question will help you learn how the candidate approaches safety and what they do to keep their team safe.
Sample Answer: I would first make sure that everyone on my team was trained in safety procedures. I would also make sure that we had all of the necessary safety equipment in place. I would then make sure that everyone was aware of the importance of safety and that they were all working safely.
Question Overview: A supervisor's management style can make or break their success. This question will reveal if the candidate is a good fit for your company's culture.
Sample Answer: I am a very hands-on manager. I like to be involved in the day-to-day operations of my team, and I like to be available to help them with any questions they might have. I think this helps me to be a better leader and motivator.
Question Overview: This question will reveal if the candidate has a clear idea of where they want to go in their career.
Sample Answer: I'd like to be a supervisor within the next year. I know I need to work on my people management skills, so I've been taking a class on that. I'm also working on my presentation skills, because I know that's important for a supervisor.
Question Overview: This is a great question to ask if you're looking to hire someone who is motivated by your company's mission and values.
Sample Answer: I've been a big fan of ACME Marketing for years. I've read every blog post you've ever written and have been following your social media accounts for months. I really admire the way you've built a brand that is both innovative and authentic. I'm excited to join the team and help you continue to grow.
Question Overview: A supervisor needs to be available to their team, but they also need to have time for their own work. This question will help you determine if the candidate has a realistic idea of how much time they will need to dedicate to the role.
Sample Answer: I am available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. I am also available on the weekends if needed. I have a family at home that I like to spend time with, so I try to keep my weekends free.
Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate has a solid grasp on what it takes to be a good leader.
Sample Answer: I like to think of myself as a coach. I want my employees to feel like they can come to me with any questions or concerns. I also believe that it's important to set an example for my team by being the first person in the office and the last person to leave.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to see if the candidate is self-aware and open to feedback. If they are, they will be able to give you a list of areas where they can improve.
Sample Answer: I think I could improve my ability to delegate tasks. I tend to take on too much myself, which can be overwhelming at times. I'm working on breaking down my work into smaller chunks so I can delegate more effectively.
Question Overview: This is a broad question that will give you an idea of how the candidate has handled different situations in the past.
Sample Answer: I've had a lot of different work experiences. I started out as a receptionist at a small law firm, and then I moved up to being an assistant to the CEO. After that, I was a marketing assistant for a small publishing company. I've also worked as a freelance writer for a few years. I've learned so much from each role, and I'm excited to bring all of those skills to my new position at ACME Marketing.
Question Overview: This question will reveal how the candidate has handled stressful situations in the past.
Sample Answer: I was asked to complete a project that was due in two weeks. I was already working on two other projects and had a tight deadline for a fourth. I knew I would need to prioritize my time and focus on the most important tasks first. I also knew that I would need to ask my team for help if I was going to meet the deadline.
Question Overview: A supervisor needs to be able to work with a variety of personalities and styles. This question will reveal if the candidate has experience working with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Sample Answer: I've worked with people from all over the world, and I've learned that it's important to respect their differences. I try to be open-minded and understanding of their cultural norms. I also try to be flexible about my own values. For example, I'm not a big fan of public displays of affection, but I've learned that it's not a big deal in some cultures.
Question Overview: As a supervisor, you'll be tasked with helping employees handle customer complaints. This question will reveal how the candidate handles these situations and if they're able to help their team do the same.
Sample Answer: I had an employee who was having trouble with a customer who was very upset about a mistake she made. I took the time to talk with the customer and explain that it was not my employee's fault, and that we would do everything we could to fix the problem. I also let my employee know that I had taken care of it and that she didn't need to worry about it anymore.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to see if the candidate is able to adjust to a changing environment.
Sample Answer: I was working at a retail store where we were having trouble keeping up with demand. We had a lot of customers coming in and not enough staff to help them. I realized that we needed to hire more people, but we didn't have the budget. I suggested that we hire part-time workers and train them on the job. This allowed us to keep our full-time staff at a manageable level and still meet our customers' needs.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate reacts to adversity. It will also give you a sense of how they handle problems.
Sample Answer: I was working with a new client who was very demanding. He wanted to see a lot of changes to our marketing strategy, and he wanted them done immediately. I had to learn how to say no to him without losing his business. I had to be very clear about what we could accomplish and what we couldn't, and I had to do it in a way that didn't offend him.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal how the candidate would handle a situation where an employee is stealing from the company. This is a serious issue that needs to be handled with care and tact.
Sample Answer: I would first try to determine if there was any evidence of theft. If I had any proof, I would confront the employee privately and ask them about it. If they admitted to stealing, I would immediately report it to HR and my supervisor. If they denied it, I would continue to monitor their behavior closely.
Question Overview: As a supervisor, you'll be responsible for managing customer service issues. This question will help you see how the candidate handles these situations.
Sample Answer: I recently had a situation where one of my employees was having a hard time with a client. The client was very demanding and kept changing their requirements. My employee was getting frustrated and taking it out on the rest of the team. I had to step in and remind her that we are here to serve our clients, and that sometimes we need to make sacrifices to do that.
Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate has done their homework and researched your company. It will also give you an idea of how well they know the industry and the job role.
Sample Answer: I know that this job is a great opportunity for me to take on more responsibility and grow my career. I've read about your company's mission and values, and I'm excited to be a part of such a successful team.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to learn how the candidate views their role in the success of their team. It also gives you an idea of how they view their own contributions.
Sample Answer: I think my biggest contribution to my team's success was creating a culture of open communication. I made it a point to check in with each of my direct reports every day. I also made sure that everyone knew that they could come to me with any questions or concerns.
Question Overview: This question will help you understand how the candidate manages a team of people with different personalities and work styles.
Sample Answer: I've managed a team of five people for the past three years. I've learned that each person is motivated differently. Some employees respond well to public praise and acknowledgement for their ideas. Other employees of mine have been most motivated by contests or competitions with a small prize. I try to accommodate the employees' personalities as much as I can.