Top Supervisor Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Supervisor interview by going through these most asked Supervisor interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Search Supervisor Questions:


  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an employee who was difficult and how did you handle it?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have dealt with difficult employees before
    • - Confirmation they are able to handle conflict well
    • - Indications they are able to lead through tough situations

  • Question: What are your strengths?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they are self-aware about their strengths
    • - Confirmation they have a good understanding of your company's needs
    • - Indications they are prepared to explain their strengths in relation to your company's needs

  • Question: How would you handle safety in the department and around the plant?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have experience with safety
    • - Awareness of the importance of safety
    • - Confirmation they are willing to take the steps necessary to keep their team safe

  • Question: What is your management style?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they are aware of their management style
    • - Awareness of how it may need to change in the future
    • - Confirmation they are self-aware about their management style

  • Question: What are your professional goals?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have a plan for their professional development
    • - Confirmation they are motivated to grow and learn
    • - Indications they are aware of the skills they need to develop

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they are familiar with your company and its mission
    • - Indications they are motivated by your company's values
    • - Confirmation they are motivated by your company's mission

  • Question: What is your availability?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have considered their availability
    • - Awareness of the time commitment required for the role
    • - Confirmation they have a good work-life balance

  • Question: How do you lead your team?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have been in charge of successful teams
    • - Willingness to adjust their leadership style as needed
    • - Understanding of their role as a supervisor in regards to leadership

  • Question: What are the areas where you think you need to improve?
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they are aware of their weaknesses
    • - Willingness to admit their shortcomings
    • - An understanding of how to improve in the future

  • Question: Tell me about your previous work experience.
  • 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.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have worked in a variety of roles
    • - Confirmation they have taken on new challenges over time
    • - Indications they are able to adapt to new situations

  • Question: How would you resolve conflicts in your new role?
  • Question Overview: Conflicts can arise in any workplace, and supervisors need to be able to handle them in a way that is productive for the team. This question will reveal how the candidate would handle a conflict, and how they would go about resolving it.

    Sample Answer: I would first try to understand why the conflict occurred. I would then try to get both parties involved in finding a solution. I would also make sure that both parties felt heard and understood. If it was a recurring issue, I would try to find ways to prevent it from happening again.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they are able to resolve conflicts without creating more issues
    • - Willingness to take the time to understand the root of the conflict
    • - Confirmation they are able to remain calm in stressful situations

  • Question: What value will you bring to the company?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to learn how the candidate views their role in the company. It will also reveal if they have a clear understanding of the role you're hiring for.

    Sample Answer: I believe that I will be able to bring a lot of value to your company. I am a skilled communicator who is able to work well with others and motivate them to succeed. I am also very organized and detail-oriented, which means I will be able to keep your team on track and on time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they understand the role you're hiring for
    • - Confirmation they are motivated to take on the job
    • - A clear understanding of the value they will bring to your team

  • Question: What do you think is the most important thing in this role?
  • Question Overview: This question will reveal how the candidate feels about the role of a supervisor. Their answer will tell you if they are motivated to take on the job, or if they are looking for something more.

    Sample Answer: I think the most important thing in this role is to be a good communicator. I need to be able to communicate with my team and with our clients. I also need to be able to communicate with my superiors about any challenges we're facing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they are motivated to take on the role
    • - Confirmation they understand what is required of them in the role
    • - Indication they are self-aware about what is important to them

  • Question: How do you ensure that quality control expectations are met?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you understand how the candidate will ensure that your company's quality control standards are met.

    Sample Answer: I have a meeting with my team every week to review the work we've completed and make sure we're on track to meet our deadlines. I also make sure we have a system in place for checking our work. For example, I ask my team to proofread their own work before submitting it to me.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have experience with quality control
    • - Willingness to follow your company's quality control standards
    • - Confirmation they are aware of the importance of quality control

  • Question: What are your plans for the future?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you learn if the candidate has a long-term plan for their career. It's also a good way to see if they're a good fit for your company's culture.

    Sample Answer: I'm excited to continue to grow in my role at ACME Marketing. I hope to take on more responsibility in the next few years, and I'm confident that I'll be able to do so.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have a plan for their career
    • - Awareness of the company's goals and how they align with them
    • - Willingness to share their career goals with you

  • Question: How would you develop a training program for the employees?
  • Question Overview: Training is a critical part of the supervisory role. This question will help you see how the candidate would approach this task, and how they would ensure their team is well-equipped to do their jobs.

    Sample Answer: I would first get input from my direct reports about what they feel they need to be more successful in their roles. I would then develop a training program that covers these topics and more. I would also make sure to include time for Q&A so that my team can ask questions and get clarification on any points that are unclear.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have developed training programs in the past
    • - Awareness of the importance of training for employees
    • - Confirmation they are motivated to help their team grow

  • Question: Why do you want to join us?
  • Question Overview: This is a great question to see how the candidate feels about your company. It will also help you determine if they are a good culture fit for your organization.

    Sample Answer: I've been following your company for a while now, and I'm really impressed with the work you do. I think I can really help with your mission to provide affordable housing to low-income families.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they know about your company
    • - Confirmation they have researched the company and its mission
    • - Indications they are excited about the opportunity

  • Question: How will your experience help the company?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you determine if the candidate is thinking about how they can help your company succeed.

    Sample Answer: I have worked in the marketing industry for over 10 years. I have been able to learn from many different types of companies and industries. I know that my experience will help ACME Marketing succeed in the future.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they are motivated to help your company succeed
    • - Confirmation they have experience that will be beneficial to your company
    • - Indications they have thought about how their experience will benefit your company

  • Question: How would you deal with two colleagues who are not getting along?
  • Question Overview: A supervisor's ability to manage conflict between employees is a critical part of the job. This question will reveal how the candidate would handle a situation where two employees are not getting along.

    Sample Answer: I would first try to get both parties together to discuss the issue. If that didn't work, I would try to get each person's perspective separately. If that didn't work, I would try to get each person's perspective separately. If that didn't work, I would try to get each person's perspective separately. If that didn't work, I would try to get each person's perspective separately. If that didn't work, I would try to get each person's perspective separately. If that didn't work, I would try to get each person's perspective separately. If that didn't work, I would try to get each person's perspective separately. If that didn't work, I would try to get each person's perspective separately.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they know how to deal with conflict
    • - Willingness to take on the role of mediator
    • - Confirmation they are comfortable with confrontation

  • Question: How would you handle a conflict between two of your team members?
  • Question Overview: Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, and a good supervisor must be able to resolve it quickly and effectively. This question will reveal how the candidate approaches conflict resolution.

    Sample Answer: I would first make sure I understood the root of the conflict. I'd then talk with each employee separately to get their side of the story. I'd then bring them together and ask them to talk through their issues. I'd also ask for their input on how to resolve the conflict. After that, I'd make a decision about how to move forward.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have had to deal with conflict before
    • - Awareness of the importance of resolving conflict quickly
    • - Willingness to take a collaborative approach to conflict resolution