7 Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers
Have you hired an employee? Describe the factors you think are important when hiring someone.
Some supervisors are responsible for hiring, while other companies leave those decisions to department heads and HR. This question will reveal if the candidate has had the responsibility of hiring, and how they would handle it even if they've yet to do it.
What to look for in an answer:
- Evidence they know what to look for in a good hire
- Awareness about the steps required to build a solid team
- Indications they are motivated to take part in the hiring process
"Yes, at my last job I was responsible for helping to interview and hire two account managers. I like to vet people first over the phone, where I can explain the basics about our company culture and the job role in detail and find out if they're still interested. At a second, in-person interview, I look for things like enthusiasm about the industry and their long-term goals, in addition to learning more about their skill level."
What is one important decision you've had to make as a supervisor? Why was it critical?
Supervisors need to feel comfortable making decisions, even if they serve under a department manager. This question allows the candidate to illustrate their ability to step up and make important calls as needed.
What to look for in an answer:
- Confirmation they feel comfortable making decisions independently
- Evidence they have taken on more decision-making responsibility over time
- Confidence in their thought process behind making important choices
"In my current role at ACME Marketing, I recently had to make the decision to pull a big piece of content from our client's editorial calendar. It had already been produced, so we'd expended lots of resources, but ultimately it didn't fit with the client's brand. I made the decision to replace it with a new piece written on an expedited timeline so we could still meet the deadline."
How would your previous direct reports describe your supervision style?
How a supervisor is able to mesh with their team can make or break their success at your company. This probing question will reveal if they're a good culture fit for a supervisory role.
What to look for in an answer:
- Self-awareness about how they are perceived by other employees
- Indications they have asked their direct reports for feedback
- An alignment with your company culture
"I think my staff would say that I am supportive but not overbearing. I find that biweekly check-ins are enough to keep my finger on the pulse of any challenges they're having. Of course, I am always available to help them troubleshoot in between. This gives me the chance to remain focused on the bigger picture and empowers my staff to grow in their own decision making."
Has your supervision style changed over time? How?
Learning to adapt management styles and techniques can create an exceptional supervisor. This question helps you figure out if the candidate is able to receive feedback and adjust their style if needed.
What to look for in an answer:
- Indications their supervision skills have grown over time
- Proof they have received feedback well and adjusted their style as necessary
- Confirmation they are self-aware about their need to evolve
"I used to ask for daily check-ins from my employees. I didn't think I was micromanaging, but rather being supportive. I learned that my staff feel more trusted if I don't require such frequent check-ups about their work."
What are some successful ways you've been able to motivate employees?
One of the best things a supervisor can add to your team is keeping other employees excited about their work and prepared to give every day 100 percent. Learning how the candidate approaches this task will tell you a lot about how prepared they are to take on the role.
What to look for in an answer:
- Evidence they have been in charge of successful teams
- Willingness to adjust their motivation techniques as needed
- Understanding of their role as a supervisor in regards to morale
"Different employees require different types of motivation. Some of my direct reports respond very 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."
How do you resolve disputes between employees?
Supervisors are often expected to resolve issues between their direct reports to avoid escalation. This question gets to the heart of the candidate's ability to negotiate conflict on their team.
What to look for in an answer:
- Evidence they have handled employee disputes in the past
- Confirmation they have had success resolving issues on their previous teams
- A style of resolution that aligns with your company culture
"In my experience, there are always two sides to every story. I always get every party's input about the conflict before I do anything. I've found it helpful to get everyone in a room together and serve as a mediator to decide how we can resolve the issue. I always get the agreed upon resolution, and each person's responsibilities to it, in writing and provide a copy to everyone."
When was the last time you had to deal with an employee who was not performing and how did you handle it?
Unfortunately, even good employees can falter sometimes and you need a supervisor to be able to identify poor performance and address it. This question gives the candidate a chance to prove they know how to manage the task.
What to look for in an answer:
- Indication they understand the importance of setting employee goals and standards
- Evidence they know how to cultivate talent in their staff
- Proof they feel comfortable addressing problems on their team
"I recently had an account manager with a few client complaints. He was not responding to emails in a timely fashion and failed to follow up with important documents as promised. I outlined for him the specific complaints and we came up with a game plan together. We scheduled an hour each morning for him to exclusively follow up on emails, and discussed setting up calendar reminders associated with sending important reports to clients."
Explore Interview Questions by Title
- Account Manager
- Account Officer
- Account Representative
- Accountant
- Accounting Assistant
- Accounting Clerk
- Accounting Manager
- Accounts Assistant
- Accounts Payable Specialist
- Accounts Receivable Specialist
- Actuary
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Clerk
- Administrative Manager
- Administrative Officer
- Administrator
- Advertising Manager
- Analyst
- Anesthesiologist
- Architect
- Area Manager
- Art Director
- Assembler
- Assistant Accountant
- Assistant Administrator
- Assistant Controller
- Assistant Manager
- Assistant Project Manager
- Assistant Property Manager
- Assistant Store Manager
- Assistant Teacher
- Athletic Trainer
- Attorney
- Audiologist
- Auditor
- Auto Mechanic
- Automotive Technician
- Babysitter
- Baker
- Bank Teller
- Banker
- Banquet Server
- Bar Manager
- Barista
- Bartender
- Benefits Coordinator
- Billing Clerk
- Billing Specialist
- Biomedical Engineer
- Bookkeeper
- Branch Manager
- Brand Ambassador
- Brand Manager
- Building Maintenance Technician
- Busboy
- Business Administrator
- Business Analyst
- Business Consultant
- Business Developer
- Business Development Executive
- Business Development Manager
- Business Development Officer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Business Manager
- Business Systems Analyst
- Buyer
- C#
- C++
- Call Center Manager
- Call Center Representative
- Camp Counselor
- Car Salesperson
- Care Assistant
- Caregiver
- Carpenter
- Case Manager
- Caseworker
- Cashier
- Caterer
- CEO Chief Executive Officer
- Cfo Chief Financial Officer
- Charge Nurse
- Chef
- Chemical Engineer
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Chief Medical Officer
- Chief Of Staff
- Chief Operating Officer
- Child Care Worker
- Cio Chief Information Officer
- Civil Engineer
- Cleaner
- Clerk
- Client Services Manager
- Clinical Psychologist
- Cna Certified Nursing Assistant
- Cnc Operator
- Collections Specialist
- Collector
- Commercial Manager
- Communications Manager
- Communications Officer
- Community Manager
- Compliance Manager
- Computer Engineer
- Computer Operator
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Technician
- Concierge
- Construction Manager
- Construction Project Manager
- Construction Superintendent
- Construction Worker
- Consultant
- Contact Tracer
- Content Manager
- Content Writer
- Contract Administrator
- Contract Manager
- Controller
- Coo Chief Operating Officer
- Cook
- Coordinator
- Copywriter
- Correctional Officer
- Cosmetologist
- Cost Accountant
- Counselor
- Cpa Certified Public Accountant
- Creative Director
- Credit Analyst
- Credit Controller
- Crew Member
- CSS
- Cto Chief Technology Officer
- Custodian
- Customer Service Associate
- Customer Service Manager
- Customer Service Representative
- Data Analyst
- Data Architect
- Data Entry Clerk
- Data Manager
- Data Scientist
- Database Administrator
- Debt Collector
- Delivery Driver
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Dental Office Manager
- Dentist
- Dermatologist
- Design Engineer
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Development Director
- Diesel Mechanic
- Dietary Aide
- Dietitian
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Direct Support Professional
- Director Of Finance
- Director Of Marketing
- Director Of Nursing
- Director Of Operations
- Director Of Sales
- Dishwasher
- Dispatcher
- District Manager
- Doctor
- Document Controller
- Driver
- Electrical Engineer
- Electrician
- Electronics Engineer
- Engineer
- Enterprise Architect
- Er Nurse
- Esthetician
- Estimator
- Event Coordinator
- Event Planner
- Executive Assistant
- Executive Chef
- Executive Director
- Executive Secretary
- Expeditor
- Facilities Manager
- File Clerk
- Finance Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Controller
- Financial Manager
- Financial Planner
- Firefighter
- Fleet Manager
- Flight Attendant
- Food Runner
- Food Server
- Forklift Operator
- Front Desk Agent
- Front-End Developer
- General Counsel
- General Manager
- Graphic Designer
- Groundskeeper
- Guidance Counselor
- Hair Stylist
- Handyman
- Head Cashier
- Health Administrator
- Help Desk Clerk
- Home Health Aide
- Home Health Nurse
- Hostess
- Hotel Front Desk Clerk
- Hotel Manager
- Housekeeper
- Hr Assistant
- Hr Director
- HR Generalist
- Hr Manager
- HTML
- Human Resources Manager
- Industrial Engineer
- Inside Sales Representative
- Insurance Agent
- Interior Designer
- Intern
- Internal Auditor
- Interview Questions
- Interview Questions Common Fields
- Inventory Clerk
- Inventory Manager
- Inventory Specialist
- IT Business Analyst
- IT Director
- IT Manager
- It Project Manager
- IT Specialist
- IT Technician
- Janitor
- Java
- Javascript
- Junior Accountant
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Kitchen Manager
- Lab Assistant
- Lab Technician
- Laborer
- Law Clerk
- Lawyer
- Lead Teacher
- Leasing Agent
- Leasing Consultant
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Secretary
- Librarian
- Licensed Practical Nurse Lpn
- Lifeguard
- Line Cook
- Loan Officer
- Loan Processor
- Logistics Coordinator
- Logistics Manager
- Logistics Specialist Coordinator
- Machine Operator
- Maintenance Manager
- Maintenance Technician
- Management Assistant
- Manager
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Marketer
- Marketing
- Marketing Assistant
- Marketing Coordinator
- Marketing Director
- Marketing Intern
- Marketing Manager
- Marketing Specialist
- Massage Therapist
- Material Handler
- Mechanic
- Mechanical Engineer
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Biller
- Medical Coder
- Medical Director
- Medical Office Assistant
- Medical Office Manager
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Records Clerk
- Medical Scribe
- Medical Secretary
- Medical Technologist
- Merchandiser
- Millwright
- Neonatal Nurse
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Network Technician
- Neurologist
- Night Auditor
- Nurse
- Nurse Manager
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Assistant
- Nutritionist
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Office Administrator
- Office Assistant
- Office Clerk
- Office Coordinator
- Office Manager
- Operational Manager
- Operations Analyst
- Operations Coordinator
- Operations Manager
- Optician
- Optometrist
- Outside Sales Representative
- Painter
- Paralegal
- Paramedic
- Paraprofessional
- Pastry Chef
- Pathologist
- Patient Advocate
- Patient Care Technician
- Payroll Clerk
- Payroll Manager
- Payroll Specialist
- Pediatrician
- Personal Assistant
- Personal Banker
- Personal Trainer
- Pharmacist
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomist
- Photographer
- Physical Therapist
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Plant Manager
- Plumber
- Police
- Police Officer
- Porter
- Practice Manager
- Prep Cook
- Preschool Teacher
- President
- Principal
- Probation Officer
- Process Engineer
- Procurement Manager
- Producer
- Product Manager
- Product Marketing Manager
- Production Assistant
- Production Manager
- Production Supervisor
- Production Worker
- Program Analyst
- Program Assistant
- Program Coordinator
- Program Director
- Program Manager
- Programmer
- Programmer Analyst
- Project Coordinator
- Project Engineer
- Project Manager
- Property Manager
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Public Relations Account Manager
- Purchasing Agent
- Purchasing Assistant
- Purchasing Manager
- Python
- QA
- Quality Control Inspector
- Quality Engineer
- Quality Inspector
- Quality Manager
- Radiologic Technologist
- Radiologist
- Real Estate Agent
- Real Estate Broker
- Realtor
- Receiving Clerk
- Receptionist
- Recruiter
- Regional Sales Manager
- Registered Nurse Rn
- Resident Assistant
- Respiratory Therapist
- Restaurant Manager
- Restaurant Server
- Retail Assistant Manager
- Retail Associate
- Retail Sales Associate
- Retail Store Manager
- Safety Manager
- Sales Assistant
- Sales Associate
- Sales Clerk
- Sales Consultant
- Sales Coordinator
- Sales Director
- Sales Engineer
- Sales Manager
- Sales Representative
- Sales Support Specialist
- Scheduler
- School Bus Driver
- School Social Worker
- Secretary
- Security
- Security Guard
- Security Officer
- Senior Accountant
- Senior Project Manager
- Server
- Service Advisor
- Service Manager
- Shift Leader
- Shift Manager
- Shipping Clerk
- Social Media Intern
- Social Media Manager
- Social Worker
- Software Architect
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Sous Chef
- Special Education Teacher
- SQL
- Staff Accountant
- Stocker
- Store Associate
- Store Clerk
- Store Manager
- Substitute Teacher
- Supervisor
- Supply Chain Manager
- Surgeon
- Surgical Technician
- System Administrator
- System Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Systems Analyst
- Systems Engineer
- Tax Preparer
- Teacher
- Teacher Assistant
- Teaching Assistant
- Team Leader
- Technical Director
- Technical Support
- Technical Support Specialist
- Technical Writer
- Technician
- Telemarketer
- Teller
- Training Coordinator
- Training Manager
- Travel Agent
- Treasurer
- Truck Driver
- Tutor
- Ultrasound Technician
- Underwriter
- Ux Designer
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Technician
- Waiter
- Waitress
- Warehouse Manager
- Warehouse Worker
- Web Designer
- Web Developer
- Welder
- Writer