Top Supervisor Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence they have done their research
• - Confirmation they are familiar with your company
• - Indication they are motivated to learn more about the role

Question Overview: This question will help you determine how far the candidate is willing to go to help the company succeed.

Sample Answer: I once worked a weekend to help my team meet a tight deadline. I was able to get all of my work done and still meet the deadline, which allowed my team to focus on their work and not worry about mine.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence they are willing to go above and beyond
• - Confirmation they are motivated to help the company succeed
• - Evidence they have a strong work ethic

Question Overview: Supervisors need to be able to handle stress in a productive way. This question will reveal if the candidate has a healthy approach to handling stress, or if they are prone to making poor decisions under pressure.

Sample Answer: I try to keep a healthy work-life balance. I know that if I'm stressed out at home, it's going to affect my job performance. I make sure to take time for myself, whether that's going for a run or reading a book. I also make sure to have an outlet at work where I can discuss my stressors with someone who can help me find solutions.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence they are able to handle stress in a productive way
• - Awareness of the need to take care of themselves
• - Willingness to ask for help when needed

Question Overview: This is a great opportunity for the candidate to tell you about themselves. You can learn a lot about their personality, values, and work ethic by how they answer this question.

Sample Answer: I grew up in a small town in the Midwest. I was always interested in computers and technology, so I started taking classes at the local community college when I was 16. I loved it so much that I decided to change my major to computer science. I went on to get my bachelor's degree and then moved to the city to get my master's degree.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence they are self-aware
• - Confirmation they are honest and open
• - Indications they are passionate about their work

Question Overview: A supervisor's ability to handle customer complaints is a critical skill. This question will help you determine how the candidate will handle a difficult situation.

Sample Answer: I would apologize and ask the guest what I could do to make it right. If they were still unsatisfied, I would ask if there was anything else I could do. If they still weren't satisfied, I would offer to speak with my manager about the situation.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence they are comfortable dealing with unhappy customers
• - Confirmation they have the ability to remain calm and composed
• - Willingness to take responsibility for mistakes

Question Overview: A supervisor will need to be able to handle customer complaints and resolve issues in a way that doesn't reflect poorly on the company. This question will reveal how the candidate handles difficult situations.

Sample Answer: I once had a customer who was very upset with our company's customer service department. She was yelling and screaming at me, and I was able to calm her down by listening to her concerns and empathizing with her. I then got her contact information and forwarded it along to our customer service department so they could follow up with her directly.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence they have dealt with upset customers before
• - An understanding of the importance of customer satisfaction
• - An ability to remain calm and collected in a stressful situation

Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that will reveal the candidate's self-awareness and confidence.

Sample Answer: I am a strong leader who is able to motivate others to achieve their goals. I am also a great communicator who is able to build rapport with clients and staff alike.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Confirmation they are self-aware
• - Evidence they are confident in their abilities
• - Indications they have done their homework and know what you're looking for

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

Question Overview: Understanding your target customer is a key part of the job for a supervisor. This question will reveal if the candidate has taken the time to understand your audience.

Sample Answer: I really enjoy learning about our customers and their needs. I've read through our case studies and have done some research on our competitors' customers as well. I think I have a good understanding of what makes our target customer unique and what challenges they face.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence they have done their research on your target customer
• - Awareness of the challenges your target customer faces
• - Confirmation they are able to articulate their understanding of your target customer

Question Overview: This question will help you figure out if the candidate is willing to work with you to schedule a time that works for both of you.

Sample Answer: I'm free on Tuesdays at 2pm, or any time after 4pm on Fridays.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence they are flexible and willing to work with your schedule
• - Confirmation they are willing to make an effort to meet with you
• - Indication they are willing to work with your schedule