Download our “Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet” that gives you word-for-word sample answers to some of the most common interview questions including:
1 ‘What Is the Largest Number of People You Have Supervised at One Time?’
Where you have supervised a team before, this is a straightforward answer to give.
However, where this is your first supervisor role, there may still be supervisory examples that you can mention.
For example, you chaired a project committee of eight workmates with a past employer or you organized 24 volunteers for a local fundraiser.
Top 30 Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers
Avoid those awkward interview pauses while you think up an answer to a question by considering responses in advance, such as those below:
1 ‘As a Supervisor, What Is Your Greatest Weakness?’
This is rarely a comfortable question to answer because you want to make a good impression, but it can provide insight into how well you learn from your mistakes and how honest you are.
Explain what you feel is your greatest weakness as a supervisor but follow up with how you are trying to improve.
For example, your greatest weakness may be your tendency to micro-manage because you want everything to be completed efficiently, but you are attempting to develop your delegation skills and place more faith in your team and their ability to work independently of you.
For more help with this topic, read What Is Your Greatest Weakness?.
‘Tell Me a Bit About Yourself and Your Experiences So Far’
This first question can often trip people up into providing a lengthy answer that includes little information relevant to the job at hand.
The purpose of this question is to find out why you think you are suitable for the job. What makes you an ideal candidate? What value can you bring to the supervisor position and the business?
Your answer should be succinct and relevant. Mention where you are now, give a brief description of how you progressed to this point, then outline the experience, skills and qualifications you possess that make you ideal for the supervisor vacancy.
For more on this question, see our article on Answering the Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself.
1 ‘Can You See Yourself Staying With the Company for a Long Time if You Are Hired for the Supervisor Position?’
This is a re-worded version of the five-year question but may also signify that the employer favors employees who will stay with them for several years.
As with question 13, explain how the supervisor role is a valuable step in your career progression.
2 ‘Are You Open to Suggestions From Others?’
This can appear quite a vague question until you consider it in the context of a supervisor role.
This question balances communication skills (listening to your team and acknowledging their contribution) with leadership skills (assessing the effectiveness of the suggestion and deciding on whether to implement it).
Answer the question in the context of the supervisor role, emphasizing both your communication and leadership skills.
Top 10 Supervisor Interview Questions with Example Answers
Supervisor interview questions and answers are an excellent resource when you’re preparing to advance your career. They can give you outstanding insights about how to stand out, as well as ensure you’re not caught off guard by questions.
After all, there are more than 681,000 supervisors working in the United States. Plus, there are plenty of job seekers who are looking to take this first step into management. That means you will face competition, so you want to be ready.
Here’s a look at the top ten supervisor interview questions and answers, as well as some tidbits about why each question is a favorite among hiring managers.