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.

Interview Practice

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  • 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: Tell me about a time when you suggested a solution to a problem that helped the finances of your company.
  • Question Overview: This is a great question to ask if you're looking for a candidate who can not only manage their team but also the finances of the company.

    Sample Answer: At my last job, I was responsible for managing the budget for our entire department. I was able to find ways to save money by negotiating with vendors and finding new ways to streamline our processes. I was able to reduce our overhead by over 10% without sacrificing quality.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they know how to keep a budget
    • - Awareness of their role in helping the company's bottom line
    • - Confirmation they have experience with financials

  • Question: What makes you the best candidate for this job?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to find out how the candidate feels about their own abilities. It's also a good way to see if they have researched your company and the role.

    Sample Answer: I am confident that I am the best candidate for this job because I have been in a similar role at my current company for the past three years. I have been able to grow my team from three employees to eight, and I have been able to increase sales by 20 percent over the past year.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they are confident in their abilities
    • - Confirmation they have researched your company and the role
    • - Indications they are motivated to take on the job

  • Question: What will you bring to Charlotte Russe?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to find out if the candidate is a good fit for your company. It's important to know what they think they can bring to the table, but it's also important to know what they think your company needs.

    Sample Answer: I believe I will bring a strong work ethic and a commitment to customer service. I know that Charlotte Russe is committed to providing the best possible shopping experience for its customers, and I am committed to doing my part to help make that happen.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have done their research on the company
    • - Acknowledgement of Charlotte Russe's core values
    • - Acknowledgement of Charlotte Russe's mission and vision

  • Question: What is your biggest strength/weakness?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic interview question, but it's still a good one to ask. You want to make sure that the candidate is aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and that they are honest about them.

    Sample Answer: I think my biggest strength is my ability to work well with others. I've always been a people person, and I'm good at building relationships with people from all walks of life. My biggest weakness is that I can be too trusting of people. I've learned that it's important to verify information before making decisions.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confirmation they are self-aware
    • - Evidence they have been able to overcome a weakness
    • - Willingness to admit a weakness

  • Question: What can you offer to this company?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to learn about the candidate's motivation for applying. If they can't describe what they can offer, it might be a red flag that they're not looking for a long-term position.

    Sample Answer: I can offer you a proven track record of success in my current role at ACME Marketing. I've been able to grow my department from three employees to six in the last year. I'm confident I can do the same for your team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they are motivated to take on the role
    • - Confirmation they have researched the company and its needs
    • - Indications they are self-aware about their strengths and weaknesses

  • Question: How do you handle anger?
  • Question Overview: A supervisor will need to be able to handle conflict and anger from employees, especially when it comes to disciplinary action. This question will help you see how they handle their own emotions, and how they would deal with an employee's anger.

    Sample Answer: I try to remain calm when I'm angry. I know that if I let my emotions get the best of me, I can't think clearly and I might say or do something I regret. I also try to be aware of my tone of voice when I'm upset. If I'm yelling or raising my voice, it's a good indication that I need to take a step back and calm down.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they are able to keep their cool in stressful situations
    • - Confirmation they are able to separate their emotions from the situation
    • - Awareness of the importance of keeping a level head

  • Question: What do you expect from the company?
  • Question Overview: This question will help you understand what the candidate is looking for in their next role. It's important to know if they're looking for a long-term position or if they're just looking for a stepping stone to their next role.

    Sample Answer: I expect to be challenged every day. I want to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities. I want to feel like I'm growing as a professional and that my contributions are valued.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they are looking for a long-term position
    • - Willingness to be flexible about their expectations
    • - Indications they are motivated by more than just money

  • Question: What would you do if someone cursed at you?
  • Question Overview: This question will reveal if the candidate has the self-control to keep their cool in a stressful situation.

    Sample Answer: I would try to remain calm and focus on solving the problem at hand. I would also try to understand why they were upset and if there was anything I could do to help them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have the self-control to keep their cool in a stressful situation
    • - Indications they have been in a situation like this before
    • - Acknowledgement they know how to handle it

  • Question: Tell me about a time when an employee in your organization did something wrong, how did you handle the situation?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal how the candidate would handle a situation where an employee made a mistake. It's important to see how they would handle it, but also how they would communicate the situation to you.

    Sample Answer: I once had an employee who was consistently late to work. I knew it was a problem, but I didn't want to come down too hard on him because he was a good worker. I started by having a conversation with him about it, and then I asked him to start coming in 15 minutes early every day. This helped him get into the office on time and also gave him time to get his work done before the rest of the team arrived.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they know how to handle a situation professionally
    • - Confirmation they are able to communicate clearly and effectively
    • - Indications they are able to remain calm in stressful situations

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in our company if we hire you?
  • Question Overview: This question helps you understand if the candidate has a realistic view of your company's structure and their role in it.

    Sample Answer: I would like to see myself as a supervisor in your company within the next five years. I feel that I have the skills and experience to be a great leader for your team. I've been working hard to develop my skills and grow my experience, and I look forward to continuing to do so with your company.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence they have done their research on your company
    • - Confirmation they understand the scope of the position
    • - Indications they are motivated to grow within your company