Management Interview Question: Why Do You Feel You Will Be Comfortable in a Supervisor Role?
New managers have a lot of responsibilities that have never before been tested. They need to delegate tasks, organize plans of action, motivate employees, take charge and assume credit for both successes and failures. They are under a lot of stress and have more responsibilities than the rest of the staff, because although they may not necessarily have the hardest tasks, they are the ones responsible for those that do, in addition to their own workload. Being a supervisor is not for everyone.
How to Answer
If you are asked about your comfort in a leadership/supervisor position, use it as an opportunity to discuss other times you have performed leadership roles that were not necessarily managerial. Make sure they are relevant to the company though (ie, taking over for a day as a McDonald’s assistant manager is not relevant).
Bad Answer
“I am confident I am a leader, and that I have the skills necessary to take charge.”
This doesn’t say anything of value. It’s just a generic response that essentially says you are ready to be a supervisor because you think you are. Not good enough.
Good Answer
“I have supervised before and felt natural in the position. At my last job, I lead the team in charge of project X, developing the timeline for completion, delegating tasks, and monitoring their progress. I also organized the Tacoma Art Museum cultural festival as a volunteer, and felt comfortable throughout the experience.”
You will have your own examples, but focus on the work that you did that is relevant to the job that shows you have been a manager/supervisor before and not found it to be a struggle.
Take Away Interview Tips
- Focus on your past leadership experiences.
- Make sure they are relevant.