Why should we hire you as a customer service officer?
"Because I have what it takes to fill the requirements of this job - solve
customer problems using my excellent customer service skills." "Because I
have the experience and expertise in the area of customer support that is
required in this position."
What do you consider the most important qualities for a supervisor?
Planning and Organizing, problem-solving, decision-making, delegating,
motivating, influencing, Communicating and managing conflict.
Describe your supervisory style?
Your ability to adapt your style to the demands of the person you are dealing
with, the task at hand and the circumstances is key to success as a
supervisor. Provide examples of how you have had to adapt your supervisory
style to meet different needs.
How do you motivate your employees/team members?
The more your employees or team members understand about their jobs and
Accountabilities the more motivated they are. Show how you ensure each
subordinate has clarity about his or her role and responsibilities. Discuss how
you set clear, specific and realistic targets that are agreed on rather than
dictated. Focus on how you involve employees by asking for suggestions,
ideas and feedback.
Tell me about a time an employee made a significant mistake. What
action did you take?
This is a behavioral or situational interview question. You are expected to
provide an example of how you successfully managed a difficult employee or
team member.
Focus on ability to communicate openly to understand the cause of the
mistake. To discuss with the employee how it can be prevented from
happening again. To view the mistake as a learning opportunity to improve
future performance.
Describe a time you had to introduce important change in your last
job.
You ability to persuade and influence your employees or team members to
accept change is key. Show how you were able to gain support and
commitment from them by using the appropriate communication style, by
listening and responding to concerns and Questions, by asking for their help
and commitment and by providing support.
Describe a time you had to manage conflict within your
department/team/group.
Identified the source of conflict, used the conflict situation as a constructive
process to exchange opinions and ideas and clarify roles and responsibilities.
Discuss how you kept the focus on the desired outcome rather than on
personal grievances.
Tell me about a time you had to coach an employee to perform a
task.
Coaching and developing others is part of the supervisor function. Agree on
the outcomes and methods of coaching with the employee, to explain and
demonstrate task performance, to observe and provide constructive
feedback.
Tell me about a short term plan you developed for your
department/team/group.
Set priorities, establish objectives and milestones, schedule activities and
plan proper use of resources.
When evaluating an employee or team member’s performance what
factors are most important to you?
High work standards for yourself and your subordinates, how you
communicate your expectations and how you monitor performance.