Help with interview for supervisor position!!!

Question

Hello all, I am interviewing for a supervisory position this Friday. It is my former supervisor's position and I am so nervous. I have worked this job for 3 years so I know the ends and outs as a line worker, but I have never been a supervisor before. I also am nervous about transitioning from co-worker to supervisor of my peers if I get the position. I am the senior in our department at this time and my peers don't know that I applied. Any tips on panel interviews for supervisory positions, why am I so extremely nervous. I am so excited!!! What types of questions might the ask. I am a caseworker in the state of Nevada working with foster children. I would supervisor (if given the position) about six caseworkers with caseloads of 12-16 children per worker. Thanks for all tips and advice!

Answer 1

First, nerves are to be expected.  Second, be yourself.  Third, you will do fine.

The big difference between your current position and a supervisory position boils down to how you mange people.  In other words, how would you get work done through and with your "staff" rather than doing all the work yourself.  They are going to ask questions about how you would get the staff to do things, accept your authority, how you will deal with conflict and such.

The advantage you have is that they know you.  They know you will be new supervisory and that you will need to learn as you go.  They are looking at what natural leadership abilities you have.

I hope this helps.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Our company promotes from within as well and the questions we always ask someone who is interviewing for a supervior's position is:

"why do you want this position?"

"what type of leader are you going to be?"

"do you feel there is someone else within the company that is better qualified for this position?"

These are just a few questions you most likely will be asked in the interview.  Show confidence, be professional, answer every question honestly and do your best to leave little to no doubt in their minds that you are the best person for this position.        

Answer 3

Prepare yourself by going over several of the questions you think that they will ask: What is the most difficult case you have had?

Have you ever made a mistake or wished you could have done something differently? Elaborate.

What would be your supervisory style?

What is your greatest strength Weakness?

Practice answering these to a friend or someone who will be critical and give an honest opinion. As you practice you will be more at ease during the interview. Remember, you probably know more about the job than the people interviewing you-convince them of that and you will ace it!

Answer 4

You realize you will no longer be a co-worker , but you would be the supervisor of your FORMER co-workers.You are crossing the line between worker and manager.

They may ask, "a former co-worker, who is a close friend, is not doing his job."  How would you handle it.?"  There really is no correct answer, they will  be looking to see if your friendship with your workers would prevent you from being an effective supervisor. You will have no problems with most of them, perhaps none of them. But there is always someone who will try to see how much they can get away with, and if you discipline them, you will get an earful of " we used to be friends."  How will you handle  this?

    You don't become a slave driver with a bullwhip, but, if necessary, you may have to remind someone that they are expected to do their jobs, and your former friendship will not prevent you from enforcing  this.

Answer 5

I think that they want to see that you are a leader. I had an interview for a manager position and I gave very good answers but didn't get the job. The fact that I had no experiece played a large role but they want to make sure that you will be managing everyone and not chummy. To be honest I think you should expect some questions like

1) One of your workers isn't performing his or her job what would you do to help him to his tasks?

2) We need a a project completed and you are your staff is backed up, how do you tell your staff that you have added work.

They want answers that are direct and aren't like "I would politely say.." they want to make sure that you can get the job done and not be hesitant about it.  

Answer 6

Wear something nice, make eyecontact, and for god sakes do something with that hair

Answer 7

1stly you are not interviewing, you are being interviewed.  The person(s) interviewing you will do the interviewing.  

2ndly Try to relax.  Panel interviews can be daunting but if you are prepared you will be ok.  try to image the range of questions asked and the answers you may have.  Also think of some questions you have about the job from a protocol or procedural level (rather than pay or holidays etc).

3rdly yes there will be a transition and you will have to be slightly different with you co-workers if you get the job.  

4thly thinks about instances, panel interviews love to ask questions such as 'tell us about a time when you worked on your own initiative' or 'How would you help a child with ADHD or learning difficulties settle into a new placement' they want examples from your life.

Good luck  

Answer 8

It is human nature to be nervous.  Take your nerves (all that energy) and turn them into confidence.  A supervisor needs to be a leader; and leaders need to communicate confidence.  Look honestly at yourself and think about your previous supervisors.  I'd bet (in this and other jobs you've had) that you have had supervisors you admired and others you threw a party to get away from.  Start asking yourself questions and jot down your answers ... read them later.  Do they sound good to you?  Don't use this exercise for any other purpose than to get your mind thinking and responding.  

You have one awesome advantage; and it's not your seniority.  Leave that fact behind when you answer questions.  A platform based on "seniority" suggests an entitlement mentality.  Translate "seniority" to "experience."  Your advantage is that you have done the very job that you will oversee.  That is an advantage that affords you superior advantage to any outsider.  

When selected for the position you will have a challenge on your hands with former coworkers.  It's usually difficult to become the boss.  You will have a new and different job to do.  I don't know any secret to making it easy or fool-proof.  Remember to always be respectful, never boast, and stand your ground when you know you need to.  To me it's easier to be named supervise a group of total strangers...and building working relationships from that point.  Some will always be bitter no matter what you do.  You can't let that get in your way.  Be sure that you will be asked how you would bridge this transition.  Promote respect (though you won't always get in return), express appreciation and encourage communication.  You'll need strong human relations skills.

You'll probably be asked things like:

Why did you apply for this job?  Tell me about your supervisory experience. (think about other things you have done in your life where you have taken on a leadership role...and things you've done in your current position when you have stepped up to take the lead on a project or difficult case)  Why do you think you would be a good supervisor?  What changes would you make if selected for the position?  Interviewers will be looking for your ability to express yourself (even if you are nervous) in a way that shows them that you have the maturity to be objective and tackle things like performance issues with those reporting to you, ability to offer guidance and redirect staff when necessary, be proactive/not just reactive, etc.

Hope some of this helps.  Just remember, they are not hiring a case worker...they are hiring someone to lead the others!  GOOD LUCK.  

Answer 9

be calm and act professional and let the interviewer know your experience