Current Events > I have an interview for supervisor at my company this week

(+) Yeah! (+)

Anyone got any tips/advice?

I had ambition in moving up in the company but was kinda pushed into applying because I'm well liked by p much everyone (especially other supervisors who would always say they'd recommend me if a supe spot opened up) and I've constantly demonstrated leadership qualities and a good handle on explaining things even if it's not within my department. I was gonna try for supervisor anyways, just...didn't expect to so soon I guess haha.

The supe that pushed me into applying gave me a few things to keep in mind/prepare for. Some of which are stuff like

- How would I deal with an employee or employees who don't listen and when is it time to give them warnings/more severe punishment?
- How do I deal with employees that won't take me seriously considering I'm on the younger side (I'm 31, everyone is 40+ mainly with a few around my age).

Any help would be greatly appreciated lol.

They're questions that you can be vague on and get away with it.

Touch posted...

How would I deal with an employee or employees who don't listen and when is it time to give them warnings/more severe punishment?

"There's a reason for every kind of behaviour -- whether misconduct or performance -- and it's important to get to the bottom of that to come to a solution that works out for both the employee and the business, it's a tough question to answer directly as commonly, different people are in different situations. Removing an employee from the business is an absolute last resort; I'm more interested in finding out the why and trying to solve that where possible rather than letting someone go"

Touch posted...

- How do I deal with employees that won't take me seriously considering I'm on the younger side (I'm 31, everyone is 40+ mainly with a few around my age).

"ASSERT MY DOMINANCE"

Nah this one's legit hard to answer. Something like "my skill and experience speaks for itself and is the primary reason behind getting position in the first place"

Yeah. I just didn't want to come in cocky and say "lol everyone likes me" (not exactly but ya know what I mean lol) and use that as a reason for why people would listen to me. I feel like I have a good enough relationship with all the floor workers and that they'd respect me, but I feel like that doesn't translate well into explaining it for interviewers? Idk

Also, I was planning to go white collared long sleeve, black tie, black slacks, black dress shoes for the interview. Is that too much or is it a good show that I'm serious about the interview/job?

xGhostchantx posted...

- How do I deal with employees that won't take me seriously considering I'm on the younger side

Everyone wants to be respected. If for some reason someone doesn't respect me as a leader it is important to understand the root of it. I think in most cases when a young person isn't respected it is because someone might not think they paid their dues, but as I mentioned I have been working here for (time). Thankfully I believe that during my time here I have gained the respect of my coworkers. But, if it becomes an issue that is a coaching discussion with the employee.

In general I would say in your answers try to demonstrate:

thoughtfulness
patience
respect
perseverance
understanding and enforcement of policy
accountability

Basically they want someone that the buck stops at, that will be able to work with people, and bull dog stuff to completion when needed.

Touch posted...

Also, I was planning to go white collared long sleeve, black tie, black slacks, black dress shoes for the interview. Is that too much or is it a good show that I'm serious about the interview/job?

You know your company culture much better than we do.

That being said, if you are going to wear a tie, wear a suit.
I probably wouldn't go black. I'd go navy suit, colorful, albeit professional tie, and shirt that goes with tie and suit.

Yeah for sure I'm gonna talk about patience, respect and communication in most of my answers. I was also thinking about mentioning how whenever I made a mistake that it was very helpful that other supervisors or the manager would talk to me in a calm, respectful and patient manner which would resonate with me more than just yelling at me and I intend to emulate the same process towards others.

undefined posted...

Also, I was planning to go white collared long sleeve, black tie, black slacks, black dress shoes for the interview. Is that too much or is it a good show that I'm serious about the interview/job?

Good rule of thumb for interviews anywhere in my experience, and same goes for promotions. It's a combo of fitting in and looking good.

Casual workplace = Dress sharply, but not a suit; if you wear nice jeans, don't wear sneakers, go with dress shoes. No hoodies/zips should be obvious, wear a sports/dinner coat even if in jeans.

Business casual workplace = Tie optional, jacket/coat a must but but don't overdo it

Very professional = You can't overdo it unless you turn up in a tux

For sure. I think I have most everything sorted out. Thank you so much for the peeps that helped!