How do you handle working under very close supervision?
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The term 'close supervision' can be code for the dreaded micromanagement word! If the interviewer asks a question similar to this in your interview, you should dig deeper and find out how they interpret close supervision to be.
Since this question is framed as, 'How do you...' it is acceptable to use a hypothetical story example, giving a general overview of how you would react in this situation.
However, if you want to use a real-life example, try forming a response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
If possible, give an example of a time that you worked closely with a boss, professor, or someone in a position of authority. Then, finish your reply by asking what they mean by close supervision. It is your responsibility to ensure that the workplace culture marries well with your own needs an employee.
Since this question is framed as, 'How do you...' it is acceptable to use a hypothetical story example, giving a general overview of how you would react in this situation.
However, if you want to use a real-life example, try forming a response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
If possible, give an example of a time that you worked closely with a boss, professor, or someone in a position of authority. Then, finish your reply by asking what they mean by close supervision. It is your responsibility to ensure that the workplace culture marries well with your own needs an employee.
Example #1
"In my current role, I work closely with my boss. Our offices are next to each other, and we meet at least once per day to discuss the status of our projects. Could you share with me how your workplace culture is close, and what close supervision means to you?"
Example #2
"I work at the front desk in my current position, which means that I am accessible to my boss, and most of the team all day long. Everything that I do is within this close-knit environment, and I work just fine. Could you further explain to me what 'close supervision' means to you, and what that would look like in this role?"
Example #3
"My boss is in another city, but we work closely through daily emails or meetings via Google Meet. I am close with my team but do not hover over them when it is time to get the job done. I believe in offering employees room to work. Do you believe in close supervision here? And, if so - could you further clarify what that looks like in your day to day operations?"
Example #4
"I can work well under any amount of supervision, so long as communication is clear and expectations are well-set. I am always able to speak for my work because I am confident in the quality that I deliver. What does close supervision look like here at your company?"
Example #5
"I believe in accountability in the workplace, so I certainly do not need someone checking in. With that said, I am a fantastic employee, so you will not feel the need to supervise my every move. When you speak of close supervision, are you referring to micromanaging, or are you speaking of close working relationships?"
Example #6
"Close supervision is a requirement at times, depending on the project stage and other factors. I do not mind close supervision as long as it's an effective working method. There should be some flexibility in sales, however. Can you share with me how you define close supervision within your organization?"
Example #7
"As a teacher, I am not accustomed to overly close supervision by the principal, for instance, but I am accustomed to working closely with the parents of my students. I like it when parents are highly involved in their kids' education; however, nobody enjoys micromanagement. Can you please explain to me what you mean when you speak of close supervision?"
Example #8
"In my current role I work closely with my boss, we have cameras strategically located around the center, and we have regular check-ins every day. I think these measures are great because they reassure parents while protecting the workers and children at the same time. Could you share with me the supervision measures you take here?"
Anonymous Answer
"I am a self-starter and prefer to work with little supervision, so this is a challenge for me. The times I have felt good about close supervision is during the first few weeks at starting a new job. It is during this time that I am learning about the product, new customers, and the corporate culture, and I set up several meetings with my peers as well as leaders so that I know I'm focused on the right things."
Rachelle's Reply
I like that your answer shows your ability to work most of the time independently, without knocking down the idea of close supervision. You let the interviewer know that you enjoy close supervision for the first few weeks, not entirely knocking the idea. This shows a good balance! Nice job.
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Anonymous Answer
"I handle it the same as not having any supervision. I am a self-motivated worker, so I would be doing the same job whether the boss is watching me closely or not."
Kristine's Reply
Good start! To enhance your answer, you can share an example of a time that you worked under very close supervision. This question also allows you to learn more about the position and working relationships, so after you answer the question, you may ask the interviewer how they would define close supervision.
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Anonymous Answer
"We enjoy it when our boss is around. She is always very helpful when needed, so I handle that well."
Rachelle's Reply
Avoid speaking in 'we' and 'our' terms during an interview as the hiring interviewer is likely looking to hire you - not your team :) It's wonderful that you seem to have a great relationship with your current supervisor! I have reworded slightly, below.
Rachelle's Reply
"I enjoy it when my boss is around because she is always very helpful. I find a lot of value in her being close on the job."
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Anonymous Answer
"In my current role, I work closely with my boss. Our offices are next to each other, and we meet first thing in the morning, and during the day he requests updates to discuss the status of the projects for the day."
Rachelle's Reply
It seems then that you can handle working under close supervision. Be sure to add a qualifying statement to your answer. I have provided an example below.
Rachelle's Reply
"I do very well working under close supervision. In my current role, I work closely with my boss. Our offices are next to each other, and we meet first thing in the morning. During the day, he requests updates to discuss the status of the projects for the day."
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Anonymous Answer
"I don't mind working alongside supervision. Currently, I work closely with my immediate supervisor, where there is only one office between us, and I give him informal project updates in the morning and before the end of the day."
Rachelle's Reply
Perfect response!
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Anonymous Answer
"I am a reliable employee who works hard, regardless of whether it is close supervision or a more hands-off approach. You can rest assured that I deliver great work at all times."
Rachelle's Reply
Perfect response.
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Anonymous Answer
"One summer, when I worked in a sailboat business, I was assigned to build boat trailers. The owner always kept a close eye on me to ensure that the trailers were assembled correctly. At the time, I consulted the owner when I had a new or different type of trailer. The owner was flattered that I sought out his guidance, and we had a good and close relationship from there on out."
Kristine's Reply
Great answer! You show understanding and patience during a potentially challenging and uncomfortable experience.
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Anonymous Answer
"I have no issue with close supervision, as it might give both parties a chance to form a closer bond and learn from each other. I am a hard-working person and taking my responsibilities very seriously. I like to keep my manager informed of any business updates. In this way, I can be given immediate assistance if my way of working needs to be adjusted. I am also happy to prove myself when I have established my credits from my manager."
Rachelle's Reply
Your answer shows a lot of professionalism and willingness to embrace team work. Nice response!
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Anonymous Answer
"I always welcome working with a manager or supervisor. I believe I can learn a lot from their vast experience in the industry. I once worked closely with my manager on an extensive sales pitch for a very large pharmacy. It was a unique pharmacy as it was an HIV clinic. He closely supervised me as I created our sales pitch. With his help, we landed this large unique account."
Rachelle's Reply
It's so wonderful that you embrace the knowledge of others and take these opportunities to learn, grow, and excel.
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Anonymous Answer
"Do you mean micromanagement or close supervision? I am confident in my work performance whether I am supervised or not."
Rachelle's Reply
If the interviewer meant micromanagement, they would have said so. Rather than posing the question back to the interviewer and raising a whole new topic (this can sound confrontational) try answering it yourself within the response. I have added an example, below.
Rachelle's Reply
"I am confident in my work performance whether supervised or not. I have experienced close supervision and room to work. My performance is unaffected either way."
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Anonymous Answer
"I am confident enough in my abilities to work under close supervision without being worried about meeting my supervisor's expectations."
Rachelle's Reply
Excellent response! You nailed it.
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Anonymous Answer
"At my last job, I worked closely with my boss. He would critique my work and make suggestions for improvement all the time. It was relaxed, It didn't feel like micromanaging. What does close supervision mean to PTSB?"
Rachelle's Reply
Well said!
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Anonymous Answer
"Very well, that's the way I was taught, under very close supervision. During my clinical rotation, my clinical instructor would say I am always watching you. She was present for every task. She would tell us we are the future, and she was not letting just anyone become a nurse. Although daunting at first, I believe she made me the cautious nurse I am today."
Rachelle's Reply
Wow, that would have been a lot of pressure! It seems you reacted exactly as the clinical instructor wanted, making you an exceptional nurse in the end.
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