Behavioral Interview Questions
Master 31 behavioral interview questions covering past experiences, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
Question 27 of 31
How do you handle working under very close supervision?
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How to Answer
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
The interviewer wants to know more about the workplace environment you desire. The goal of your response should be to describe your ideal work environment clearly, and ensure that this job opportunity is a two-way fit.
Keep in mind, the term 'close supervision' can be code for micromanagement in the workplace. If the interviewer asks a question similar to this in your interview, consider digging deeper to determine how the hiring company interprets the term 'close supervision.'
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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 what close supervision means to you?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I can work well under any amount of supervision, as 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?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
If possible, give an example of when you worked closely with a boss, professor, or someone in a position of authority. Then, finish your reply by asking what the interviewer means by the term 'close supervision.' Your responsibility is to ensure that the workplace culture aligns well with your own needs as an employee.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
Since this question begins with '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.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
Avoid giving an answer that casts a negative light on being supervised. Very few people appreciate being micromanaged; however, avoid assuming that the term 'close supervision' means being micromanaged. Ask the interviewer as many questions as you need to gain a full scope of what type of supervision you'll be under in this role.
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 Feedback
Perfect response.
Anonymous Answer
Do you mean micromanagement or close supervision? I am confident in my work performance whether I am supervised or not.
Rachelle's Feedback
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.
"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."
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 Feedback
Well said!
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 Feedback
Excellent response! You nailed it.
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 Feedback
Great answer! You show understanding and patience during a potentially challenging and uncomfortable experience.
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 Feedback
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.
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 Feedback
Perfect response!
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 Feedback
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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