30 Quality Control Manager Interview Questions & Answers
1. What are your career goals?
How to Answer
When answering this question be sure to talk about what you hope for yourself for the future and how that can fit into what the company is looking for from you long term.
Answer Example
"Over time, I would like to grow my experience to include being the quality control manager for multiple sites. I am hoping to expand my education to also include a Project Management certificate so that I can offer more to my employer."
2. How do you maintain consistent inspections?
How to Answer
Consistency is key as a Quality Control Manager. What programs or forms do you utilize in order to stay organized and consistent? Finish your answer with a qualifying statement.
Answer Example
"My inspections are always the same because I perform them with my head, using logic, rather than my feelings. I have very good inspection templates and the guidelines are always the same. In my previous position I was often complimented after an inspection report on how consistent I am across the board. I definitely take pride in that."
3. What was a major decision you had to make as an inspector? How did it affect the company you worked for?
How to Answer
Think of a time when you made a major decision. How many people did your decision affect? Was your decision attached to a financial loss or gain?
Answer Example
"One major decision that I made recently in my career was to terminate all of our under performing employees. We had experienced a loss in revenue due to many unnecessary recalls that were attached to human error. Many of these employees had been with us for a long time. Unfortunately,; safety, revenue and productivity come first in our industry and we had to replace these staff members. Once the new employees were trained, we saw an immediate increase in revenue."
4. Are you familiar with the regulations we face, in this industry?
How to Answer
If you are newer to the specific industry, be sure to do a lot of research prior to your interview. You should be able to give a specific answer and/or refer to an industry association. Show the hiring manager that you have done your research.
Answer Example
"I am quite familiar with the regulations specific to this industry. Product Liability was my strongest focus during my studies and I am up to speed on the new regulations set out by the FDA and EPA."
5. When have you received criticism? How do you handle criticism?
How to Answer
Receiving feedback on the job is not a negative thing. Be sure to tell the hiring manager about a time when you have recently been coached by a supervisor or mentor. How did you take it, and how did you implement the criticism?
Answer Example
"I am good at receiving feedback from my team. A few months ago, during a performance review, my supervisor asked me to update my skills in SAP. I realized that since my promotion I didn't use the program as often anymore, and I was getting a bit rusty. I was sure to practice it in the coming days and was back to a more than acceptable standard shortly after."
6. When have you had to criticize someones work before? Are you comfortable doing so?
How to Answer
Being in a management role also means that you will sometimes need to give feedback, ask someone to work harder or even terminate someone's employment. It's important that the hiring manager know that you are comfortable with awkward or difficult conversations. Give an example of a time when you had to ask someone to deliver higher quality work.
Answer Example
"One time that I can recall would be when one of my team leads was not paying the close attention to her teams performance as I came to expect from her. I had to sit her down and started by asking her if there was a concern or a reason why she was less attentive to her job. She admitted to some personal issues she was having. I directed her to some resources from our HR department and then we made a plan for a follow up conversation a week from that date. Her performance improved greatly. I am absolutely comfortable in having difficult conversations and delivering feedback to my team."
7. What experience do you have leading a team?
How to Answer
When answering this question be sure to talk about the number of people you have lead and what their functions were.
Answer Example
"I have 5 years' experience in leading a team. My smallest team consisted of 6 production line workers and a junior engineer. The largest team I have lead consisted of 40 employees ranging from production line workers to team leads."
8. How important was it for you to keep detailed records of all your inspections at your previous position?
How to Answer
Detailed records are an important part of your role as a QC Manager. Be sure to discuss the importance and any extra steps you take to ensure the accuracy and safety of the records.
Answer Example
"Keeping detailed records of my inspections is an incredibly important part of my position as a QA Manager. My whole career, the safety of my team and the good of the company relies on my accuracy and integrity in reporting."
9. When have you given advice or a suggestion to a QC manager before? How was your advice/suggestion received?
How to Answer
If you have been the only QC Manager for some time, you may need to think of an example from earlier in your career. Think of a time when you had a suggestion and it was received well. Keep the answer light and positive.
Answer Example
"Earlier on in my career, I saw an opportunity for production to go even smoother. We were just starting to utilize a new program and some staff weren't catching onto the technology. I suggested to my QC Manager at the time that we do a lunch and learn meeting to train everyone on a few shortcuts. He implemented the idea and it worked very well."
10. As an inspector, walk me through your day to day job.
How to Answer
Walking the hiring manager through a typical day will help them to know that you truly do understand what your day to day job function would be if you were given the opportunity.
Answer Example
"In a typical day, I would begin by reviewing any incident reports from the evening prior. Addressing any safety issues would be my primary concern. Secondly, I would call a quick meeting with my production team leads. Analyzing production numbers and taking care of technical issues would come next. The remainder of my day would be between the office and the production floor."
11. Why should we hire you?
How to Answer
It is best to highlight your strongest skills when answering this question. What makes you a stand out candidate? Be sure to ask the interviewer if they have any hesitations when it comes to your qualifications.
Answer Example
"I feel that you should choose me as your successful candidate because I bring a strong work history in QC. I am ambitious and have completed my Bachelor's degree in Engineering. After sitting down with me for an interview, is there any reason why you wouldn't see me as the best fit for your company? I would be happy to clarify anything further for you."
12. If hired, how do you intend on making a difference with our company?
How to Answer
During your interview process, have you noticed any potential changes that could be made to increase the company's productivity? This is a great time to talk about what you would like to see as a QC Manager. Beware of not cutting the company down but do make some suggestions in a respectful manner.
Answer Example
"After our first interview I went home and took note of some of the activity that I saw on the production line during the tour. One way that I would like to make a difference is by creating a team environment with the production workers. Many safety issues are resolved simply by creating a stronger teamwork based environment. That is certainly one way that I could quickly make an impact if hired."
13. How do you prioritize your work?
How to Answer
Being able to prioritize and manage multiple urgent needs at once is a really important skill. Show the interviewer you are capable of doing this by talking about how you manage your day.
Answer Example
"My way of prioritizing my work will include starting each day with a full review of production needs. I will review which tasks, when left undone, will cost the company the most in losses. The bottom line is always the priority. From there, I move down the list and manage my day."
14. Do you work well under pressure?
How to Answer
Let the interviewer know that you work well under pressure by giving an example or talking about a time when you were acknowledged for your ability to do so.
Answer Example
"I do work very well under pressure. My previous supervisor at ABC Company commented quite frequently on my ability to remain calm during stressful situations. I can easily look at a problem with a keen eye to see what the root truly is which helps me to stay calm under pressure."
15. What is destructive testing, and what are its benefits?
How to Answer
Be sure to clearly explain what you believe destructive testing to be. What are the common benefits of this type of testing? The clearer and more concise you can be when answering this question - the better.
Answer Example
"Destructive testing is a method of breaking down your material or product in order to find out if the quality can withstand the extremes that the end user is expecting. The benefits of destructive testing include the ability to identify the properties of your product and predict the nature of how your product will/would break down once in the hands of the end user."
16. What's your ideal company to work for?
How to Answer
Have you researched what this company offers? You should always know, before your interview, what the organization stands for, what their culture is like and something about them that that stands out to you.
Answer Example
"My ideal company is one that truly appreciates the hard work that their employees deliver every day. I am also looking for a work environment that encourages continued education efforts and internal promotions. From the research I have done, I see that you promote from within whenever possible. Also, I read that you have a tuition reimbursement program. That's really interesting and I would love to hear more about that."
17. Do you have previous experience in this field?
How to Answer
This is a great opportunity to outline your experience briefly, and be sure to highlight any specific experience you have in the company's industry while you give your overview.
Answer Example
"In total, I have about 8 years' experience in quality control. Five of those years have been in a management position within a valve and automation manufacturing plant."
18. What do you know about our company?
How to Answer
Hiring managers like to know that they are hiring someone who is interested in them as well. Have you researched their organization prior to applying? What were some of the stand-out features of this employer?
Answer Example
"I have researched your company website and online presence. You have a great amount of positive employee reviews on glassdoor.com and I feel that your company culture would really fit what I am looking for. You take pride in your work and your customers stay with you long term. From what I have seen so far, I would be more than happy to work for your company."
19. What is your greatest weakness?
How to Answer
When answering this question be sure to include what you are working on in regards to your job performance and then end on a positive note. You do not want to make your 'greatest weakness' something critical. Keep it somewhat light and positive.
Answer Example
"In my performance reviews with my previous manager, one of the things we discussed was for me to strengthen my knowledge in Excel. I have since enrolled in a night course which will be complete mid-September."
20. What is your greatest strength?
How to Answer
This is the time to talk a bit about what you feel you could uniquely bring to the job if you were the successful candidate.
Answer Example
"I've been told by previous employers and colleagues that I am really great at giving and receiving feedback. I feel that my greatest strength is in my ability to create an environment where everyone works very openly with each other. A happy team is a productive team."
21. What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
How to Answer
What has been your biggest 'win' in your career? Perhaps you have won an award or were recognized for a job very well done. Be sure to talk about yourself in a positive way and end with a qualifying statement.
Answer Example
"My biggest career accomplishment was when I was recognized for being the 'QC Manager of the Year'. I had perfect work attendance and increased profitability by 14% in my first year; a company record. I would love to have the opportunity to do the same for your organization."
22. How do you handle stress with your job?
How to Answer
Being a QC Manager can be a stressful job at times. Tell the hiring manager what you do to manage stress. You want to avoid saying that you never get stressed out since that sounds nearly impossible. Give an example if you have one.
Answer Example
"After being in this line of work for some time, I am accustomed to the stress that it brings. When I do feel like I am stressed or experience a large volume of roadblocks, I will step back and ask the opinion of one of my team members. Perhaps they have an idea or can think of a solution that I may be missing. The brainstorm can often be enough to settle things and helps me to re-adjust my thinking."
23. Do you manage your time well?
How to Answer
Have you been complimented on your organization and time management? Perhaps you have a personal system to keep yourself on track during the day? Rather than simply answering 'Yes', be sure to give a brief explanation.
Answer Example
"I am very good with managing my time. When I begin my day, I am sure to map out my tasks and ensure that I have all of the tools and resources at my fingertips. In my previous reviews, my supervisor was very complimentary of my time management skills."
24. What are key duties/tasks for Quality Control Manager?
How to Answer
It's always a great idea to go into the job interview knowing what the job description is. The hiring manager would really like to know that what you understand to be the position requirements truly do match the skills that you bring.
Answer Example
"The key duties of a QC Manager include ensuring that the company's products meet acceptable quality standards. In the past, I have also taken on some administration work. As a QC Manager, I need to ensure that your production and manufacturing lines are performing efficiently. I am also to manage a team and be the liaison between yourself and the production departments."
25. What have you learned from your past jobs that related to Quality Control Manager?
How to Answer
When referring to previous jobs, be sure not to go too far back into your work history. Also, avoid giving examples of jobs that may not even be listed on your resume as this will simply confuse the interviewer.
Answer Example
"Throughout the years and jobs, I can confidently say that relatable skills picked up along the way would include attention to detail, ability to multi-task and speedy decision making under pressure."
26. Do you have any previous experience as a Quality Control Manager?
How to Answer
Chances are, you have the experience the hiring manager is looking for - otherwise, you wouldn't be in the interview. The hiring manager wants to know in a bit more detail, where you bring the experience from.
Answer Example
"I have just over 5 years' experience as a Quality Control Manager. My first management role was with XYZ Company and I was there for about 1 year. With ABC Company, I was given the opportunity for a bigger role, larger team and more lucrative salary. I've been QC Manager there for the past 4 years."
27. Why do you want to become a Quality Control Manager?
How to Answer
When you answer this questions, it is really important to show an interest in both the company and the job description.
Answer Example
"I would love to continue my career in a management role because QC is what I do best. I have a natural ability to problem solve and analyze. Working for your company in this QC Manager role would be a great match for my skills and desire for growth."
28. Tell me how you would make a great quality control manager here at our company.
How to Answer
In the company's job posting they likely talked about the "problem" that they would like solved. That should always be your focus when answering a question like this.
Answer Example
"problem"
29. Tell me about a risk you discovered from your past job?
How to Answer
When you answer this question be sure to give an example but be careful not to give away any trade secrets and do not risk speaking poorly of your previous place of employment.
Answer Example
"Last January, while working for ABC Company, I was alerted to a technical issue that was quite serious. If left untouched, it would have shut down production and cost the company millions of dollars to fix. I was able to very briefly pause production and have the technical team fix the risk before anyone was injured and before funds were wasted. Risks are always discovered in this line of work and I am always sure to put safety, and the bottom line, first."
30. Tell me about your quality control experiences.
How to Answer
This is a good time to be more specific than your resume allows. Describe further some of the types of companies and products you have worked with.
Answer Example
"In the 8 years that I have been working in quality control, I have worked for ABC Company, XYZ Company and 123 Company. All three of these organizations were focused on the manufacturing of valves and automators. I have lead a team of up to 30 production workers."