25 Ramp Agent Supervisor Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Ramp Agent Supervisor interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Talk about a time you had to respond to an emergency situation in the workplace. How did you react to the situation to make sure the best possible outcome?
How to Answer
An emergency situation in the workplace is a very subjective thing. It can mean reacting to a medical or safety emergency or it can mean handling a late requested deadline that was requested of you. Any way that you choose to answer this question, your interviewer is simply looking to hear how you reacted to the situation and that you took a calm, cool, and collected approach to ensuring a great outcome in the end. Answer by describing the situation, your thought process in reacting, and how you fought to ensure the best possible results. Make sure your interviewer walks away from your conversation knowing that you can be comfortable and successful in any emergent situation in this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"A few years back, we had two people from our five man crew get seriously ill for a two day period to end the week when we had a few major deadlines to hit. Knowing that we would absolutely be strapped for time, I spent the Thursday working hand in hand with the other three remaining members of the team on the job, knowing that my supervisory duties would have to be pushed back to the weekend. Late on Thursday afternoon, I knew that we would need help from one other individual the next day, and I called around to other leaders to see if we could use the situation as a flex assignment for a great employee. One of my close colleagues obliged and we had a fifth member to help us get the job completed by the end of the day on Friday. I was more than happy to take some work home with me on the weekend and take care of it in the evenings because the situation simply called for it."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
2. Our Ramp Agents can experience some pretty daunting days on the job. How would you motivate a crew for a tough day ahead?
How to Answer
Due to heavy travel seasons and heavy shipping times of the years, Ramp Agents know when the stressful times of year are coming, and your job as the supervisor of the team will be to ensure that your team is motivated and ready to work during those times. What your interviewer is ideally looking to hear is that you take a smart approach with your staff that involves clear and specific duties and goals and that you have open lines of communication with your staff and allow them to be a part of the planning process.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I fully understand coming into this role that there are going to be some extremely busy work days, and I would make sure that my staff is fully planned ahead of time for those days. When it comes to scheduling, I would ensure that my team has a say in how we schedule the work for the day; I would plan to do this with them weeks in advance. I would also ensure that my best team members are in the roles that best fit their skills on busy days. I truly believe that a team is most invested and motivated in their work if they are a part of brainstorming new ideas and allowed to provide feedback. That is the kind of leader I would be for the team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
3. How would you handle an employee experiencing a sudden lack of on-the-job performance?
How to Answer
Great employees can go sour at times, and your interviewer is asking this question to gauge your ability to diagnose an issue and address it in a way that helps build the morale and confidence of an employee who may be experiencing some trouble on the job. With this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear the interpersonal skills you would use to connect with the employee and your comfort level in being able to address any performance issues, if hired for this role. If you can, reach back into any experience you have that proves your ability to have this difficult conversation.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"First, I would make sure that my first step is to have some documented evidence of the lack of performance, prior to speaking with the employee. If this was a time where a typically well-performing employee suddenly turned, my approach would be pretty straightforward in talking about their drop in performance, and I would really try to leave most of the conversation in their hands to let me know why the drop in performance is happening. From there, problem solving becomes key and course of action would really be dependent on the situation with the employee. I had a situation like this with a team member of mine and it turned out that some troubling things in his home life were negatively impacting his work. I facilitated conversations between the employee and our HR department and some FMLA time was granted."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
4. Have you ever been involved in the hiring process of new staff? What factors would you take into consideration if hiring new Ramp Agents in this role?
How to Answer
Joining the airline as a Ramp Agent Supervisor will immediately put you in the position to be a hiring manager where you'll screen applicants, interview candidates, and hire/onboard new staff to your team. While your interviewer is looking for you to have some experience of hiring processes as a leader, don't fret if you don't have immediate experience. If you do have the experience, be sure to talk about it in detail. But more importantly, talk about how you would look to hire the best people to work as Ramp Agents by doing your research on the role you would be directly supervising.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my current role, I do screen applications, conduct phone interviews with candidates, and am part of a larger interview panel. I am a firm believer that past performance is a key indicator of future performance, so I am sure to check references and conduct background checks. Similar to what I do in my current role, I would discuss a candidate's related prior work experience and key skills and abilities that are required for success as a Ramp Agent during the interview process. I am also big on diversity and finding the right fit for the team, when hiring new staff."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
5. We fully expect our next Ramp Agent Supervisor to promote a great team atmosphere among their staff. How would you go about doing this, upon hire?
How to Answer
If your interviewer is asking this question during the interviewer, they are aware that the Ramp Agent team you will be leading is full of bold personalities, and they'll be looking to you to help create a positive team environment, if hired for this role. As you answer the question, remain focused on things that you would do in the position to promote happiness, well-being, and communication among your staff. Don't hesitate to use an example or two of how you've helped foster a positive atmosphere in your past work, to really sell your interviewer on your ability to do this in this job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I was offered and accepted the supervisor position that I currently hold, I was a senior member of the team and had witnessed how the prior supervisor's conducting of team meetings made for an atmosphere that didn't promote teamwork. In my first days on the job, I changed morning meetings to be shorter and had the team take turns each day giving updates on their work to help open lines of communication. I also implemented some fun production and safety-based incentives to help promote some friendly competition, and I was commended for how these helped develop more productivity and friendships among my team. If hired for this role, I would look to be very creative in promoting a fun and happy atmosphere for my entire team to work together in."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
6. In your own words, how would you describe your managerial style in leading a large team?
How to Answer
Pinpointing a management style in one or two words is very difficult and doing so in an interview, based off of a blog you read, won't make you look very genuine in your interview. Rather, try to talk about how you would define being a great Ramp Agent Supervisor based on your preparation and research for this job. Your answer to this question will set you apart from your competition for the job, if you effectively make the case that you are the right person for the job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"As a supervisor, my style in leading the Ramp Agents here would be to give clear direction to the team and let them work independently, without me looking over their shoulder the entire day. I am a firm believer in empowering my staff. But, I would also be ready to jump in and help when needed, showing that I can lead by example and work hand in hand with my team to help gain their trust and respect."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
7. What area of supervising a team would you consider yourself to need more training and development in?
How to Answer
This question is very similar to the 'tell me your greatest weakness' interview question, but really delves into your ability to handle the actual supervisory duties of being a Ramp Agent Supervisor. We are all human and all have weaknesses on the job, so your interviewer is looking to hear you take an open and honest approach, in your answer to this question. From your end, as the candidate being interviewed for the role, the most important pieces are that you discuss how you are trying to learn and grow as a leader to become more skilled or proficient in the area where you feel you need it the most. As long as you can point out how you are continually trying to better yourself in this area, your answer will be successful.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"As a very successful foreman and supervisor throughout my career, the one are of leadership that still remains uncomfortable for me is having those difficult conversations with my staff. I remember having to terminate a couple of employees early in my career and having sleepless nights the night before having to do so. Throughout my career, I've been coached and read some great literature on having these difficult conversations, and to this day, I have been told I have them in a very professional and straightforward manner. I still take advantage of learning more to improve in this area."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
8. How would you sell an unpopular idea to your Ramp Agent crew, if hired to be our next supervisor?
How to Answer
As a leader in a fast paced environment, you will often be faced with making tough decisions at the snap of a finger, and there may be times when these decisions are not popular with some, or even all, of your staff. This question allows your interview some insight into how you would use your communication and interpersonal skills to ensure that your team buys into your decision and follows your lead as their supervisor. As you answer, focus on your thought process and your approach with your team and speak with confidence in how you would approach this situation. If you have experience in leading staff through unpopular changes or decisions in the past, don't hesitate to explain that experience as you answer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Last year, the management team at my current organization found out that staff were going to be required to begin using a call-in timecard service due to the prior difficulty in managing manual time sheets for staff all over the state. The administrative burden that the company was taking on was getting to be too much, and the work to complete timecard reporting for hourly staff was now in their hands. While I know this change seems pretty simple, people in the workplace really do buck change and this bucking can be contagious. Knowing I had to discuss this new method with my staff quickly, I decided to first approach the two senior member of my team to let them know of the change and give them the hard sell on the ease that this would provide for staff. My idea was if they bought in to the change, the rest of the staff would follow. The plan worked great, as in the weeks following the change, only one staff member had some minor issues in remembering to report their time worked at the end of each day."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
9. What is your preferred method of communication with staff that you work with? In person? Phone? Email or messages?
How to Answer
Any time that your interviewer is asking a communication related question, they are ultimately testing your ability to communicate properly with different people in different situations while on the job. As a Ramp Agent Supervisor, your ability to connect with both your staff and other leaders throughout the airline is paramount. How you answer this question can be tricky because ultimately, your interviewer wants to hear that your preferred method of communication is face to face contact, but they'll also want to hear that you have the skills and abilities to communicate by any means necessary on the job. As you answer, give specific experience you have in communicating using all methods, and explain why each method was necessary, given the situation.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"If given the opportunity, I prefer any communications that I have to be in person. Speaking to someone face to face is the most personable approach and allows for a more free flowing conversation. When needed, I am very effective at communicating through email and over the phone, as well. In my current role as a supervisor, I make every effort to have both informal and formal conversations with my staff in person. If I have emergent needs for conversation with my team and I'm not on site with them, I don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call them. With my director and other supervisors whom I communicate with, we have a lot of communication through email, and I always maintain a professional tone in my business communications to them."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
10. Do you have experience operating heavy equipment at any point during your career?
How to Answer
While work as a Ramp Agent Supervisor doesn't require operating machines that a Heavy Equipment Operator would, the job still entails work on several types of large vehicles and machines. While your interviewer will be able to tell a lot about your work history from your resume/application, they want to hear firsthand from you any experience that you do have. If you don't have experience working on tractors, front-end loaders, or other large equipment, try to relate to other large or heavy pieces of equipment in your personal or work history. These can include forklifts, large industrial trucks or other pieces, as you see fit. As you answer, make sure you discuss your ability to train on any equipment that you work with and the confidence you have in doing so.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"While I don't have direct experience working on traditional heavy equipment like road construction equipment, I currently operate a large Towmotor forklift. Each year, I am required to retest my skills to operate the forklift safely, and I've found that picking up on the machine in a safe and efficient manner was very easy. Also, I have experience operating a Bobcat loader that my father-in-law owns and am very comfortable operating that safely, as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
11. Do you have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record?
How to Answer
Working as a Ramp Agent Supervisor will require you to operate cargo carts, tugs, service trucks and belt loaders at times. Some pieces of equipment may require you to hold a valid driver's license. Prior to the interview, be sure to read the job description to understand the requirements around holding one. As you answer this question, let your interviewer know that you do possess a valid license, and then be open and honest about your driving record. If you are hired for the position, there is a high likelihood that the company will run a background check that includes driving violations, and it is best for your interviewer to learn of any driving violations from you personally during the interview process.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I do hold a valid state driver's license and also hold a class B commercial license from my time operating a box truck. I am proud to say that I have never had an at-fault accident, both in my personal time and work time, while driving. Two years ago, I did receive a speeding violation on my personal time that resulted in a simple fine for going 10 miles per hour over the posted limit."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
12. Our Ramp Agent Supervisors are required to work outside in the elements at all times of the year. Are you prepared to do this in this role?
How to Answer
Ramp Agent staff with any airline are required to work outside during all weather conditions. These conditions can include extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet and any other conditions. Your interviewer will simply be looking to hear that you understand this aspect of the job, and that you are confident in your ability to perform under any condition on the job. As you reiterate to your interviewer that you understand and are able to handle working in any weather conditions, don't hesitate to talk about any experience you have in doing so.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have always enjoyed work in the outdoors and am an avid outdoor enthusiast in my personal time. As you can see from my resume, I've spent the last five years working outside over all four seasons. The key to being able to work effectively in any condition, whether it is cold, heat, or precipitation is watching the weather forecast and being dressed and prepared for the conditions each day. In the summer, hydration is key, and I would take the time to ensure my staff is well hydrated in the heat."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
13. How do you foresee yourself handling the physical requirements of this job?
How to Answer
Prior to submitting your application for this position, you should have a good idea of the physical demands of working as a Ramp Agent Supervisor. The job will require long hours on your feet while being able to walk a lot during the work day. Heavy lifting of cargo and baggage is also a requirement of the job, and the ability to lift up to 100 pounds will be asked of you. As you answer this question, speak with confidence in your ability to meet the physical requirements of the job, and don't hesitate to give examples of your prior work experience that prove your ability to handle these requirements.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I pride myself on being active and in shape and have always loved working in positions where I'm on my feet and active all day. In my current job, lifting heavy boxes that can weigh over 100 pounds is required, and I'm able to handle these duties with ease."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
14. What experience do you have directly supervising other individuals?
How to Answer
Having invited you to interview for their next Ramp Agent Supervisor role, your interviewer can see the titles that you've held from your resume and that you've likely supervised staff in your prior experiences. With this question, they'll be wanting to hear you dive a bit deeper into your experience in managing others during your career. Some of the points that you'll want to hit on are the number of staff that reported to you, the responsibility you had over the team reporting to you, and any unique experiences you have had that you can bring to the airline you are interviewing with. Keep in mind, you'll hear several more supervisory related questions during your interview, so it is okay to keep your answer for this question at a fairly high level. If this position would be your first career in a supervisory role, talk about your professional experiences that have prepared you for this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my current role that I've held for the past nine years, I now have a team of 12 employees that report directly to me. I am responsible for team scheduling, delegating my staff to different job sites, hiring new staff, and training and developing my staff. I think this experience in the construction industry can really benefit me in this new role; I'm a motivator who encourages a full team effort from everyone."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
15. The work environment that you would be coming into is filled with many occupational hazards. How would you help promote a safe work environment for our Ramp Agent team?
How to Answer
Ramp Agents work in some pretty harsh conditions at times. Heavy lifting is a daily requirement, repetitive movements during the day can cause long-term injuries if not done properly, and bad weather can make for slippery conditions. Extreme heat and cold can also be expected depending on the climate that you would be working in. With this question, your interviewer is looking to hear that you are a safety minded leader who does what is necessary to keep their team safe from workplace injuries. If you have direct experience working with strict OSHA regulations and training staff on safety techniques, be sure to talk about that. Prior to your interview, it doesn't hurt to do some reading on the OSHA regulations surrounding airline staff to show your interviewer that you've done your homework about safety in this job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Safety in the workplace comes down to ensuring that staff are properly trained to know the hazards present in their work environment and how to take precaution against them. To help promote a safe environment, I would first set an example each and every day on the job. In this role, that would mean using proper ergonomic techniques and utilizing proper safety equipment when I was working alongside my employees. I would also ensure that my staff received all of the required safety training on time, no matter what the airline requirements were for that training. Last, I'm not afraid to point out when someone is not working safely and use them as an example, in a way provides a learning experience for all. In my current role, I came up with a great safety incentive program that rewards team members who are caught in the act of being safe on the job, and my team really embraces the program."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
16. Our Ramp Agent Supervisors need to have a sharp focus on the details when inspecting cargo to follow the FAA regulations. What techniques do you use to ensure that you stay focused on the details of your work, even on the busiest of days?
How to Answer
Attention to detail is one of the most important skills to have in a job with an airline and it is of utmost importance for success as a Ramp Agent Supervisor. Airlines must follow very strict protocols on the type of cargo that they transport, and the entire Ramp Agent crew needs to be extremely detailed when inspecting baggage and cargo boarding each flight. On the busies of days, it can be easy to take shortcuts and not do your due diligence, but your interviewer needs to hear that you are resourceful, organized, and efficient in your work to be as detail orientated as possible. The techniques they are ideally looking to hear will hit at these three points. To top your answer off, don't hesitate to talk about a specific job you've held that required a strict attention to detail.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Throughout my career, I've demonstrated my ability to be very detail oriented in every position that I've held. In my current role as a manager in the manufacturing industry, attention to detail is extremely important for all of the staff I supervise. The assembly team needs to ensure that all of the right components are in place before a product is shipped. Our paint and finishing team needs to work slowly to ensure a job well done, even if the line behind them is getting backed up. As the manager, I display a keen attention to detail by showing my team that I can be efficient when working with them on the floor and by looking to improve work processes to give more time for inspection."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
17. Part of this role will require an ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues with equipment. Do you have experience troubleshooting mechanical issues on the job?
How to Answer
The Ramp Agent Crew with any airline are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep baggage tugs, baggage carts, belt loaders, and aircraft stair units. As the Ramp Agent Supervisor, you would be tasked with leading troubleshooting efforts when mechanical issues happen with equipment. To get a feel for how you would handle this aspect of the position, your interviewer is ideally looking to hear that you are mechanically inclined and have direct experience handling mechanical issues on the job in the past. If you do have this direct experience, make sure to talk about it in detail. If you don't have a lot, or even any experience, you can surely talk about the mechanical types of things you have done in your personal life as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"On the job, I have to say that my mechanical troubleshooting is pretty limited to forklifts. But, I am very mechanically inclined when it comes to anything automotive because my father helped instill in me a love of cars and rebuilding them. This is a hobby I still carry with me to this day. If hired for this role, picking up on the mechanics of the equipment should come pretty easily to me with some basic training."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
18. What is the highest level of math that you have completed during your schooling?
How to Answer
Ramp Agent and Ramp Agent Supervisor jobs require basic math skills to help calculate load weights on aircraft and in working to distribute weight load properly on an aircraft. Your interviewer is ideally looking to find out that you have the ability to make calculations quickly on your feet in this role. To do that, they're simply looking to hear the highest level of math that you completed at any point during your schooling. As you answer the question, don't hesitate to talk about roles you held where basic math skills were essential.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"During high school, I completed all required mathematics classes up to Calculus and earned a B+ in that class my senior year. I am very comfortable with basic math on the job, as I have to use math skills in my current role when I take inventory and measure areas on our shop floor. If hired for this role, I would be comfortable in using my math skills to calculate weights of load in a very quick manner."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
19. Our Ramp Agent Supervisors need to have strong computer skills to be the go to for our cargo handling software program. How would you rate your computer skills?
How to Answer
As the person responsible for managing and tracking all cargo coming through the airline, you are expected to be a master of the cargo handling software program, to the point where you know the program well and can train other staff on it as well. While you point out how you would rate yourself on your computer skills, talk about prior experiences working on and mastering different software programs. If you have had experience training others on those systems, be sure to bring that up as well. In the end, your interviewer needs to be comfortable with your ability to step into this role and train quickly on the airline's software to hit the ground running upon hire.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I rate my computer skills very high. Having been interested in computer programs since an early age, I find myself being able to pick up any new programs with ease. In my current role, I was required to master our inventory tracking software when I started six years ago and did so very quickly. Within just a few months of working with the program, I was able to train our staff on running reports within the system and continue to do so today. As a supervisor in the department, I also spend two hours of classroom training with new employees on the software program."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
20. Most of the work you would oversee as a Ramp Agent Supervisor is very time sensitive. How would you manage and reprioritize continually changing deadlines in this role?
How to Answer
The daily life around an airport revolves around the many incoming and outgoing flights, and the ramp crew is constantly having to keep on top of all of the flight departures and incoming flights to ensure that cargo and baggage is handled in a quick and efficient manner. As the Ramp Agent Supervisor, you will ultimately be charged with ensuring that all tasks are handled on time by your team. With this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are an organized leader who has the ability to recognize high priority items and react positively to changes in priority throughout the work day. As you answer, don't hesitate to talk about tools that you use to keep organized on the job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I think the ability to manage a continually changing workload starts at the beginning of each shift with a plan. In this role, I would consider the current schedule for incoming and outgoing flights during that shift. Using this as a starting point for a plan, I would remain flexible by continually monitoring the flight schedules and changes in schedule to reprioritize things, when needed. I fully understand that schedules can change frequently. As a person that rolls with these changes with ease, I would bring a sense of calming leadership to the team of Ramp Agents where I would expect flexibility among the team to change at a moments notice."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
21. Talk about a time you had to solve a problem quickly but didn't have all the information about the situation in hand. How did you handle this situation?
How to Answer
As a Ramp Agent Supervisor, you will be tasked on a daily basis with using your analytical skills to solve issues that come up. With this question, your interviewer is asking you to discuss a time you had to solve a problem to better understand your ability to analyze a problem and come up with quick and creative ways to solve it. They'll be looking to hear that you were resourceful in gathering information from various sources and that you have the ability to use critical thinking skills in making decisions on your own. As you prepare for your interview, try to think of a time or two in your career that demonstrates these abilities to your interviewer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Last year, I was called early in the morning by a report of mine that had showed up to work on a Saturday morning to see that a water main had broken within our office, and the customer lobby was flooded. I got dressed quickly and flew to the building to assess the situation. After calling in a plumber, I had to decide how to act, as we were scheduled to open in less than an hour from when I arrived to the building. Knowing that closing for the day wasn't an option, I had to think of a plan that kept communications open to our customers while also ensuring that our building was safe for entry to anyone. I contacted our IT staff to ask them to forward our main phone line to both my cell phone and my employee's cell phone for that particular day. I then had them make an update to our website to let customers know that the store would be closed for a day, and that we'd be taking orders by email, phone, and on our website. That day, I stayed with the plumber onsite to help clean and called in a few others as well to help out. We kept a watch on the door to ensure that no customers came into the building because the risk of injury on wet floors was too great. In the end, I'm very happy with the way I determined we would handle our business that day."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
22. Successful Ramp Agent Supervisors with our airline have the ability to delegate duties within their team. What thought processes do you use when delegating assignments among your team?
How to Answer
Supervising a very busy team that is working on many incoming and outgoing aircraft throughout each shift requires the ability of the supervisor to delegate tasks effectively throughout the workday. While looking to hear that you have an understanding of the importance of delegating work, talk about your ability to put your team in successful situations by assigning the right person to each task and doing so in a way where you give concise direction to your team in a confident manager. This is also a good time to talk about how you try to motivate your team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"As a leader, it is extremely important to know the strengths and weaknesses of every member of my team, and if hired for this role, one of my first goals would be to get to know each member of my team, their work styles, and the unique strengths that they bring to the table on my team. Once I am comfortable with my entire team, I would do my best to pair my staff with their strengths every time I need to delegate work out to the team. I would also take great pride in knowing where my staff want to learn and grow and give them opportunities to learn and succeed in new things as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
23. What do you feel is the best way for new staff to receive training?
How to Answer
Ramp Agent Supervisors are ultimately responsible for the training and development of their staff of Ramp Agents with the airline. To get a sense for your experience in this realm, your interviewer is looking to hear your overall thoughts on the most effective ways to train staff. Prior to your interview, it is important to know the key aspects of the job as a Ramp Agent so you can explain that a mix of classroom/reading training mixes well with hands-on training on the ground. Talk about specific experiences that you have training staff during your career, and make sure that your interviewer walks away from your time together knowing that you are committed to the training and development of the Ramp Agents that you would be responsible for in this job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Training new staff on the job is really a full scope of classroom style training and on the ground training. With an airline, I envision the classroom setting for training happening for the safety and security measures put in place by the airline, the airport, OSHA and the FAA. I would also envision classroom style training for the software that Ramp Agents use on the job. Once the classroom style training is complete, the hands-on training comes when new staff are learning all of the duties of the job, how to properly load cargo onto an aircraft, and other duties. I am a firm believer that new staff should be assigned to an experienced mentor for at least their first three months on the job."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
24. Talk about a time you had to mediate a conflict among two employees. What did you do to help alleviate that situation?
How to Answer
A typical ramp crew at an airline has staff that come from varying backgrounds and with varying personalities. This fact, coupled with the stressful conditions, makes it inevitable that staff members you would supervise in this role would have conflict from time to time and your interviewer will look to get a sense for how you handle conflict by asking this question. Ideally, your interviewer will be reading your example to see that you have the ability to handle conflict diplomatically and with respect. They'll also look to hear that you promote communication and seeking a middle ground between conflicting employees, as you work towards the main goal of functioning as a team together for the betterment of all.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"Last year, two of my staff were almost at blows with each other on the shop floor one day and I found this out when another staff member came and alerted me of the situation. My instinct took over immediately to separate the two individuals, and I did so by sending one to another part of the shop to cool down with a colleague. Not knowing what had caused the incident, I talked to each person in a private office to hear what was happening to cause this situation. When talking to the first employee, he was visibly upset by the quality of work that the other was passing along to him for final packaging. He didn't want to say much more. When I talked to the second employee, he admitted that he snapped when the other employee had said enough bad personal things about him. At that point, I did a little investigating and did find out that the second employee's work was lacking a bit. I pulled both employees in a room together to talk about the situation and let them air things out while I listened. This was a great forum for both employees to talk it through and eventually come to a compromise. From there, the employee that was struggling with production received some additional training, and the employee that resorted to personal verbal attacks received a written warning in their file."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
25. What leadership qualities do you have that can help benefit our entire Ramp Agent team?
How to Answer
To try and get a peek into your management style, your interviewer is asking this question to give you the opportunity to reflect upon your skills and maybe even brag a little about about the leadership qualities you possess that will set you apart from your competition for this position. Prior to your interviewer, it is important for you to research the Ramp Agent Supervisor role that you are interviewing for to get a feel for the team dynamics of the airline you're interviewing with and try to tailor your answer to the style of the airline. Any way you answer this question, try to reiterate that showing respect and leading by example are important because this role will require you to work alongside your staff on a regular basis.
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021
Answer Example
"I've really tried to model my own leadership style after the few great leaders I worked under early in my career. One quality that I would bring to your airline is the ability to make decisions in the best interest of those under me and their careers. I'm a firm believer that letting a person fall down and fail makes them stronger in the long run, as long as they're coached properly afterward. I'm also a firm believer that a leader needs to create an open and respectful work atmosphere, where staff can approach me at any time with questions or concerns, and that they can also do this with their colleagues."
Written by Ryan Brunner on March 15th, 2021