Tips and Questions for a Retail Supervisor Interview

As a Retail Supervisor you will be responsible for managing a team of people. Depending on the size of the shop/store will depend on how many people you will have to Supervisor but to do this role well you will need to be able to motivate people and show strong leadership skills.

The retail industry is particularly tough but typically your supervisory duties would include:

• Planning rotas


• Handling complaints or staff issues


• Delegating to team members


• Performing appraisals and any training

They are just a few things related to being a supervisor not including all the retail tasks such as visual merchandising, price points, sale periods, cashing up etc. As well as specific tasks in the shop you will also be responsible for supervising the staff, dealing with any issues they may have and making sure that as a supervisor you guide them in the right direction.

There aren’t any specific qualifications to be a Retail Supervisor, normally you would start work in a store and move up, however if you have previous supervisory experience in another sector then you may be able to transfer your skills. In general it would be specific to each employer with regards to the qualifications and level of education they would like you to have.

Depending on the size of the shop/store and team you may carry out the same work as your time just wish Supervisory skills on top.

Because of the nature of the role you will be required to be very organised, have excellent time management skills and very strong leadership skills. You will be required to motivate your staff and incentivise them into performing well.

Some companies may have their own qualifications and schemes they do or you may be able to undertake one specific to the retail sector in which you work.

You should also expect following questions during your Retail Supervisor job interview:

Tell me about yourself
Why should we hire you? What makes you different than other candidates?
What can you bring to the company?
Why us?
Why do you want to work here?
What do you know about our company?
What motivates you?
What is your weakness?
What are your strengths?
Where would you like to be in your career five years from now?
What were the responsibilities of your last position?

Good luck with your interview and let us how it went. Leave your thoughts via comment form below.