Department Manager Interview Questions:
1. What is your approach to delegation?
Candidates should note the benefits of delegation for growth and self-development. They should describe how they would encourage their subordinates to take on more responsibility and ensure that they are aware of the consequences of their decisions.
2. What skills, in your opinion, are most important in a department manager?
Candidates should list confidence, excellent listening skills, or organizational skills as key attributes in a department manager.
3. Describe an experience where you had to manage conflict in the workplace. How did you manage the situation?
Department Managers will need to act as mediators in a conflict between staff members. Candidates should describe how they listened to both parties involved, understood their concerns and took corrective action to discipline where it is warranted.
4. How do you ensure your staff does not fall complacent in their duties?
Candidates should describe how they would schedule regular training workshops in order to gauge and improve the skill level of their staff as a means of managing complacency.
5. Describe a time when you made a mistake in your duties. How did you rectify the situation?
Candidates should acknowledge the significance of diligence in their duties and the potential consequences of their mistakes. Look for stories where candidates erred, rectified their error and learned a valuable lesson from it.