Interview Questions

Shift Manager Interview Questions


Shift Managers work in food outlets, managing staff and assigning duties throughout the shift.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Shift Manager or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Shift Manager position, these Shift Manager interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Shift Manager Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Shift Manager interview questions.

  1. What is your experience with scheduling and planning shifts?
  2. Are you comfortable managing a team of employees?
  3. What are some strategies you use to motivate your team?
  4. Provide an example of a time when you had to resolve a conflict between two of your employees
  5. If we were to walk into your shift right now, what would we see you doing?
  6. When planning your shifts, how do you determine the appropriate number of employees to assign to each shift?
  7. How often do you plan to rotate your employees’ shifts?
  8. There is a high volume of customers in the restaurant and your servers are struggling to keep up with the demand. What would you do?
  9. What leadership style do you use to handle a shift?
  10. What skills are essential to this position?
  11. What’s the difference between leadership and management?
  12. Describe a situation when you dealt with a difficult employee.
  13. In your opinion, what are some good qualities of a shift manager?
  14. Do you know how to do a truck order?
  15. Do people listen to you when you request something from them?
  16. There is a shortage in supplies and you’re expecting a large group of diners. How would you handle this situation?
  17. Give an example of a customer complaint and how you handled it.
  18. Are you efficient with your time?
  19. Which important kitchen safety rules are implemented to protect the kitchen staff?
  20. How are your customer service skills?
  21. How might your shift management experience distinguish you from other applicants for this position
  22. Talk about a situation where you had a customer make complaints about one of the employees you are managing. How did you handle it? 
  23. How are your communication skills?
  24. Are you able to multitask efficiently?
  25. How would you ensure your staff remains motivated during stressful shifts?
  26. An employee lets you know that they will not be coming in just before the start of their shift. How would you resolve this situation?
  27. How would you handle a situation if a customer complains?
  28. Describe a time where you had to deal with an irate customer.
  29. Disagreements can occur at any position whether it is between a supervisor and an employee or between two colleagues. As a shift manager, do you have experience with resolving conflicts and how did you handle it?
  30. What are some examples of how you've handled stressful or intense situations with others?
  31. How do you handle working in a team?
  32. If a member of your team was underperforming, what would you do?
  33. If a member of your team was refusing to comply with company safety regulations, what would you do?
  34. Describe a situation when you successfully managed a challenging team of people.
  35. What are the different steps involved in risk assessment and when would you conduct one as the Shift Manager?
  36. Talk about a time when you failed as a manager. What did you learn from that experience?

Shift Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Shift Manager interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

  1. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
  2. Why Should We Hire You?
  3. What is Your Salary Expectation?
  4. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
  5. Tell Me About Yourself
  6. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
  7. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
  8. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
  9. Why Do You Want This Job?
  10. What is Your Greatest Strength?