You need more than academic credentials and experience to land a job in our today’s world. Employers have devised ways of grilling potential employees to help them pick the all-rounded ones only. How then can you boost your chances of landing a new job?
Focus on the interview. This is the best way of landing a job. You need to convince the employer that you can perform as early as the interview stage. Remember, no one gets a second chance when it comes to interviews, and therefore, you have to do it right.
In this article, we look at some of the most common questions in safety manager interviews. We will cover all types of questions, ranging from general to technical, to help you understand how you should go about them. Let’s dive right into that!
1. Why are You Interested in This Role?
Always expect this question when interviewing for any job position. It helps the interviewer determine if you will be an asset to the organization and a perfect fit. Therefore, think twice before answering.
Tip #1: Convince the interviewer that you will be an asset. Sell yourself.
Tip #2: Never talk about the material benefits of the job, such as salary.
Sample Answer
I have extensive experience in this field, which I can use for the betterment of your organization. I am passionate about general safety and wellness, which is a critical requirement in this position.
2. What are The Roles of a Safety Manager?
You must understand the job description. You will only deliver if you know what the job entails.
Tip #1: Use the provided job description to answer this question.
Tip #2: Mention the general roles of a safety manager, which can be easily found on the internet.
Sample Answer
A safety manager conducts meetings, audits, and inspects organization premises to ensure compliance. He/ she also identifies corrective actions as well as conducting compliance training programs.
3. What Are the Qualities That a Safety Manager Should Have to be Effective?
The interviewer wants to know if you understand what it takes to be a safety manager.
Tip #1: Do not take too much time answering. Start with the essential qualities.
Tip #2: Mention some of the qualities that have seen you through your career.
Sample Answer
Given that this is a managerial position, a safety manager should have excellent leadership skills. He/ she should also be goal-oriented and possess impressive technical skills. (You can include other qualities such as attentiveness to detail).
4. What Major Challenges Did You Face During Your Last Role? How Did You Manage?
Every job on this planet has its fair share of challenges. However, our strength lies in solving or overcoming them. The interviewer is testing your ability to solve problems.
Tip #1: Do not throw yourself under the bus.
Tip #2: The second part of the question is the most important; maximize on it.
Sample Answer
The biggest challenge while at my former work post was inadequate funding. It was a startup company with fewer resources. This hindered the conducting of safety compliance training, among others. I conducted these trainings myself and ensured that all employees went through the exercise. This earned me the best employee of the year.
5. Describe Your Daily Routine as a Safety Manager
Do you know how a typical safety manager’s day looks like? Well, tell the interviewer.
Tip #1: Avoid mentioning unrelated activities.
Tip #2: whatever you mention should help you convince the interviewer that you are a hard worker.
Sample Answer
My daily routine as a safety manager will revolve around creating and assessing safety plans, documenting work observations, analyzing safety data, and managing incidents before reporting. I may also provide ongoing training depending on the schedule of the day.
6. Describe Briefly about Your Experience
The interviewer wants to know some of the things you have learned and mastered in your practice years and former workplaces.
Tip #1: Do not narrate what is already in your CV.
Tip #2: Instead of dwelling too much on your former workplaces, tell the interviewer about your areas of expertise.
Sample Answer
My first job at Johnson and Sons equipped me with extensive knowledge of handling fire and other major emergencies. My subsequent jobs taught me how to impart knowledge to employees and ensure compliance with safety measures. I have also obtained excellent interpersonal skills over the years, which I believe will come in handy in this management position.
7. What Kind of Strategy and Mindset Is Needed for This Role?
Like we mentioned, the interviewer needs more than just your academic credentials to give you a job. He/ she must ensure that you have a plan and the right state of mind.
Tip #1: You can mention some of the strategies that have proved successful in your career.
Tip #2: Mention a mindset that will contribute positively to the job.
Sample Answer
The best mindset owing to the job at hand is attention to detail and goal orientation. Remember, an organization must always keep its employees safe as required by law. As for strategy, the best way of bringing everyone on board is through team working and close follow-up.
8. What Is The Biggest Challenge That You Foresee in This Job?
The interviewer expects that you did a level of research about the organization and identified some challenges.
Tip #1: Be careful. Do not make the interviewer doubt your competence.
Tip #2: We advise that you mention a challenge whose solution is easy to reach.
Sample Answer
I would be lying if I pointed out a specific challenge. However, having worked in this field for quite some time, I have realized that most of the challenges are similar. Therefore, with the top management’s help and my experience, I will always find a solution.
9. How Do You Stay Motivated at Work?
Even employers understand that doing the same thing five to six days a week can be tedious. Therefore, they have to know what keeps you going, to either make plans or improve on what they have.
Tip #1: Never mention things such as money.
Tip #2: This can also be a chance to sell yourself.
Sample Answer
Keeping everyone safe is enough motivation to me. I love my job, and therefore, have no problem coming to interact with fellow employees every day. Getting to meet new people with different experiences also keeps me going.
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10. Describe a Time When You Failed in This Role and The Lesson You Learnt.
Failure is not the end of the road. This question does not have to be treated like a death sentence.
Tip #1: Convince the interviewer that you can learn from your mistakes.
Tip #2: Ensure that what you learned was positive.
Sample Answer
During my early employment stages, the overall manager directed me to teach a given department on safety. The classes went on well, and by the end, I assumed most of them knew all the safety requirements and how to handle emergencies. However, I failed to realize that people have different learning styles. I was shocked to find out that one elderly employee did not even know the basics of what we covered and had to redo the classes for a number of them. I learned that I should always be thorough in my job and not assume anything.
11. What Is Your Management Style?
Keep in mind that this is a managerial position, and therefore, the interviewer will be interested in finding out if your style fits the organization.
Tip #1: Avoid labels such as progressive, persuasive, or consultative.
Tip #2: Do not come off as authoritarian.
Sample Answer
I am a firm believer in teamwork, and therefore, I build teams to manage effectively. I ensure that every team member understands his/ her role and understand that they can depend on one another. I also appreciate feedback.
12. What Personal Development Measures Have You Undertaken in The Last 12 Months?
It would help if you spent some time improving your personal and professional life. This question gives you a chance to tell the potential employer what you have been doing.
Tip #1: Always think of this question beforehand.
Tip #2: You can list hobbies and other non-work-related activities.
Sample Answer
Due to the fixed schedule in my former workplace, I did not have the chance to develop within this particular role. However, I increased my involvement in my local food bank, which has allowed me to learn a lot about teamwork and community.
13. Why Should We Hire You?
You are probably not the only candidate interviewing. The interviewer wants to know why you feel you are the perfect fit out of all the interviewees.
Tip #1: Do not talk badly of your fellow employees.
Tip #2: Ensure that you stand out from all the other candidates.
Sample Answer
I believe that I have the right experience and skills to propel your company to even greater heights. I believe that your company will benefit from my passion for safety and employee wellness. I have also done a tone of research and understand most of your operations.
14. How Did You Find Out About Us?
Like the previous question, this is a chance to sell yourself and stand out from the pack.
Tip #1: Demonstrate initiative.
Tip #2: Ensure that you conduct a level of research.
Sample Answer
I have been keeping tabs with your company for quite some time, ever since you were featured in the news. I visited your website to keep myself updated, and that is when I stumbled on an opening.
15. Why Are You Leaving Your Last Job?
This is an essential question to employers. Nobody wants to employ someone who was fired because of misconduct. Therefore, answer this well and be honest.
Tip #1: Do not badmouth your former employer.
Tip #2: Do not give reasons such as ‘to increase your salary.’
Sample Answer
My employer has been struck by the pandemic and is therefore currently downsizing. Therefore, I found it wise to look for an opening.
16. What Are Some Strengths That Will Help You in This Job?
Most people treat this question as a chance to brag, which ends up being a deal-breaker. Instead, it would help if you mentioned strengths that will benefit your employer.
Tip #1: Mention strengths that are relative to the position.
Tip #2: Avoid useless chest-thumping
Sample Answer
I am a problem solver and a huge motivator. I can easily influence the employees to observe all the safety protocols and attend training workshops. I also have a positive attitude, which has seen me come out of the toughest of situations.
17. What Would You Do If an Employee Refused to Adhere to Safety Instructions?
Part of your job is to ensure that employees follow all the safety guidelines. This question seeks to establish the type of manager you are.
Tip #1: You cannot fire an employee. That is not part of your job.
Tip #2: Consider talking to the employee first before reporting.
Sample Answer
I would repeatedly ensure that all the instructions are understood. If these are still ignored, I will warn the employee about dire consequences and urge them to change. If that won’t yield any result, I will report the behavior to the supervisor or HR manager.
18. What Would You Do If One of The Managers Reject Your Plans Citing That It Is Unnecessary?
The interviewer wants to assess your determination and ability to negotiate.
Tip #1: You should not give up easily.
Tip #2: Show that you are a good negotiator.
Sample Answer
I will have a sit-down with the manager and explain to him/ her the long-run benefits of the safety plan. I will also assure him/ her that it is in accordance with all the laws and regulations. I will do my best to convince the manager and let them make the final call.
19. What Do You Want to Accomplish Here If Given the Chance?
The interviewer wants to know some of the plans that you have for the company if given a chance.
Tip #1: Show that you are visionary.
Tip #2: Do not belittle the work that has been done in the company.
Sample Answer
Let me first commend you on the excellent work you have done regarding company safety. I’ll ensure that all the frameworks are revised and are always in accordance with the new laws if given a chance.
20. What Can We Expect from You In Your First 90 Days?
This is closely related to the previous question. However, you have been given a small span here.
Tip #1: Have a plan
Tip #2: Convince the interviewer that you will deliver.
Sample Answer
I will work hard to ensure that this job creates value in your organization. I will bring all the skills I have acquired over the years and create a difference within my first 90 days in office.
Conclusion
These are some of the questions that you should expect in a safety manager interview. Remember to use our guidelines to come up with unique answers.
