17 Unit Manager Interview Questions and Answers

A unit manager oversees all the activities of a single unit within a company. This might be a customer service unit, a sales unit, or a production unit. The unit manager is responsible for the results of the unit and for ensuring that the employees in the unit are meeting the company’s standards.

To be successful as a unit manager, you need to be able to motivate employees, manage budgets, and make sound decisions under pressure. You also need to be able to communicate effectively with other managers and employees.

If you’re interested in becoming a unit manager, you’ll need to be able to answer questions about your experience and skills. In this article, we’ll provide you with some common unit manager interview questions and answers to help you prepare.

Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

Unit managers often have to work in a fast-paced environment. They need to be able to multitask and prioritize their tasks effectively. A unit manager needs to be organized, efficient and effective at managing time. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you stay productive when working under pressure.

Example: “I am comfortable working in a fast-paced environment because I am used to being busy. In my previous role as a nurse, I was responsible for the care of many patients. This required me to manage multiple tasks at once while also ensuring that all of my patients were receiving quality care. I am confident that I can handle the responsibilities of a unit manager.”

What are some of the most important qualities for a successful unit manager?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the qualities needed to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of the most important skills and traits that helped you become a unit manager.

Example: “I believe one of the most important qualities for a successful unit manager is communication. As a unit manager, I need to be able to communicate effectively with my team members and other hospital staff. This includes being able to listen to others’ ideas and concerns and respond appropriately. Another quality I think is essential for success as a unit manager is problem-solving. In this role, I often need to solve problems quickly and efficiently. I also find it helpful to be organized and detail-oriented.”

How would you deal with a conflict between two members of your team?

As a unit manager, you may need to resolve conflicts between your team members. Employers ask this question to see how you would handle such situations and if you have any experience doing so in the past. In your answer, share an example of a time when you had to help two coworkers resolve a conflict. Explain what steps you took to help them work through their differences and come to a resolution.

Example: “In my previous role as a nurse’s aide, I once witnessed a disagreement between two nurses. One nurse was upset with another because she felt like her coworker wasn’t following proper procedure while administering medication to patients. The other nurse explained that she was under pressure from her supervisor to administer medications quickly. She asked for advice on how to approach her superior about the issue.”

What is your experience with creating and implementing policies and procedures?

Unit managers often create and implement policies and procedures for their units. This question helps the interviewer understand your experience with this responsibility and how you approach it. Use examples from your previous job to explain what policies and procedures you created, implemented or helped develop.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse manager, I was responsible for creating new policies and procedures when needed. For example, we had no formal policy in place regarding patient privacy until I became unit manager. When patients would ask about our privacy practices, I knew we needed to have a clear policy in place. I worked with other members of the nursing team to create a privacy policy that outlined how we protect patient information.”

Provide an example of a time when you utilized creativity in order to solve a problem.

Employers ask this question to see if you have the ability to think outside of the box and come up with unique solutions. When answering, try to choose a time when your creativity helped solve a problem or challenge that benefited your team or organization.

Example: “At my previous job, we had a lot of turnover in our sales department. This led to some employees feeling overwhelmed by their workloads. I decided to hold an employee appreciation day where we brought in food for everyone and gave out small prizes. We also held a training session on how to use all of the company’s software programs. The event was very successful, as it allowed us to get to know each other better while learning new skills.”

If you were given the opportunity to hire three new members of staff, who would they be and why?

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and how you would choose the best people for the job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about who you have worked with in the past that were excellent employees.

Example: “I would hire three new members of staff if I could because I believe having a team of diverse individuals is important. In my last role, I hired two new nurses and one new doctor. The reason I chose these particular individuals was because they all had different skill sets that complemented each other well. For example, the doctor was very good at diagnosing patients but not as skilled at communicating with them. One of the nurses was an excellent communicator and helped the doctor learn more about patient care.”

What would you do if you noticed that one of your employees was not following company policies?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn how you handle disciplinary situations. In your answer, try to show that you value company policies and procedures while also emphasizing the importance of encouraging employees to improve their performance.

Example: “If I noticed an employee was not following company policies or procedures, I would first meet with them to discuss my concerns. If they were aware of the policy but had a good reason for breaking it, I would consider whether there was room for flexibility in the situation. However, if they were unaware of the policy or did not have a valid excuse, I would explain why the policy is important and outline steps they can take to improve their performance.”

How well do you handle stress?

Stress is a common problem for unit managers. They often have to make important decisions quickly and handle conflicts between staff members. Employers ask this question to see if you can manage stress well. In your answer, explain how you stay calm in stressful situations. Share an example of a time when you managed stress successfully.

Example: “I am good at managing stress because I know that it’s normal to feel stressed as a unit manager. When I first became a unit manager, I was nervous about making big decisions. However, after working in the role for a few years, I realized that most problems are not as bad as they seem. Now, I try to take a deep breath before making any decision. This helps me think clearly and calmly.”

Do you have any questions for us about the role or company?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position. It’s also a chance for you to learn more about the company, so be sure to ask questions that will help you understand what it’s like to work there.

Example: “I noticed that this unit has an excellent reputation within the organization. I’m curious how you maintain such high standards of quality while still meeting deadlines. Also, I’d love to hear more about the training program you have in place for new hires.”

When given a budget, how would you allocate funds to different areas of the unit?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you use your budgeting skills to benefit the unit and its patients. Use examples from previous experience where you had to allocate funds, or explain what steps you would take if this was a new responsibility.

Example: “In my current role as an RN, I am responsible for managing the budget of our medical supplies. We have a set amount of money we are allotted each month, so I work with the supply manager to create a list of supplies that need to be ordered. Then, I order only what is needed based on patient needs and staff recommendations. This helps us save money while ensuring we have enough supplies to care for our patients.”

We want to improve our customer satisfaction rates. What ideas do you have for doing so?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you might improve their company’s customer satisfaction rates. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to implement change.

Example: “I think one of the best ways to improve customer satisfaction is by listening to what they have to say. I would create a survey that asks customers about their experience with our unit, including whether or not they were satisfied with the service we provided. Then, I’d use this information to make changes where necessary. For example, if many customers said they had trouble reaching us when they needed assistance, I would consider hiring more staff members.”

Describe your experience with using computerized inventory management systems.

This question can help the interviewer determine your comfort level with using computerized inventory management systems. Use examples from previous experience to highlight your ability to use these systems and how it helped you in your role as a unit manager.

Example: “In my last position, I used a computerized inventory management system that allowed me to track all of our store’s inventory levels at any time. This was especially helpful when we had sales events or other promotions because I could easily see what products were selling well and which ones needed to be restocked. It also helped me keep track of employee hours and scheduling so I could ensure we always had enough employees on hand for busy shopping days.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this unit manager position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the role. They want to know what makes you a good fit for their company and how you can contribute to its success. Before your interview, make a list of all your skills and experiences that relate to the job description. Use these to explain why you are qualified for the position.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this unit manager position because I have extensive experience managing a team. In my previous role as a nurse, I managed a team of nurses who worked together to provide excellent patient care. I also have experience working with different types of personalities, which has helped me develop strategies for motivating my team members.”

Which industries or sectors have you worked in previously?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your experience and how it relates to the position you’re applying for. When answering, be sure to mention any skills or knowledge that will help you succeed in their industry.

Example: “I’ve worked in both healthcare and education throughout my career. In my current role as a unit manager at ABC Hospital, I manage a team of nurses who work with patients on medical floors. My previous job was teaching nursing students at XYZ University. There, I taught classes on patient care and helped students develop their clinical skills.”

What do you think is the most important thing a unit manager can do to maintain a positive work environment?

A unit manager’s job is to ensure that their team members are happy and productive. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of creating a positive work environment for your employees. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to create a good working atmosphere.

Example: “I think it’s important for a unit manager to be approachable and available to their staff. I believe that if my team knows they can come to me with any questions or concerns, they will feel more comfortable in their roles. To do this, I plan on holding weekly meetings where anyone can ask me questions about their role or how to improve their performance. I also want to make myself available for one-on-one meetings so that each person feels like they have access to me.”

How often do you make inventory checks?

Inventory checks are an important part of being a unit manager. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of inventory management and how often you perform these checks. In your answer, explain that you do regular inventory checks at least once per shift or more if necessary. Explain that you use software to help with these checks so they’re easier to manage.

Example: “I usually do inventory checks every day during my shift. However, I also check stock levels throughout the day as needed. For example, if we’re running low on something, I’ll check our inventory then. I find it’s helpful to use inventory management software because it makes checking much easier. It allows me to track all of our items in real time and see when we need to reorder.”

There is a problem with an order and the customer is becoming increasingly frustrated. How do you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle customer service issues. It can also show them how you prioritize your time and manage multiple tasks at once. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation in which you handled a problem with an order or helped a customer resolve their issue.

Example: “In my last role as a unit manager, I had a customer who was upset because they didn’t receive their package on time. They were expecting a gift for their birthday and when it arrived two days late, they became frustrated. I apologized to them and explained that we would give them a discount on their next purchase. We shipped out another package right away and gave them a full refund.”