Social Service Manager (Community Service) Interview Questions & Answers

Social service managers and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Time-management skills
• Management skills
• Analytical skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Social & Community Service Manager positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Analytical skills

Why interviewers are interested in your analytical skills:

Social and community service managers need to understand and evaluate data in order to provide strategic guidance to their organization. They must be able to monitor and assess current programs as well as determine new initiatives.

Related: Peace Corps Interview Questions & Answers

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Social and community service managers must be able to speak and write clearly. Public speaking experience is also helpful because these managers often participate in community outreach.

Related: What Does a Community Liaison Do?

Managerial skills

Why interviewers are interested in your management skills:

Social and community service managers spend much of their time administering budgets and responding to a variety of issues.

Related: Safeguarding Interview Questions & Answers

Problem-solving skills

Why interviewers are interested in your problem-solving skills:

Social and community service managers must be able to address client, staff, and agency-related issues.

Related: Boys & Girls Clubs Of America Interview Questions & Answers

Time-management skills

Why interviewers are interested in your time-management skills:

Social and community service managers must prioritize and handle numerous tasks, often in a short timeframe.

Learn more about time-management interview questions and how to answer them!

(source: bls.gov)

Social Service Manager (Community Service) Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Social Service Manager (Community Service) Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Social Service Manager (Community Service) Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Give me an example of a project that you worked on that demonstrates your ability to manage time effectively.
2. Describe a time you had to motivate someone on your team. How did you do it? What results did you get?
3. Give me an example of how you measure and manage the success of the actions you take as a social service manager.
4. How would you handle a conflict between team members? Can you give me an example?
5. Give me an example of how you work with community members and other stakeholders to identify necessary services and programs.
6. How do you analyze data to determine the effectiveness of a program or service?
7. What is your experience in writing proposals for social services funding? Can you give me an example?
8. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond to get the job done.
9. Give me an example of how you plan, organize and prioritize your tasks on a workday.
10. What kinds of clients do you find most difficult to work with as a social service manager (or community service manager)? Why? Can you give me an example of how you deal with these situations?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.