10 Essential Operations Interview Questions
1. Can you walk me through a project you’ve successfully managed from start to finish?
Why this matters:
You’re looking for real-world experience, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of process ownership.
2. How do you identify and prioritize inefficiencies or bottlenecks in a business?
Red flag if they say:
“I just do what the boss tells me.” Great ops hires need initiative.
3. What tools and systems do you use to stay organized and track performance?
Ideal answers:
Tools that match your setup:
Notion
ClickUp
Trello
Airtable
Asana
Slack
Zapier
4. Have you ever had to say “no” to a founder or boss? What happened?
Why this matters:
Ops people need backbone and tact. They must protect systems and workflows—even if it means challenging leadership.
5. What metrics do you track regularly in operations, and why?
Listen for:
Clarity around KPIs, cost reduction, output, and time saved.
6. How do you approach creating SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)?
Green flag:
They love documenting and improving processes—not just “doing stuff.”
7. What industries or types of businesses have you worked with before?
Tip:
Niche knowledge can be helpful, but adaptability is even more important.
8. Have you ever automated or delegated yourself out of a job?
Best answer:
“Yes, and I see that as a win for the business.” A+ for efficiency mindset.
9. What’s your communication style? How often do you like to check in?
Goal:
Set expectations up front about async vs real-time communication.
10. What do you need from me to do your best work?
This reveals:
If they’ve thought about their workstyle and how to be proactive.

Tips to Protect Yourself & Ensure a Smooth Relationship

Start with a trial project

Before committing long-term, assign a small 10–20 hour project. It gives you insight into how they think, work, and communicate.

Use contracts—even for part-time help

A simple contract should cover:

• Scope of work
• Confidentiality
• IP ownership
• Termination terms
• Payment terms

Have clear onboarding docs

Outline:

• What systems they’ll use
• Who they report to
• Key deliverables
• Timeframes and tools

Set up boundaries & permissions early

Don’t give access to sensitive financials or business IP on day one. Use password managers like 1Password or LastPass for controlled access.

Use project management tools

Keep all work in a shared dashboard. You’ll both stay aligned and avoid micromanaging.

Trust your gut—and check references

If something feels off, pause. Ask for 2–3 references or client testimonials.