Looking for the best COO interview questions to ask potential candidates? Look no further! We have done the homework for you and compiled a list of 60 great questions, ranging from general queries about the role of Chief Operating Officer to more specific technical questions.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for all company procedures and day-to-day activities. They keep the company under control and execute long-term and short-term organizational plans.
Your COO will have various duties, so it’s important that they have solid experience in a business environment and are able to multitask. Usually, a big part of their job is behind the scenes, so you should keep an eye out for candidates who like to organize and coordinate.
A background relevant to your industry is also nice to have, as they’ll have a deeper understanding of your organizational functions and needs. For better results, tailor these questions to meet your specific job requirements. This is a senior management position, so you should focus on professionals with an exceptional experience.
Without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Here are 50 Chief Operating Officer interview questions to ask your next COO candidate.
Operational And Situational Interview Questions
These questions assess a candidate’s ability to think on their feet and handle difficult situations. The COO is the operator of the company, so they need to be able to handle whatever comes their way.
1. What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture?
This question assesses whether the candidate values the same things that you do and if they would be a good fit for your company culture.
2. What are some methods you’ve used to increase efficiency in company operations?
This question allows the candidate to share ideas on how to improve company operations. It also shows whether they are proactive and always looking for ways to improve.
3. What are some common mistakes that Chief Operating Officers make?
This question allows the candidate to share their knowledge on the topic and shows whether they are aware of the potential pitfalls in the role.
4. What would you do if you received a complaint from a customer?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to handle difficult situations. It also allows them to share their customer service philosophy.
5. What are some ways to decrease company expenses?
This question allows the candidate to share their ideas on how to save money and run a more efficient operation.
6. What is your experience with change management?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to manage and implement change within the company. It also shows whether they are familiar with common change management strategies.
7. How do you keep track of a company’s progress?
This question allows the candidate to share their methods for tracking company progress and ensuring that everyone is on track.
8. What’s the most effective way to give feedback?
This question allows the candidate to share their methods for giving feedback. It also shows whether they are open to constructive criticism and willing to help employees improve.
9. How do you prepare forecasting reports for quarterly office costs?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to prepare and present forecasting reports. It also shows whether they are familiar with common financial reporting methods.
10. What company policies would you suggest we implement?
This question allows the candidate to share their ideas on company policies. It also shows whether they are familiar with common company policy issues.
11. What are some methods you’ve used to stay organized?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to stay organized and manage their time. It also shows whether they have experience with common project management tools and techniques.
12. What are some ways you’ve used to delegate tasks?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on how to delegate tasks and manage employees. It also shows whether they have experience leading a team.
Industry-Specific Interview Questions
These questions assess a candidate’s ability to understand and work within your specific industry. The COO should have a good understanding of your company’s operations and be able to offer insights on how to improve them.
13. What are some common problems that Chief Operating Officers face in your industry?
This question allows the candidate to share their knowledge on the topic and shows whether they are familiar with the challenges of the role in your industry.
14. What are some methods you’ve used to increase efficiency in company operations specific to our industry?
This question allows the candidate to share ideas on how to improve company operations specific to your industry. It also shows whether they are proactive and always looking for ways to improve.
15. What would you do if you received a complaint from a customer-specific to our industry?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to handle difficult situations specific to your industry. It also allows them to share their customer service philosophy.
16. What are some ways to decrease company expenses specific to our industry?
This question allows the candidate to share their ideas on how to save money and run a more efficient operation specific to their industry.
17. What is your experience with change management in our industry?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to manage and implement change within the company in your industry. It also shows whether they are familiar with common change management strategies.
18. How do you keep track of a company’s progress in our industry?
This question allows the candidate to share their methods for tracking company progress and ensuring that everyone is on track in your industry.
19. What’s the most effective way to give feedback specific to our industry?
This question allows the candidate to share their methods for giving feedback. It also shows whether they are open to constructive criticism and willing to help employees improve in your industry.
20. How do you prepare forecasting reports for quarterly office costs specific to our industry?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to prepare and present forecasting reports in your industry. It also shows whether they are familiar with common financial reporting methods.
21. What company policies would you suggest we implement specific to our industry?
This question allows the candidate to share their ideas on company policies in your industry. It also shows whether they are familiar with common company policy issues.
Technical Interview Questions
These questions assess a candidate’s technical knowledge and ability to perform the Chief Operating Officer duties.
22. What software programs do you use to manage company operations?
This question allows the candidate to share their technical knowledge and shows whether they are familiar with common software programs used in the Chief Operating Officer role.
23. What are some best practices for managing company finances?
This question allows the candidate to share their financial management knowledge and shows whether they are familiar with common financial practices.
24. How do you create an effective organizational chart?
This question allows the candidate to share their methods for creating an effective organizational chart. It also shows whether they are familiar with common organizational structures.
25. What is your experience with project management?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to manage projects and ensures that they are familiar with common project management practices.
26. What project management tools do you use?
This question allows the candidate to share their technical knowledge and shows whether they are familiar with common project management tools.
27. What is cloud computing?
This question allows the candidate to share their technical knowledge and shows whether they are familiar with common cloud computing concepts.
28. What cloud software have you used?
This question allows the candidate to share their technical knowledge and shows whether they are familiar with common cloud software programs. Asana, Notion, ClickUp, Teamwork, and Monday.com are popular cloud-based project management software programs.
29. How do you manage data security?
This question allows the candidate to share their methods for managing data security. It also shows whether they are familiar with common data security issues.
30. What is your experience with disaster recovery planning?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to plan for and recover from disasters. It also shows whether they are familiar with common disaster recovery practices.
Strategic Interview Questions
These questions assess a candidate’s ability to think long-term and develop strategic plans for the company.
31. What are some long-term goals you have for the company?
This question allows the candidate to share their vision for the company and shows whether they are thinking long-term.
32. What are some methods you’ve used to assess risk in company decisions?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on how to manage risk and make strategic decisions for the company.
33. What are some common mistakes that Chief Operating Officers make when it comes to strategy?
This question allows the candidate to share their knowledge on the topic and shows whether they are aware of the potential pitfalls in the role.
34. What is your experience with developing and implementing new processes?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to create and implement change within the company. It also shows whether they have experience with process improvement.
35. What are some ways to increase company revenue?
This question allows the candidate to share their ideas on how to grow the company and increase revenue.
36. What is your experience with market analysis?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to understand the marketplace and make strategic decisions for the company. It also shows whether they have experience conducting market research.
Leadership Interview Questions
These questions assess a candidate’s ability to lead and motivate others. COO is the glue that holds an organization together, so it’s important that they have strong leadership skills.
37. What are some methods you’ve used to motivate employees?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on employee motivation and shows whether they are familiar with common motivational strategies.
38. What are some ways to increase employee productivity?
This question allows the candidate to share their ideas on how to improve employee productivity. It also shows whether they are proactive and always looking for ways to improve.
39. What are some methods you’ve used to inspire team members?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on how to motivate and inspire employees. It also shows whether they have experience leading a team.
40. What are some common mistakes that Chief Operating Officers make when it comes to leadership?
This question allows the candidate to share their knowledge on the topic and shows whether they are aware of the potential pitfalls in the role.
41. What is your experience with conflict resolution?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to handle difficult situations and resolve conflict. It also shows whether they have experience leading a team through difficult times.
42. What are some ways to build company morale?
This question allows the candidate to share their ideas on how to create a positive work environment.
43. What is your experience with giving feedback?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to give constructive feedback and motivate employees. It also shows whether they have experience leading a team.
44. How do you plan to succeed as our COO?
This question allows the candidate to share their vision for the company and their plans for success in the role. It also shows whether they have thought about the specific requirements of the position and how they plan to meet them.
Problem-Solving Interview Questions
These questions assess a candidate’s ability to identify and solve problems.
45. What are some methods you’ve used to identify company problems?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on how to identify issues and make decisions to solve problems.
46. What are some common mistakes that Chief Operating Officers make when it comes to problem-solving?
This question allows the candidate to share their knowledge on the topic and shows whether they are aware of the potential pitfalls in the role.
47. What is your experience with root cause analysis?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to identify the underlying cause of problems. It also shows whether they have experience conducting root cause analysis.
48. What are some ways to prevent company problems?
This question allows the candidate to share their ideas on how to proactively prevent issues from occurring.
49. How do you handle conflict with a CEO?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to handle difficult situations and resolve conflict. It also shows whether they have experience working with a CEO.
50. What are some examples of projects you’ve spearheaded?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on their experience leading projects. It also shows whether they have experience coordinating and executing plans.
Behavioral Interview Questions
Behavioral interview questions assess a candidate’s past behavior to determine if they will be a good fit for the job. This type of question is especially useful for senior positions like Chief Operating Officer.
51. What can you bring to the role of COO at our company?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on what they can contribute to the organization. It also shows whether they have a clear understanding of the role.
52. What are some examples of difficult situations you’ve faced in your previous roles?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on how they handle difficult situations. It also shows whether they have experience dealing with challenging circumstances.
53. How do you handle stress?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to cope with stress and manage their emotions.
54. What are some examples of times when you’ve had to deal with difficult people?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on how they handle difficult people. It also shows whether they have experience dealing with challenging personalities.
55. How do you handle conflict?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to handle conflict and resolve disagreements.
56. What are some examples of times when you’ve had to go above and beyond your job duties?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on how they handle the extra responsibility. It also shows whether they are willing to put in the extra effort when needed.
57. Describe a time when the management board was struggling to reach a decision. What did you do?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to handle difficult situations and make decisions. It also shows whether they have experience leading a team through challenging times.
58. Describe a time when you had to give feedback that was difficult to deliver. How did you handle it?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to give constructive feedback and motivate employees. It also shows whether they have experience leading a team.
59. What motivates you?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on what motivates them. It also shows whether they are self-aware and understand their own motivations.
60. Who’s your favorite leader and why?
This question allows the candidate to share their thoughts on leadership. It also shows whether they have experience following a leader and can identify what makes a good leader.
Final Thoughts
Chief Operating Officers play a vital role in ensuring that company operations run smoothly. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, so it’s important to find a COO who has the experience and skill set to match your needs.
By asking the right questions, you can get a better understanding of a candidate’s qualifications and whether they will be a good fit for your company. With these 50 Chief Operating Officer interview questions, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect COO for your business.
Do you have any other Chief Operating Officer interview questions that you like to ask? Share them with us!
FAQs
What's the biggest challenge you've ever faced as a COO? ›
It's tough being the operations guy. You have to “make it happen” in terms of cost savings and sometimes you are even responsible for the top line. The COO is often responsible for a vast swath of the business aside from some administrative functions such as legal and finance.
What are core competencies of a COO? ›Leadership: A COO must have excellent leadership skills, business acumen and ability to effectively manage, lead and supervise a multidisciplinary team. Strategy: They must excel at strategic thinking, be open to new perspectives and better ways to do things; and be creative, a visionary, and manage innovation well.
What makes a COO successful? ›“A COO can't only be high-flying or too focussed on the details. In order to master this, curiosity and communication are key. When this is coupled with hard work, motivational traits, energy and trust, this is when someone can become a great COO.”
What are 5 unique questions you can ask at the end of an interview? ›- What do you personally like most about working for this organisation? ...
- How would you describe your organisation's culture? ...
- Can you tell me about the kind of supervision you provide? ...
- What have past employees done to succeed in this position?
- “How will you measure the success of the person in this position?” ...
- “What are some of the challenges you expect the person in this position to face?” ...
- “Can you describe a typical day or week in the job?” ...
- “How long did the previous person in the role hold the position?
The core challenge as a COO is bridging strategy and execution in your organization. This can be solved by fixing alignment issues, reducing operational inefficiency, and engaging teams with data-driven decision making.
What are the top challenges of a COO? ›- Overcoming the Gaps in Hybrid Work Strategies. ...
- Enhancing Operational Efficiencies. ...
- Curbing Growing Cybersecurity Threats. ...
- Handling Supply Chain Complications. ...
- Fueling Greater Customer Trust.
- Be curious, ask questions, and listen without bias. I've been in full-on listen and learn mode. ...
- Connect with customers as quickly and frequently as possible. ...
- Encourage radical candor to drive focus and prioritization.
COO salary in India ranges between ₹ 8.4 Lakhs to ₹ 101.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 36.3 Lakhs.
What are the 7 competencies? ›- #1. Build Relationship: ...
- #2. Develop people. ...
- #3. Lead change. ...
- #4. Inspire others. ...
- #5. Think critically. ...
- #6. Communicate clearly. ...
- #7. Create accountability. ...
- Tip: Use the seven universal competencies as a framework for feedback.
What are the 3 basic competencies? ›
The 3 Competency Categories
Competencies fall into three main categories: Core, Cross-functional and Functional. All are important, but there is a hierarchy.
The COO – sometimes known as the vice president of operations – is typically the second in command in a company and reports to the CEO. This person manages and handles the daily business operations of the company, working closely with department heads and supervisors to support the day-to-day activity of employees.
What is COO strategy? ›What does a COO do when they already have far too much to do already? Today, Chief Operating Officers (COOs) do more than simply oversee specific departments. Instead, COO strategy is central to customer engagement, emerging technologies, business growth, business leadership, and business strategies.
What are the two types of COO? ›- The executor. A COO who takes on an executor role is primarily responsible for implementing the top management team's strategies. ...
- The change agent. ...
- The mentor. ...
- The MVP. ...
- The CEO foil. ...
- The partner COO. ...
- The heir apparent. ...
- The hybrid COO.
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Why should we hire you?
- What's something that you didn't like about your last job?
- Why do you want this job?
- How do you deal with conflict with a co-worker?
- Here's an answer for you.
- How did you hear about the role? ...
- What do you know about the company? ...
- Why did you apply? ...
- What are your key professional strengths? ...
- Why should we hire you? ...
- Do you have any questions for us?
The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.
What are some intelligent questions to ask an interviewer? ›- What does “success” mean in this role? ...
- Am I a good fit for the company? ...
- What challenges did my predecessor face? ...
- What was the last person in this role missing? ...
- Do you have any doubts about my profile? ...
- Where will this role go in the future? ...
- What is the company culture like?
- What exactly does this company value the most, and how do you think my work for you will further these values?
- Can you give me some examples of the most and least desirable aspects of the company's culture?
- How does this company define and measure success?
Tell me about yourself. Why are you interested in working for this company? Tell me about your education.
What does a COO do all day? ›
The traditional Chief Operating Officer is the member of executive management that is responsible for maintaining and driving operational results within a company. The COO works closely with the CEO and the CFO as well as other executive management team members.
How old is the average COO? ›Interestingly enough, the average age of chief operating officers is 40+ years old, which represents 89% of the population.
What is the 30 60 90 day plan for a COO? ›First 30 days, second 30 days (60) and then the last 30 days (90). This process allots for 3 months of critical growth, understanding, and team cohesion. By taking this patient approach, you create a team that is bought in to change instead of swooping in from above and imposing them to inevitable resistance.
How do I prepare for a COO interview? ›- Can you explain what our company does in your own words? ...
- What are your communication and decision-making styles? ...
- Can you give me an example of a time you motivated your team to reach a specific goal? ...
- What do you consider to be the most effective way of giving and receiving feedback?
- What kind of company culture is filtering down from senior management?
- Is senior management committed to the department I'm interviewing in?
- Do they set direction in a firm, consistent way?
- What does “success” mean to the company? ...
- Does your company have a product-market fit? ...
- How exactly does the company develop talents? ...
- When is the company expecting cash flow break-even? ...
- How does team collaboration look like in the company?
Best questions to ask your CEO in a town hall
What's the biggest strength of your company? How did Covid affect your company? What are the biggest challenges your company is facing today? How do you plan to overcome these challenges?
- Do some detective work.
- Show admiration for the company.
- Prove you fit the company culture.
- Get ready to revisit your answers.
- Questions to ask a CEO in an interview.
- Say the right things.
- In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges the company is facing right now? ...
- What traits do you look for when assembling a leadership team? ...
- What are your personal goals? ...
- Do you have a hobby outside of work that helps you be a better leader?
- Tell me what you know about our company and the position you're seeking. ...
- What Did You Accomplish? ...
- What Gets You Up in the Morning? ...
- “Tell me about yourself.” ...
- Do you have any questions for me?
What are some unique questions to ask in an interview? ›
- How quickly is the company growing? ...
- How are conflicts handled at this company? ...
- Where do you think the company will be in five years? ...
- What kind of growth opportunities are there within the company for people in this role? ...
- What's the hardest part of this role?
- What teams in the organisation do you feel are most engaged? And why?
- How important is employees' energy levels to the success of the organisation?
- How do you listen to your employees?
- What keeps employees happy in your opinion?
- How do you motivate people to go the extra mile?
What are the company's plans for growth? What are the key milestones for the company to meet in the next year? What is your favorite part of working for the company? What are the biggest opportunities for the company?
What are good questions to ask a CEO about diversity? ›- What is your biggest piece of advice for getting started with DEI? ...
- How do we get the entire company—including our leadership team—on board with DEI initiatives? ...
- What would you say is the most difficult part of implementing a DEI program?
- Resilience: fall back, spring ahead. Fall back, spring ahead. ...
- Take courage. Take courage. ...
- Hatch new businesses. Hatch new businesses. ...
- Technology: The basis of growth. The basis of growth. ...
- Net zero: Stay the course. ...
- Rebuild the employee experience.
Sample answer
To describe myself in one word, I'm a very ambitious person. I take up all learning opportunities that enhance my skills and know-how to cope up with failures. I like challenging myself to find creative solutions as quickly as possible and resolve any issues at hand.
...
Positive Words to Describe Yourself.
| Persistent | Genuine | Patient |
|---|---|---|
| Enthusiastic | Disciplined | Straightforward |
| Passionate | Dynamic | Intelligent |
| Ambitious | Modest | Tough |
| Tenacious | Extroverted | Sympathetic |
- Your Interview Ran Longer Than Scheduled. ...
- Your Interviewer's Body Language Cues Were Positive. ...
- Your Conversation Flowed Naturally. ...
- You Were Asked Follow-Up Questions. ...
- They Want You to Meet Other Team Members. ...
- Your Interviewer “Sold” You on the Job and Company.