Assistant Manager - Frequently Asked Questions

Supervising a team and ensuring day-to-day operations happen effectively and efficiently means an assistant manager has a variety of tasks and responsibilities. This can include scheduling and coordinating meetings, handling customer service complaints, resolving conflicts between employees, addressing employee concerns, conducting performance reviews, and even hiring and training.

Assistant managers may also be responsible for developing strategies for achieving goals, acting as a liaison between management, customers and employees, coordinating and tracking budgets, and providing direction to staff. 

Other administrative tasks may be assigned to you as well, and you’ll work closely with the general manager and may have additional tasks to perform depending on your industry or company.

Assistant manager roles require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. An ideal candidate often has an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. It may be helpful to obtain a degree if you’d like to pursue a management position. 

Next, many assistant manager jobs require at least one year of experience working for the company, in the industry, or as a manager. Some companies prefer two or three years of experience, so be sure to search for positions you’re qualified for with your experience. Sometimes, you may be able to substitute years of experience with a degree, so don’t avoid positions that otherwise may be a good fit. 

You may need to start at an entry-level or associate role, and work your way into an assistant manager position. Choose a company you can see yourself working for long-term.

Requirements for an assistant manager role can vary by company, but many require the same basic things like:

• High school diploma or equivalent 

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organization and time management skills

• Experience leading people or managing a team

• Dedicated to customer service and a great customer experience

• Experience with recruiting and performance evaluation

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

The company may ask for experience in performing specific tasks that are related to the industry. Familiarity with the industry, or the products or services the company sells, can be helpful. 

Also remember when it comes to educational requirements, it can depend on the industry and company you’re applying with. Some organizations will accept certifications or other formal training in lieu of a degree in a relevant field. 

The job description should clearly outline requirements, but if you have questions, ask the hiring manager. 

An assistant manager's salary can depend on their level and years of experience, the industry, and the company they work for. Some get paid hourly, while others are hired on an annual salary. 

The average hourly salary can range from around $13.50 per hour to $22 per hour or more. Annual salaries can range from around $32,500 to more than $55,000, though the average sits around $40,000 to $45,000.

Interview questions vary, but you can expect a mix of general questions, ones about your background and experience, and in-depth or job-specific queries. 

Knowing what types of questions may be asked, and preparing answers ahead of time, can help you succeed in your interview:

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

• How would your previous coworkers describe you?

• What is your management/leadership/coaching style?

• What do you consider to be the most important qualities/skills for an assistant manager?

• Why do you think a company needs an assistant manager?

• Describe your experience hiring and training employees.

• Explain how you handle work-related stress.

• What is your greatest work-related accomplishment and why?

• How do you motivate your team? What do you do if a team member is falling behind

• What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in a previous role? How did you overcome it?

There are a number of qualities and skills a good assistant manager will have to be successful in their role. Some of the best qualities or traits include:

• Approachable

• Responsible

• Takes initiative

• Handles constructive criticism

• Able to follow directions

• Self-motivated

• Ability to make decisions 

• Works well with others 

• Likeable and personable 

• Positive

An assistant manager’s skills should focus around leadership, communication and administrative skills. These can include:

• Financial planning and budgeting skills

• Computer/technology skills

• Sales experience

• Organization

• Interpersonal skills

• Leadership skills

• Exceptional customer service 

• Problem solving and conflict management skills

• Time management 

• Marketing techniques

Project management  

Looking at your career path, you may aspire to be a general manager or store manager. From there, you could continue to be promoted or find opportunities for a district manager, general sales manager, senior manager, director or higher role. 

Generally, the next career step for assistant managers is into a store manager or general manager position, often taking on more responsibilities and leading a larger team of employees. 

Additionally, you learn and perfect many skills as an assistant manager that are transferable to other jobs and industries, such as sales, customer service, and hospitality management. 

Assistant manager hours depend on the company they work for. While some work traditional 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. jobs Monday through Friday, others may work nights, weekends and even holidays. You may also work longer or shorter shifts depending on the responsibilities of your team. For example, an assistant manager in a retail store location may have different hours than one who works in a bar or restaurant.

As an assistant manager, you’re expected to be where your team of employees is. Depending on the industry and company, your workplace could look like a variety of things. 

In general, you’ll likely be on your feet for extended periods of time, helping employees and facilitating positive customer experiences. You may use computers, phones, and point-of-sale systems to complete transactions and other tasks. In some cases you’ll have a desk or office, but in others you’ll be on the floor alongside your team.