List of 29 Airbus Interview Questions & Answers
1.
At Airbus we seek to hire only those with aerospace experience. Are you more experienced in the private or public aerospace industry?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to see that you have experience in the industry; whether your aerospace experience comes from private or public entities. If the job description or job posting from Airbus S.A.S. points out a preference of one over the other, it is wise to focus your answer on that particular experience.
1st Answer Example
"I noticed in your job posting that you prefer to see experience in the public aerospace sector. I do have experience in both public and private; however, the most recent three years of my work experience is in the public sector."
2nd Answer Example
"I can say that I have equal experience in both public and private aerospace matters. Is there a specific sector where you would prefer to see stronger experience? I would be happy to highlight that experience for you, further."
Community Answer
"I did not notice your job posting request a specific form of experience. I possess roughly two years of experience within University-based projects, which is in the private sector."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Try to lead with your experience rather than with an 'I did not' statement. I have offered a revision, below.
"My experience is primarily in university-based projects, which is the private sector. I am confident that I could meet the needs of your industry."
2.
The aerospace and defense industry is ever-changing. At Airbus we seek to hire individuals with a keen interest in this industry. How do you stay up to date on aerospace related current events?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to confirm that you have a genuine interest in the aerospace and defense industry. Perhaps you read aerospace-related books, follow particular engineering journals or subscribe to a blog related to this industry. Briefly share with the interviewer how you stay up to date on current events related to Airbus S.A.S..
1st Answer Example
"I am always interested in learning more about this industry and the changes that are taking place. It's truly fascinating. Most frequently, I read the International Journal of Aerospace Engineering. There are also a couple of blogs that I follow including www.aviationweek.com."
2nd Answer Example
"Staying up to date on aerospace-related events is quite easy with a couple of phone applications I have downloaded, and a few blogs to which I subscribe. I would love some new suggestions as well! Do you have any strong recommendations?"
Community Answer
"I tend to keep up with trends in information transfer through social media. Thus, I follow several of Airbus' divisions, including commercial, helicopters, and space on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. I also read Airbus' regular newsletter postings and listen to the "Make It Fly" podcast. Outside of Airbus, I tend to read online newsletters and magazines that keep up with today's aviation news such as AviationWeekly.com and the Aviation Herald."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
These are fantastic resources, and your answer is highly complementary to the interviewing company. Excellent answer!
3.
In your opinion, what is the biggest breakthrough in the aerospace and defense industry in the past decade?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to ensure that you hold strong knowledge, and genuine interest, in the aerospace and defense industry. If you are familiar with the industry, you will know about some of the latest industry breakthroughs. Briefly discuss which one has caught your interest the most.
1st Answer Example
"There have been endless breakthroughs in our industry; however, I would say the one that excited me the most was the Falcon 9 Full Thrust. It's amazing to me that a partially-reusable launch system is in existence."
2nd Answer Example
"The biggest recent breakthrough in our industry, in my opinion, was the Falcon 9 Full Thrust; however, there are so many from which to choose! May I ask which was your favorite breakthrough as of late?"
Community Answer
"I think the biggest breakthrough would have to be the introduction of complex manufacturing methods that have allowed the implementation of carbon composites in aircraft to improve significantly. The A350, for example, possesses a structure with over 50% carbon composites. It has allowed for the increase of fuel efficiency and performance, meeting today's strict carbon emissions regulations and, thus, extending the life of aircraft."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
You chose a topic that you know a lot about, which is a great route to take. Great approach to this answer!
4.
There are numerous career avenues you can take with Airbus. Which career path interests you the most?
How to Answer
It is essential that you thoroughly research Airbus S.A.S. before your interview. Be sure to examine their careers section, any additional locations, and the variety of departments or business units they may have. You can then accurately assess the potential growth opportunities with Airbus S.A.S.. Discuss your career growth and desires with the interviewer.
5.
Because of the nature of business at Airbus we conduct background checks on employees. This includes criminal background, credit, and education verification checks. Are you willing to comply?
How to Answer
Most companies in the aerospace and defense industry need to be very cautious about who they hire. There is a chance that much of the information you are going to access could be confidential and dangerous if put into the wrong hands. Assure the interviewer that you are most willing to comply with any form of background check they require.
6.
At Airbus we have some strong competitors. In your opinion, what makes us stand out from the others?
How to Answer
It is essential to research Airbus S.A.S. before your interview. Through that research, be sure to study some of their competitors and why you feel Airbus S.A.S. stands out from the crowd. Visit the 'News' and 'About Us' section on the company website to find out if they have received any recent awards or accolades.
7.
Our goal is to be the top rated company in our industry. After researching Airbus, what do you think we could improve on?
How to Answer
If Airbus S.A.S. asks for your feedback on what they could improve on it is best to keep your answer positive and light. Be sure to start, and finish, your suggestion with a compliment on what they are doing right.
8.
We are looking for specific post-secondary education for this role. Tell me about your post-secondary education and how it will help you in this position with Airbus.
How to Answer
It is vital that you check the job posting or job description provided by Airbus S.A.S. to ensure that you have the proper educational requirements. If you do not bring the desired degree or certification, be prepared to defend your education and remind them why you are still the best candidate for the job!
If you have the desired education: "I saw on your job posting that you are looking for candidates with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. I have my degree in Aeronautical Engineering from an accredited University. My education will be helpful in this role as it is directly related to your company's focus."
9.
Confidentiality is of utmost importance to us at Airbus. Are you willing to sign a confidentiality agreement, if hired?
How to Answer
Many companies involved in Aerospace and Defense have sensitive information. Assure the interviewer that you are a trustworthy individual who can handle being under a confidentiality agreement with Airbus S.A.S., if hired.
10.
Many of our industry competitors have their employees under a non-compete contract. Are you bound by any non-compete contract with your current employer?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to avoid any hurdles during the offer and negotiations stage that would prevent you from being successfully on-boarded. If Airbus S.A.S. is a direct competitor to your current or most recent employer then you should carefully review your employment contract to ensure nothing is hindering you. Be prepared to present the agreement in your late stage interview.
If you are under a non-compete contract: "I am under a non-compete contract with Company ABC; however, it specifically states that I cannot share any trade secrets or recruit any of their current employees. There is nothing in the contract hindering me from joining Airbus S.A.S.."
11.
How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
How to Answer
We all like recognition in some way for our accomplishments in the workplace. Share with the interviewer how you would want credit for your hard work. Some options can be through bonus' or financial perks, public recognition, kind words, or promotion opportunities.
12.
Would you say you focus more on reasons why change will not work rather than adapting to new changes?
How to Answer
When a change occurs in the workplace do you view it positively or do you resist the change? Talk to the interviewer about how you adapt to change.
13.
Have you progressed in your career as you have expected?
How to Answer
Career progression can be a touchy subject, especially if you feel that your career hasn't progressed as well as you would have liked. Talk to the interviewer about your career progression and what you would like to see in the future.
14.
Who would you say inspires you?
How to Answer
Show you preparedness for the interview by having an immediate answer. The only wrong answer here is, "I don't know." In most discussions, you will get one or two personal questions to see how you present yourself. You want to be able to articulate yourself well, responding politely and even passionately when appropriate. An excellent way to respond to this question is by sharing a story about a person who has been a positive influence on you and your career. If your dad motivated you to push through to finish your education, talk about how that impacted you. Who showed you that it was possible to overcome even the most significant obstacles? Who taught you the skills that brought you where you are today?
15.
Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
How to Answer
On a scale of 1-10, how skilled are you in communication? Why did you choose that particular rating for yourself?
16.
It seems that your resume is missing certain skills that are necessary for this position. How do you plan to compensate for these missing skills?
How to Answer
Most job descriptions will have a long list of requirements. Hiring managers are aware that, to find a candidate that checks ALL of the boxes, can sometimes be impossible. If you are missing some of the "nice to have" or even the "must have" skills listed in the job description, do not fret! Be open about your shortcomings and discuss with the interviewer how you plan to compensate for those.
17.
Tell me about an achievement you are proud of. What did you find challenging about it?
How to Answer
Sometimes a great achievement is completing a difficult task and overcoming the obstacles that come up along the way.
When faced with an impossible deadline and regular interruptions that cause you to have to switch gears every thirty minutes, completing a simple project can seem like climbing a mountain!
You have a couple of options for how to approach this: Discuss an example of when you overcame obstacles to achieve something great, or share a significant accomplishment or award you received and talk about what was challenging about it.
Either way, you are showing your determination and focus on reaching your goal. Think of a situation that highlights your strengths and qualities that will be helpful for the job for which you are interviewing. Try to keep it as career relevant as possible.
18.
How do you like to encourage ideas in others?
How to Answer
Encouragement to others is a great skill to possess. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to encourage creative ideas in your team members.
19.
If you were given a choice, which work related task would you leave for last? Why?
How to Answer
Often we will leave the tasks that we don't like for last, in the act of procrastination. Other times, we will mindfully move responsibility for last because we feel that it makes the most sense. Help the interviewer to determine which personality type you are by answering this question.
20.
How do you think your early career will help you succeed in this position?
How to Answer
Did you start working at a young age? Perhaps you have held some tough jobs earlier in your career? Many hiring managers agree that the best employees are ones with 'grit' and who have held a 'dirty job' or two in their lives. Talk to the interviewer about your early work experience.
21.
How do you define success?
How to Answer
What does success mean to you? Tell the interviewer how you see progress and be sure to tie your answer into the success that you plan to bring to this particular position, should you be offered the role.
22.
How have you demonstrated leadership ability when you were not in a leadership role?
How to Answer
This question challenges you to think about how you act as a leader in your daily life. Even if you're not leading a team, you can still demonstrate the qualities of a leader! You can give an example of how you coached a coworker who was having difficulty preparing for a big presentation. Maybe you gave them confidence in their strengths by encouraging them, or perhaps you offered some helpful hints. You can be a motivator and a confident communicator in any situation at work! Share how you have positively influenced others through actions you've taken to support and motivate others at work.
23.
Your workload will be large at Airbus. How do you balance life and work?
How to Answer
It is essential to keep a healthy work/life balance to prevent burnout. Talk to the interviewer about how you can maintain that appropriate balance for yourself.
24.
How often do you think of innovations that will improve your work performance?
How to Answer
Coming up with ideas to increase productivity, efficiency and save time and energy is a great way to make an impact on your coworkers and the company.
Having the ability to see problems as opportunities is a skill that can make you an essential asset to a company. Think of a time you had a chance to make a difference by making a change in a process or procedure.
25.
What is your current salary?
How to Answer
A potential employer will often base their offer on your current salary. You should be transparent about your most recent earnings and be prepared to back up any salary requests.
If you are currently employed: "I am currently earning a base salary of $78,000, plus a car allowance of $900/month, and health benefits. I am looking for a competitive salary in my next position."
26.
Looking at your resume, I see multiple gaps between employments, what were you doing during those gaps?
How to Answer
There are many reasons for having a gap in your resume, and it's best, to be honest about the intentions.
27.
Do you believe it is possible to be a good team member yet disagree with the leader?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you can be diplomatic in the workplace, even when you may not agree with your leader.
Show the interviewer that it is possible for you to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader from time to time. Explain that you believe everyone is entitled to their own professional opinion, yet capable of maintaining respect for each other at the same time.
Show that even if you disagree with the final decision they make, you support the direction the team is heading.
28.
Are you actively interviewing with other companies, and are you close to offer stage with anyone?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for answers to a few points when asking this question.
1. The company wants to know what kind of timeline is present before you are scooped up by another organization.
2. They want to know how discerning you are with your job applications.
3. They want to know the types of roles that interest you.
4. They want to hear that they are your top choice.
You can certainly discuss your search but avoid giving too many details. Give the interviewer enough to satisfy the question without revealing your entire search. Some mystery is okay here.
29.
How do you manage your time?
How to Answer
What tools do you use to stay on task and meet deadlines? How do you prioritize when everything demands your attention at once? Think about the ways you manage your projects and daily tasks. Do you keep a calendar? Do you set reminders? Sometimes a to-do list is helpful when organizing your time because it can help you prioritize what needs to happen next. Paying attention to which tasks require the most time and which ones bring the most value are ways you can pick and choose what needs to happen in your schedule. What are some ways you have found work best for you to manage your time at work?