In the chemical industry, there is always potential for dangerous spills and exposure to toxic chemicals. Are you willing to work in an industry that poses this type of risk?

"I have experienced a couple of different scenarios surrounding chemical spills. When situations like this occur, I am sure to rely on my training when it comes to chemical related emergencies. I feel well equipped to handle a situation like this in a professional manner."

The interviewer wants assurances you can handle such an emergency in a professional manner. If you've had previous experience along these lines, discuss with your interviewer how you responded. If you have little to no experience with this, discuss how the importance you place on safety, on maintaining safety stations in the workplace, and volunteer how you would respond in this type of situation.

"I am well trained for these scenarios and fully understand the risks that come with working for BASF SE, and the chemicals industry in general."

What do you consider your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

"I think my greatest strength is my eagerness to please, but my greatest weakness is not being great as saying no. In the past, I've bitten off more than I can chew and struggled with how to communicate 'no'. Since then, I learned that not communicating what's possible within my well-managed time and taking on more than I can handle will lead me to underperform. I've gotten a handle on this. But being a people person who is not easily offended and rarely takes things personally, saying no can be hard for me. This trait is a strength and weakness. I'm learning how to strike a harmonious balance between the two."

The interviewer wants assurances that you take pride in your work. Provide the personal strengths you feel make you excel at your job. Offer an example of a time your efforts were recognized by your team. Strengths can be skills or qualities that allow you to overcome difficult circumstances or overcome challenging tasks. In a work context, your strengths help you to meet deadlines, maintain your standards while anticipating the needs of your team. Volunteer a few of your strengths, detailing how those have aided you in your career. In regard to your greatest weakness, frame your weakness as a strength in its own right that sometimes can be a detriment that you are aware of, identify as a growth opportunity, and are currently actively working on.

Tell me a little about yourself.

"I started my sales career in a large corporate setting, and there I received a promotion within only a few months. I decided that I wanted to stretch my wings and made the leap to a startup. I have had continued success there and am in my preferred sales territory; however, I feel that I may have outgrown the position. Right now there isn't an opportunity for a managerial position here, so I'm looking at outside opportunities, such as this one with BASF SE."

Many interviewers will start off with this question, which serves as an icebreaker, designed to get you to relax, lower your guard, and provide them with a more accurate portrayal of who you are as a person. It is just as important for you to research yourself as well as the company you are interviewing for. This will help you align your pursuits with what they are looking for in their ideal candidate. Offer personal details which are relevant to this professional opportunity. Respond by mentioning your education, how many years of experience you have in your field, and be sure to provide some details about your most current position. But be prepared to answer other questions surrounding your education and professional experience. Conclude your response with a statement about what you are looking for in a job at this time and how that relates to your career pursuits.

BASF SE has seasons of peak times where the workload is high. How do you handle a larger than average workload?

"When I have a large workload on my plate, I do not stress over the tasks that are in front of me. Rather, I make a simple plan of which tasks are a high priority and which tasks are a lower priority. The higher priority tasks, I complete first. Through this system, I can focus on my tasks individually, rather than stress out by the multitude of tasks ahead of me."

The interviewer wants to know how adaptable you are to a change in the pace of your work, and how capable you are at working under pressure in a fast-paced environment. This will help them understand how well you cope with stress, and evaluate your work style and ethics.

Here are some suggestions on how to handle a large workload:- List your tasks and prioritize them - Think of which tasks add to the company's bottom line, and start there (Closest to the money!) - Exhale. Relax for a minute and collect yourself - Organize your tasks by which ones you can complete independently and which ones you need help with - Take sufficient breaks, so you do not exhaust yourself - Communicate your struggles with your leadership or team

How do you define success?

"I define success by my ability to reach the goals that are set out for me. On a personal level, the things I wish to achieve in my life. On a work level, the targets that are set out for me as well as the professional development that I seek."

The interviewer is seeking to determine your work ethic, your career objectives, and gain insights into your personality. Explain to your interviewer how you perceive progress and be certain to tie your answer to the success you intend to bring with you to BASF SE. This will help them to establish what motivates you and how you'd fit into the culture of their brand.

"I define success by what we achieve as a team. The project, as a whole, needs to deliver on expectations before I consider the job a success."

If we hired you today, what would you accomplish first?

"When we were speaking earlier, about sales targets in this position, you mentioned that most new sales professionals hit their KPI's after 120 days. If hired today, my goal would be to exceed my KPI's after the first 90 days. I plan to make a positive impact very quickly."

When you start a new position, it is essential to prove your professionalism, and to set goals, but it also important to build relationships, tap into every resource available to you, ask lots of questions, and learn why they do things the way they do before suggesting any changes. Coming in and trying to reinvent the way they do things before you've learned anything will come across as arrogant, presumptuous, and unprofessional. Familiarizing yourself on the 30/60/90 rule, describe any impact you'd make during your probationary period of 90 days, and the impact you'd make after 90 days.

"If hired today, I would first work on obtaining all of the industry certifications and training that BASF SE needs me to complete. This will enable me to work independently, and gain traction in my new role."

What work situations excite and motivate you?

"I am most motivated, on the job, when tasks are organized, and the vibe is positive. I value strong teamwork and good leadership."

The hiring manager want to learn how to keep you motivated and enthusiastic to return to work daily. Share with the interviewer how they can ensure you're happy and productive at BASF SE. Offer them insights as to what drives and inspires you on a personal level, as well as how you remain motivated throughout your workday. Describe how you approach your work, regardless of whether the task is high pressure or repetitive.

"Work situations that excite and motivate me to include fun internal contests, camaraderie among the staff, and the ability to participate as a creative thinker."

Why are you leaving your current position and interviewing for this one?

"When I interviewed for my last job, it was a temp assignment. After they saw my work ethic first hand, they offered me a permanent role in their company. I explained to them I had clear goals, and it seemed the position they offered me only took me so far down my career path. We recently reached a crossroads, and I ultimately decided it was time to continue down that path elsewhere. I gave them two months' notice and am grateful for what I learned and the relationships I built there."

This question aims to reveal how candid you'll be about the conditions through which you departed your most recent employer (whether you were terminated, resigned, were laid off, etc.). They are likewise interested in what terms your employment was ended, amicably or acrimoniously. Focus on the positives. Don't divulge anything that would portray you in a negative light. If there were reasons which might appear disparaging towards yourself or others, aim to limit those details to yourself. For example, when someone has outgrown a position and it isn't accelerating their career, looking for career growth elsewhere affirms a dedication to one's career plans. Not burning bridges, and revealing professional appreciation for what you gained from your prior employers can go a long way in displaying a high emotional intelligence.

"I'm a bridge-builder, not a bridge burner. My last job was great while it lasted. I developed my five-year career plan when I was accepted into college and have updated it every year since. My previous employer helped me incredibly since I started with them, but the growth opportunities that were present a few years ago are no longer a viable option for me. So, it is with mutual respect and gratitude that I left them. I gave them almost two months' notice and helped to train my successor. I strongly believe that work relationships should last."

At BASF SE, we try to hire individuals dedicated to their professional development. What related coursework would you take if you could?

"I am very dedicated to my professional development and am happy to attend any coursework that you may recommend. If I could choose any related coursework, I would choose further education on leadership and team engagement."

The interviewer would like to know if you are willing to expand your industry knowledge through further professional development and coursework. Talk to the interviewer about any additional education you may have been considering and assure them you are interested in learning more about any professional development options they may offer.

"GLP and Quality Assurance are topics of interest to me. I appreciate that BASF SE emphasizes the professional development of their employees."

At BASF SE we try to hire people who want to stay with us long term. What are your long-term career plans and how do we fit into your plans?

"I am looking for a long-term career path which is one of the reasons I applied to work with BASF SE. I like that you have opportunities for advancement within your team and that you offer professional development coursework. If hired, I would seek to work my way into a leadership role with BASF SE."

How you answer this question will provide insights into the height of your ambition, indicate where you want to direct your career, and how closely your ambitions align with what they offer. Create a five-year plan, further defining your goals and defining how you'll arrive at those goals in attainable steps. Discuss with the interviewer how familiar you are with them, how familiar you are with the position, your longer-term career plans and how they fit into the career path being offered by BASF SE. Assure the interviewer that you are looking for a longer term fit.

"I plan to have a long-term career in the chemicals industry. My education is geared to this as I recently graduated from Chemical Engineering. I would be happy to enjoy a long-term career with BASF SE."

Why is this job with BASF SE right for you in your career?

Discuss with the interviewer why you are looking to make a change, and where this particular role fits in with your career pursuits. Provide an in-depth answer. Be thoughtful and draw upon the research you have done on yourself and the company.

"I have attended multiple interviews as of late, and when I walk into the offices of BASF SE, it already feels like home. I believe that my advancement goals will be respected here and that I can flourish in this position. Your willingness to mentor and encourage professional development is another factor that makes this role with BASF SE the right one for me."

How would you rate your communication skills?

"I place a lot of value on clear and reliable communication. This ensures my team and I are on the same page, and that expectations are clear to ensure they are clearly met. If communication breaks down, or is inconsistent, that can lead to obvious problems, from misunderstandings, confused deadlines, or dissatisfaction with the quality of work performed. It also can easily result in cost overruns and rework. I consistently aim to deliver work that exceeds expectations, ahead of deadlines, every time. Anything I anticipate that may compromise my success rate in this regard will give me pause to take a moment and evaluate I am working smarter, not harder."

Communication is integral to the smooth operations of any business. Define what you consider effective communication, how your skills stand apart, and what you'd contribute. The answer to this question is in how you answer it, and could clue them into how effective you truly are at communication. Therefore avoid using any speech crutches ( um, like, you know, etc. ) and try to speak as clearly and concisely as possible while delivering your well-formulated answer.

How would you rate your performance in this interview?

"I believe that this interview has been quite informative and I am happy with my performance."

The interviewer is curious how self aware you are, how intuitive you are at reading their social cues, and how well your perceptions of this interview align. Be honest and confident in your answer. Your answer will also demonstrate how effective your communication skills are. Demonstrate yourself as an active listener.

Rate your communication skills from 1 to 10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything."

When communicating nondefensively, objectify the situation rather than objectifying a coworker as the origin of an issue. This is managed by asking clarifying questions so that you can gather data before assigning fault. Usually, correctable situations take place as a result of miscommunication, or a mixture of other factors that contributed to poor decision making or confused messaging. Objectifying the situation with an emotionally mature sense of where matters moved in the wrong direction redirects focus on how communication can be improved upon, rather than creating defensiveness by dropping blame.

"I will rate myself an 8.5 because I consider myself a strong communicator. It is the foundation of all success in business. I am always striving to be a better communicator, so I leave the rest of the scale as an aspirational measure."

We value a harmonious culture within BASF SE. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

"My coworker and I had a misunderstanding about the schedule. We both got frustrated, so I took a step back and asked if we could talk about it when we are both calm, so the tension didn't escalate. The next day I pulled him aside and asked if we could talk. We both shared our sides of the story and realized it was just a miscommunication."

Tension between coworkers can be draining and is often unnecessary or easily avoided. Enhanced communication tools can resolve most workplace conflicts that arise in a high-stress work environment. When asked a question about dealing with conflict or overcoming a challenge, think of an example where you used communication to get everyone back on the same page. Having a concrete situation to draw from will help you to think through the steps you took to deal with the conflict.

"I do not enjoy conflict in the workplace; however, it does happen from time to time. When conflict does arise, I am sure to nip it in the bud right away. When moments of miscommunication fester or swept under the rug, they become bigger than they need to be."

List the top 3 skills that you have picked up in your last role.

"In the past few years I was able to upgrade my education while still working full time. The biggest skill that I gained was my ability to multi-task as I worked the dual role of employee and student. I also have strong skills in a variety of Microsoft programs such as PowerPoint and Excel."

You have likely gained many valuable skills in your career, both hard technical skills and soft interpersonal or self-management skills. Share with the interviewer which recently acquires skills you most value. Be sure to include translatable skills that aren't thoroughly explored on your resume of the cover letter.

Some skills that you could mention are: - Written Communication - Verbal Communication - A particular software program - Collaboration - Initiative - Ability to work autonomously

At BASF SE, we put safety first for our employees and the handling of our products. How important is safety for you?

"One of the reasons why BASF SE stands out to me as a potential employer, is your dedication to workplace safety. I feel that safety should be the number one consideration in this industry. It determines employee engagement, company profitability, and ensures a strong industry reputation."

Assure the interviewer that you are as concerned about safety and take employing safe practises in the workplace very seriously. Most companies have a safety team or committee which spreads awareness of best practices and how to maintain a strong, incident free workplace. In which ways do you put safety first? Talk about the importance of safety in the workplace.

"Safety is the most important factor in the workplace, in my opinion. When working with chemicals, especially! I have attended a variety of safety training including Decontamination, Responding to Chemical Emergencies, and CPR / First Aid."

In your chemicals career, have you ever experienced a chemical related emergency such as a spill or injured co-worker because of exposure?

"I have a spotless safety record in my work history, so I have not experienced a chemical related emergency at this point in my career. I have great amounts of training in emergency situations, as well as WHMIS and OSHA certified."

Assure the interviewer that you are well equipped when it comes to handling an emergency situation in the workplace. Volunteer any medical training or certifications you have. Exhibit a working knowledge of what to do in a medical emergency. Most importantly, exhibit an ability to stay calm and clearheaded in such situations.

"I experienced a chemical spill in one of our warehouse facilities last year. A forklift operator accidentally pierced a container. In my current position, we have rigorous spill protocols. We followed those protocols and were able to avoid any injury and toxic exposure."

At BASF SE, we take every step possible to be a leader in our industry. Who are our competitors and what sets us apart from them?

"I have researched BASF SE and see that you truly are an industry leader in the chemicals arena. From my research, I believe what sets you apart is your incredible customer service and dedication to safety. Also, it appears that your employee benefits package is one of the best in the industry."

It is vital to thoroughly research a company before you interview with them. The extent of your research should include at the very least every page of every website they host, who their competitors are, and any media attention they've garnered. Discuss your findings with the interviewer and be sure to speak highly of BASF SE while answering this question, especially when it comes to how they stand ahead of their competition.

"From my research, I understand that your biggest competitors are companies X, Y, and Z. Your branding is what sets BASF SE apart from its competitors. A good brand equals trust and with your strong branding comes a great deal of public trust in your product."

Tell me about any safety related training you have received in the handling of chemicals and other toxic substances.

"I am certified in chemical safety and currently hold a valid WHMIS certificate as well as a valid OSHA certificate. I am confident in the training I have received and understand the importance of caution and safety while working around chemicals and potentially toxic substances."

Give the interviewer a concise overview of your formal and on the job training related to chemical safety and proper handling. You can be brief when answering this question but be sure to give the interviewer confidence in your abilities.

"As I am new to this industry, I have not taken any safety-related training related to chemicals. If you could suggest some specific training, I would be happy to get a head start while you make your hiring decision."

Do you have experience with shipping and handling of chemicals and other potentially toxic products?

"I have experience in shipping and handling of chemicals by road transportation and air. I have been formally trained in Hazardous Material Transportation Act (HMTA) and have a spotless record when it comes to transportation safety."

Give a cursory overview of this essential aspect of the business, validating the importance of following all industry standards and protocols. Share your experiences regarding the proper packaging, handling, transportation, and disposal of chemicals, ensuring the safety of all parties who might come into contact with them. Speak to your professionalism and integrity in this regard, including any efforts you've made to spread awareness.

"Because I am new to the chemicals industry, I do not have specific experience when it comes to the appropriate shipping and handling of chemicals. I am here to learn, and will do so, enthusiastically."

What is your current salary?

"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."

A potential employer will often base their offer on your current salary. You should be transparent about your most recent earnings, but you shouldn't restrict your answer to your base rate salary either. Be sure to include every aspect of what they have to compete with regarding your current employer. Share what kind of insurance benefits you have, included your retirement, bonuses, overtime rate, annually and hourly, paid time off, anything and everything that could fall under incentives, perks, benefits and compensation.

"In my most recent position, I was earning below the average for my area of expertise. I am targeting a base salary of $92-$98K in my next position."

What decisions did you routinely make in your last position?

"In my previous position I was quite often required to make decisions on staff scheduling as well as hiring and terminating. I feel that role prepared me quite well for a position like this one. I have well-honed decision-making skills and my intuition, when it comes to hiring, has been elevated."

The interviewer would like to know more about the type of decisions making which falls within your comfort zone or realm of experience. The aim of this question is to gauge your answer for your experience level and how capability and confidently you'd handle the requirements of this position. Highlight how your examples prepared you for this role.

"I regularly made decisions regarding pricing and discounts for customers. I had a standard set of criteria that I created, and I tried to let that guide me for consistency."

Budget is important for BASF SE. What was the greatest cost-cutting measurement you accomplished at your previous employer?

"I have been able to present cost-cutting suggestions many times to my previous employer. The one that I feel had the biggest impact was when I suggested additional warehouse staff. We had three various shifts and still an average of 100 hours of overtime per week. I presented to my employer that we hire one more warehouse employee for each shift, keeping the hours to just 120 regular vs. 100 hours of overtime pay (@1.5x) This recommendation saved the company $31,000 per year. They implemented this change across 15 warehouses the following year, amounting to nearly half a million dollars in savings per year."

Every employee should be mindful of not only protecting but also preserving the company's assets. Whether you are in a management role, or simply keeping your eye out for cost-saving opportunities, this will exhibit that big-picture-thinking is one of your strengths. Assure the interviewer that you understand the importance of this question and provide a strong example of a time when you have done so.

"My biggest cost saving measure comes regarding productivity on my team. I was able to craft email copy that I saved as a template and could send out a dozen emails at a time, all personalized, to targeted audiences to set appointments. I was able to do this multiple times per day, while also making calls, and doubled my productivity. I shared this tactic with the team and saw it implemented across the board. While I was not in a managerial role, I was able to roughly double productivity, thereby preventing the need for new hires and surpassing our financial targets for KPIs and financial metrics."

We are asking for 8 years of industry experience and you have just 5. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

"Although I have five years' experience vs. eight years' experience I can do this job well. In my previous role, I was outperforming colleagues who had 12 years of experience. To me, it's all about drive and ability to be a quick study. I have all of these qualities and more."

To many companies, the sum of years' experience is flexible - so long as you have the results to show for the years that you do have. Talk to the interviewer about your major career successes, attesting to your experience, and how it translates to the relevant experience they are looking for in their ideal candidate.

"Along with my five years working in this industry, I have worked near it my entire career, and I hope that my graduate degree gives me a little boost in experience over the required undergraduate degree."

How would your co-workers describe your attention to detail?

"My co-workers would describe my attention to detail as very strong. I can very easily point out spelling discrepancies in communication and will notice the small things. I think big-picture as well but have always had a knack for details."

Support your reply with a real-life example. Talk to the interviewer about your level of attentiveness when it comes to details on the job by breaking down your approach to ensuring the quality of your work meets your standard. Also, remain consistent in how you answer each question. If you answered one question one way, and a similar question totally different, this will clue them in to your lack of attention to detail.

"Overall, my attention to detail is strong. My current supervisor asked me a few months ago to improve the detail in my documentation, so I have been avidly working to improve in that area."

When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level?

"I have recently implemented a schedule that allows for ride-sharing rewards which have cut down on our company's fuel expense by $9000 per month. I am quite proud of this initiative because it is not only financially responsible but also environmentally friendly."

Every company likes to hire those who are respectful of company resources and finances. Those who go above and beyond by exhibiting outside-of-the-box-thinking, tapping into unexplored resources, motivated to further the goals of the team are desirable assets themselves. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have been able to stretch company resources.

"This is a practice I often utilize to maximize company resources and optimize value to the clients. I recycle a lot of company materials to make the most of our resources. I also do this with people regarding cross training and sharing understanding across departments."

Which accomplishment do you believe was the most difficult for you to achieve?

"In my career, so far, I feel that the most difficult accomplishment for me to achieve were the three back-to-back promotions in my current company. Because promotions are granted based on results, I had to put in a lot of overtime hours, and hustle, to get there."

Being able to face a challenging or stressful situation, and still gain some accomplishment, in the end, is very satisfying. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you were able to come out on top despite being faced with a significant challenge or obstacle. Exhibit why this was important to your career, the steps you took to ensure a successful outcome, and the challenges you are looking forward to next.

"My proudest accomplishment to date was completing my Degree in Chemical Engineering while also being a single parent to two young boys. The level of dedication that I had to give to both my family and my education was very tough. I couldn't be prouder of myself for never giving up."

When have you faced an unexpecting difficulty?

"The biggest unexpected difficulty that I have faced was my unexpected lay off during the last recession. I had to adapt to a new economy and search deeply for other skills and opportunities. I was able to earn enough to avoid financial strain and am quite proud of my ability to be versatile when required."

Share your experiences encountering unexpected challenges, all while maintaining a positive attitude which helped drive your success. Describe why the situation you provided is noteworthy, what you ultimately gained from this experience, and how it impacted your professional development.

"I faced unexpected difficulty last year when Company X swiftly acquired our company. With nobody aware of the change, it was emotional chaos in our offices for some time. I chose to remain calm, avoid jumping to assumptions and continued doing my job as usual. This approach helped me to get through the situation."

When have you had to shift your priorities in response to sudden changes?

"In my current role, our schedule is changed on a regular basis and always at short notice. I have been able to adapt very well to these frequent, sudden changes."

There are several components to shifting priorities in the workplace. You'll again want to exhibit your adaptability, how you track your progress while multitasking to prevent rework or lost time, your mature emotional reaction to shifting demands, while maintaining a strong support for the team. Assure the interviewer that you can respond professionally when it comes to sudden changes.

"In my current position, I have to respond to sudden change on a regular basis. This situation always occurs when my clients need changes to their projects, and it often happens right before the deadline. I am accustomed to situations like this and welcome the challenge!"

At BASF SE, we ask for an active contribution from our employees. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.

"Last month our company asked upper management to complete a full inventory audit. There were 4 of us in total and so we broke the audit requirements into shifts. These shifts had to take place when the warehouse closed. In the end, there was one additional shift that nobody wanted to take. I volunteered myself to do that shift to show my dedication to my job and my co-workers. The gesture was appreciated, and the audit completed on time."

It is essential to show the interviewer that you are a collaborative team player, capable of offering both kaizen improvements, and broader sweeping innovation. Talk about a time where you were recently expected to achieve a goal in a team setting and went above and beyond. How did you ensure your contribution was felt?

"My most notable contribution was my ability to analyze and predict market trends, and then create a successful marketing strategy. Before me, there was no one with a true marketing background on the team."

What do you think has been the biggest change in the chemicals industry in the past 10 years?

"I feel that the biggest change in the chemicals industry has been the amendment to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These amendments have greatly assisted with the consistency of communication and expectations in the chemicals industry."

Talk to the interviewer about the most significant changes you have seen in the chemicals industry. Exhibit that you have an active pursuit of keeping up to date on changes in your industry. This will exhibit you are career minded and a desirable candidate who keeps their eye on the big-picture. Keep your answer positive by focusing on the changes that have been good for the industry.

"The chemicals industry is always faced with new challenges as policy changes come all the time. The biggest challenge that stands out to me is increasing capital costs that cause knee-jerk reactions such as cost-cutting measurements that end up being poor decisions further down the road."

What do you know about the workplace culture here at BASF SE?

"I am impressed with the culture at BASF SE. There are many great reviews online, and I have spoken with one of your current employees whom I know. I like that you have strong performance incentives in place for your employees and offer a safe and comfortable workplace for all. Your zero tolerance employee discrimination program is inspiring as well."

It is critical that you spend time researching BASF SE and their workplace culture prior to your interview. What did you find impressive about their culture? How do you see yourself fitting in? Align your ideal working environment and career goals with the values they hold dear and how they promote and celebrate their culture.

"I have conducted a great deal of research on BASF SE and the workplace culture that you discuss on your website. From my understanding, you boast a workplace culture of tolerance, diversity, and transparency."

Do you have any questions for me?

"Based on the department's rules, regulations, and systems and processes, what does a day in the job with your department look like in this position? Did you encounter anything unexpected when you started as an BASF employee? How would you describe the members of the team in this department? Why is this position vacant? What was the group sentiment for the person who previously held this position?"

You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. This question not only helps them gauge your enthusiasm for working for them, but serves to clue them into whether you are the type of person to ask questions when training for a new job. The more questions you ask, the more enhanced your communications skills will seem, and the more likely you are to be self-guided and successful at your job.

Tell me about a time when you improved work related procedures.

"I was able to present and implement one specific change in the office this past year. It was a recycling program that I felt was very important, even for our smaller office. We had significantly less waste after my initiative was implemented and I enjoyed seeing others take pride in helping our environment."

Have you ever taken the opportunity to present your employer with potential change? Talk to the hiring manager about a time when you took the initiative in the workplace. Exhibit outside-of-the-box-thinking, why you suggested and implemented the changes you do, how they were received and the positive impact it had on the team.

"I always have my eye out for opportunities to improve procedures. I have taken courses in organizational behavior and effective management, so I often have ideas, big and small. Recently, I helped to implement a new customer management software. This implementation has greatly improved the time frame between customer touch points."

BASF SE Interview Questions

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1. In the chemical industry, there is always potential for dangerous spills and exposure to toxic chemicals. Are you willing to work in an industry that poses this type of risk?
2. What do you consider your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?
3. Tell me a little about yourself.
4. BASF SE has seasons of peak times where the workload is high. How do you handle a larger than average workload?
5. How do you define success?
6. If we hired you today, what would you accomplish first?
7. What work situations excite and motivate you?
8. Why are you leaving your current position and interviewing for this one?
9. At BASF SE, we try to hire individuals dedicated to their professional development. What related coursework would you take if you could?
10. At BASF SE we try to hire people who want to stay with us long term. What are your long-term career plans and how do we fit into your plans?
11. Why is this job with BASF SE right for you in your career?
12. How would you rate your communication skills?
13. How would you rate your performance in this interview?
14. Rate your communication skills from 1 to 10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
15. We value a harmonious culture within BASF SE. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
16. List the top 3 skills that you have picked up in your last role.
17. At BASF SE, we put safety first for our employees and the handling of our products. How important is safety for you?
18. In your chemicals career, have you ever experienced a chemical related emergency such as a spill or injured co-worker because of exposure?
19. At BASF SE, we take every step possible to be a leader in our industry. Who are our competitors and what sets us apart from them?
20. Tell me about any safety related training you have received in the handling of chemicals and other toxic substances.
21. Do you have experience with shipping and handling of chemicals and other potentially toxic products?
22. What is your current salary?
23. What decisions did you routinely make in your last position?
24. Budget is important for BASF SE. What was the greatest cost-cutting measurement you accomplished at your previous employer?
25. We are asking for 8 years of industry experience and you have just 5. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?
26. How would your co-workers describe your attention to detail?
27. When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level?
28. Which accomplishment do you believe was the most difficult for you to achieve?
29. When have you faced an unexpecting difficulty?
30. When have you had to shift your priorities in response to sudden changes?
31. At BASF SE, we ask for an active contribution from our employees. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.
32. What do you think has been the biggest change in the chemicals industry in the past 10 years?
33. What do you know about the workplace culture here at BASF SE?
34. Do you have any questions for me?
35. Tell me about a time when you improved work related procedures.

BASF SE Interview Questions

1. In the chemical industry, there is always potential for dangerous spills and exposure to toxic chemicals. Are you willing to work in an industry that poses this type of risk?

2. What do you consider your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

3. Tell me a little about yourself.

4. BASF SE has seasons of peak times where the workload is high. How do you handle a larger than average workload?

5. How do you define success?

6. If we hired you today, what would you accomplish first?

7. What work situations excite and motivate you?

8. Why are you leaving your current position and interviewing for this one?

9. At BASF SE, we try to hire individuals dedicated to their professional development. What related coursework would you take if you could?

10. At BASF SE we try to hire people who want to stay with us long term. What are your long-term career plans and how do we fit into your plans?

11. Why is this job with BASF SE right for you in your career?

12. How would you rate your communication skills?

13. How would you rate your performance in this interview?

14. Rate your communication skills from 1 to 10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

15. We value a harmonious culture within BASF SE. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

16. List the top 3 skills that you have picked up in your last role.

17. At BASF SE, we put safety first for our employees and the handling of our products. How important is safety for you?

18. In your chemicals career, have you ever experienced a chemical related emergency such as a spill or injured co-worker because of exposure?

19. At BASF SE, we take every step possible to be a leader in our industry. Who are our competitors and what sets us apart from them?

20. Tell me about any safety related training you have received in the handling of chemicals and other toxic substances.

21. Do you have experience with shipping and handling of chemicals and other potentially toxic products?

22. What is your current salary?

23. What decisions did you routinely make in your last position?

24. Budget is important for BASF SE. What was the greatest cost-cutting measurement you accomplished at your previous employer?

25. We are asking for 8 years of industry experience and you have just 5. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

26. How would your co-workers describe your attention to detail?

27. When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level?

28. Which accomplishment do you believe was the most difficult for you to achieve?

29. When have you faced an unexpecting difficulty?

30. When have you had to shift your priorities in response to sudden changes?

31. At BASF SE, we ask for an active contribution from our employees. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.

32. What do you think has been the biggest change in the chemicals industry in the past 10 years?

33. What do you know about the workplace culture here at BASF SE?

34. Do you have any questions for me?

35. Tell me about a time when you improved work related procedures.