35 BHP Billiton Interview Questions & Answers

Below is a list of our BHP Billiton plc interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.

Table of Contents

1. Behavioral Questions
2. Career Goals Questions
3. Communication Questions
4. Compatibility Questions
5. Competency Questions
6. Conflict Questions
7. Diligence Questions
8. Direct Questions
9. EQ Questions
10. Experience Questions
11. Leadership Questions
12. Operational Questions
13. Performance Based Questions
14. Problem Solving Questions
15. Salary Questions
16. Situational Questions

Behavioral

1. BHP is committed to transparency. Do you consider yourself an honest person?

What You Need to Know

This question tests your integrity by asking you to identify the correlation between honesty and transparency. Honesty is more so a study of perception and intentions. What you truthfully admit to has equal value to the information you withhold. The semantics of your answer stand to reveal any hidden intentions, so choose your words carefully. Attest to your integrity, and what your word means to you. Offer that you see great value in transparency. Assure the interviewer that you are an honest individual whose values are in line with the values and culture of BHP Group Limited.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I consider myself honest and quite a transparent individual. I believe it is always best to have your intentions and desires known. In turn, I appreciate my employer being honest with me. I have prepared some references for you and I'm confident they will speak to my honest character as well."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"I am told quite often that I am an honest and trustworthy individual, and you will be able to hear that directly from my supervisor when you call for a reference. I hold honesty and trustworthiness as fundamental virtues."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, by being transparent and honest removes all fears and gives me the self-confidence in doing things correctly."

Rachelle's Feedback

Try to flesh out this answer a bit further and discuss how you, as a person, are honest in the workplace. This question is a great opportunity to tell a story about a time when you were honest and trustworthy in the workplace.

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Anonymous Answer

"Yes, absolutely! Being open and transparent is a core value of my personality. Only through open and transparent communication can you achieve sustainable success in a project or a team!"

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent! If you have a brief example to share that will reinforce your self-assessment, share that as well.

Anonymous Answer

"For sure, Transparency and honesty are part of my values. I believe that it is the easiest way to be successful."

Jaymie's Feedback

Integrity and accountability are two of BHP's core values. Consider sharing an example of demonstrating honesty in the workplace and incorporating integrity and accountability for reinforcement.

Behavioral

2. Integrity is a charter value at BHP. When have you shown great integrity at work?

What You Need to Know

One of their charter values is integrity, which they define as doing what is right and doing what they say they will do. In other words, they believe if you have integrity, you will always be true to your word and follow through on your commitments. There is an old adage that says true character is what you do when no one is around. So spend adequate time exploring their website and their charter values to ensure you're successful in aligning your core values with theirs.

Their charter values are sustainability, integrity, respect, performance, simplicity, and accountability. Sustainability - Putting health and safety first, being environmentally responsible, and supporting our communities. Integrity - Doing what is right and doing what we say we will do. Respect - Embracing openness, trust, teamwork, diversity, and relationships that are mutually beneficial. Performance - Achieving superior business results by stretching our capabilities. Simplicity - Focusing our efforts on the things that matter most. Accountability - Defining and accepting responsibility and delivering on our commitments.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"In my last position, I was responsible for the cash deposit on a daily basis. There was never a discrepancy in the four years that I worked there. I best show my integrity by being a consistently reliable employee."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"I show great integrity in all that I do. It's important in this industry, to be honest and allow people to know what to expect from you. Being a person of integrity is very important to me."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Recently was working with a public customer who has asked was interested in a burner upgrade for their boiler and needed help to justify the expense of new equipment.

We have a good relationship with this customer. We agreed to do the assessment and found that their burner was working adequately and that some minor changes to instrumentation and controls could eliminate the need for a new burner system. The cost of a burner system is nearly ¾ of a million dollars on multiple units so there is some benefit in us taking this work on compared to the small changes they required. The chief steam engineer asked us to “get creative” with the data to help move the project forward.

In the end, we refused to quote the new burner system as the costs couldn’t be justified. They will likely find someone to do the work for them but they will never recoup the costs of doing that project to justify the expenses and there is a good chance there will be some hard questions to answer. I believe that we’ll be better served to foster long-term relationships with the customer rather than chasing short-term wins."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! This is a strong answer. You've used the STAR method nicely to show that you are full of integrity. Just be sure to emphasize your individual role in refusing to 'get creative' so the interviewer knows that you specifically made the right/ethical call (not someone else). Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Integrity is paramount for me! I do what I say and I say what I do! I was tasked to implement unpopular measures to improve production yield. By sticking to my word I followed through authentically and people in the end supported me for sticking true to myself."

Jaymie's Feedback

One of BHP Billiton's core values is integrity, so this will likely come up in a question in one form or another. Their website defines integrity as "what is right and doing what we say we will do." Your response aligns nicely with this value. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"Integrity is my value. All my plans can be executed with nearly 100% confirmation because I am always speaking the truth. Challenges, the good side, the bad side, to keep every stakeholder on the same page."

Jaymie's Feedback

You're off to a good start! Try to give a specific example of how you've demonstrated integrity in the workplace to make your answer more impactful.

Behavioral

3. How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?

What You Need to Know

This question is a personality check to see how well you are suited for working in their environment. This question aims to reveal what factors could contribute to your job satisfaction and how career-centric you are as a professional. Your answer should inform them of your expectations for this role and whether they can live up to your expectations.

The manner in which you prefer to be recognized for your accomplishments could potentially inform them as to your motivators for pursuing this position. While some might prefer more monetary or tangible rewards, bonuses, or commissions, others might prefer recognition through increased trust, responsibility, and potential for career advancement. Give them insights into what motivates and inspires you as a career professional. Describe the type of teamwork, collaboration, and culture that keeps you from easily burning out in your field. Share what helps you stay productive throughout your workday.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I am very much an over-achiever and find that the best way for me to be recognized for a job well done is words of kindness and recognition. I am easily encouraged, and the best reward for me is to know that my hard work is being noticed."

2nd Answer Example

"I do not like public recognition all that much as I prefer to do my job well, regardless of being recognized. When I have a major achievement, I would prefer a phone call from my supervisor saying a good job. Also, I like to be awarded additional responsibilities."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I've won awards and been recognized publicly but often I'd rather not be the center of attention. One of the best recognitions I've gotten was a short, personalized note expressing gratitude for some work I did. Simply making note of something that I've worked hard on is often all it takes for me. Over time, I'd hope that small gestures lead to increased trust and responsibilities."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! The interviewer will appreciate your honesty. Can you talk more about what work you did that led to someone sending you a thank you note? Additional details will make your answer even more memorable. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I am motivated by challenging tasks, but the biggest satisfaction I get is when I complete tasks and see their positive impacts. The more people feel helped by my accomplishments the happier I am."

Jaymie's Feedback

It sounds like you are motivated by intrinsic rewards! If you like to be recognized through feedback, words of encouragement and praise, or public recognition (in a team email, etc.), feel free to share those so the interviewer knows what they can do to help you feel recognized as well.

Anonymous Answer

"Any acknowledgment is good. I am an easily encouraged person."

Jaymie's Feedback

The interviewer will be pleased to hear this! Consider giving one or two examples (public or private recognition, monetary rewards, peer-to-peer recognition, etc.).

Career Goals

4. We are looking for a long-term fit at BHP. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

What You Need to Know

It's impossible to know where you will be in five years. However, explore your intentions and what you would like to work towards with this question. Before the interview, conduct deep research into the company and its available positions. If there are positions in the company that appeal to you yet you are not yet qualified for, integrate these into your revised five-year career plan. Explore the different directions you'd like to take your career with them should they grant you the opportunity. This way, you'll be more than prepared should this question present itself, and would clearly exhibit you are interested in long-term employment with them.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"Ideally, five years from now, I would love to see myself growing into a more prominent leadership role within your organization. My career interests align very nicely with your company's goals which help me to see a great long-term fit here."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"In five years I would like to be seen as an authority in our industry. I would like to be well-connected and trusted when it comes to my work here."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Ideally, in 5 years, I would like to see myself as a key role player within the maintenance department achieving KPIs to an agreeable higher standard."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a great goal that BHP Billiton could get behind! What steps do you plan to take to achieve this in the next five years?

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Anonymous Answer

"Well, if I'm being honest, I had originally applied for the manager's role for this position. Having said that, I would say that it was probably a stretch for me at this point in my career but I think that speaks to where I'd like to be five years from now. I'd like to be in a position of increasing responsibility for handling the most complex challenges that the company of the business unit is facing."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! The fact that you previously applied to the manager's role does speak to your ambitions. Can you talk more about why you want to manage others one day? Do you have leadership skills or a desire to lead?

Anonymous Answer

"Five years from now, I hope I can grow and develop myself into a senior leader in your organization. I hope by then I have an even bigger skill set and I hope I am recognized for all the positive impacts I have had in your company."

Jaymie's Feedback

Perfect! Interviewers want to hear that you plan to remain with them long-term through growth and development.

Anonymous Answer

"I am quite confident that I will be one of the best open-pit mining engineers in BHP."

Jaymie's Feedback

It's great to reassure the interviewer that you plan to remain with the organization long-term! Share a specific goal or two you hope to achieve in five years. Do you aspire to move into a leadership or mentoring role or maybe plan to further your education or certifications?

Communication

5. Give me an example of a time when your communication style helped you to be a more effective leader.

What You Need to Know

The expression, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself actually attests to an inability to effectively delegate, which is usually the result of poor communication. Getting everyone on the same page, and getting every member of your team to have an equal share in the stakes involved not only requires communicating what to do. Setting clear deadlines, communicating why the work is necessary, how each task fits into the big picture, and what that completed work looks like is just as important. This matters not only for the individual or the team, but in the larger scheme of things. Consider these points when deciding how to answer this question.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I gave my employee some negative feedback because he appeared to be slacking off on the job. Rather than telling him, I thought he was lazy; I said, 'I've noticed that it's been taking longer for you to turn in those reports. What's going on? Is there anything I can do?' I always start by asking questions instead of making accusations. He was very appreciative and told me how he was struggling with motivation. I asked him what would motivate him and we were able to find a solution that worked for both of us."

2nd Answer Example

"I love to play to other's strengths. Everyone communicates differently, so I am sure to always send written as well as verbal communication. Usually, that looks like a small, informal huddle outlining our topic or concern and I follow that up with a quick email detailing the discussion. This way the team hears and reads all expectations. Also, it allows for those who are vocal to share in a group setting and allows for the quieter few to ask their questions in the privacy of an email."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I communicate openly and transparently and let people have a say in the discussion. Me and my team once faced a tough ramp-up problem that might have derailed our project and people appeared to run out of ideas. I brought everyone to the table and discussed potential root causes, how to verify the actual issue, and what countermeasures to take. After that meeting, everyone in the team had the same understanding and implemented the agreed actions right away. Through this, we were able to fix the problem and get the project back on track."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great example to share with the interviewer. It highlights your ability to work well with others and effectively communicate to ensure goals and deadlines are met. Nice work!

Communication

6. Strong communication skills are important for any role with BHP. Rate your communication skills for us.

What You Need to Know

Communication is integral to the smooth operations of any business. Not only can it make or break the success of an individual, a team, or a company, but it can also affect the safety and well-being of those you work with. This question will not only evaluate your answer but also how effectively you communicate your answer. How you frame your answer will offer your interviewer insights into how effective you are at communication. Offer a self-evaluation of your communication skills. Provide your definition of effective communication. Detail how your communication skills stand apart and what you would contribute. Share relevant anecdotes as a testament to your skills.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"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 current 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. I look forward to bringing my strong communication skills to BHP."

Written by Ryan Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"I will rate myself an eight because I value communication but, just like most people, I have things to learn. Some ways that I ensure clear communication are by utilizing multiple methods of delivering messages, and I give ample time for questions before implementing changes."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I rate my communication skills 9 out of 10, knowing that whatever task I engage in performing, I make sure that it is well communicated down the structure with procedures in place."

Rachelle's Feedback

You sound very detailed when it comes to communicating procedures. Have you had positive feedback in the past, related to your communication style, that you could share with your interviewer?

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Anonymous Answer

"I would rate my communication skills 9/10. I bring people together, let everyone have a say in the discussion, focus on a few essential points, and ensure that issues are properly understood and actions are aligned. Every meeting has meeting minutes with tasks and the responsible person and this is shared with everyone openly and clearly."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are all excellent skills to share in your response. Just mention the reason for the score of 9, even if it's "because there is always room for improvement." That will show the interviewer that you are confident in your abilities but recognize that you aren't perfect.

Anonymous Answer

"I have a strong sense of engaging key stakeholders to get things done properly. That was why all the projects I touched on became better. It all comes from strong communication and engagement."

Jaymie's Feedback

Try to start your answer by giving a numerical or verbal rating (i.e., advanced or exceptional), then go into your reasons why you rated yourself that way. Discuss communication skills that would be critical in the role, like active listening, verbal and written communication, empathy, respect, tone, feedback, etc. A detailed answer is important to demonstrate you understand and possess the skills needed to be successful in the role.

Compatibility

7. Which BHP charter values do you think are the most important?

What You Need to Know

This is another question aimed at determining whether you possess the qualities they are looking for in their teams and culture. This question goes deeper than hearing your thoughts on how sustainability, integrity, respect, performance, simplicity, and accountability are important to you. It explores how you identify with what these mean to them. So it's important to research and read beyond their charter values by exploring the entire pages they dedicate to each one separately. Once you've done that, you'll have a better comprehension of the heart of each of their charter values, and be able to speak to each with greater confidence while competently aligning your values with theirs.

"Sustainability - Putting health and safety first, being environmentally responsible and supporting our communities. Integrity - Doing what is right and doing what we say we will do. Respect - Embracing openness, trust, teamwork, diversity, and relationships that are mutually beneficial. Performance - Achieving superior business results by stretching our capabilities. Simplicity - Focusing our efforts on the things that matter most. Accountability - Defining and accepting responsibility and delivering on our commitments."

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

Answer Example

"Well, at the surface level, I feel as if they are all interconnected. If you have integrity, you'll hold yourself accountable for your own actions and inactions. That means performing at your best, with integrity. That also means having respect for the others on your team. In that way, it is rather simple, which makes all the others sustainable. But, going deeper than that, in how BHP defines it, sustainability is at the top of my list of its charter values, as defined by BHP, for example, decarbonization, a healthier environment, indigenous partnerships, fostering thriving and empowered communities, safety, and an inclusive and future-ready workforce, enhancing more responsible supply chains. This is a competitive and necessary industry, and BHP seems to be taking these issues seriously with commitments that truly make them stand apart from its competition. It's part of what inspired me to pursue this position."

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"To me, Integrity - Doing what is right and doing what we say we will do is the most important. I believe that many of the other charter values follow from integrity. For example, if you're doing what is right, it follows that you will act sustainably. Decarbonization, workplace equity, and fostering thriving communities are the right things to work for. Similarly, simplicity, accountability, and respect all follow, as long as you do what's right, and what you say you'll do. For example, the easiest way to do what you say is to keep it simple."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! This is a strong answer that clearly shows why you believe integrity is the most important value. The interviewer will appreciate that you're familiar with all the company values too. Conclude your answer by reminding the interviewer about your integrity (connect yourself to the company's values). Excellent job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Health and safety. Then it's integrity and accountability."

Jaymie's Feedback

Good choices! Give a further explanation as you placed the highest value on those values. How will you promote and uphold them as an employee?

Compatibility

8. Considering the volatile nature of BHP Group Limited's industry, what is the outlook for the metals and mining industry in the next year?

What You Need to Know

When answering this question, it isn't necessary to offer an incredibly long or drawn-out answer. Simply display yourself as a trusted resource by how informed and up-to-date you are. The questions posed in testing your industry knowledge may vary, so spend time doing your research prior to your interviews. Take note of a few interesting points. Wrap up your response by asking the interviewer for their opinion on the outlook of the industry. This question could spark an insightful and helpful conversation.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I read in an article a short time ago that mining was one of 2021's best performing sectors despite a slow start to the year. Citi analysts are predicting another solid year. With the need for rare earth metals and electric vehicles, I expect mining to be a strong performer in the years to come. How do you feel the outlook will be for this industry in the years to come?"

Written by Ryan Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"Although the prices for many commodities have declined over the years, I feel that we will be bouncing back again very soon. According to the Financial Post, 2018 is going to be a solid year for the metals and mining industry."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Well, given the increase in commodity prices over the past year I think earnings will be down slightly from last year, which was a record year for the company. Nonetheless, I think it's pretty clear that 2023 and 2024 will be strong years for the company and the metals and mining industry. There are still tailwinds from the energy transition that will keep profits high."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! You come across as very knowledgeable about the industry and company. Consider ending your response by expressing your excitement to be a part of this industry. Nice job!

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Anonymous Answer

"As far as I understand the news in the short term the mining industry will have a slight downturn due to the weak economic prospects in the world economy, especially China. But in the long run, all the metals that BHP is mining are essential for the green transition, thus I believe BHP will have good long-term prospects!"

Jaymie's Feedback

Good job! This is a well-balanced answer. If you want to add impact, share some tools or resources you use or plan to use to stay current on industry news and trends.

Anonymous Answer

"Some metals will be more and more important, like Nickel in the Camelot project for the battery. BHP plays an important role in global green policy. For sure this is why I am interested."

Jaymie's Feedback

What trends or needs do you foresee in the next year?

Compatibility

9. At BHP we put safety first when it comes to our employees and the handling of our products. How important is safety to you?

What You Need to Know

Assure the interviewer that you are as concerned about safety as they are. You want to come across as exhibiting sound judgment and a commitment to protecting the company's assets, protecting the interests of your leadership, the interests of your teams, and the safety of everyone involved. Express that there is no acceptable off-the-record approach to safety. There is no acceptable scenario where going to bat for the team equates to a willingness to break any safety rules or guidelines. An employee who is willing to commit an unsafe act "for the team" puts the whole team at risk, especially if that employee is in a leadership position. Being made to commit an unsafe act by an employer has its own problems. Consider these points when answering why safety is important to you.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"One of the reasons why BHP 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 mining. It determines employee engagement, company profitability, and ensures a strong industry reputation."

Written by Ryan Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"Safety is of utmost importance to me! I take regular precautions in the workplace and I continue to attend safety training while keeping my tickets and certifications valid."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I've spent time in oilfields, refineries, and many other industrial facilities. The people in these facilities are my friends and family and nothing is more important than having them home safely at the end of the day. I try to bring these lessons home and into corporate offices."

Marcie's Feedback

Your answer is impactful and comes across as genuine. To improve it, include an example of a time when you enforced a safety policy or did something at work that showed how seriously you take safety. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Safety is paramount to me! Leading a factory myself I always ensure that safety standards are adhered to and there are no hazards in production. Looking at BHP and its safety initiatives I know that this company takes safety as seriously as myself which is important for long-term and sustainable business success."

Jaymie's Feedback

Your first sentence reassures the interviewer that safety is your top priority! It sounds like you've done research, so if you can mention a specific initiative you've learned about or even the company's safety ratings and/or awards, that will also be impactful.

Anonymous Answer

"Number one for me as well. no safety, no work."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great start! Part of the charter value of sustainability includes putting health and safety first. Can you go into more detail about ways you promote safety in the workplace? Do you have any achievements or certifications in this area? Any accomplishments in your previous role relating to safety standards?

Compatibility

10. At BHP we take every step possible to be a leader in our industry. In your opinion, who are our competitors and what sets us apart from them?

What You Need to Know

Broadening the extent of your research beyond BHP means including their competitors, any recent media or news coverage, what's happening in the industry, and relevant information about yourself to frame yourself as a good fit for the opportunity. This question aims to reveal your level of interest in working for them, and where they rank among the other companies you are interviewing with. By testing the limits you've gone to research this opportunity, the company, and its culture, they'll better be able to determine how badly you want to work for them over their competitors. It will also inform them of your work ethic and what they can expect from you as an employee.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I have researched BHP Billiton plc and see that you truly are an industry leader in the metals and mining arena. From my research, I believe what sets you apart is your incredible dedication to safety and to the environment."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"From my understanding, your biggest competitors are companies A, B, and C. I believe that BHP Billiton plc is different because you put safety above all else. Your public safety records are impressive, and I am excited at the possibility of joining such a responsible company."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Rio Tinto, Anglo American, and Fortescue are the biggest competitors. I think the clear dedication to your charter values sets you apart from competitors. When I see things like 3 and a half years without a loss of life incident and 46% electricity sourced from renewable sources and including royalty payments in your annual report as a stat to be proud of I think it points to a dedication to your charter that distinguishes you from others and I’d have to think that things like performance and other charters would be no exception."

Marcie's Feedback

It's great that you can rattle off the top competitors like that. Perfect. Also, the stats and charter values you mention show how much research you've done on the company compared to its competitors. Nicely done!

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Anonymous Answer

"Rio Tinto, Vale, and Anglo-American are your biggest competitors from the research I have done so far. I see that BHP is truly dedicated to having a global and sustainable supply chain in the key minerals for the coming green transition."

Jaymie's Feedback

The interviewer will be impressed with your knowledge! Sharing any stats or data specific to reinforce your research will reiterate that you're familiar with the organization and what sets it apart.

Anonymous Answer

"Congratulations, BHP is the number one resource company in the world. The competitors will be Rio, Glencore, FMG, etc."

Jaymie's Feedback

It sounds like you're familiar with BHP's competitors. In your opinion, what sets them apart? What does BHP do well? What has led to their success and rating?

Compatibility

11. What is your personal mission statement?

What You Need to Know

Not everyone has a mission statement or personal mantra just off the cuff. Therefore, when preparing for interviews and readying yourself for entering the job market, you'll want to prepare more than your cover letter and interview. It's important to compose a brief bio that goes beyond what you've detailed in your cover letter. It is of equal importance to update your five-year career plan and goals. Additionally, you'll want to update your professional mission statement and core values. This will help you more tangibly align your values, goals, and mission statement with the companies you feel have a culture and environment that is a good match. Having this laid out in advance will help you convince your interviewers you've put genuine thought into their opportunities, thereby making you a more desirable candidate.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"My mantra is that 'people who shine from within do not need the spotlight.' I feel that it is incredibly important to be a humble leader and I take this mission statement very seriously. I want my team to be in the spotlight rather than being the kind of leader that takes credit for good work."

2nd Answer Example

"I am not sure that I have a personal mission statement; however, my mission is to always treat people with respect and kindness. Kindness will always win, and people appreciate the gesture."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I really value fairness and equality and that giving people equitable opportunities to excel will result in a better world for everyone. I think that I can make the biggest impact on the world improving efficiencies in the commodity space to enable more people to access more resources. If I had a personal mission statement it would be "make the world a better place by making processes more efficient."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! Your mission statement is a good one because it shows who you are as a person - someone who values equality and wants to help others. Any interviewer will be impressed. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Value health and safety, integrity, respect teamwork, and win-win solutions. I hope to make a significant contribution to my supervisor, and my employer. I can share the success."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent! Your personal mission statement aligns well with BHP's mission and charter values.

Compatibility

12. We value social responsibility. What is the best environmental effort BHP Group Limited has launched in the past 3 years?

What You Need to Know

This is another question that tests your company knowledge, and whether their charter values and company culture played a role in your pursuit of a position with them. Not only do they state "Sustainability - Putting health and safety first, being environmentally responsible and supporting our communities" in the charter values, but they dedicate an entire section of their website to the subject.

"Sustainability - Our commitment to social value reflects our purpose and BHP's role in supplying products essential for the transition of society towards a more sustainable future, a role that we seek to perform in a responsible way. Our management of sustainability helps generate social value. We also know our stakeholders and partners are increasingly focused on our sustainability performance and use it as a key determinant in assessing BHP and our industry. We strive to continuously improve and exceed these expectations."

Display your keen interest in what they do at BHP. Perform your research before your interview and see what you can find in regard to their latest environmental efforts, familiarizing yourself with their 2030 goals. Keep your answer brief and complimentary. It's okay to ask the interviewer to elaborate and further educate you on these topics as well. This inquiry could be a great way to start a meaningful conversation.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I like that BHP Billiton plc takes social and environmental responsibility so seriously. In my opinion, the best environmental effort that this organization has made in the last few years would be the mine land restoration program that you rejuvenated in 2015. Which environmental effort are you most proud of?"

2nd Answer Example

"Your organization has many great efforts focused on environmental sustainability. I would say that the most impressive efforts I have seen from your organization are the reduction of your energy and water consumption while maintaining a focus on minimizing land disturbance."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"BHP Billiton plc is responding to climate change by reducing operational emissions and investing in low emission technology for sustainability."

Rachelle's Feedback

Nice answer! It sounds as though you have done your research on these initiatives. The more detail you can go into (re: results, impact, etc.), the better.

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Anonymous Answer

"I think the best one for me is the opportunity agreements with 6 first nations in Saskatchewan and the reconciliation action plan set to be released next year. I believe it's important for the future of Saskatchewan to include indigenous communities in the economic success of the province."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! The interviewer will appreciate that you've done your research and can cite one of the company's recent environmental efforts. Can you talk more about why this effort is your favorite?

Anonymous Answer

"I see that BHP provides support to community hospitals, schools, road constructions, etc."

Jaymie's Feedback

Can you go into more detail about that support? What does that look like, and in what ways do you feel that initiative has made an impact? What role do you hope to play in social responsibility?

Competency

13. Why is our industry a fundamental one?

What You Need to Know

The interviewer is looking for your opinion on why the metals and mining industry is an essential service. This will clue them in to how committed you are to your career path in this industry. Employees who see value in their company and industry will exhibit greater job satisfaction through their sense of job security and are more likely to stick with their job. Integrate your personal insights into the BHP's commitments, making their industry more sustainable.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I strongly believe that the metals and mining industry provides an excellent boost to the economy, especially in those regions and states where mining activity is concentrated. Minerals and metals are what make nearly everything we have, so without this type of mining, many of the products we know and love would not exist."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"I believe the biggest reason why mining is necessary is that minerals and metals can rarely be substituted for anything. They are vital to our everyday lives. If mining stopped, we would not have other resources for some of the most important things we use every day."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Just look at the longevity of this business which was founded in the 1800s. Humans have been mining for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. You look at minerals like nickel, and copper that are critical for energy transition and potash that helps to create more arable land for food production. Our entire society is built on the back of these core industries."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent answer! Straight to the point. You clearly understand the importance of this industry. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Everything needs mineral resources to support it. Like the electric cars, you need copper, Nickel, and iron ore. etc."

Jaymie's Feedback

Good job! How do you see the outlook long-term?

Competency

14. BHP’s industry is competitive with frequent policy changes. How do you keep up with industry trends and policy changes?

What You Need to Know

This question gauges how actively you inform yourself of developments in your industry. From evolving technologies to automation, to trends or developments with restructuring, restaffing, rebranding or outsourcing, this question aims to answer how in charge of your own development you truly are. How you answer will inform them of how competitive an employee you'll be, and whether you actively anticipate and adapt to any changes which could potentially impact your profession, or whether you take your position for granted, which puts the relevance of your skills at risk.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"There are many great resources dedicated to the metals and mining industry. At the moment, my favorite resource is miningmagazine.com. I visit their website frequently and also subscribe to their blog. What is your favorite resource for industry related news?"

2nd Answer Example

"I subscribe to a variety of print and online publications such as Mines to Markets, Mining Global and Cobalt News. Could you share with me some of your favorite resources? I always like to learn about new industry resources."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"By reading company newsletters, magazines, and following mining news forums."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a great start! Could you elaborate on which magazines, and the names of the forums? The interviewer will be looking for details to know that you lean on reputable resources for your information.

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Anonymous Answer

"I keep watch from capital market analysis. I like to try and stay in touch with local professionals and am a member of CIM's Saskatoon chapter as well as APEGS. As I'm coming from outside of the industry I have tended to keep track of oil markets and now automation trends through publications but I imagine I would pay more attention to publications like miningmagazin.com"

Marcie's Feedback

"This is a good response! It's great that you network with industry professionals, and the interviewer will appreciate that you mention an industry publication by name. Do you plan to attend industry conferences/webinars or take online courses in the future? Do you pay attention to social media? Watch the company's competitors? Read interviews by industry leaders?"

Anonymous Answer

"I am a Member of AusIMM. I attend their presentations when I can. Also, I am going to give a Blast concept and practice presentation next month."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job! It sounds like you're engaged and seeking ways to stay updated on trends and policy changes. Do you follow any industry leaders or network with other professionals? If so, be sure to include that in your answer as well.

Conflict

15. Tell me about a conflict you had with a teammate.

What You Need to Know

This question aims to unravel what you constitute as a conflict and how you'd confront it, whether you respond defensively or diplomatically. It aims to gauge your sense of team work, your problem-solving skills, general perception or attitude, and how effectively you work towards reaching a communal end goal. They ultimately want to know whether you're part of the problem or part of the solution. In your answer, exhibit the manners in which you embrace their charter values, including respect and integrity. Detail the situation leading up to the conflict, including the steps you took to de-escalate. Explain how you resolved the situation. Do your best to exhibit your soft skills and your adeptness at non-defensive communication.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

Answer Example

"A member of our team was going through some personal issues and their work-life balance was clearly off. I gave them a heads-up, explaining how their performance was under evaluation and how the department's perception of them on the team had changed. They didn't take kindly to this and accused me of throwing them under the bus. This couldn't have been farther from the truth. Their behavior was erratic, and it was clear for all to see. Well, I realized I wasn't appreciated, so I apologized for overstepping my bounds, detailing my motivation, and explained that I wouldn't again cross those boundaries now that they've set them. Soon they came around to being nice to me again, and we got along as if nothing had happened between us. Two weeks later, they were let go. I tried to help, but in the end, there's only so much one can do."

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Recently I had one of our technical specialists come to one of my customer sites to perform an audit of their system. He was a new employee in this particular area so I wasn't familiar with his experience and skill level.

When they arrived at the customer site it became apparent pretty quickly that they didn't have the skills required to perform their work adequately. Through no fault of their own, they were put in a position where they couldn't possibly succeed.

Following their visit, I escalated my concerns around the visit to their boss as well as my own, in a way that I felt was fair to the employee.

They were frustrated that I had flagged this as an issue and accused me of "throwing them under the bus" in an email. I immediately called them and applied a listen, share, clarify, problem solve and take action method to alleviate their concerns and assure them that it wasn't the case and explained my position that it was not their fault that they had been placed in that position and offered to call their boss as well as my own to help alleviate the employees' concerns. In the end, everybody agreed that it was unfair to have placed them in that situation. He and I have a great relationship now."

Marcie's Feedback

You've used the STAR method well here to describe a conflict that was ultimately resolved. Out of curiosity, what were the conditions whereby 'they couldn't possibly succeed?' The interviewer might wonder about that too.

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Anonymous Answer

"In an enterprise blasting optimization project, the production engineer believed that they had done everything they could but nothing worked. I said that I appreciated what had been done but the operation may be shut down if we are not able to show we can do something to stop its negative cashflow. It's for ourselves as well."

Jaymie's Feedback

When interviewers ask you to "tell them about a time," it's critical that you use a specific example or story in your response. Use the STAR method to walk the interviewer through the situation, task, action, and result. The interviewer wants to learn more about your communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills. Why did this situation cause a conflict between you and a team member? How did you approach them? What solutions did you propose? What was the outcome, and what role did you play in the outcome? What did you learn from the situation?

Diligence

16. Tell me about a time you witnessed a colleague doing something unsafe and how you responded?

What You Need to Know

Sensitive situations are likely to occur. Although there is nothing wrong with being singularly focused on going to bat for the team or responding to urgent priorities, putting your own safety at risk or the safety of others just to cut corners and save time, despite your intentions, rarely benefits the team.

Therefore, they want to ensure you'll act in accordance with the company's policy and reputation. Such matters should be handled swiftly in confidence and in accordance with safety and legal guidelines. Display how you balance integrity and discretion. Abide by all human resources best practices for such a situation. Ensure your conduct is professional.

Looking at their website, you can easily see how BHP integrates safety into their charter values: "Our highest priority is the safety of our workforce and the communities where we operate. BHP's Charter value of Sustainability articulates safety as a fundamental element in the way we conduct our business. The safety of our people and the communities where we operate must always come first. The four focus areas are: reinforce that safety comes before productivity, continuous focus on in-field verification of controls for risks with the potential to result in one or more fatalities, enhance our internal investigation process and widely share and apply lessons, enable additional quality field time to engage our workforce."

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

Answer Example

"Just last week, our whole team was working hard to address a sudden project with a swiftly approaching deadline. We were all racing, frequently changing gears, and working hard side by side. I came upon a fellow team member who didn't know where our step ladder was. It was in the next room. Rather than looking for it, they stacked a chair on top of a table and were wobbling all over the place. I swiftly grabbed the ladder and brought it to them and suggested they use it rather than break their neck. I'd recorded a moment of them in the act on my phone and later showed it to them and gave them a friendly talking to. They were shocked by how dangerous it looked from their perspective and promised not to do it again. I warned them that if they did anything that unsafe again, I'd inform our superiors because I care about their safety. We shook hands, and that was that. Oh, and I told my supervisor anyway, asking them not to bring it up, but to keep an eye out. They thanked me for my transparency and promised not to address the situation with them any further, unless absolutely necessary."

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"A few months ago our office blinds had somehow partially fallen off and were hanging by only one side. The blinds were probably 15ft directly above the front doors of the office. When I asked about the blinds staff told me there was a request to have a contractor come and fix them. I indicated that we would need to flag the area and have customers and employees use a separate entrance until it was fixed. I noted that, even though the risk of an incident was low, the severity of an incident, had it occurred would be severe. I set up some caution tape and placed a note on the door to direct traffic. We logged the safety incident as a positive observation on the corporate safety tracking system."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! It sounds like you realized the situation was unsafe so you took the initiative to protect others. You come across as proactive, considerate, and logical. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Once I saw a guy carrying a heavy box to the storage room. I stopped him and asked him to use a trolley and I got the trolley for him."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good example to share. What was unsafe about his actions? How did he respond? What was the outcome, and what was the potential outcome had you not stopped him? Was any coaching or education provided to this employee? Be specific when responding to these questions because the details help showcase your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Direct

17. Are you applying for any other jobs?

What You Need to Know

It always puts a fire under a hiring manager if they are aware that you are actively looking for a new position, especially if there is any sort of timeline you're under. They are also curious about where they scale on your job wishlist, as they ideally want to hire those who want to work for them over their competition. Feel free to talk with the interviewer about your search so far, volunteering only what makes you comfortable, without oversharing.

Job hunting is a numbers game. They don't expect you to put all your eggs in one basket. But they also don't want to hire someone who is just looking for any job. Keep an organized folder with every customized resume and cover letter you've submitted to each position you are interviewing for. The interviewer will have something similar for all the applicants they are interviewing. Have tabs separating your notes for each interview, with a breakdown of the pro and cons of each employer. Detail, for your eyes only, what each of them offers you and what you offer them. Having this with you will exude yourself as an organized professional, taking all your prospects seriously. This will help market you as a viable candidate.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I am keeping an eye out for viable positions. Although I am not in the final stages with any other company, I am actively seeking a new position."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"Yes. I am eager to return to work and am actively seeking my next opportunity."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am not currently applying for other positions but, I did go through an interview process with another company recently that reached out to me through an unsolicited process and I currently have an offer in hand from them."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! It definitely doesn't hurt to mention you have another offer in hand, as it will add urgency to the interviewer's eyes. Consider including a sentence to emphasize how you're specifically interested in working for this company over others.

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Anonymous Answer

"No, I am targeting Camelot and plan to make a significant contribution to the cutback."

Jaymie's Feedback

A direct answer is appropriate here. You can add impact by sharing why BHP is an employer of choice (perhaps it's the positive employee reviews, culture, reputation, etc.).

18. Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?

What You Need to Know

The interviewer would like to know if you consider yourself a patient individual, and can face ordinary workplace challenges with emotional maturity, confidence, and poise. Patience is indeed a virtue but can be challenging to maintain when situations challenge your temperament. Impatience can cause a lot of contagious stress and anxiety in the workplace and be a detriment to the situation at hand. If you have an example of a time when your calm presence stood out from others, relay this brief story. Exude confidence and emotional maturity while delivering your answer. Show the interviewer that you possess the ability to keep your cool in challenging conditions.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I do consider myself a patient person. I would rate myself an eight out of ten for patience because I certainly have room to grow, but I do have a very long fuse. If I need a boost of patience in a challenging situation, I will take a step away, count to ten and then return to the situation. I recently read a book, The Power of Patience by M.J. Ryan which also gave me some excellent new methods for coping with stress."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"I was once working with a group that could not quite get along, and it tested my patience a bit because it prevented us from staying on track and focusing on the goals. I went above and beyond in helping the group get along by scheduling lunches as a team and helping to mediate situations when needed."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"In the current supply chain environment, patience is a requirement. I'm often placed in an awkward position between customers completing their projects, and factories building products. I think, as with most stressful situations, they often seem worse than they are and it's important to keep perspective, plan contingencies, and keep lines of communication open. So, for example, we're delivering electrical components for __________ and the engineers are still iterating on the design but lead times are quite long. In that case, we have to be understanding of the iterative nature of design but also make sure we're communicating how those changes are impacting us and will impact project schedules so that we can work collectively to deliver the project successfully with as few revisions as possible."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! This is a strong answer that shows the need for patience in this profession. Your example is a good one too. Just make sure you're emphasizing how patient you are personally instead of your team or the process itself.

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Anonymous Answer

"I believe that I am a patient person. In challenging situations, I ask myself, to calm down first, then see what I can do, make a plan, find common ground to share with relevant stakeholders, communicate the potential gap, and work together to find acceptable solutions for each other."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job! These are all great ways to navigate a stressful situation and maintain patience.

19. If you had a co-worker call in sick and you were asked to take over their project requiring overtime from you, how would you react? Where do you draw the line when it comes to being a team player?

What You Need to Know

There is a fine line between being a team player and being taken advantage of, especially when it stands to throw off your work-life balance and compromises your own work priorities and projects. So this question explores how you balance your concept of professional collaboration with your time management skills. If you've had similar experiences, suggest how you navigated them by taking into consideration the needs of the team balanced with your own needs, while respecting the chain of command, exhibiting your communication skills, and your emotional intelligence. If you weren't able to accommodate such a request, explain how you navigated such terrain while still showcasing your ability to be a team player.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I will always choose to be a team player. If I had a co-worker call in sick, I would take over what I could. The only time I would draw the line would be if I felt I was being taken advantage of for some reason. For example, if they were purposefully being inefficient and expecting me to pick up the slack. For the sake of the company, I am always willing to go above and beyond expectations."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"Teamwork is important to me, and I am always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty for the good of the organization for which I work. So long as I am not being taken advantage of, I will happily step in to assist."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Teamwork is important to me and I try to empathize with people on my teams, so it's certainly something that happens and I'm definitely willing to pick up the slack for teammates who aren't available. In my current role, there are definitely times when someone is on holiday or sick that I have taken up the slack. I think where I would draw the line is if it felt like there was no reciprocity or if it was clear that work was being avoided because it was something they didn't want to do. In cases like that, I've asked directly for clarification about the situation to get a better understanding of their position. Typically there are some extenuating circumstances."

Marcie's Feedback

Perfect! This is a great answer because it shows how important teamwork is to you and that you won't allow yourself to get walked all over either. Nice!

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Anonymous Answer

"Mostly I will support my coworkers to do the work that is supposed to be his/her duty. The line I draw is that I will not do it if my action is inefficient to take another's duty or even hurts the team's target."

Jaymie's Feedback

It sounds like you're a team player, willing to help others when needed. You're able to draw a line if it will have a negative impact on your own team, which is a nice boundary to set. Be sure to include that you would communicate with your direct manager if you had concerns.

Experience

20. How has your current job changed over the years?

What You Need to Know

The interviewer wants to know more about your career progression. If nothing has changed much over the past couple of years in your position, focus on what you have learned. Start by looking back at your previous five-year career plans, map out your career journey, the goals you've achieved, the obstacles you've overcome, and the milestones you've surpassed that got you to where you are today. If this is your first time creating a five-year career plan, reflect on your previous performance reviews, the additional responsibilities you earned, promotions, changes in the title, and any and all accomplishments that contributed to your success in your role. Talk about any training or mentoring you've provided others, and how the changes in your job description have evolved and taught you the skills necessary to enhance and further develop the skills you already have. This question is an opportunity to showcase not only how your role has evolved, but how you have evolved as a professional.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"When I initially started my job four years ago, I was a junior-level operator. Today, I am responsible for leading a team of eight operators. My role does not look the same at all, and I am thankful for the growth opportunity that my current company has offered me. In addition to the change in leadership responsibilities, I have also enjoyed two major promotions. I attribute this to hard work and dedication."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"Change is a constant for me in my current company. I am given new responsibilities quite regularly which include training new employees, hosting lunch and learns, and writing a new policy. The pace of growth is complementary to my career goals."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, my job as a maintenance fitter changed over the years by working for different industries while working on different types of equipment."

Rachelle's Feedback

This answer could use more specific details such as the industries you mention, as well as the different types of equipment. A good rule to follow when you are interviewing is to make sure the interviewer never feels as though they have to dig details out of you.

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Anonymous Answer

"I think my career has evolved considerably from someone who is primarily being mentored and supporting projects to someone who is a trusted leader with sound decision-making capability and has been given opportunities to work on increasingly complex projects and provide guidance to a new generation. Originally my job description might have been to carry out analytical testing or to carry out set tasks but now my roles revolve much more around empowering others, and building relationships, with much less direction, if any, direction in how to approach daily tasks."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! It definitely sounds like your responsibilities have evolved and matured over time. What is your current role, and how exactly do you empower others and build relationships within it?

Anonymous Answer

"More and more experience in open pit mining and more and more awareness of teamwork importance."

Jaymie's Feedback

It sounds like you've gained experience and skills over the years, which is excellent information to share with the interviewer. Can you share your job titles so they understand how you have evolved in your career? Be specific about the skills and abilities you're advanced in that would be relevant and translate well into the role you're applying for.

Experience

21. Considering your background is in an industry different from BHP, what skills and characteristics do you have that qualify you for this industry?

What You Need to Know

This question focuses on your translatable skills and what you uniquely have to offer this position. Regardless of whether you have direct industry experience, there are a wide variety of ways you can complement their teams. So focus on the variety of skills you have and how those can benefit BHP Group Limited, despite your industry background. These are your transferable skills, interpersonal skills, and the unique lens and attitude you bring with you.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"Although my background is not in the metals and mining industry, I have worked with many clients who have been in your industry. I bring excellent transferable skills that qualify me for this position. These skills include my advanced abilities in Excel, my outstanding cold-calling abilities, as well as my proven background in team leadership."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

Here are some transferable skills that could qualify you to work in the metals and mining industry:

- Conflict Resolution
- Time Management
- Project Management
- Hiring and Onboarding
- Supervising Others
- Presentation Giving
- Advising

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I think engineering principles, project management, and business principles apply universally. I have fairly advanced Excel skills, I can give a strong presentation, can perform risk assessments, and am comfortable making decisions without all available information.

Also, I've been in the basic, commodity, or mineral processing industries for my entire career so I do have an idea of the scale and the competitiveness of these industries. I'm also familiar with many of the provincial stakeholders who help to successfully deliver projects."

Marcie's Feedback

Great answer! You've done a nice job of highlighting your transferable skills. Consider ending your response by reminding the interviewer why you want to make this switch.

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Anonymous Answer

"I was in WASM, research work. It's helpful for understanding the rock performance during mining and blasting operations."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great start! Go into more detail on specific skills and abilities you possess that will transfer well. Do a quick review of the job description and look for keywords in the responsibilities and duties section, then try to tie that together with your previous experience.

Experience

22. Tell me about a time when you had to learn something new to complete a project.

What You Need to Know

This question aims to answer whether you have a "can-do" attitude and a propensity to step outside of your comfort zone. Your answer could reveal your adaptability and flexibility, and your conviction to learn, grow, and develop your skills. One's level of ambition can be revealed in how frequently they take advantage of learning new skills. These are qualities that recruiters are typically on the lookout for. So detail how you go the extra mile, how you take advantage of any sustainable opportunity to learn new skills, and how you apply these to your career.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

Answer Example

"In my last position, I was asked to travel to our company headquarters to learn a new company-wide software. I was tasked with going to corporate, taking the crash seminar, and then coming back and teaching our location in the same manner I was taught. It was challenging, but I was super grateful for the opportunity, as it fell in line with the increased responsibility I hoped to challenge myself within line with my career goals. I was commended on my communications skills in getting all three departments up to speed in no time."

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"A project I took on as a stretch project at Federated Co-op required quite a bit of iterative calculations from empirical data about trucking routes and trucking efficiencies. I developed a linear regression model that could accurately predict freight rates and then used that to develop a hub-and-spoke model and strategy for lubricant shipments. In order to execute all the iterative and pull scrub distance data from Google APIs, I had to learn how to code beyond a very limited coding background. That project reduced freight costs by 12% in the first year of implementation and cost nothing other than some extra work hours."

Marcie's Feedback

How exactly did you teach yourself to code during the project? Has that coding knowledge come in handy since? Also, great job using a quantifiable stat at the end of your STAR example - very impactful!

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Anonymous Answer

"Learning is always a part of life. Like right now I am learning Deswik skills for open pit design and planning. I enjoy it."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job displaying a positive outlook on learning and your enjoyment of learning new skills. How are you going about mastering this skill? Are you doing self-guided education, attending an in-person training, or leaning on a mentor? Share more details on how you're learning.

Experience

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

What You Need to Know

The interviewer would like to know what level of responsibility you were entrusted with regarding decision-making in the workplace. Your answer will offer them insights into your level of experience, seniority, and ability to exhibit sound judgment while being self-guided in your work, as opposed to requiring constant supervision. If the job you are interviewing for requires you to be decisive and quick on your feet, you will need to be able to provide relevant examples which highlight sound judgment, prioritizing the needs of the team while supporting the vision of your leadership.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"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."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"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."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"The decisions I made were assisting with the planning of maintenance to equipment without stopping the process of manufacturing."

Rachelle's Feedback

Good answer - this is nice and clear! To complete your response, try adding in a sentence on how successful you were in these tasks, or something positive your management said about your decision making/leadership skills.

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Anonymous Answer

"I try to find some innovative solutions to approach small or middle-size resources. I even try to transfer some not-so-profitable resources as a positive cashflow reserve."

Jaymie's Feedback

You're off to a good start. Consider the day-to-day decisions you had to make in your role and consider what decisions you would be responsible for with this role at BHP. Give specific examples to demonstrate your scope and level of decision-making in your role.

Experience

24. Every step counts for a successful project so at BHP we prefer to hire those who come highly trained. Do you have any post-secondary education related to project management or environmental affairs?

What You Need to Know

This nuanced question tests your experience level by giving you the opportunity to explore this nuance with them. Assure the interviewer you have the skills and knowledge appropriate for the position. If you do not have a post-secondary education, attest to your equivalent on-the-job-experience and your ability to perform the tasks required for this role with BHP. Demonstrate your experience, confidence, and leadership potential.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I am PMP Certified from the Project Management Institute. In addition to this certification, I also possess a degree in Business Management from Strayer University. These education related successes have helped me to learn more about multitasking during complex projects, anticipate product needs, and put safety at the forefront of a project."

2nd Answer Example

If you do not have project management or environmental-related post-secondary education: "My formal education related to environmental affairs is limited; however, I bring 15 solid years of experience in the industry. My knowledge level is healthy, and I am confident in my ability to surpass your expectations."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I'm currently studying a cluster of maintenance planning and projects."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good start. Now, try offering up details on what you are learning, and what you hope the end result will be of this education (is this a formal certificate/diploma/degree?). Lastly, it will be essential to talk about how this knowledge will benefit BHP Billiton, should you be hired.

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Anonymous Answer

"I have an MBA.; however, I bring 10 solid years of experience in the industry. My knowledge level is healthy, and I am confident in my ability to surpass your expectations."

Marcie's Feedback

The use of the word 'however' in your first sentence makes it sound like you're dismissing the importance of your MBA. Did you learn anything from your MBA that will help you in this role? If so, mention that. Also, talk more about some of the skills you learned during your 10 years of industry experience. Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"I had one year of Frontline Management. It's very helpful for me to communicate with frontline personnel."

Jaymie's Feedback

Was this work experience or formal education and/or training? Be specific about your education, and if you're willing to obtain further education, training, or certifications, be sure to share that with the interviewer.

Experience

25. Tell me about a time when you had to juggle competing deadlines.

What You Need to Know

They're curious how your process holds up and delivers, if you possess the ability to distinguish between urgent and important tasks, and if you are up to the tasks ahead. Do you go it alone, trying to meet expectations to prove yourself, or can you draw the distinction between your ambition and self-awareness of your limitations? Highlight your time management skills, organizational skills, and your ability to perform efficiently while taking on multiple responsibilities. Explain how you re-prioritize your workload as needed, and how you communicate to your leaders when you require help from others on the team. Take pride in the systems you've developed for yourself, placing emphasis on your faith in your abilities.

Taking on too many tasks, and trying to overachieve without having a firm grasp on time management can result in poor work quality, thereby not meeting expectations. Being a perfectionist, and focusing too long on performing one task, may result in not meeting deadlines and slowing a team's productivity. They're trying to determine where you come in on this scale. The aim here is to strike a balance of quality and quantity.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

Answer Example

"There was a major project I was near completing when a teammate ended up on leave. They also had a project that was due at the same time, and since I was most familiar with the work, they assigned it to me to deliver it over the finish line. So I quickly dove into that project to familiarize myself with how much work was left to be done there. I evaluated what needed to be done and determined what I needed to delegate in order to deliver on time. I then gave my leaders an overview of what was required to make all this happen. They greatly appreciated how organized I was and assigned me three of our best team members. I thoroughly explained to each of them the work that needed to be done as a whole, what everyone's unique tasks were, and how each fit into the puzzle, so they understood the big picture of the stakes involved. Then we all got to work and asked questions of each other when we needed to. That kind of collaboration can be energizing. We got both projects in early and it was an ultimate success. I couldn't have done it without them."

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"During my short stay in the Camelot project. I had time to release SRF when I was still not that familiar with Deswik. I managed to spend extra effort to get it."

Jaymie's Feedback

How did you prioritize and organize priorities? Did you communicate with your leader, evaluate deadlines, set goals, delegate tasks, etc.? These are important details to share in your response to showcase your abilities.

Experience

26. What do you know about corporate governance practices in our industry?

What You Need to Know

The interviewer wants to understand the depth of your experience and knowledge when it comes to rules of engagement in the metals and mining industry. Feel free to explore the level of your exposure, in brief. Even if you have no professional experience in this regard, or if it is beyond your scope, it offers an opportunity to display your level of engagement in your career and industry by displaying how well-read and current you are with the media and news coverage of your industry. Being in the know will allow you to display yourself as a trusted resource who has a vested interest in maintaining your professional relevance and worth. Show the interviewer that you have exposure to corporate governance but avoid giving a long-winded answer.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"Corporate rules and practices were governed heavily in my last three positions. In all three positions, our board of directors created corporate governance guidelines that strongly supported the integrity of our operations. I believe corporate governance practices always need to be in line with the stockholders' best interests. Corporate governance should also provide oversight of the company's accounting and financial reporting processes."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"As I am new to this industry, I do not have a vast amount of knowledge when it comes to corporate governance. With that said, I have started to study these, using government websites as a resource. If you have any suggestion for me on what to study, I am very open to suggestions."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Corporate governance plays a vital role in regards to the metals and mining industry when it comes to land, environmental affairs, and practices governing all relevant stakeholders."

Rachelle's Feedback

Good! This is a nice, formal answer. Do you have any industry training in governance/regulations?

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Anonymous Answer

"While I don't have a lot of exposure to corporate governance in the mining industry, we do focus pretty heavily on ESG in my current role. I think that stems from limited investor interest in areas of oil and gas recently. I do think that there are analogies in the mining sector. Things like human rights, ethical conduct, cybersecurity, diversity, and even responses to changing social norms.

I think it's pretty evident the benefits of good governance in mining and I can see that it's important to BHP and Jansen through their operational agreements with first nations. You look at a company like bre-x that really damaged the Canadian mining market and spurred a lot of regulation changes as what I would say is probably the best example of governance breakdown in Canada's mining history.

So good governance can protect against downside risk, but it can also be seen as adding to competitive advantage in terms of operational stability and reliability, but also their brand reputation, through being able to focus on their positive actions rather than defending against missteps."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! You come across as very knowledgeable in this area, which the interviewer will undoubtedly appreciate. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"I suppose that corporate is the guideline from top executives for everyone to follow. I enjoy the corporate governance requirements; health safety, integrity, etc."

Jaymie's Feedback

One of the charter values of BHP is accountability, "defining and accepting responsibility and delivering on our commitments." It will be important to demonstrate your willingness to learn more about corporate governance practices and promote adherence in the workplace.

Experience

27. What sources do you turn to when you need to solve a complicated problem?

What You Need to Know

The interviewer wants to assess how resourceful you are and your capability to think outside the box. This could also inform them if you exhibit interpersonal skills or if you prefer to go it alone. This will grant them insights into your work style, how self-guided you are in your approach, and if you know when to help and when to rely on the rest of your team. Ideally, you want to exhibit flexibility and adaptability, with the needs of the team informing your decisions. Show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable and equipped to handle these types of scenarios.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"When faced with a complicated problem, I will look to the resources that my current company has provided me. The answer is almost always in there. If it's more of a moral dilemma versus a knowledge-based dilemma, I will ask my supervisor for his thoughts and opinion since I value him as a mentor and expert in our industry."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"If there's a complicated problem, I'll write out what I think the possible solutions would be and make a note of what my gut tells me to do. Then I will weigh those potential solutions against one another and list the complications that may arise as a result of each choice. I am always open to input or suggestions from those with more experience than me and look to my mentors, their experience, and the training resources, as well as potentially talk the problem out with coworkers or my boss."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"For complex problems, I often spend some time taking stock of what resources I have before I start to address any problem. If I know there's a lot of information on the internet that I can access I may not need to use other resources. Often I'll gauge internal resources' knowledge with some informal conversations to learn more about what they know about the problem I'm facing. I'll even reach out to friends, old colleagues, or vendors/suppliers.

Once I know what's available to me and whether it's sufficient to manage the problem I'll start to formulate a plan of how to address the issue and then get resources aligned and take the project on.

For example in the case of my logistics model there wasn't a lot of internal resources available but there was a lot of documentation online, however, something like a control system configuration project, those sources would be found primarily internally."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! It sounds like you do a great job of taking into consideration what resources are available to you before moving forward. Mentioning the internet, colleagues, friends, and vendors/suppliers is good too. Don't forget internal documentation and training materials. Nice job!

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Anonymous Answer

"First, I will try to look at all the resources I have. Then I will listen to my supervisor mentor's suggestion."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are two excellent strategies to share with the interviewer! You could go into more detail on what resources you typically refer to (online resources, internal company resources, coworkers, internet, previous files, etc.).

Leadership

28. When have you made a mistake delegating tasks to your team members?

What You Need to Know

The expression if you want something done right you have to do it yourself is often spoken by those whose communication skills fall short of delegating effectively. Being able to delegate to your team requires getting them invested in the work they'll perform and thereby motivated to perform at their best. It also requires playing on the unique strengths of each teammate, portraying the big picture, how each member's contributions to a team effort affect the others, and a clear understanding of the expectations and the stakes involved.

Yet, sometimes these lessons are hard-learned, and mistakes or miscalculations are made. Being able to admit to these occasions does not exhibit weakness, but rather strength of character, especially when you've learned from these lessons and applied them toward your success. No one can hold over you that which you already own. So share with your interviewer a time you ran into such issues, how you held yourself accountable, and how you repaired the mistake or reduced its negative impact.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"Earlier in my career, I would delegate tasks at random, thinking that everyone had the skills to complete any company-related task. I found that these employees would procrastinate on these tasks if they seemed overwhelming or if they did not understand them. After a bit of time, and some learning, I began to delegate based on personality type and skill set. This method proved to be much more effective and I follow this delegation style to this day."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"I am usually cautious when delegating tasks because putting the wrong person in the wrong function can be a dangerous and expensive, mistake. A few years ago I put an employee on the incorrect piece of machinery, thinking that he was certified to operate that bit of equipment. I am now sure to double-check credentials before delegating."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"When I started my career I would sometimes be the crew lead for a wireline truck and would delegate tasks that were occasionally outside of the scope of the operators. I remember I had one of the operators set up a well-logging tool for me while I set the software up. When I returned for a final check before beginning operations I found that they had set up the tools incorrectly and the work had to be redone. It was a relatively simple process in my head but I realized that he had never been trained and he was afraid to say he didn't know how to perform the actions because of my position of authority relative to his. That was a case where I realized that I needed to make sure by checking to make sure that people are comfortable with the tasks they're being assigned and making sure that they understand that it's okay to make mistakes and failure happens but we should learn from our mistakes and move on."

Marcie's Feedback

Perfect! It's clear that you learned from this mistake. That's what the interviewer will be most interested in hearing. Excellent job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Not in my memory. I delegate tasks to my coworkers based on their duties and capabilities."

Jaymie's Feedback

It sounds like you've not had a negative outcome or experienced misdelegating tasks to team members. Great job sharing how you normally go about such delegation. Consider also giving a hypothetical answer here, too, so they know how you would handle the situation if you made a mistake delegating tasks (self-reflection, evaluating what went wrong, learning from the situation, etc.).

Leadership

29. BHP likes to bring out the best in our employees. What type of manager brings out the best in you?

What You Need to Know

The interviewer wants to see that you are self-aware and understand the type of manager, of the five main leadership types, brings out the best in you: authoritarian, participative, delegative, transactional, and transformational. Some individuals prefer a close working relationship with an authoritarian who provides a lot of accountability, while others prefer a transformational leader who offers trust, space, and autonomy. If you are unsure of the management style at BHP, perform adequate research to identify the type of leadership culture they aim to foster.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I have worked with a wide range of personalities and management styles with great success. If I could express a preference, I feel that I perform best in an independent and autonomous environment. Can you describe the management style here?"

2nd Answer Example

"I work best with managers who are patient, like to teach and are clear communicators. Because I am newer to my career, I do hope to work for a manager who can mentor me."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I like to have input on business decisions and feel responsible for implementing decisions as they contributed to making them. But also, a level of trust that I should use my discretion to make decisions and occasional coaching tips and feedback that can help me to reflect and improve my performance."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! Have you ever had a manager who brought out your best? If so, consider mentioning them here and discussing them briefly. End your answer by assuring the interviewer that you're flexible and able to work under lots of different manager types.

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Anonymous Answer

"An honest, transparent leader, who knows exactly what he or she wants. if I make a mistake, he can point it out on time and give me the opportunity to correct it."

Jaymie's Feedback

Good job! These are all qualities that BHP embodies through its charter values!

Operational

30. How often do you discuss work with your colleagues in order to think up new systems and styles of working?

What You Need to Know

This question aims to assess how collaborative by nature you are and delves into your concept of teamwork. Focus on the collaboration involved in teamwork. Try to set yourself up as a trusted resource of information, getting the others in your team engaged. Offer an example of a rewarding collaborative experience in a team environment. Using the STAR method, break down the Situation, the Task at hand, the Action that was taken, and the Result of the team collaboration. Then, describe your part in it, your positive take on it, and the rewards of the experience. The old adage, "There is no 'I' in team," should be driven home in your answer.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I have a policy with my team that if they have an innovative and helpful idea they can bring it to me at any time. If my team member's idea or system is something that I think could work, we create a plan to present it to our head office. This policy has generated some compelling ideas in our office over the past three years including a work-share program and some health and safety initiatives."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"I think it is important to discuss work with colleagues in a collaborative nature to encourage all types of ideas to come forth. Often, when people put their heads together, they will create something better than something one individual could have done alone."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I often discuss and share ideas to come up with a more innovative way of doing work safely."

Rachelle's Feedback

Good start! Can you talk about a recent example? How do you communicate ideas with your team members?

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Anonymous Answer

"First of all, I love nothing more than to talk shop; my wife cannot stand it. So my door is always open to talk about work. At ________, we had a supplier who delivered detergents and finished fuel additives. As we generally kept good relationships with our suppliers tender processes were not common in that business unit but we had reached an impasse with the supplier where they weren't able to deliver the marketing features we were looking for. In a meeting with some senior staff, I mentioned that we might consider going through a tender process for products to allow us to compare and contrast our options. In the end, we switched suppliers as there were clear product and monetary benefits to making the change. We ended up saving 1.2 million per year on that change. I think the point is that I tend to draw on previous experience and try to think of how I can apply it to new roles. That's one example, but I think having the courage to pose questions and talk openly can lead to great opportunities."

Marcie's Feedback

Lol. Your first sentence is funny. :) Your example is very powerful ($1.2M; wow!) This is a strong answer; great job!

Anonymous Answer

"Normally once a week, or on a daily basis with close co-workers and supervisors."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great! What do those discussions look like? Are they regularly scheduled meetings with the team or in a one-on-one setting? How are they formatted, and how are new ideas shared and implemented?

Performance Based

31. How do you define success?

What You Need to Know

This question aims to determine whether you consider success to crossing day-to-day tasks off your list or if you scale your accomplishments against the incremental successes of the big picture. How you answer will also give them insight into what motivates your drive to accomplish the various goals you've set out for yourself in your professional work environment. The interviewer needs to gauge how your evaluation of success aligns with theirs. So tie your answer into the success you plan to bring to this particular position at BHP Group Limited.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"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."

2nd Answer Example

"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."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I can add value and my plan or design can be implemented safely and effectively with financial benefit."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great start! Think about how the interviewer might define success in this role. Are you able to set and meet or exceed goals? What successes have you had that will translate well at BHP?

Performance Based

32. We believe in giving BHP employees honest, open, and regular feedback. What feedback did you receive at your last job?

What You Need to Know

Every manager has a different approach to giving feedback. As a professional, learning how to respond when given a performance review is just as important as the feedback itself. A career-minded professional distinguishes the information of value, adapts, and learns how to apply that information to grow and accomplish one's goals towards advancing their career. This boils down to your emotional intelligence and being able to objectify the information you are receiving and separate it from the person delivering the feedback, or how effectively they are delivering it. Your aim should be to convey that you seek out feedback rather than waiting for others to come to you.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"My previous manager told me that I was spending too much time on the details of a project. I realized that I could be such a perfectionist that I lose track of time and hyper-focus on things that aren't that important. I taught myself to prioritize better so that my results are successful on projects, both large and small."

2nd Answer Example

"I regularly received feedback from my supervisor relating to areas of customer satisfaction. For the most part, the feedback was always very positive. On the odd occasion, I was asked to improve my documentation which I worked very hard to do."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My previous manager awarded me with an employee of the month voucher for good manufacturing practices in regards to maintenance of filling and packaging equipment with zero defects of the month."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a wonderful accomplishment - you should be very proud of this!

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Anonymous Answer

"In my current role, we typically do structured quarterly reviews as the primary means of feedback, however, my manager and I have an open-door policy, and if I need feedback I will ask and if he feels there is the feedback that needs to be delivered it is presented.

I often seek feedback from colleagues on best practices or the tone of writing so that I can address how I could improve on a presentation I had delivered."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! Can you mention some specific feedback (positive, of course) that you've received recently from your manager either verbally or via a quarterly review? Doing so will more directly answer this question. Otherwise, great job!

Anonymous Answer

"My supervisor asked me why I did not report to him after I came back from another office. This was my mistake. I was focused on finding a solution for pit design and planned to give him a good surprise. I should let him know first and get his inside view and support. I can do it more efficiently."

Jaymie's Feedback

Good job. You gave an example that shows you took ownership and learned from your mistake.

Problem Solving

33. What steps do you take when you have to make an immediate decision and you don't have all the relevant or necessary information?

What You Need to Know

They're interested in how you logically assess and approach a situation when there is an element of risk involved. This requires an immediate approach to damage control and a broad view of the big picture. In any high pressured situation that requires immediate decision making, taking a calculated risk is often necessary, especially where hesitating is more costly. Therefore, the interviewer wants to know if you are a risk taker or someone who is risk averse.

If you are a risk-taker, they want to know how you approach evaluating risk. On the other hand, if you are risk averse, you can't grow if you're not willing to risk stepping outside of your comfort zone. So share with your interviewer your approach when it comes to being resourceful, exhibiting outside-of-the-box thinking, and how you approach taking an educated, calculated risk while thinking fast on your feet. Provide an example that exhibits sound judgment. Discuss the results of your course of action, what you learned, and how you've grown from your experience.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I have a pretty routine process I follow to make quick decisions. I weigh the pros and cons and come up with a solution that makes the most sense. Next, I ask the opinion of someone I trust to see what they think. Even though I trust my decision-making ability, I still think it's important to get a second opinion when it comes to situations involving money or if it could make a significant impact on others."

2nd Answer Example

"I am an organized individual, so I do have a checklist that I follow for all policy-related decisions and changes. If I do not have all the necessary information, I can usually find it in our company resource database."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I like to apply structured analyses like a SWOT or a what-if analysis to help me establish the facts, what I know with certainty, and how it affects long-term vs short-term goals. If I can come to a conclusion that would be reasonable to pursue I'm not averse to making a decision that I think makes logical sense based on my analysis.

I think a good example of this that happened to me is in recent contract negotiations we were setting terms to have a contract novated and there was a risk of losing the project if we weren't willing to give up terms and responses were needed very quickly. I listened to our legal teams' concerns with accepting the terms but we were also on the cusp of winning a large project and we could have forced the issue as legal's concerns were somewhat abstract and our team mentioned it would be an uncommon occurrence but prudent to consider. After weighing the risk of keeping clauses we decided not to accept and to stand our ground and at the last minute the customer accepted our terms. It turned out to be a good move as we did end up in a situation that required those terms which would have been a costly error."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! This is a great example. Any interviewer will be impressed by how decisive you appear - definitely a leadership skill too! Nice job.

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Anonymous Answer

"I will weigh the pros and cons, benefits and risks, and the Influence on other parties. If possible I will ask my supervisor's suggestion or affected stakeholder's thoughts."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent job! These are all key aspects the interviewer will be listening for.

Salary

34. What is your current salary and salary expectations for this position?

What You Need to Know

Perform research to find a realistic figure. Use your current earnings as a baseline. Contrast your current earnings with what you feel your current professional worth is in your job market, and allow for a range of flexibility with that number. Hold on to that figure before you offer it.

Before you offer your salary, discuss the benefits you receive from your current employer. Now is fair game to find out what they offer. Share any bonuses or incentives, your commute, retirement packages, stock options, PTO, etcetera. Once you find where they're meeting, exceeding, or wanting in this regard, you can adjust your number accordingly. Be open, realistic, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"I am currently earning a base salary of $78,000 plus a car allowance of $900 a month and health benefits. I am looking for a competitive salary in my next position."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"I am currently making $100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Sometimes it is more than $200k a year; sometimes it is below $100k. I trust BHP pays its employees well especially the top engineers. I trust you will give what is the most proper salary."

Jaymie's Feedback

It's often best to lead with your desired salary range. This way, you're upfront about your expectations and requirements and do not waste your time or the interviewers. If you're open to negotiating based on the total rewards and benefits package, share that in your response as well.

Situational

35. Tell me about the most challenging problem you have encountered in your professional career.

What You Need to Know

Everyone has had their share of challenges in their career. The interviewer knows that you are not perfect; however, they need to know that you can professionally overcome work-related roadblocks. You want your answer to exhibit determination. Demonstrate that you aren't easily discouraged. Where there is a will, there is a way, which is the attitude you want to convey. Meeting deadlines, over-performing, learning, and innovating is the aim of the messaging in your example. Explain your approach to resolving the issue and be sure to highlight the steps you took to reach that resolution.

Written by Kevin Downey on October 13th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"The most challenging problem I have encountered in my professional career was with my most recent employer. I had an incredibly important project that made up the majority of my annual budget. The client was challenging to work with as he was rarely available for comment, due to extensive international travel. I needed this deal to work out so, for the six-month span of the project, I made my work hours reflect his time zone. This allowed us to communicate via Skype on a daily basis. This meant a fair share of late-night and early-morning calls for me! It was a sacrifice; however, I would do it again. I understand that sacrifices need to be made for successful outcomes to happen."

Written by Samantha Brown on October 13th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"The most challenging problem that I encountered in my career was when my former company experienced a major merger. It was a lot to adjust to but, after some time, I was able to get a good pace again."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"The most challenging problem I've encountered was the clean fuel standard when working for a company whose main product was finished fuels. When these policies were rolled out we had to continue to be vocal about the potential threat this policy change could have on the business. As we were a small group within a very large company it was an uphill battle to get attention on the matter. We had to become the subject matter experts and be able to answer any questions from senior leadership on policies that were very contentious among governments and were still in flux. It's a huge change management undertaking but as things began to crystallize and it became clear this legislation was taking place we were positioned well to support the decision to move forward on investments. We also had to convince many different stakeholders of the potential here. Finance, operations, etc. Only a week after I left the company the co-op announced that it would be purchasing an engineering firm with plans to build a renewable diesel facility."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! You've used the STAR method here beautifully to describe the situation, task, actions, and result. It definitely sounds like it was quite the challenge! Your answer is meaningful and memorable; nice job.