Boeing Interview
Questions

6. How do you deal with conflict in the workplace? You don't necessarily have to be in a formal management role to resolve a conflict. However, taking the initiative is essential, especially when there is tension in the office. When asked a question about dealing with conflict or overcoming a challenge, think of an example first. Having a concrete situation to draw from will help you to think through the steps you take to deal with conflict. Keep in mind that sometimes it is better to be kind than to be right. Sometimes it's important to take a stand. Use an example that demonstrates your leadership and compassion when a conflict arises. Here is an answer example: "A change in company policy divided my team because half of us could not support it. We worked in a very conservative corporate environment, and some of my coworkers and I felt that the policy was affecting some of our peers negatively. I initiated an anonymous poll for each of us to voice our opinion. We submitted our consensus to the CEO, and he modified the policy. I would say that I am proactive but also very respectful at the same time." Here is an anonymous answer example: "the company i worked for was getting bought out by a larger company, and a lot of people were worried about their positions and if they would have a job after the buyout. we all had a meeting together and expressed our concerns outright to one another. the head of the company reiterated he was not concerned about anyone losing their job and i spoke up and expressed that if he were not concerned, then i would not be concerned. if he weren't jumping ship, i would not. i was informed a few days later that because of me speaking up and my age (youngest in the office) i provided a boost to employees who were not so willing, and we did not lose an employee." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: This example is very good, and shows your willingness to speak up and stand out. Excellent! Here is an anonymous answer example: "in a past role, i was involved in a situation where two of my subordinates were close to physical contact regarding an issue over a forklift truck. i immediately called both subordinates to a meeting, saying that i wanted to resolve the issue right away. i asked both parties to state from their perspective what the problem was. it turned out that the issue was one of poor communication. i got a commitment from both parties that their communication with each other needs to be improved because i did not want a further meeting where i would be forced to take action. this resolved the issue, and there was no further conflict between the two individuals concerned." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: This is a good example. I would categorize the example on a broader scale, as to present it as a workplace characteristic that you can use if future issues arise at their company. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "My key approach to conflict in the workplace is healthy and open communication. I have de-escalated heated situation between subordinates by removing both parties into a neutral meeting area, discussing my concerns and the subordinates’, and reaching a more productive resolution. I prefer transparency in the workplace, so that issues can be resolved completely. They may be difficult conversations, but they are essential in clearly defining acceptable and professional behavior."7. What are your strengths? Boeing wants to hear how you will use your strengths to make a positive impact! Think of the traits that have helped you succeed in the past. You can draw from your experiences in school or activities if you lack in work experience. Having great people skills, being positive and a good listener are all strengths, but you want to dig a bit deeper and discuss an advantage that is more memorable. Next, talk about how this strength will help you in the workplace! Whatever your power may be, link it back to how it positively impacts your work environment. Here is an answer example: "I believe my greatest strength lies in my analytical mindset. I work hard to fully understanding all sides of the business. This entrepreneurial and analytical mindset truly sets me apart in a unique way, as others tend to be self-focused." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i believe that my greatest strength is my willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed. i was thrown into a payroll position because the payroll administrator moved on, and i took the challenge. i figured out a way to do both my jobs while still exceeding expectations for both my bosses. i also believe my people skills, and my willingness to understand all aspects of a business is a strength. that includes working in the field when i was younger and seeing how the safety of the employee directly impacts the health and safety administrator." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: The interviewer will appreciate your readiness to offer up examples like this. Great job highlighting your strengths while backing them with examples. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i am a strong communicator and team worker." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: Good response. These are definitely strong traits, but you can add more depth. Let the interviewer envision you being in the position. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "Integrity is one of my biggest strengths as well as communication and being a team player. I am very mindful of my performance and quality of work. I believe these strengths would be a great asset and fit for this position."8. Describe a time when you had to quickly adapt to a change at work. Just as a friendly reminder, when you're answering these questions, always give a specific example that explains the situation, your actions, and the results. Boeing is notoriously picky about which candidates they hire, and you can stay ahead of the competition if you prepare your answers carefully. To address this question, you can use a simple everyday example, like adjusting to the ebb and flow of a hectic customer service environment the way company demands can change depending on the season. You are flexible and adaptable! The interviewer wants to hear about how you handled the stress of a promotion or additional responsibilities being added to your job description. These types of examples will demonstrate that you can efficiently adjust to a changing work environment. You're so calm and collected that nothing phases you! Here is an answer example: "Last year our company was sold to a competitor, and a lot of our management team changed hands. It was a great deal of change to handle in a short time, especially being unsure of who to report to ahead of others. I am resilient, though, and have made the big changes work by keeping my head down and delivering great work, no matter who it goes to in the end." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would have to go back to when i was informed i would be doing both payroll and health and safety jobs with two different bosses. i had to learn a whole new job while still keeping up with my health and safety work. i really just dug in, learned my new job and pushed myself to succeed." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Great answer. Here is an anonymous answer example: "at a previous company, redundancies were prominent. i had to adapt to the change of atmosphere and ensure my tasks were completed with the same drive on positivity." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: If I were the interviewer, I may need more clarification to fully understand your response. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "(This is an example that can be revised) I once worked in an extremely fast-paced environment where I was working on multiple projects at once. At any given time, I had to change my prioritization to accommodate new and changing conditions. I can assess situations quickly in order to provide the best service."9. What are some ways you have worked to improve yourself over the past month? When an interviewer asks about self-improvement, it shows they seek to hire someone who takes the initiative and wants to grow. Think about a goal you are actively working towards and explain what you are doing to help you reach that goal. If your goal is ongoing, like being a good leader or maintaining your health, tell how your actions will help you in the short and long term. Stay relevant to the field in which you are applying. Focus less on any weakness you want to improve, and more so on the steps or actions, you are taking to improve. Here is an answer example: "I just went to a leadership conference to help me cultivate some of my skills and learn how to be a more effective leader on my team. I have found it to be beneficial to attend meetings like this at least once a month because I am surrounded by other leaders who also want to challenge themselves and grow." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i am taking a project management course online so i can take my capm and have been getting trained in primavera p6, a scheduling program. also, i've been leading a healthier lifestyle. my girlfriend and i have been back in the gym, taking a kickboxing class and eating as healthy as possible." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: A well rounded response. Nice work! Here is an anonymous answer example: "i have enrolled in a leadership course to improve my leadership skills." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: That is fantastic! I added some depth to your response. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "I have enrolled in a Leadership course to help sharpen my pre-existing skills and open my skillset to new techniques. Continued Education is extremely important, and I would like to continue learning and building my career."10. What does success mean to you? Everyone has their interpretation of success. For some, success is reflected in their earnings and the type of lifestyle they can create for themselves. For others, success is merely the reward of a job well done. Explain what you are doing in your life to be successful in your professional life. You can talk about the hours you have put in to get to this point in your career. Share how your definition of success keeps you motivated. Here is an answer example: "To me, success means that I am spending each day helping someone, feeling fulfilled in my overall life, and making my employer happy. I feel best when I know that I have exceeded the expectations of others." Here is an anonymous answer example: "for me now success is doing something where i feel i am making a difference where i know i am not just riding the coattails of someone else. this job will give me the opportunity to do that. i will have control of my situation." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Good! I would leave out the final sentence as it doesn't add anything valuable to the interviewer. Here is an anonymous answer example: "success means achieving my targets and watching my team grow." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: Great, concise response. You are demonstrating personal accountability and a collaborative spirit. I edited a minor spelling error. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "Success means achieving my target goals and watching my team grow cohesively and successfully."11. Tell me about a time when you reached a goal within a tight deadline. Imagine yourself racing to complete an assignment with only six hours left to reach the finish line. Whether you have experienced this type of pressure in school or the workplace, you understand the intensity. Boeing wants to hear that you are determined and motivated. They want to hear how you navigated the obstacles along the way. Explain the steps you took to make it happen. Be sure to share the results! Here is an answer example: "My previous boss gave me a 30-day deadline to hire four new technicians. After that, we were going to be meeting a hiring freeze with an undetermined end date. I used a service called Zip Recruiter and was able to make three excellent hires within two weeks." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i was responsible for getting the necessary paperwork, training, observations, plans, and procedures for a safety audit we had so we could get to work in a refinery in another state. i had two weeks to get all the paperwork in. i got it all in on time and was just informed yesterday that we were approved to work in the refinery. i also have to provide a primavera schedule, schedule of values and estimated billing every first and last week of the month. i have not missed this deadline yet." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: This sounds like a lot of work within a short amount of time. Your answer shows a great deal of tenacity. Nicely done. Here is an anonymous answer example: "we started on implementing a new saw; suddenly, the supplier indicated that they had to deliver early. we had to work extra hours to ensure that the area needed was cleared two days earlier than planned. that meant increasing the workforce allocated to this task from 1 to 4 so that the job could be done in 2 days instead of 4 days." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: Great example. There is a way to highlight your leadership and problem-solving skills that were required for this scenario. I want to create a consistent flow of highlighting your strongest skills. Reiteration of Leadership and problem-solving will help you stand out and be more memorable. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "There was a time when I had to think quickly to resolve a change in a target deadline. A supplier was making a large delivery in half the time we anticipated. Thankfully, I was able to increase manpower to clear the delivery location. When leading a team, it is important to rely on clear communication and problem-solving. I managed to allocate a handful of employees to the new, expedited task to meet the tight deadline."12. Tell me about your experience working in this field. Open-ended questions like this can feel a little overwhelming at first. Learning how to talk about yourself is a skill that will help you express yourself clearly and concisely. Boeing wants to hear about your accomplishments, not your qualifications. Start by writing out a summary of your experience followed by a few pivotal moments where you made an impact. Highlight your expertise, skills or any training you have received. You can also include any continuing education, from workshops to higher education that you have pursued to further your career. Here is an answer example: "I have worked in the ABC field for the past four years, after graduating with my (related degree or post-secondary education or formal training). I have worked with Company XYZ for the past six years, and you can see. What you may not know from my resume is that I have spent a lot of time training others newer to this role, and have been formally recognized by my organization for a job well done (insert accolades, awards, and notable achievements). I look forward to bringing this experience to work for Boeing!" Here is an anonymous answer example: "i have worked in the aerospace field for 11 years. i have been in operations for 20 years. this means that i can quickly add value to boeing's business." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: Fantastic response. I changed the wording slightly. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "I have worked in the Aerospace field for 11 years and Operations for 20 years. My vast experience can be highly valuable for your team at Boeing."13. How have you made an impact on your team in the past? Give an example that shows you can think outside of the box and creatively solve problems. Your strengths and skills make you an asset! You make an impact by just being your awesome self. Think about some your most significant advantages, like the resilience of your empathy. You are unique! Then apply these strengths in real time by explaining a situation where you made a difference. Here is an answer example: "I was working as a consultant to help improve the hiring process for a growing business. When I learned that they didn't have an applicant tracking system and they didn't have the budget to purchase one, I helped create one. This contribution helped to speed up the hiring process significantly." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i am working on p6 scheduling in my office because no one else knows how to do it here. i have provided our pms with easy access to someone who can do their scheduling by allowing them face to face contact. i created the p6 schedule for one of the jobs we are working on now and was asked to do another one when the new refinery job was awarded to us." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Very good! Here is an anonymous answer example: "we were working towards achieving the stocktake so that we could finish work one day early. we managed to complete the stocktake and finish soon. i persuaded my boss to reward all team members with a pizza. it went down well with everyone." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: This is a great example of motivating team members and rewarding hard work. Always remember when interviewing that every example you give an interviewer is an opportunity to sell yourself and stand out. Adding more detail in your response would strengthen your message. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "I remember a time when I set a stock take goal for team. I motivated the group to complete the project an entire day early, resulting in upper management satisfaction. With the help of my boss, we were able to reward the entire team with pizza. It felt great being able to report strong productivity on behalf of my team, and having the ability to come back to them with a reward."14. What are your weaknesses? Even though the recruiters at Boeing are looking for excellence, they know you're not perfect. To successfully answer this question, you will need to be strategic! First, think of an area where you can improve. For example, maybe you could do a better job of taking the initiative to solve problems before they become an issue. Even though it may feel vulnerable to share a weakness, your self-awareness is a strength! Your insight that you know you need to grow in this area shows the interviewer that you know you have room for improvement and that you have a desire to grow. Now, think about how you can explain what you're doing to improve. Don't be hard on yourself! You can refine if you work at it! Show that you are proactive in growing and learning from your weaknesses! Here is an answer example: "I tend to be a perfectionist, which means I can often get caught up in the details and get behind on deadlines. I am working on creating a better infrastructure for my days, setting reasonable goals and planning. This method has helped me to manage my time and not lose time striving for impossible perfection." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i am very hard on myself. if i mess up or do not do something correctly i will get on myself. i feel this is from when i pushed myself so hard in sports to strive to be as good as i possibly could. i am trying to stop this as i know it is human nature to make mistakes and that if i do make a mistake my colleagues and employers are there to help me." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: It's good that you have shown what you are doing to move away from this weakness. Here is an anonymous answer example: "in the past, i have had an issue with time management. i went on a management course where i learned about the eisenhower matrix. i use this method together with my mobile phone time management app to improve my time management." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: Great response! Your experience with training courses makes you a stand out candidate. All the trainings you have attended should be reflected on your resume. Be ready to name another weakness in the event you are asked in an interview. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "In the past, I struggled with time management. When I notice deficits, I try to better myself through continued education and training. I took a Management course that introduced me to the Eisenhower Matrix, which was very helpful and I use on a daily basis along with a mobile time management app. I took the necessary steps to better that particular weakness."15. How do you deal with a coworker who is not doing their job? You may be able to learn a new task and be up and running quickly, but not everyone is the same way. Explain to the interviewer that you understand how everyone is different. Communication can help bring clarity. Give an example where you resolved a miscommunication through addressing the situation by asking questions and being honest. Here is an answer example: "My coworker was a great salesman but admittedly terrible at the administrative side. He made so many mistakes and didn't seem to care. It bothered me because I take such pride in the quality of my work. I decided to talk with him and found out that he wasn't very clear on expectations or how to do some of the basic aspects of the paperwork for each sale. He ended up going to some additional training to get on the same page as the rest of the team." Here is an anonymous answer example: "when a coworker is not doing their job, i try to put myself in their shoes, and i try to see what would i want to get motivated. then i try to motivate them that way. we all have different ways of thinking and seeing situations. so one person's situation may be different than the other's. i would try to talk to them see if i can get a feel of why they are not doing what they are doing and then would try to mold the motivation or the help that way. maybe they just don't understand what they are doing, or maybe they have family issues." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: These are all excellent strategies. I have reworded slightly for the sake of brevity. Also important to note is the overuse of the word 'try' which you may want to watch during your real life interviews. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "When a coworker is not doing their job I will put myself in their shoes to see what could motivate them. Then, I use that as my approach. We all see situations differently, so it's important to get to know that person's viewpoint. I would talk to this person and get a feel of why they are not doing their work. Maybe they don't understand the task, or they are struggling with family issues." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would arrange to have a cup of coffee with them and discuss the issue so that we could get agreement on how to proceed." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: Great answer! I added buzz words such as “deescalate” and “neutral [meeting] place” to demonstrate your tact when dealing with tension. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "Verbal communication is the best way to work out dissention or issues in the workplace. I am a big proponent of having coffee with a coworker in order to deescalate any possible tension. Meeting in a neutral place over coffee tends to open people up for difficult conversations. I like talking through issues to reach an agreement or action plan."16. How would you handle a situation where you were presented with new material or a new task but you didn't understand it? Show off your active listening skills! When you learn something new, you engage through asking questions and checking for understanding. You can also collaborate with others to discuss and learn from each other. If your manager gives you a new task, make sure you are clear on their expectations. Ask questions! Here is an answer example: "I was in a training session where the trainer had a thick accent. I asked clarifying questions, and I compared notes with another friend who participated in the training session. It was important to me that I understood all of the content, so I did my best to cover all the bases to check my understanding." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i am definitely not saying i know everything or even pretend to. i am more than willing to ask for help or clarification if i do not understand something. a clear and easy example is when i was moved to payroll, i had never done payroll. i had to be trained and trained a few times on steps. however, i am someone who tries to write down as much as i can to look back at later." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Another great example. Very good! Here is an anonymous answer example: "in my last role, i was presented with an excel file which was difficult to understand. i went to see the person who created the file and asked for clarity on what was required from me. this worked." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: This is a solid answer. You are demonstrating resourcefulness and eagerness to learn. Awesome job. I made very minor grammatical edits. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "In my last role, I was presented with an Excel file that was difficult to understand. I sought out the person who created the file, and asked for clarification."17. What steps would you take to make an important decision on the job? As an employee, your decisions affect others. It's important to express to the interview team at Boeing that you recognize the weight of your responsibility, whether you are managing a team or leading by example within your organization. Write out the steps that you consider when making an important decision. Prepare yourself by thinking of examples of when you were faced with a difficult decision. Here is an answer example: "Whenever I am making an important decision, I question how the company will benefit. I also check to make sure the decision is in line with the company's values. It's important to consider how the decision will impact the company. I take steps to address these factors before I decide what needs to happen next." Here is an anonymous answer example: "when i am making an important decision on the job, i think about how it will help or hinder the company. if i believe it will hinder the company, then there is no real decision to make. my job is to help and not harm the company and move them in a better direction toward success." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: These are very insightful questions to ask yourself in the decision making process! In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "When I am making an important decision I will first think about how each action will benefit or hinder the company. If one path hindered the company, I would choose the other option. My job is to help the company move in a better direction, and to be successful." Here is an anonymous answer example: "in my last role, i had to make a decision as to whether to keep an employee. i was careful to ensure that i understood the context about the decision. i consulted those who would be affected by the decision to determine the most likely consequences. i then made the decision which was to terminate and recruit a new person. this went down well with the team and my boss." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: Great example; you sought several avenues to arrive at a final decision, which demonstrates tact. I would caution the way you explain “[consulting] with those who would be affected.” You don’t want this to be viewed as office gossip or discussing sensitive HR issues with the person’s coworkers versus discussing the situation with other team leaders and managers (which is acceptable). In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "There was a time when I need to weigh the pros and cons of terminating an employee. Time and sensitivity was needed to review the implications and arrive at the most logical decision. I explored all possible options, and consulted with proper staff. Ultimately, terminating the employee and hiring a new person was the right decision for staff culture and morale."18. How have you demonstrated leadership ability when you were not in a leadership role? Before you answer this question, let's break down some of the qualities of a leader. For starters, you lead by example. You are someone with exceptional interpersonal skills. You can communicate clearly, and you listen to the opinions of others. When the team makes a mistake, you are willing to take ownership. You motivate others with your vision and your enthusiasm. Now think of a time when others followed your example. Here is an answer example: "Last year was difficult because we had a large variety of shifts in our leadership team. Even though I wasn't managing my team, I motivated others by showing up every day with a positive attitude and persevering. I coached others on my team as well. My coworkers told me that the work environment felt so much lighter and comfortable when I was around." Here is an anonymous answer example: "when i am doing the scheduling for project managers, i do not have a leadership role. they tell me how they want the schedule, and i do it. however, i do it to the best of my ability. if i see something that confuses me, i will stop and bring it up to the pm so that the client will not also be confused and i can explain it to them. also, when i did the safety audit for the refinery, i led by example. i was given a task that many thought i could not do in time, and i exceeded expectations." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Well done! Fantastic examples of displaying leadership, without even being asked. Here is an anonymous answer example: "early in my career, i was asked to join a team where i was the most junior member. i became the secretary of the team and took the minutes. it was then i realized that i was leading the meeting by asking clarifying questions during the minute-taking process. i was becoming a leader." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: This is a fantastic example. I made spelling and grammar revisions and added what your participation did for the group and your confidence as a budding leader. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "Early in my career, I was asked to join a team where I was the most junior member. I became the group’s Secretary and took meeting minutes. I soon realized by asking clarifying questions during the minute-taking process, I became one of the most vocal members. My questions led to more discussion, which made me a stand-out member and group leader. I felt my confidence grow as the senior members embraced my input and performance."19. How would you deal with a difficult client? You want to show the interviewer that you work well with every person even though you recognize there are some folks out there who are quite difficult to please. Share an example that gives some context about the situation and what you did to make the client happy. Remember, there's no need to be negative or share any negative interactions you had with the client. Focus on how you responded graciously and courteously to client complaints. Here is an answer example: "I recognized that my client had good intentions and wanted what was best for his company. When we interacted, I always took his feedback with a grain of salt knowing. Even though my client was demanding, my job was to support him and comply with our agreed upon expectations. I never took anything personally and stayed professional, even when my client acted harshly." Here is an anonymous answer example: "when i worked in the health and safety division, there were some difficult times because many clients wanted their jobs done as quickly as possible. one time, a client from iowa did not have the same safety regulations as we did, and did not see the need to abide by them with our employees. i worked with him and provided him with some variations to our rules that would keep our men safe but also allow the client to feel like we were providing him a different avenue. i knew where and why he was pushing his view but also knew i had an obligation to our men, and by the end, we both were appreciative of this." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: It sounds like you handled this situation with utmost professionalism. As a side bar, be careful to use terms that exclude a particular gender (in this case, you use 'men' a couple of times). When in doubt, saying "they" or "people" etc is always your safest bet in an interview. Here is an anonymous answer example: "in my last role, our client was difficult by blaming us for poor delivery performance. i was able to show the client that we were taking their issue seriously by meticulously going through their data. i also went to their site to discuss the matter. we found that the client had made an error with the data. however, because i responded proactively; the client was happy with our approach." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: Great example. When answering this question (and questions like this), be sure to round out your response. I added language around what you do in a general sense, then backed it up with an example. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "When dealing with a difficult client, I listen to the grievance and do not take the issue personally. I deescalate issues by being proactive in problem-solving quickly and thoughtfully. I once dealt with a difficult client who was dissatisfied with our delivery performance. I listened to the grievance, and reviewed the data associated with the order. I took it a step further by visiting their site and reviewing the data with the client. Ultimately, it was not my team’s error, and the client was pleased with my approach."20. How would you describe your work ethic? Before answering this question, let's explore this concept of work ethic. Someone who works hard, applying their values of discipline and creating the best quality while working towards a higher goal is a person with a solid work ethic. Taking it to the next level, you can think about some of the moral principals that drive you. Integrity shows up in the quality of work you offer, your honesty and your reliability. Teamwork is an ability and a mindset that helps you motivate others and work collaboratively with your co-workers. Your ability to take responsibility and follow through with commitments is another way you can demonstrate your work ethic. Consider using some of these concepts when you discuss this topic with recruiters at Boeing in your interview. Can you think of any other factors that show off the quality and integrity of your work? Here is an answer example: "I am a very dedicated and loyal employee. I saw on the Boeing website, and social media platforms that you describe your company as honest, transparent and you go the extra mile for your clients. My work ethic is the same. I am honest, flexible, and come ready to work hard for my employer every day." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i believe my work ethic is very strong. i have high integrity. i will do all i can to help the client while still keeping our employees safe. i am loyal and dedicated with a will to go the extra mile." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Wonderful! :) Here is an anonymous answer example: "i am hard working." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: This is your opportunity to reiterate all of the descriptors you’ve mentioned in previous responses! In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "I am a hard-working person who loves succeeding with my team. I am a lifelong learner who imparts positivity, team work, and open communication with people around me. I am outcome-driven, and pay close attention to detail when supervising teams to reach goals."21. When have you faced an unexpected challenge at work in the past? How did you handle it? An unexpected circumstance can put a damper on our plans. You may have mapped out how you would like to reach a goal, but when the power goes out, your computer crashes or you accidentally back into a co-worker's car in the office parking lot, life changes your plans. We can't control these unexpected circumstances, but we can monitor our response! The question asks you to give an example of a time you faced unexpected challenges in the workplace, so try to focus on conflicts between coworkers or technical errors that can affect your progress. We typically recommend emphasizing your response and how you handled the situation, rather than elaborating on the problem itself. Show off your flexibility and how you can adapt to challenges, big and small! Here is an answer example: "We had an all-systems-down computer crash last week. I handled it by remaining calm, avoiding any speculative behavior, and calling our IT department immediately, asking them to escalate the situation to us. All was well in the end and, although many members in my department were stressed out, I remained calm and collected." Here is an anonymous answer example: "when my supervisor gave me an extra position while still being the health and safety administrator, that was a very unexpected challenge. i handled it by taking it in stride. i worked a schedule out that allowed me to designate the necessary days for each job. i did certain tasks on mondays and tuesdays, and other tasks the other days of the week. i explained my schedule to all employees and coworkers and had a very smooth system going that allowed me to stay focused on each job." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: It sounds like you were very organized and focused during this time. Great response! Here is an anonymous answer example: "our md left the company suddenly. i was in a new position which he had created. i had to maintain my poise and perform during this difficult period. this was something i managed to do." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: This is a very solid response. You explained the situation that occurred, but be sure to answer all parts of the question. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "Our Medical Director left the company abruptly. At the time, I was in a new position the MD created. I had to maintain poise and perform my normal functions in spite of that difficult period. This is a circumstance I managed to handle. I handled my workload by focusing on each task at hand versus the bigger picture of the staff loss."22. How often do you think of innovations that will improve your work performance? As a leader in the commercial aviation business, Boeing is always looking to make improvements. Work performance dramatically affects how their machines are manufactured and their clients. If you don't have any ideas right off the bat, take some time to think about ways you have participated in changes that improved work performance or designs you have found useful in the past. Rewards programs, management training programs, and tuition reimbursement are all ways that companies invest in their employees. These types of investments help them to retain their employees and motivate them to push the limits of success. Share what you have learned from your experience. Here is an answer example: "I genuinely embrace innovation and creativity. For that reason, I am always on the lookout for new and more productive ways to accomplish my goals in the workplace. Recently I incorporated a new electronics recycling plan in our office that has saved a lot of items from going into the landfill, not to mention reduced the clutter in our office." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i believe that there is always a possibility for improvement no matter how efficient or effective something is. that is how i came up with the idea of shorting the green sheets in the shop. we had a clear process of green sheets working for both the shop and the field, but the field had way more areas on the list that did not pertain to the shop. i brought this up to my boss, and he brought it to his boss, and they allowed me to shorten the list for the shop for a possible new green sheet." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Exceptional answer, and it's perfect how you so willingly added in an example. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i try t think of innovations all the time. i am a practitioner of the continuous improvement method. i persuaded my supervisor of implementing a new layout which reduced time picking from 10 mins to 2 mins." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: This is a fantastic response. Your self-improvement work ethic shines, and you provided a concrete methodology and outcome that worked for you. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "I try to think of innovations all the time. I am a practitioner of the Continuous Improvement Method. I convinced my supervisor to implement a new process that reduced pick-up times from 10 minutes to 2 minutes."23. How would you communicate with someone who has a different cultural background? Show that you are a team player by demonstrating how you have gone above and beyond to support other team members who are different from you. Being perceptive and sensitive to others is critical! Explain that you are accustomed to working in diverse environments and that you can quickly adapt to any different situation in which you are placed. Here is an answer example: "I have worked with people from all backgrounds and personalities. Whenever I join a new team, I make a point to get to know each person and find ways we can connect. I made a point to help one our new hires feel welcomed by taking them to lunch and letting them know that I am available if they have any questions. I wanted to help make the transition of moving from Saudi Arabia and working at a new place as smooth as possible." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would communicate with them the same way i communicate with anyone. we are all human beings we all deserve respect and empathy. i have no right to tell someone how to live their life. within our new company, we are a very global based corporation. we have people from all over the world. my trainer for primavera is actually from saudi arabia and he and i go out to lunch whenever i go out to his office because we do not believe that there is anything different between us." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Excellent, and well supported answer. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i respect people coming from different cultures. i do this by listening carefully and speaking clearly to avoid any miscommunication." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Mary H. said: I altered some of the wording in your response. I don’t want to imply that you speak clearly and the other person does not (which is not your intent). In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Mary H.: "I respect people of all cultures and backgrounds. When communicating with someone of a different cultural background, I listen carefully and intently. In return, I try to clearly convey my response to ensure I am adequately handling their needs."24. When you’re leading or participating on a team, what steps do you take to get team members to contribute ideas? Share how you participate in group discussions and meetings. Boeing is looking for individuals who are innovative co-creators in change. Give an example that demonstrates how you interact with your team and help others feel supported in sharing their opinions. Here is an answer example: "I love learning from other team members. It doesn't matter to me whether you are in an entry-level position or you've been working in your role for years, every voice matters. I listen to everyone's opinions and help others to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts in group discussions or when I'm working on a team to solve a problem." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i believe that more heads are better than one. but i believe that if not allowed in team situations, we can become fixated on one or two ideas when there are way more minds than just those two. i feel that giving every person a chance to speak and never criticizing but embracing their concepts or ideas allows for a better team atmosphere and a cohesive group that is willing to work harder and stronger than a fixated group listening to only a handful of people." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Giving every person a chance to speak, and never criticizing are both stellar ways to encourage team contribution. Fantastic job :) Here is an anonymous answer example: "i stop the meeting in a friendly way and ask the person for their input. i also see the person after the meeting to discuss their contribution to determine what issues if any they have about talking in public." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Lauren McCabe said: Great start! Consider reformatting for clarification. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Lauren McCabe: "When I am in a team meeting, I will be friendly and encouraging when asking team members for input and ideas. I also make sure to follow up with employees individually to discuss contributions for those who may be less comfortable sharing their ideas publicly."25. Tell me about a time when you had to work with another team to accomplish a goal. Boeing is a multi-national corporation with over 100,000 employees. When you work for a company that large, there is no doubt that you will find yourself working with members of different departments. They call this working cross-functionally. A cross-functional team is a group of people consisting of members with different skills and functions all working together to achieve the same purpose. Find an example from work, school or your volunteer experience. You might have had the opportunity to work with individuals representing different organizations to plan an event or serve in the community. Explain the situation and share how you contributed to the project. Walk the interviewer through the steps you and the rest of the team took to accomplish the goal. Here is an answer example: "I have spent many years working in a cross-functional setting, mainly with the HR department and the Payroll department. Clear communication is key when collaborating cross-functionally. Clarity in expectations is of huge importance." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i have worked with many different teams throughout my time in my current role. i work closely with the hr department and payroll department to make sure employees are being entered correctly and promptly for federal regulations. it is very important to have a clear understanding between the two teams, i believe. i also work closely with pms and the health and safety department to make sure all employees are up to date on training and certifications so they can work in the field for the pms." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Your answer is very detailed and will be super helpful to the interviewer. Nice work! Here is an anonymous answer example: "i was in charge of the production and logistics unit. the projects team needed my departments' services to get work to their client. i worked with the project manager and his deputy to ensure that the orders were dispatched on time." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Mary H. said: Great job on providing a specific scenario. Make sure to include specific actions, and the result or outcome. See below. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Mary H.: "When I was working at _____ and in charge of the production and logistics unit, I was asked to partner with the Projects department in order to fulfill a client request. I communicated closely with the Project Manager, as well as his deputy, and ensured that all orders were dispatched on time. The request was met timely and the client was satisfied."