How to Answer: Safety is our top priority in the workplace at Boeing. How have you prioritized working under strict safety protocols during your career?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Boeing job interview.
34. Safety is our top priority in the workplace at Boeing. How have you prioritized working under strict safety protocols during your career?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Boeing remains more committed than ever to strengthening its culture of safety through continuous improvement, learning, and innovation. No matter what department you would be joining at Boeing, their teams take a proactive and collaborative approach to promote safety within the workplace and your interview wants to ensure that they'd be hiring a safety-conscious colleague in you with this question. While your interviewer isn't looking for you to know all of the safety protocols at Boeing, they will be looking to hear that you are familiar with working under specific safety procedures and that safety is always a top priority for you.
Written by Karrie Day on June 3rd, 2023
How to Answer
As you answer this question, be sure to be very specific when you talk about safety procedures you have followed in previous jobs, and also explain why following those procedures was important. You might consider walking your interviewer through a specific scenario in which your attention to safety protocols added value.
For candidates that have not yet worked in a role in which safety protocols were a driving factor, be sure to communicate clearly that you understand the importance of safety and your willingness to learn all of the necessary protocols. Let them know you plan to be diligent in following all procedures required for safety despite your relative inexperience in this area.
Written by Karrie Day on June 3rd, 2023
Entry Level Example
"This role would be my first professional experience where safety protocols are a concern. I would ensure that I review the protocols upon arrival and discuss anything I am unclear about with a supervisor. I take my personal safety and the safety of others very seriously, and I would remain committed to diligently following the safety rules every day I work at Boeing."
Written by Karrie Day on November 14th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my current position, safety is always a top priority in my work. Working both in an office setting and a production floor, I know the safety protocols of both settings and follow them diligently. In this role with Boeing, I would be very cognizant of all policies on proper safety gear and the proper use of tools and equipment necessary for the job."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 13th, 2021
Experienced Example
"As a quality control expert, I think about safety in the workplace in two main ways. First, I make it a priority to review the policies for every location I work at. The company I work for currently has three main plants and the protocols are slightly different at each location. I ask the senior leaders there for any changes to the policies in the event it has been a while since I have worked at a particular plant.
Once I feel comfortable with the protocols for the safety of myself, my coworkers, and any contractors or clients that may be on-site, I focus on safety protocols from a quality control perspective. My role requires that I stay up-to-date on all regulations and that I thoroughly test all of the equipment I am scheduled to review. I also have several team members who report to me, and I make sure to carefully review their work and thoughtfully answer their questions. I realize that a missed step, or sloppy work could have severe consequences, and I am proud of my accident free track record of ensuring the quality of the products I review."
Written by Karrie Day on November 14th, 2022
Business Analyst Example
"I have visited a number of client sites where I was required to review and follow the safety protocols. I have learned to ask for this information in advance of my visit and I ask for clarification on any policies that I am unsure about prior to my arrival. I know that my customer's work is dangerous in many cases, and I am grateful that there are clear and helpful policies in place to keep everyone as safe as possible. I know Boeing has made a strong commitment to safety for their employees and the users of their products, and I will follow all of the protocols applicable to my work if offered the business analyst position."
Written by Karrie Day on November 14th, 2022
Project Manager Example
"It is a top priority to ensure that I work in a safe environment. I travel often and I always make sure I am up to speed on the rules prior to my arrival at any site that I work at. Additionally, I make sure I investigate the protocols for the members of my team or any clients that travel with me. I make it a part of my process to ensure that everyone understands their role and how the rules apply to the work they will be doing. I know that Boeing has very clear policies in place, and I appreciate the continual investment Boeing makes to prioritize the safety of their employees and customers."
Written by Karrie Day on November 14th, 2022
Software Engineer Example
"Strict adherence to workplace safety protocols in a physical environment is a standard part of my job when I work in the field to troubleshoot issues. I have always followed all of the policies as outlined, and I will continue to do so.
As a cybersecurity engineer, there are also strict information safety protocols in place. I have worked on blue team projects in the past, but I am typically a red team engineer. There are limits to the attack methods we are allowed to use and there are clearance guidelines that must be strictly followed. I have a solid record of exposing threats while following protocols, and I look forward to assisting Boeing in protecting the critical solutions developed here from outside attack."
Written by Karrie Day on November 14th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Krista's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Jaymie's Feedback
Providing specific examples of situations where you actively adhered to safety protocols would strengthen your response. For instance, detailing safety measures you took or implemented in your previous role in the oil company. Relate your experience with safety protocols to Boeing's safety priorities. Explain how your past commitment to safety aligns with Boeing's values and emphasize your awareness of the critical nature of safety in the aerospace industry.
About the Author
As a former technologist, I was excited when I learned I would be working on the Boeing Q&A set. I knew going in that Boeing had a strong track record of innovation and excellence when it comes to their use of technology, but I learned so much more when I dug in to research the company. Here are a few things that impressed me personally:
Product Development Process Maturity
I spent time digging through the open roles at Boeing and I noticed roles that indicate that the process of developing products at Boeing is advanced. They know their stuff! For example, they employ multiple levels of scrum masters. This means they assign highly skilled and advanced product development facilitators to teams working on mission-critical projects. Additionally, some of their teams utilize SAFe (scaled agile framework). This means Boeing understands how to bridge multiple teams together in a scaled agile setting for maximum collaboration and success. That's important!
Lean Practices
Boeing leverages lean principles within their manufacturing sectors, software engineering, and operations groups. This means they understand how to maximize value, ensure quality, and reduce waste. Each of these practices is good for the company, good for its clients, and in theory, good for the employees of Boeing.
Well Developed Careers Site
The career coach in me really appreciated Boeing's careers pages. They are very clear about what they are looking for in each of the roles listed. They offer a breakdown of responsibilities and the types of traits/soft skills needed. They use descriptive language such as 'relentless improvements' and 'thinking beyond boundaries'. They also offer salary range, benefits, and relocation assistance information. All of this tells me that Boeing is committed to identifying candidates that are a great fit for their needs and their culture.
Talent Development and Long-Term Career Options
Boeing has a strong internship program. This is a smart move in my opinion. They invest in bringing young talent in, showing them the world of Boeing, and then convincing the best to come back and work full-time. Programs like these help to develop future leaders, and Boeing isn't shy about their preference for promoting from within. They also have a well-developed leadership program, a healthy list of business resource groups, demonstrated commitment to hiring veterans, and several continual learning programs. If the idea of working your way up in a company like Boeing sounds appealing, they may be the perfect fit for you!
In summary, there are always new and exciting opportunities at Boeing that offer a wide range of benefits. No matter what type of role you are interested in, landing a job at Boeing results in an impressive addition to your future resume. I hope this Q&A set has helped you prepare and boost your excitement about your upcoming interview at Boeing. I wish you success, and I encourage you to keep Boeing on your radar in the future!
Learn more about Karrie Day