General Motors HireVue Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our General Motors 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.
Behavioral
1. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
What You Need to Know
This question assesses your work ethic and career goals while providing insights into your personality. The assessment vendor and recruiter will also gauge your level of honesty with how you present your answers. Exaggerating or telling the interviewers what you think they want to hear will come across as disingenuous and, more often than not, can be spotted from a mile away.
Some non-verbal cues the assessment vendor will use to evaluate your honesty are gaze avoidance, the direction of your eyes, fidgeting, restless foot, and leg movements, frequent body posture changes, grooming behaviors such as playing with hair or pressing your fingers to lips, stroking your chin, covering your mouth or your eyes, and excessive fidgeting. Verbal cues they'll analyze to identify if you're exaggerating or not being completely honest include repeating a question before answering, speaking in sentence fragments, displaying a change in speech pattern, irregular speech, and rising and falling tone.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Remember, when your words don't match your gestures, it's your gestures that will be seen as the truth. So maintain eye contact and confident body language, be comfortable, and speak from the heart. Steady on. Effectively communicating how you weigh success in your interview could lead to being placed in a position more suited to your personality and skills. Break down what success means to you across all fronts; short-term goals, long-term goals, and the big picture.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"Our company had an 'opportunity buy' for a great product. This was a one-time featured product. We aimed to push this item and boost our sales company-wide. The product was underperforming. I stepped in and identified a missed opportunity in the display and branding of this item. By reinventing the display and branding of our signage, our location sold out. Soon we requested more of the product from our other locations. At first, they were happy to unload it until they studied what we were doing and borrowed our methods. Within a week, the item was out of stock, and I gained the attention of our regional manager, who expressed gratitude for my hard work."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Behavioral
2. Tell us something about you that isn’t on your resume or cover letter.
What You Need to Know
This is more than a "getting to know you chat." This is an assessment to see how well-suited you are for this role. The interviewer asks this question to gain a more casual insight into your personality, interests, and motivators while looking for any conflicts your hobbies would present with your commitment to the role, work hours, or expectations. It also evaluates, in part, how balanced your time is with your work life. To prevent burnout, employees need to have stress-relievers outside of work to keep their stress levels down and productivity up while at work.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Share hobbies and interests that advertise additional unique skills that could prove of value. Remember, after the assessment vendor screens your interview performance, it will be viewed by a recruiter. So find relatable points of common interest. The less guarded you are about your personal life, the more it shows you'll be able to foster interpersonal work relationships.
Even though you are talking to the algorithm, you want to imagine you are speaking to a real person. Practice in front of a mirror, trying not to come across as too rehearsed, since you don't want to sound wooden or dull. Try to come across as natural. Make eye contact, exude confidence, and communicate clearly. If you can align your interests with the elements of what this opportunity offers, all the better.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've built a few cars in my garage. The last one I built a few years ago was a T-Model Ford that I tricked out and installed a hybrid engine in. It's a great car and a fun project. It took me about six months to complete."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Behavioral
3. Tell us the first thing your previous employer would say about you.
What You Need to Know
This question tests how well you deal with stressful situations in real time. This question has a habit of making people nervous or out of control of their situation as if they are being placed under scrutiny or judgment or may be caught in a lie. When this question makes a candidate nervous, it raises concerns surrounding your honesty as a candidate. If the interviewee comes across as confident and provides a notable answer consistent with the rest of the interview, the interviewer may be more trusting of the candidate's claims.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
There is no need to feel nervous about this question. Answer confidently and stay on course with what you have to offer should you be chosen to move forward to the next stage of the interview. Be mindful of the nonverbal cues of nervous or stressful behavior, such as fidgeting, which could include any small movements of your hands or feet, swaying, shifting your weight, rocking or tilting back in your chair, leaning to one side or the other, straightening and freezing your posture, cradling your neck with one or both hands, crossing your arms, cracking your knuckles or biting your nails.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"They'd say I am a natural-born leader. I take every new addition to our teams under my wing to help them get up to speed. I'd mentor and develop anyone who shows a drive to advance within the company. He'd say I am a successful gardener."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Behavioral
4. Tell me a little about yourself.
What You Need to Know
One of the biggest challenges the assessment vendor and recruiters face in an interview is getting to know the real you. This question is an icebreaker intended to get you out of interview mode, to get you to lower your defenses and open up. They'll better be able to identify the tells you might reveal in your answer throughout the rest of the interview through your tone, choice of words, and body language.
The other aspect of this question is more sincere. It aims to assess how well your personality will fit in with their culture. Your resume and cover letter got you this far. Now the assessment vendor and recruiters want to know more about you. Your answer will clue them into your passions, hobbies, and job-centric interests.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Hirevue uses proprietary machine learning algorithms that analyze data points found in the video interview, which allow the company's hiring authority to study those non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, eye movements, body movements, clothing details, and voice nuances. Keep it natural. Show your personality. Wear professional clothing appropriate to the role. Maintain eye contact with the camera as if you're speaking face-to-face with a person (while avoiding looking at yourself on the screen). Make sure to speak clearly and avoid speech crutches and long pauses. Try to present yourself as a professional in every way.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I grew up in Pasadena, CA. As soon as I was legally able to, I got a job in retail during my summer vacation. By the time I turned 18, they promoted me to manager. I took a gap year before going to college for business management and administration. I've always had a strong work ethic. I graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA and repeated this success throughout my four years of college."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Behavioral
5. When you experience a great deal of stress, how do you deal with it?
What You Need to Know
This question aims to gauge how well you cope with stress. More often than not, when a person recalls situations from their past, they'll revert to that situation. For example, if a person recalls getting into a volatile conflict, those emotions come to the surface, and the person will narrow their eyes, fold their arms, and furrow their brow. The assessment vendor will evaluate how you cope with stress at work by studying your tone and nonverbal cues as much as your choice of words. Consider this when you aim to convey that you keep calm under pressure.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Share the tips and tricks you employ to manage your stress at work. Make it seem like second nature by maintaining open body language, relaxing the muscles in your face and around your eyes as you smile softly, and maintaining eye contact with the camera lens. Exhibit your leadership skills by detailing how you maintain your calm under pressure. Exemplify emotional maturity by acknowledging that we face stressful situations every day, and highlight your ability to take such situations in stride. A positive attitude can go a long way in demonstrating your ability to lead by example while fostering a positive work environment.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I try to be in the moment at all times and find that emotional balance around the clock. If a person isn't consistently balanced, I don't think they can find a balance under extreme circumstances, either at work or at home. Like that old metaphor, when you are on the rim of the wheel, you'll go up, and then you'll go down, but when you are centered in the hub of the wheel, you are in the immovable spot."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Behavioral
6. What will you miss most about your last job? What will you miss the least?
What You Need to Know
This question assesses your motivations, distractions, and the work environment that suits you best. They'll watch for any personal issues or negative preconceptions that you'll likely bring with you. They'll also compare what they have to offer regarding the positives and determine whether they can meet your expectations.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Keep your answer focused on yourself and what you loved about your last job. When discussing what you liked least, be honest, but stay focused on the positives. Remain objective and confident, keeping your face and posture relaxed and your body language open and at ease.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"The break room was my least favorite aspect of my last job. No one ever cleaned out the fridge or the microwave. I tried coming up with solutions, but no one adopted them. That was frustrating because, in every other way, everyone on our teams was all for kaizen. I'm also not a fan of the water cooler. They never cleaned it out, and everyone would congregate there and trap each other in conversation. I get antsy when I'm not feeling productive.
That said, I'd rather focus on the positives. I loved everyone I worked with, and I enjoyed the work itself. I felt grateful that the workplace adopted several of my systems to improve workflow and prevent rework. They recognize you for your contributions. That makes me feel more vested in my work. So, everyone encouraged each other and fostered growth and innovation, except when it came to that horrible break room."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Behavioral
7. Tell us about a time you received negative feedback you feel you didn't deserve.
What You Need to Know
This behavioral question is asked to determine how well you respond to feedback, how proactive your approach to your professional development is, and whether you proactively seek feedback or wait for others to come to you. Your verbal and non-verbal cues will clue the assessment vendor and recruiter into your receptiveness to feedback, defensive or proactive, and what you learned from that feedback if anything.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
While preparing for your recorded on-camera interview, keep in mind that your surroundings are also a reflection of you as a professional. You'll want your focus to be on you and not on your background. Make sure your space is organized, free of distractions, and work-appropriate.
Respond thoughtfully to this question and with a respectful tone. Be humble in your answer and avoid defensive posturing, such as furrowing your brow or folding your arms. The key is to present yourself as calm and professional. Persuade the interviewers that you always strive to improve your performance and learn and grow. When sharing your example, objectify the situation and not the individual who offered the feedback.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I experienced this in my first year of college. I felt I wasn't fairly graded for my efforts on an assignment. I advocated for myself, communicating as effectively as I could. My professor was at first stand-offish and told me to deal with it and do better next time. But I explained that I didn't understand why they graded me so egregiously on my grammar for a science-based project. After successfully communicating this point, they finally softened and explained that in the scientific community, communication, especially the written word, holds as much value as the work itself. I get that now."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Behavioral
8. What is your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendors and recruiters use this question to evaluate your comfort level, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and assess your honesty. Your consistency in your tone and body language when discussing your strengths and weaknesses could reveal your level of honesty and confidence. It could also reveal your self-awareness and ability to identify your weaknesses and growth opportunities. This will speak to your skill development and experience.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Think about self-assessments you may have done and see if any of those growth opportunities can be applied to your answer. When discussing your weakness, your goal is to turn that weakness into a strength. Remain conscious of your body language throughout the interview process. Try to use the same tone when discussing both your strengths and weaknesses, remaining consistent and no more or less enthusiastic when sharing either. Remain professional and strategic in your answers.
Before the interview, go into a private space with a mirror, look yourself in the eye, and give yourself a pep talk. Pump yourself up with physical exercise to manifest confidence. Raise your arms, stretch your back and make yourself as big as possible. Research the body language of a confident and relaxed person in a seated position. Practice your answers in front of the mirror and record your voice. Keep an ear out for any stutters, awkward pauses, or speech crutches, such as 'like,' 'you know,' 'uh,' 'um,' etc. Smile and pretend you are talking to a person.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say my greatest strength is also my greatest weakness. I push myself to the limit and am my own worst critic because of it. I rarely need to be disciplined because I am harder on myself than anyone else could be. Even though I am a perfectionist and put my all in, sometimes I can push myself too hard. As Nietzsche said, be careful in casting out your demons, for you may be casting out that which is greatest within you."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Career
9. Why do you want to work for General Motors?
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendors are testing your comfort level in how you answer this question. The aim is to determine whether you've performed your homework on the company and decided it's a good match for what you are looking for in an ideal work environment or if you are trying to land any job somewhere. The recruiter is primarily interested in finding candidates who would complement their brand, team, environment, values, and mission. They're testing to see if your personality fits the role.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
If you make it through the screening, it's the recruiters' goal to evaluate, side by side, which candidates most align with GM, their team, their environment, and their mission and values. Be enthusiastic and ensure your tone and body language communicate honesty and sincerity. Save them the trouble and do your homework. Make sure you research General Motors to align your goals with theirs. Find genuine reasons you want to work with them beyond preferred pay, hours, or location. Aim for like-minded values and mutual goals and growth. The interviewer is curious how above and beyond you've gone in researching the position and how well you've paid attention. They want to know if you know what sets you apart from the other candidates competing for this opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel as if the heartbeat of the American Industry is the automotive industry. General Motors is the heart of that industry. It's a great American company that I want to be a part of."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Career
10. What are your long-term career plans?
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will evaluate how comfortably and capably you can align your long-term career goals with what this position has to offer. They'll be assessing how sincere your interest is in expanding your career with them as opposed to hunting for a job anywhere, having no genuine interest in mutual growth. Every employer aspires to invest their resources in those interested in mutual growth towards like-minded opportunities. Interviewing, hiring, and onboarding is an expensive and time-consuming process striving toward that aim. One way to gauge your interest is to determine the measure of your career goals and how they align with what the company offers. How you answer this question could inform them of your ambition and where you aim to take your career.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Any career-minded individual will take charge of their development. One tool utilized towards this aim is the five-year career plan. Writing out your core values and mission statement and having a clear understanding of how the position you are contending for aligns with that plan will present you as a like-minded professional and a potential match for a mutually beneficial employer/employee relationship.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I just revisited my five-year career plan, which I do once every year or two, depending on where I am in my goals. For the next two years, I've set some pretty aggressive challenges for myself. I think of it as the cartography of my future. The nearest destination on my map is picking up new skills and experiences with a company whose goals and values align with my own. Once I've completed my training in that position, I hope to be growing within that organization, being mentored and accelerated toward our mutual goals."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Career
11. Tell us about your ideal work environment or company culture.
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will gauge your comfort level by asking you to describe what you are looking for and what you've learned about this position at GM. GM states on their website, "Our growth strategy is the compass for where we are going. It's a context for the choices we make and don't make in pursuit of our vision."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Perform thorough research on GM, reading through every page on their website. Take notes on their taglines, mission statements, values, keywords, and key phrases. Try to incorporate their language as naturally as possible into your answers. Practice enough times in the mirror to where you feel you can answer such questions as naturally as possible. The aim is to not look at yourself on the screen to study how well you are performing. You want to come across as genuine and natural as possible while maintaining eye contact with the camera.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I want to work for a company where transparency is held in high regard, and the big picture is shared with one and all, where everyone is recognized and praised for their accomplishments and treated with equitable respect. Where teamwork is enhanced and camaraderie is strong. Where everyone's strengths are promoted and weaknesses never exploited."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Career
12. What circumstances led you to apply for this position?
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will evaluate your response for signs of how comfortable you feel about answering this question. Many candidates who were fired, quit, or laid off will try to re-contextualize the conditions of their severance from the previous employer. So the algorithm will evaluate your performance for your honesty. They are also curious about the terms your employment was severed, amicably or acrimoniously.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Focus on the positives. Don't reveal anything that would paint you in a negative light. If there were reasons which might sound defamatory towards yourself or others, try to keep those details to yourself. Focus your answer on what you gained in your professional development from your previous employers, where you'd like to develop your skills next, and the manners in which you feel this position at GM can accommodate your career goals.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm a bridge-builder, not a bridge burner. My last job was great while it lasted. I developed my five-year career plan when I was accepted into college and have updated it every year since. My previous employer helped me incredibly since I started with them, but the growth opportunities present a few years ago are no longer a viable option for me. So, it is with mutual respect and gratitude that I left them. I gave them almost two months' notice and helped to train my successor. I strongly believe that work relationships should last."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Career
13. What makes General Motors a good fit for you at this point in your career?
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will look for signs of honesty and confidence in your skills. They'll be looking for verbal and non-verbal cues to determine if you can identify what makes you unique and sets you apart from the other candidates and if you can self-identify what makes you uniquely qualified for this position. They are asking you to give them a reason they should hire you while studying your behavior to ascertain if you believe in what you are saying.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Your hard skills are those which end up on your resume. Your soft skills, such as communication and interpersonal skills, usually don't translate well into paper. While studying your behavior, the assessment vendor will look for confidence, honesty, strong communication skills, and strong attention to detail. The traits the recruiter will review later on will also include being self-motivated, adaptable and flexible, reliable, strong work ethic, and being a team player with a positive attitude.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel my skills have gotten to the level where they would complement the position available at GM. Since my skills, values, and priorities are so well aligned, I believe this would be a great place to continue to develop myself professionally. I'm a positive person. I pride myself on my attitude and outlook on life. I've achieved this confidence in myself by being honest with myself at all times. If you want to be an honest person, you have to start by being honest with yourself. This requires enhanced communication skills, which can be applied to yourself just as much as others. I chalk up my high level of emotional maturity to that. I'm always on the lookout for the truth, and that mindset has gifted me with a high level of attention to detail that I apply to everything. This goes hand in hand with my strong work ethic. Integrity is my number one core value. I'm a self-starter and a team player around the clock. But all of this boils down to my happy-go-lucky attitude."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Communication
14. Tell us about a time you had to explain something complex to someone.
What You Need to Know
The interviewers are gauging how comfortably you communicate with others. Your answer will help them assess how developed your communication skills are. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you'll come across. They're also trying to ascertain what talents or perspectives you have, if any, on the example you provide. It should seem like second nature in how you communicate it.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Everyone has their own style of communication; feel free to share yours. However, emphasize your communication skill level rather than your style. Key points to touch on are your non-defensive communication skills, being an active listener, and your ability to mirror, validate and empathize. Extra points if you can adapt your communication style to others, especially where others are less skilled and less adaptable.
Remember, the AI of the assessment vendor will be screening you for how well you communicate. Pay close attention to your choice of words and what they might indicate. Enunciate and try not to stutter or take long pauses. Record your voice while answering some of these questions. Take note of your use of any speech crutch words such as "like," "um," "you know," "so on and so forth," "and," "well," "but," "so," "ah," "er," and "Etcetera." Practice answering these questions without relying on those words. That will present you as a clearer communicator and more of a professional.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd detected a discrepancy. The trail I had to follow, which led me to its source, was quite complicated. When I tried to explain what I was doing to a coworker, it led to further confusion. So I created a report with diagrams, writing it out in a cohesive manner that effectively answered all their questions in order. I don't always resort to written communication, but in this instance, I decided it was prudent."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Communication
15. Tell us about a time you were involved in a work dispute.
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor's algorithm will study you for any defensive cues while you recall your experience with a conflict at work. You may think coming across as a strong figure could be beneficial, but true strength comes from within. Therefore, you want to come across as confident and relaxed. Avoid any defensive behavior, posturing, movements, or gestures that could be interpreted as insecure, closed-off, unapproachable, hostile, or disinterested.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
You'll want to come across as emotionally mature and not regressing into the emotion of that conflict when reflecting upon it. Practice in front of a mirror and record your voice. Make eye contact and smile, posturing yourself in a relaxed and comfortable position. Objectify the situation, exhibiting an emotionally mature perspective, and how you navigated this terrain, ultimately leading to a successful resolution. Focus on the positives and how the overall outcome benefitted the team.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"A member of our team was going through some personal issues. Their behavior was erratic at times. I had a couple of talks with them, hoping to mentor them or lend an ear. My approach ultimately failed, as they weren't interested in help. I gave them time to collect themselves and later addressed the situation by explaining that their performance was under evaluation and the department's perception of them had changed. I also 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 we got along as if nothing had happened between us. Sure, I was trying to help, but in the end, there's only so much one can do."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Competancy
16. Tell us what it's like working at your previous employer.
What You Need to Know
This question to aims to assess your emotions and perspectives of your current or previous employer. Often when a person is moving onto another role, they've already checked out of their current role. This question studies your tone and non-verbal cues to see if you are disinterested or biding your time until you find another job. Your answer will offer insights into your work ethic and integrity.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Imagine you are responsible for hiring and recruiting your successor before you can effectively leave your current role. You are responsible for selling them on this opportunity and setting them up for success. Speak highly of your current or previous employer. After all, you accepted the position and carried it as long as you have. Focus on the positives and what you enjoyed about your last job. Align your experience with the requirements of the position you are applying for. Be at ease, talking as comfortably and as articulately as possible.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I had many great experiences at my last job. I learned a lot and am grateful to them for advancing my career closer to my goals. Most of all, I will miss working with that great team. But all things must pass, and I am looking forward to forging lasting relationships wherever my career leads me next. It's a work environment that promotes harmony over hardship, promotes the strengths of the team ahead of exploiting their weaknesses, and a work environment where encouragement, mentorship, and true camaraderie thrived, a place where integrity is the common integrator for success and innovation."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Competancy
17. What is the name of GM's CEO?
What You Need to Know
This is another question that tests your company knowledge and comfort level in sharing that knowledge. The algorithm will evaluate how naturally you speak and whether you stutter, pause, look up while trying to recall information, or glance down at your phone to look up the information.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Approach the Hirevue interview as you'd study for a test. Research, study, memorize, and be ready. Test yourself in the mirror, since your performance and eye contact will say as much about you as your answers. Additionally, try to score extra points wherever you can. It helps to have the correct answer, but the lengths you go to will reveal your work ethic. So throw in an extra fact or two to suggest that your 'go-to' work ethic is 'above and beyond,' offering an indication of what they can expect from you.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"Mary T. Barra is the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors since she was elected on Jan. 4, 2016, and has served as CEO of GM since Jan. 15, 2014. Under Barra's leadership, GM envisions a world with zero crashes, to save lives; zero emissions, so future generations can inherit a healthier planet; and zero congestion, so customers get back a precious commodity - time."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Competancy
18. Tell us what it's like to work for General Motors.
What You Need to Know
This question is another where the assessment vendor evaluates your comfort level in discussing the depth of research you've performed on the company and your comfort level in sharing the wealth of your knowledge. They'll also gauge your enthusiasm for working for the company and how invested you seem in this opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Try to come across as relaxed as possible, speaking in a level yet enthusiastic tone. Maintain eye contact, and smile softly. Confidence, poise, and natural is the demeanor you want to strike. Imagine you've worked for the company for years and were just asked this question by a stranger. Answer the question as you would in that situation - relaxed, content, and proud.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"GM is an inclusive company that takes pride in embracing responsibility, accountability, and diversity. GM is a leader for change, world betterment, and a safe and equitable work environment. Employees bring their collective passion and pride for their achievements and harness the creativity of our diverse team. Their leaders are understanding and empowered, granting flexibility in how their employees accomplish their work, which they consider essential to their collective success. They continue to educate, support and offer professional development guidance while encouraging employees to drive their personal growth and leveraging their resources to achieve their career aspirations. They provide a competitive benefits package that includes generous holiday, vacation and parental leave time, comprehensive medical and retirement plans (with company match), vehicle discounts, and much more."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Customer Service
19. Tell us what customer service means to you.
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will look for clues as to your comfort level when talking about your experience in customer service. Working with the public has its challenges, and not everyone is cut out for it. The algorithm will watch for those clues and determine whether working with the public makes you uncomfortable or not.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
As they say on GM's website, "Our goal is to deliver world-class customer experiences at every touchpoint and do so on a foundation of trust and transparency, putting the customer at the center of every decision." Incorporate their approach and philosophy into your answer. A brand's workforce is the representatives of that brand. Incorporate their keywords and phrases into your response. Describe how you would represent their brand and maintain your customer's brand loyalty if you worked for GM.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm a cheerful person and want to be happy at work. I think everyone wants to be happy at their job. A happy team is more likely to deliver a welcoming experience. A happy workplace and appealing culture will translate to a great customer experience. That comes through in our conduct. Everybody wants to feel respected, appreciated, validated, listened to, and heard. Our customer's brand loyalty is worth our appreciation. If I value and respect our customers, I will take time to make them feel it."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Experience
20. Which of GMs brands do you like most?
What You Need to Know
A company often expects its employees to embrace and embody its brand. This question has a dual purpose. One is to determine your brand loyalty. You can only effectively represent that brand to their loyal base if you embrace their brand. The other purpose of this question is a personality assessment, in trying to unravel what product of theirs you cannot live without and what that says about your personality. The assessment vendor will study your vocal inflections and nonverbal cues for your sincerity behind your statement.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
If you have experience with one of their brands, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Onstar, ACDelco, GMC Financial, Periscope, Ultrium, and Vehicle Intelligence Platform, then volunteer the positives of your experience. If you don't have experience with any of their brands, research everything there is to know about them and detail what you identify with the most and why. Be knowledgeable and confident in your approach to answering this question.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm a Cadillac person, all the way - style, performance, comfort, luxury. I love my car, and I've loved every Caddie I've ever owned. My first Caddie was a 1976 Cadillac that I inherited from my parents. I wish I still had that beautiful vehicle."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Experience
21. The previous person who held this position was greatly admired. How will you fill those shoes?
What You Need to Know
This question aims to assess your approach when coming into a new work environment and how you'll build relationships with the pre-existing members of their team. There are many behavior types, and how you answer this behavioral question should reveal how well you earn the trust of your new coworkers and adapt to their environment.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Familiarize yourself with the 30/60/90 rule: The first month of a new hire's 90-day probation period should focus on familiarizing themselves with the team, company, products/services, clients, etc. Month two should be spent studying current processes and procedures and identifying strengths and weaknesses. In the last month, that hire should be well-grounded in their role and capable of identifying growth opportunities. Past the 90-day mark is considered an acceptable time to implement innovation.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd remain humble and do what I could to build relationships, looking at everyone as a resource for knowledge while I learn the ropes. I'd work hard, side by side with everyone while keeping my head down. I'd learn everything I could, working smarter as I went on, learning all the tricks of the trade from my fellow team members along the way. Once I earned their respect and learned the protocols, systems, and rules, I'd develop systems of my own, seeking to improve on what is in place and contribute in any way I could. Kaizen is the ultimate end goal."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Experience
22. How do your experience and background make you a strong candidate for GM?
What You Need to Know
GM wants to know how your relevant work experience translates to the position you are competing for. They're also curious about how you measure your career development and skill level against what they're looking for and why you think you are ready for this role. By examining your career progression, you should be able to effectively rate your productivity, work style, and approach against the expectations of this role. Don't wing it. You want to sound confident. This is a sales pitch, and you need to be in top form. You already know why this position would benefit you, but you have to convince the assessment vendor's algorithm first.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk about the tools and resources you use to stay organized on the job. Exhibit strong time management skills and elaborate on your standards and how you prioritize your work. Multitasking is challenging for most people. How you track your progress and pick up where you left off on a task is worth mentioning.
Think of the assessment vendor's algorithm as a composure test. Practice practice practice. This will boost your composure and confidence in the long run. Fake it till you make it.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have been obsessive about monitoring my development. I perform self-assessments weekly and revise my five-year career plans monthly. I have a day planner, Beat Yesterday Book, where I record my jumps forward and my setbacks, which helps me identify trends and helps me plan accordingly for my continued success. Looking at where I am now, with all of my soft and hard skill sets, it was a pretty easy evaluation to check off every job requirement this position calls for. I have developed some skills more than others, and it is clear where I'd like to continue to grow. I was attracted to GM because this company can help me foster that continued growth."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Experience
23. Tell us about the last time you were creative at work.
What You Need to Know
They're using this question to measure how adaptable your preferred working style is and whether you're resourceful and exhibit 'outside-of-the-box' thinking. Your answer will speak to your leadership potential and how well you manage stress and overcome task paralysis when unexpected circumstances disrupt regular workflow.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Exhibit feeling at ease and being adept at managing your emotions when things don't go according to plan. Reveal your confidence and self-control. Determination equates to motivation here. Frame yourself as resourceful, with a propensity to think fast on your feet. Demonstrate that you aren't easily discouraged. Show that you are invested in the team's success and that this is a matter of integrity. Use the STAR method in your response. Describe the Situation, the Task at hand, the Action you took, and the Results of your actions.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I had a family emergency arise during a project I'd taken on managing a team. The emergency required me to leave town. I had to inform my management, and that was hard to do. I don't like disappointing my superiors. But I did everything I could to manage things proactively. I composed a thorough manual for my team so they could continue without me. I also trained another to perform in my stead. The project was a success, but I still had trouble letting go and hated the idea of disappointing the team."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Experience
24. What makes you more qualified than the other candidates are interviewing?
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will evaluate your confidence that you are the right fit for this opportunity for the right reasons. This question will help them determine if you are shooting for the stars or a more realistic target. Discuss what you have to offer and why you believe.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Consider how you stood apart from your previous coworkers, where your skills were more developed, what you were valued for and how you shined. If you're applying for this position because you feel confident in your abilities, explain why. Show that you 'get it.' Describe how your core values and principles align with theirs. The easier it is for them to get you trained and up to speed and assimilated into their teams, the more attractive a candidate you'll be. Show them that you are already one of them.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I can't speak for the other candidates. I can only speak for myself. I've mentioned I'm a positive person. I pride myself on my attitude and outlook on life. I've achieved this level of confidence by being honest with myself. If you want to be an honest person, you have to start with being honest with yourself at all times. I don't know many people who can do that. It requires enhanced communication skills, which can be applied to yourself just as much as it is applied to others. I chalk my high level of emotional maturity to that. I'm always on the lookout for the truth, and that mindset has gifted me with a high level of attention to detail that I apply to everything. This goes hand in hand with my strong work ethic. Integrity is my number one core value. So, I'm a self-starter and a team player around the clock. But all of this stuff all boils down to my happy-go-lucky attitude"
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Experience
25. What are your salary expectations for this role?
What You Need to Know
This question can come up anywhere in the interview but more commonly comes towards the end. This question gauges your expectations and self-awareness of your professional worth. This is where you'll show your hand and how you not only value yourself but how realistic your expectations are. Your expectations may be unrealistic, or perhaps they sell you short. Either can be revealing.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Discuss the benefits and current pay rate you receive from your current employer. Share any bonuses or incentives, your commute, retirement packages, stock options, PTO, etcetera.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've already thought about this. I understand the median pay rate for this position comes in at 'XYZ.' My last position paid me 'ABC.' I am well aware of my experience and what I'd bring to the table. I have a couple of questions before I answer. Would you mind revealing what benefits, incentives, bonuses, or other perks come with this position? I feel I should fairly weigh those considerations before giving you a thoughtful answer to your question."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Honesty
26. Tell us about a time you disappointed the others on your team.
What You Need to Know
This question tests your ability to take responsibility for your actions, whether you can step outside of your comfort zone and publicly own your mistakes, and even more so, what you learn from such growth opportunities. It evaluates how you handle disappointment, your attitude towards life, and what you learn from such experiences.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Describe your mistake, how you dealt with it, and what you learned from it. Explain the situation, what you would've done differently, and how you avoided repeating it. Demonstrate your emotional intelligence by discussing how you learn from and let go of your failures. Additionally, you want to exhibit that you have a clear view of the big picture and that informing the rest of the team of your mistakes is nothing more than damage control. It's common to have an emotional response to failure. Resist that impulse if you feel it. The only emotional tell you to want to reveal is the confidence you have that this event will not repeat itself because of what you've learned from it.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was on vacation when a group project was announced. One group member claimed responsibility get me up to speed when I returned to work the next day. I took notes as they relayed the details of what we needed to accomplish, deadlines and all. I handed them my notes for them to review to make sure everything looked good. They gave me the thumbs up. However, I failed to run my notes by my supervisor and make sure I didn't miss anything. My supervisor even came by and asked if I was up to speed, which I said I was, and they said if I had questions to let them know. The next week, they announced in a group meeting that the deadline was coming up at the end of the week and wanted to check in on the progress of each individual on the team. What I missed was that the rest of the team was going to base their projects on my findings. It was at this point I discovered I had one less week than I thought before my deadline. My work was due at this meeting. The extra week was for everyone else to turn in their work. So I wasn't ready and had to inform everyone else, and they all had to jump on board and tackle extra work to help me get it all done on time. I blame myself for not clarifying those details. We met our deadline, but everyone had to put in overtime a couple of days in a row, and our supervisor had to stay late waiting for us to turn in our work so we could meet the deadline the following morning. It wasn't ideal. Knowing what I know now, I would've handled things differently. I haven't made a mistake like it since."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Honesty
27. Can you be trusted with confidential communications?
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will be studying your performance for any signs of discomfort or dishonesty. The recruiter is looking for candidates who exhibit integrity with this question.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
This question assesses your integrity. Answer the question as honestly as you can. Remember to practice. The assessment vendor will screen you on your non-verbal cues, facial expressions, eye movements, body movements, tells and posture, and the nuances of tone and choice of words.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"Integrity is my number one core value. I am there to perform at my best and support the interests of the rest of my team and team leaders. I consider myself the most loyal and ethical person I know, and I assure you I can be trusted with any information or task. My references will attest to that."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Honesty
28. How well do you perform repetitive and monotonous tasks?
What You Need to Know
This question aims to determine your preferred work and sustainability as an employee. They're assessing if you are flexible in your work and whether you prefer more solitary, introverted work or more socially interactive and cooperative tasks. Your answer will help them determine how quickly you'll burn out from the more monotonous aspects of the job or if you'll thrive in a regimented environment. Being skilled at something doesn't mean you're guaranteed to do a good job, especially if it is work you dread.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
The goal is to communicate your understanding of the expectations of this position. Try to come across as impartial concerning questions on preferred tasks. Elaborate on how your experience correlates with your emotional intelligence when approaching your work. Explain that, regardless of the task, you meet all expectations of the job, and draw correlations between your work experience, your work ethic, and how you are ready to meet all the expectations of the position you're contending for.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I thrive in situations where I am supporting my career goals and objectives as well as that of the team. I'll do whatever it takes. That's why they call it to work. Work isn't always a breeze. Some days it's harder than others. So I'll employ every method and approach, regardless of the task."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Teamwork
29. Tell us about a time you worked with someone who wasn't contributing to the team.
What You Need to Know
They want to know if you are supportive of the rest of the team or would prefer to take the path of least resistance and turn a blind eye. Not only can an employee's poor performance negatively impact the rest of the department, but how you handle such challenges can make matters worse. Any insights they glean from your approach to teamwork and supporting a healthy work environment will help them determine your impact on a team.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Craft your example around the company's core values, treating others with respect and exhibiting integrity. This requires empathy, transparency, discretion, and respecting the chain of command. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when framing your example.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I worked with someone who had a substance abuse problem and would frequently disappear from their station. I offered them advice and helped when I could, giving them a heads-up that they needed to straighten up their act soon or they'd potentially lose their job. I also informed my supervisors of the behavior I noticed and that I was trying to help, but I wasn't the only one to notice. They were soon after discharged. They checked into rehab and, a few months later, came back, all cleaned up, and were able to get their old job back. They've been on the straight and narrow ever since."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Teamwork
30. How comfortable are you working with people from different lifestyles and cultures than your own?
What You Need to Know
General Motors states on their site, "We aspire to be the world's most inclusive company and to conduct ourselves with fairness and transparency toward everyone we interact with. Creating an environment where all voices can be heard."
The assessment vendor will evaluate your vocal inflections and nonverbal cues to assess your comfort level regarding being immersed in a culturally diverse environment. They'll look for indicators such as stammering, struggling to find the right words, folding arms, leaning back in the chair, or giving off any other defensive posture. A person who has experience working with people from all walks of life, and has no difficulty being immersed in a culturally rich environment, will have no trouble navigating this question.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Familiarize yourself with GM's taglines and phrases surrounding 'inclusiveness' and 'diversity,' and try to weave those key terms into your answer organically. Speak sincerely about your open-mindedness and being a universally inclusive person. The subtlety of this question is in "increasing your awareness." Keep your body language open, and maintain a relaxed and comfortable demeanor and friendly eye contact with the camera.
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I worked with someone from a different cultural background than my own. I knew little about their culture and society and was amazed by what they endured. I had a vague idea, but not to the extent they shared. Afterward, I saw that person as a hero. The hurdles they had to overcome and the sheer determination to beat the odds stacked against them. Despite what they endured, they consider themselves the luckiest person alive. That's an achievement. That's greatness, and it humbles you."
Written by Kevin Downey on August 24th, 2022