32 Hitachi Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Hitachi interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. What type of work environment allows you to be the most productive?
What You Need to Know
They are curious which way you will lean towards personal preference in having the easiest time with your professional duties, or your preferences for the most productively conducive work environment. It also aims to determine whether you are more of an extrovert or an introvert. For many, an analytical approach is more of a singular task, whereas interpersonal is more team-oriented and collaborative. They're looking for candidates who can strike a balance between exhibiting analytical skills and having an interpersonal approach.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I understand that your work environment is very collaborative. I come from a similar environment and found that I could be very productive when there was the "
2nd Answer Example
"I work well in a high pressure, demanding environment that requires you to work smart and make your mark."
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Behavioral
2. How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?
What You Need to Know
Your answer serves to show how effective your communication skills are. It also serves to revealhow effective your active listening skills as well as your attention to detail. Therefore, this is an opportunity to circle back to previous questions you could have elaborated on more eloquently. Contemplate what the interviewer has said so far and include this in your response, if appropriate. How you answer this question will offer the interviewer insights into your confidence and your self-perception.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I believe that this interview has been quite informative and I am happy with my performance. Is there anything that I can clarify for you from this conversation?"
2nd Answer Example
If you feel that your performance in the interview is not going well: "I am not sure if I have been able to portray myself 100% accurately in this interview; although, I am trying my best. If there is anything more that I can clarify for you I would be happy to do so."
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Behavioral
3. If you had a co-worker call in sick and you were asked to take over their project requiring overtime from you, how would you react? Where do you draw the line when it comes to being a team player?
What You Need to Know
This questions serves three purposes: It aims to evaluate your communication skills, your team mentatlity, and how effectively you manage your time and your priorities. It could also indicate how emotionally mature and grounded you are, especially when it comes to striking a balance between going to batt for the team and establishing boudaries.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I will always first choose to be a team player. If I had a co-worker call in sick, I would take over what I was capable of. The only time I would draw the line would be if I felt I was being taken advantage of."
2nd Answer Example
"If my coworker was purposefully being inefficient and expecting me to pick up the slack, I would likely not jump in. For the sake of the company, I am always willing to go above and beyond what is expected of me but not to the point where I am being taken advantage of."
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Behavioral
4. What are your salary expectations?
What You Need to Know
This question is more commonly delivered towards the end of an interview. It not only evaluates your expectations, but your self-awareness as well. How you answer stands to reveal your self-awareness of how the interview has gone so far, and how much of a professional you are. It stands to reveal how value yourself and how realistic your expectations are. Transparency is the best path when salary-based questions arise. Yet revealing how you've calibrated your suggested salary could serve as a strong performance indicator. Use your current earnings as a base-line. Contrast your current pay rate with where you stand on your career trajectory. Take into consideration bonuses and incentives. You could even factor in your commute, the job market climate, and any benefits, such as medical/vision/dental. Be open, realistic, honest, and open to negotiation.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000 and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."
2nd Answer Example
"I am currently making $100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides opportunity for growth."
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Behavioral
5. What was the most challenging aspect of your previous job? How did you overcome it?
What You Need to Know
A career minded professional constantly strives to expand the sphere of their comfort zone and overcome obstacles that stand in their way of their professional growth. When detailing challenging aspects of a previous job, make sure to detail why overcoming this challenge was significant towards your goals, and how what you learned will benefit you in your future pursuits.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"The most challenging aspect of my last job was troubleshooting some of the older technology we worked with. We needed some serious upgrades, but they weren't in the budget. Learning how to work around this problem was quite a challenge, but I learned how by referring to old manuals and online forums. I ended up become one of the stronger users of this program, in our entire office! I quickly became the go-to person when anyone had questions on the technology."
2nd Answer Example
"The most challenging aspect of my previous position was to maintain a positive attitude at all times. The workplace culture was not a positive one but I tried to make it so through words of encouragement to my coworkers, trying to facilitate small events for our team to get to know each other a bit better, and also keeping a smile on my face throughout the day."
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Behavioral
6. How do you balance life and work?
What You Need to Know
Even for the most professional employees, maintaining a healthy work/life balance is of import prevent burnout. Discuss with your interviewer what tools or techniques you implement to maintain an appropriate balance for yourself between your professional life and your personal life.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I find that with the right company, it's pretty simple to balance life and work. When I enjoy what I do it doesn't feel like a chore. I am always sure that, when at home, my family gets my attention first. I take time on the weekends to do things for myself and ensure that I regenerate before the work week begins."
2nd Answer Example
"The perfect balance of work and life is difficult to achieve 100% of the time; however, I feel that in order to achieve a satisfactory balance, one must have hobbies outside of the workplace that they find fulfilling. These don't have to take up a lot of time but they should help to energize you. For me, I like to go mountain biking on the weekends."
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Behavioral
7. How do you define success?
What You Need to Know
The interviewer is trying to assess your work ethic, your career goals, and insights into your personality. This will help them determine your motivators, your work ethic standards, and how you'd potentially contribute to the culture of their brand. Meditate on how you'd define success.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I define success by my ability to reach the goals that are set out for me. On a personal level, the things I wish to achieve in my life. On a work level, the targets that are set out for me as well as the professional development that I seek."
2nd Answer Example
"I define success by what we achieve as a team. The project, as a whole, needs to deliver on expectations before I consider the job a success."
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Behavioral
8. On a scale from 1 to 10, how honest are you?
What You Need to Know
Do you feel that you are a very honest person or do you have room for growth? This is a tricky question. No one is ever 100% honest. This question more so probes your integrity and your intentions. The semantics of your answer may reveal more about your intentions so choose your words with care. Back up your reply by touching on your personal ethics.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I would love to give myself a 10/10 for honesty but truthfully - nobody is 100% honest all of the time. I will give myself an 9 because I always do my best to be as honest as possible."
2nd Answer Example
"Nobody is perfect but I would like to say that I am a 10/10 when it comes to honesty and how much I value that attribute in myself, and others."
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Nevertheless, I try to provide a background for which I am seeking information or providing the information. This helps me to build trust among my peers and stakeholders."
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Behavioral
9. What are your strengths?
What You Need to Know
The interviewer wants assurances your strengths will fulfill their needs in a candidate. Offer insight into how your self-perceived strengths help deliver on goals. Strike a balance between confidence and self-awareness. Advertise what makes you uniquely qualified for this position.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I think my strengths are in my perceptiveness and ability to be observant of the needs of others. These strengths are part of what makes me an excellent performer in a client facing role."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe my greatest strengths are in my communication skills- both written and oral. I use these daily in email pitching, phone call pitches or customer follow-ups, and then in person site visits."
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Behavioral
10. Tell me about your greatest work related accomplishment.
What You Need to Know
Your interviewer is interest in learning more about your motivators, work ethic, and what you consider above and beyond. Showcase your merits. Exhibiting pride in your work shows you are invested in your career path.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"The greatest accomplishment in my career was graduating University as an honors student while still working full time in a related field. I was top of my class, and working full time. This showed me that I am able to dedicate myself to my career, and reach the goals that I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and be recognized for my dedication."
2nd Answer Example
"I would have to say my greatest accomplishment was reducing departmental costs by 25% by thoroughly reviewing packing slips and comparing them to invoices and contract terms for accuracy."
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Behavioral
11. Hitachi puts a lot of focus on our local and global impact so we seek to hire those with the same values. What do you know about our company values, and how do they align with your personal values?
What You Need to Know
Research Hitachi so you're fully versed in the company and their philanthropic pursuits. Align your ideals with theirs. Discuss with enthusiasm their global efforts currently underway and any charity efforts they support.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I have always spent time volunteering with local organizations. This includes the animal shelter, the children's hospital, and our local food bank. I believe that no matter how busy we are we always have time to give back. I have researched the efforts that Hitachi puts in when it comes to charity. Your values and interest in your global impact are impressive. It's one of the reasons I am so attracted to your organization."
2nd Answer Example
"I have researched your company's efforts to give back and I really like that you consider your charitable efforts to be another method of determining the success of your organization. It's important to be an active part of the community, in any capacity."
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Behavioral
12. Typical "corporate culture" is something that we work to avoid here at Hitachi. Tell me about your ideal workplace culture.
What You Need to Know
Share what your ideal work environment looks like, and align your answer with what the culture of Hitachi's brand looks like. Go into detail about how these align with your long-term career goals. Offer your core values, and what appeals to you about their core values and mission statement, emphasizing you feel you both could contribute to each other's goals.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I am seeking a role with an organization like Hitachi where employees matter. This means fair wages, regular opportunities for continued education, and strong internal growth opportunities."
2nd Answer Example
"I work best in more casual workplaces where autonomy is given and everyone is encouraged to act like a leader."
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Career Goals
13. Have you ever taken a role in a company that hasn't fit into your long-term career plans?
What You Need to Know
One's career path is rarely a straight line. Sometimes what we thought was an opportunity to advance our career ends up being a detour or not the investment we thought it would be. This question serves to answer two questions. It aims to inform how proactive you are in mapping out your career, and how aligned your goals are to what working for them could offer your career.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Yes, you will see that from March to May 2007 I held a role as Executive Business Development Manager with Company XYZ. This particular role was not what I was expecting and had little to do with management and more to do with cold calling onto C-suite level clients. This wasn't nurturing my plan to grow the management side of my career, so I resigned after just 2 months. Luckily I landed a wonderful job immediately after and grew with that company for the following 6 years."
2nd Answer Example
"Fortunately, no. I have been very conscious of the changes and moves that I have made in my career so far. I would rather have a period of unemployment than choose the wrong employer."
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Career Goals
14. If hired, where would you like to take your career with Hitachi?
What You Need to Know
Thoroughly explore Hitachi's website and take note of the range of career opportunities available and their locations. Contrast that with the career growth opportunities available in the department you are interviewing with. Assure the interviewer that a long-term opportunity is more in line with your career goals and objectives. Answer with enthusiasm and optimism.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I saw a few leadership opportunities posted on your company website that seemed very interesting. Ultimately, I would like to work my way into a management role that offered travel opportunities. I am very interested in working for Hitachi because of the multiple growth opportunities present here and I look forward to proving my capabilities to you."
2nd Answer Example
"First, I would like to make a memorable impact in the initial role I would be hired to do. Once I feel that I've done that, I would be interested in working my way into a position within marketing and business branding with Hitachi."
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Communication
15. Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion requesting change in an organization.
What You Need to Know
It is one thing to identify a kaizen opportunity towards innovation, and it is an entirely different matter in how you go about communicating a suggested change. Talk to the interviewer about a time you identified an opportunity, how you gathered information to build a sound case for your suggested change, and how you went about presenting it. If they decided not to take your suggested course of action, explain why and how you came to respect that decision, and what you took away from it.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Last year when I was managing dispatch for my company I noticed a pretty solid opportunity for us to save on overtime hours. I created a presentation and gave it to my manager who took it to upper management. The changes were implemented and I was very proud of the suggestion that I made."
2nd Answer Example
"Our company did not have a strong policy when it came to workplace harassment and bullying. I was able to work with the leadership team to create a new program which has been readily welcomed by our staff."
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Communication
16. Share with us what you can about your communication style.
What You Need to Know
The interviewer would like to know how your communication style will complement the teams of Hitachi. How honed your communication skills are will attribute to how well you'll be able to build workplace relations, and how effectively you actively listen and mirror. Communication is integral to the successful operations of any business. Whether you take clear communication for granted or are accustomed to working in an environment where clear communication with others is key, make sure you clearly communicate your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"My communication style leans more to the formal side. I like to be concise and keep expectations simple to understand. If I had to sum up my communication style in a few words I would say it is concise, clean, and friendly. From the communication exchanges I have had with Hitachi so far, I believe our communication styles are a great fit."
2nd Answer Example
Some other words to describe your communication style:
- Articulate
- Conversational
- Eloquent
- Formal
- Informal
- Succinct
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Communication
17. We have a few strong competitors. In your opinion, what does Hitachi do to stand out from the rest?
What You Need to Know
Before your interview, it is important that you not only research Hitachi but also their competitors. This is also an excellent opportunity to showcase the breadth of your industry knowledge. What do you think Hitachi is doing better than any of their competitors? Be positive, compliment Hitachi on their efforts, and ensure that you do not bash the competitors at the same time.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I have researched Hitachi online and found a common theme when it came to reviews, comments, and news articles. That common theme is surrounding the fairness that you offer your employees. You have strong benefits programs and offer multiple growth opportunities in all departments. This seems like a really positive place to work. I simply didn't see your competitors standing out in that area."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that Hitachi stands out from the rest through clear branding and marketing strategies that your target market can relate to. I look forward to joining an organization with such great focus."
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Education
18. Tell me about your education.
What You Need to Know
The interviewer wants to know how your education has prepared you for this job, they are curious if you're committed to pursuing a career with the degree you've chosen or if you're thinking of taking your life in another direction. Confidently display your commitment to your career path by detailing how you've come to pursue your career and how your degree led you to competing for a position at Hitachi. If you weren't passionate about your studies when you started, that's fine, as long as your passion emerged along the path of your professional journey.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am a big believer in post-secondary education. It adds a lot of value to those newer to the workplace. My post-secondary education was in Communication and Journalism. The courses in this program helped me to develop stronger business relationships through professional correspondence. I also learned persuasive writing skills which have proven to be incredibly helpful when working on client proposals, and in negotiations."
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Experience
19. Do you have experience working with clients across co-workers multiple time zones?
What You Need to Know
Working for a conglomerate corporation with a vast global footprint can offer its own unique challenges. This question tests another aspect of your communication skills. There are a variety of factors that can influence how others communicate with you. Having strong communication skills equips a person with being able to communicate with a wide variety of personalities with varying communication styles. A person's mood is often influenced by the time of day. Additionally, this serves to gauge whether you are culturally competent, as Hitachi is an international company. This question touches on your communication and customer services skills. Strong communication skills rely on seeking a deeper understanding and looking for clarification of anything you don't fully understand. Lastly, prior to your interview, familiarize yourself with all of Hitachi's locations.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"In my current position I collaborate with our offices in the U.S., Canada, Scotland, and Finland. It was a struggle at first to always remember what day and time others were working in; however, I now have a great desktop application that tracks this for me so I have quick reference to the information that I need."
2nd Answer Example
If you do not have experience working with clients and co-workers in multiple time zones: "I do not have exposure to working around multiple time zones; however, this is something I could pick up on very quickly. With technology these days I am sure I could find some help with a handy phone or desktop application. Also, I am not opposed to working outside of business hours on the occasions where I would need to communicate with a client across the globe."
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Experience
20. Have you ever been employed through a company merger or acquisition? If so, tell me about your experience.
What You Need to Know
Your interviewer wants to understand your emotional view of structural changes in a corporate environment. Mergers and acquisitions are not uncommon among larger corporations. So this question tests your emotional intelligence, your attitude and perception of upper management or a company's executives, and the scope of your big-picture-thinking. Exude a professional, supportive, and impartial attitude when relaying your experience. Avoid speaking negatively about any previous employers.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I went through a merger in 2010 with Company ABC. The transition during their mass-layoff was not handled as professionally as many would have liked; however, I believe that the leadership team did the best they could. I was lucky enough to stay on board with the company and my experience during the transition was certainly eye opening. I learned a lot through the process."
2nd Answer Example
"I have been fortunate enough to have had very few disruptive changes in my previous places of employment. With that said, I do believe that some mergers and acquisitions can be beneficial to the company culture, if the transition is completed in a smooth and mindful manner."
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Experience
21. What sources do you look to when solving complicated problems?
What You Need to Know
Frame yourself as resourceful, capable of exhibiting outside-of-the-box thinking, with a propensity to think fast on your feet. Demonstrate that you aren't easily discouraged. Measure your preferred working style against meeting deadlines, over performing, learning, and innovating.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"When I am faced with a complicated problem, I will look to the resources that my current company has provided me. The answer is almost always in there. If it's more of a moral dilemma vs. a knowledge based dilemma, I will ask my supervisor for his thoughts and opinion since I value him as a mentor and expert in our industry."
2nd Answer Example
Maybe you look to a mentor or boss for advice. Perhaps you have handbooks, manuals and systems you turn to for help. Offer some relevant examples based on your industry.
If you work in the medical field, you may turn to textbooks, online research, colleagues or even patient's history to find the right solution. If you work in customer service, you may ask the customer what they need in order to find the best way to solve the problem.
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Experience
22. We are asking for 8 years of industry experience and you have just 5. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?
What You Need to Know
For many employers, the number of years' experience is flexible as long as you have the results to show for the years that you do have. An interviewer uses a preset number of years of on the job experience as a marker for a potential candidate's experience level, but this scale doesn't apply to everyone. This is your opportunity to detail how you've exceeded your career goals and objectives, and why you feel you have advanced ahead of your peers. This may demonstrate you as a desirable fit, and suggest you will advance much faster in their company as well.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Although I have 5 years' experience vs 8 years' experience I can absolutely do this job well. In my previous role, I was outperforming colleagues who had 12 years of experience. To me, it's all about drive and ability to be a quick study. I have all of these qualities and more."
2nd Answer Example
"Along with my 5 years working in this industry, I hope that my graduate degree gives me a little boost in experience over the required undergraduate degree."
Experience
23. How would your co-workers describe your attention to detail?
What You Need to Know
When answering questions about how your professional colleagues perceive you, it's imperative to maintain an objective sense of self-awareness. This question serves to reveal your ability to objectively perceive yourself. There's an old expression. No one can hold something over you which you already own. This logic applies here. Take responsibility for your own actions and take actionable steps towards self improvement.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"My co-workers would describe my attention to detail as very strong. I can very easily point out spelling discrepancies in communication and will notice the small things. I think big-picture as well but have always had a knack for details."
2nd Answer Example
"My attention to detail was actually a point of conversation in my last performance review. My manager was very pleased with the level of detail that I put into a large project recently. I put a lot of pride into my work and it shows in everything that I do."
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Experience
24. Considering your background is in an industry different from ours, what skills and characteristics do you have that qualify you for this position in this industry?
What You Need to Know
Even without direct industry experience, you'll likely have strong transferrable skills that can be adapted to a wide variety of industries. Detail the variety of your skills, going deeper than how they are listed on your resume, which you perceive as a benefit to any employer, regardless of the industry. Consider your soft skills as well, such as your time management, project management, communication and emotion intelligence. Exude professional enthusiasm for your offerings.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Although my background is not in your precise industry, I have worked with many clients who have been in your industry. I bring excellent transferable skills that qualify me for this position. These skills include my advanced abilities in Excel, my outstanding cold-calling abilities as well as my proven background in team leadership."
2nd Answer Example
"I bring a lot of transferable skills to this position and industry. At the end of the day, my talents and skills revolve around helping people and making companies profitable."
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Flexibility
25. Are you open to international travel? Is there anything that would restrict you from traveling for work?
What You Need to Know
The reason it is important to set up realistic expectations in an interview is to ensure that you are the right candidate for them, and that this is the right job for you. For many conglomerate corporations who have global interests, candidates open to international travel are of value. Out of respect for their time and their resources, honesty is best, especially when setting up realistic expectations.
It is natural to want to play your cards right in an interview. Try never to deliver a hard answer to a complicated and nuanced question. Rather, open it up to further discussion in order to prevent any deal-breaker moments. If you're not sure if traveling for work fits into your lifestyle or your career goals or expectations, express that you are open to discussing the matter further, but you'd need more information to ensure it is conducive to your lifestyle and career goals. This approach then opens things up for asking clarifying questions and learning more.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"There are no restrictions on my travel. I have a current passport as well as a valid NEXUS pass."
2nd Answer Example
"I am open to some international travel; however, for the sake of my family, I do not wish to travel more than 30% of the time. What percentage of travel is expected in this role?"
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Leadership
26. When have you had to lead by example?
What You Need to Know
This speaks to your soft skills. Being able to effectively communicating your messaging, the importance of the work that needs to be done, giving your team ownership for their work and giving them pride in their contribution towards the team's success can go a long way here.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"All the time!"
2nd Answer Example
"I often lead by example when it comes to mandatory overtime. I work in an order-driven environment and sometimes we have to work late to get the job done. I don't let my peers see me get upset at last minute announcements."
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Leadership
27. As a manager, who has been your greatest influence? A person that has defined what type of leader you wish to be.
What You Need to Know
By offering those who view as inspirations serves to reveal your style of leadership, what motivates you, and your work ethic. The person can be living or dead, fictional or non-fictional. Elaborate on why they serve as an inspiration, and how you've modeled yourself after them.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"The greatest influence in my career has been one of my Professors from University. Mr. Smith was my professor in Business Ethics and I connected really well with his teaching style. Even after graduating University, we kept in touch and he has greatly influenced my coaching, teaching, and leadership style."
2nd Answer Example
"The first CEO I reported to has been a tremendous influence on my career. That person helped shape my work ethic and passion for business early on, which has helped me become a better business partner along the way in my career. I wish to be someone who is fair, demanding and supportive. Someone who cares about the customers and cares about our people."
Leadership
28. How do you like to encourage ideas in others?
What You Need to Know
This should reveal some of your leadership qualities. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to encourage creative ideas with your team members. Explain how you motivate your team, such as leading by example, mentoring, and inspiring innovation.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I like to encourage other people to be creative in their thinking and present ideas to the company, no matter how off the wall they may seem. Some of our most successful employees are ones who are confident in their ability to bring forward their unique ideas. I encourage participation through an open door policy and strong praise for those who show initiative."
2nd Answer Example
"I am a motivating person and I encourage ideas in others by making them feel comfortable when it comes to speaking up and contributing ideas for the team."
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Leadership
29. How do you feel about performance incentives?
What You Need to Know
Your interviewer is assessing your work ethic. Describe your approach and your perspective on the different methods one might use to motivate their team. Describe your methods for influencing innovation, whether by individual recognition and mentorship or by inciting a friendly workplace competition through rewarding incentives. When performance incentives are abused, they can adversely affect a company's overall budget. Communicate that you keep your eye on the big picture. Through proper leadership, performance incentives can be a useful tool, but one that is often unnecessary.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I feel that performance incentives are a great idea. They keep an employee motivated to do a great job and ensure that they are on top of their KPI's. The majority of people are very enthused about being rewarded for their successes."
2nd Answer Example
"I think performance incentives are important for driving people to get results. For me, personally, they give me some skin in the game and get my team engaged in making an impact towards the results."
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Leadership
30. Tell me about the last time you undertook a project that demanded a lot of initiative.
What You Need to Know
This question assesses if you have leadership tendencies and are a self-starter. It also serves to provide insights into your work style and your approach.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"We recently had a major inventory count requested of us by the corporate head office. At the time, our manager was away on holidays. No one quite knew where to start or who should take the lead. I took the initiative to lead my co-workers through the inventory project. I taught myself the tracking software in a short amount of time and created a schedule for the inventory counts so everyone knew what was expected of them. We completed the project three days ahead of schedule! It was a great success."
2nd Answer Example
"I was tasked with changing our health benefits provider. Completing this project successfully was crucial to our employees and our bottom line. I made a lot of calls and RFQs, and spent a lot of time hearing proposals to make the best choice before enrollment time."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Stephanie's Feedback
Onboarding
31. At Hitachi we seek to hire those who are confident in their skills and proactive. How do you plan to make an impact on our business in the first 90 days?
What You Need to Know
It is important to earn the trust of your new teams when onboarding in a new position. Your interview and management have gotten to know you through interviewing you, and now is the time for you to familiarize yourself with your new teams. This is why it is important to follow the 30/60/90 rule. In the first month of your 90 day probation period, familiarize yourself with your team, company, their products and services, clients, etc. In the second month, study their current processes and procedures, and identify their strengths and weaknesses. In the last month, try to improve your performance indicators and identify your growth opportunities. Beyond the 90 day mark is considered an acceptable time to implement innovation.
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I noticed in your job description that you mention a sales hunter mentality as being a must. My 90 day impact plan would be to aggressively tackle the cold call list that you mentioned has been neglected recently. These cold calls will result in an increase in sales appointments as my closing percentage is very strong."
2nd Answer Example
"If hired, I plan to make an impact on your business quickly. I will do this by fully absorbing my training, taking any additional coursework if required, and building healthy co-worker relationships right out of the gates."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Stephanie's Feedback
Teamwork
32. At your current or former place of employment, how important was communication and dealing with others?
What You Need to Know
Are you accustomed to working in an environment where clear communication with others is key? Talk to the interviewer about your most recent workplace and how communication played a part, and how you've gone about enhancing your communication skills
Written by Kevin Downey on June 13th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"In my previous role, healthy communication was required in order to protect the safety of our employees. We transported dangerous goods and it was required by our management that we all take specific workshops on communication and documentation. Because of this, my communication skills are exceptionally strong."
2nd Answer Example
"There is not a strong level of communication in my current workplace. This is part of the reason why I am seeking new employment. I highly value clear communication. Do you encourage strong communication between employees here?"
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Stephanie's Feedback