Honeywell Internship Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Honeywell 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 interests you in Honeywell?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They want to learn what specifically drew you to apply for this position. Whether it's their pay potential, learning opportunities, their work culture, the idea of potential work travel, or whatever motivator, they want to understand what motivated you to pursue this opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
From your perspective, offer what makes Honeywell so special, so unique, that you want to be a part of what they offer. Align your career goals with their mission statements and goals.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"When I created my career plan, I realized my core value is integrity. I pride myself as an ethical person and am an advocate for equality everywhere. I'm all about inclusion and diversity. I want to work in an environment that fosters and shares these core values in their brand culture. That's why I want to work for Honeywell."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Behavioral
2. If you could have three dinner guests, from any point in time, who would they be and what would you serve them for dinner?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Fun and thought-provoking interview questions like this may appear light-hearted but are a serious attempt to see your thought process in action as you tackle curious questions you couldn't have prepared for. Its intent is to lower your guard and to gain insights into your personality. It is an opportunity to relax and for you to get to know one another. This simultaneously evaluates your fit into the culture of their brand.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Be creative when answering this question. Use this opportunity to be relatable and connect with the interviewer. Include figures you admire that reflect your values. After you answer the question, ask them how they would answer the same question.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"Amelia Earhart, Toni Morrison, and Amal Clooney. I'd serve them Scottish Eggs, pickled herring, a hearty salad, and a nice Amarone. I'd also play Ella Fitzgerald records in the background, with a roaring fire in the fireplace."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Behavioral
3. How do you like to spend your free time?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to gain a more casual insight into your personality, interests, and motivators. Having stress-relievers outside of work helps keep stress levels down and productivity up. This question also examines how well you balance your work life and personal life. A person can get burned out either at work or at home. They want to know if this is true for you, or if going out and partying every night, and being hung-over every morning creates an imbalance where your productivity would suffer.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Feel free to share the hobbies and interests that make you seem interesting and affable. Find relatable points of common interest. Strike a chord of seeming balanced in all ways. This will send the signal that you are a balanced and well-rounded person, which indicates you are predictable and reliable (desirable traits in a candidate). The less guarded you are about your personal life, the more it shows you'll be able to foster interpersonal work relationships. Your interviewer will take this into consideration when they are evaluating your fit into the team. Stay away from anything that might present a conflict. If you have a bowling league that requires you to take a lot of time off work, or a side business you are trying to build, you should avoid discussing those.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"Pretty much learning. I'm not one for watching that much television unless it is a documentary movie or series. I'm mostly about having new experiences and learning something new. Right now I am reading Steve Jobs's biography, and I'm watching a documentary series on the industrial revolution."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Behavioral
4. What did you like about your last internship the most? What did you dislike about your last internship the most?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to understand what motivates you, what distracts you, and what kind of work environment might suit you best. Interviewers often look for a genuine answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Keep your answer focused on you and what you loved about your last job. When it comes to what you liked least, be honest, but stay focused on the positives. Avoid laying blame on former colleagues for what you liked least. Don't hold everyone you work with to unrealistic standards or expectations. Communicating such points will reflect more poorly on you than on them.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 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. This was frustrating because, in every other way, everyone on our teams was all for kaizen. So there was that, oh, and also I'm 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. So, as far as the positives, let's focus on the positives. I loved everyone I worked with, and I enjoyed the work itself. I felt grateful that the workplace ended up adopting several of my systems to improve workflow and prevent rework. They really 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 May 27th, 2022
Behavioral
5. How do you handle stressful situations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is assessing your perception of what a high-stress working environment looks like. They're curious how well your perception aligns with the reality of the job.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
The aim here is not only to relay your experience as relevant to the position but also to exhibit your ability to remain cool and collected under pressure. Exhibiting a clear comprehension of what the job environment looks like while displaying a clear handle on governing your stress levels with emotional maturity is the goal here.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have no issues regulating my emotions to do my job. I am very literal and communicate well. If things ever get to me, I'll request a break when it works for the team for me to do so, and take a few minutes to decompress. But it takes quite a lot for me to even get there. I like to think of myself as in full control of my emotions 99.9% of the time. But, as far as quick little tricks to turn my emotions around, there are a few songs I listen to which steer my emotional state in the direction I want it to go. One is a hard rock/heavy metal song that gives any negative energy a positive eternal output. Anytime I listen to the opening track of this album, I feel great. Another is a soft folk song that always gets the hairs on my arms and the back of my neck to stand on end, inspiring positivity and feelings of hope. I also have several quick little videos of my kids that instantly light up my life every time I watch them."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Behavioral
6. Who is your role model and why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A candidate's role model, or figure of inspiration, will offer a glimpse into their personality, philosophy, and approach to life and work. They'll examine the examples offered and consider how well a candidate will work with their leaders and their team. This may also help them pair you with the type of leader who best matches your inspiration, based on their ideals, helping that leader better serve as a role model through the experience.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Think of those who inspired you. Inspirational people motivate us to keep going when we feel like giving up. They're passionate and driven, accomplishing goals that seem impossible, and starting new ventures with new ideas that change the way we view the world. You can talk about a mentor, family member, or even a celebrity who has inspired you in your career.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say any person who sees possibility where others see impossibility. I believe that where there is a will, there is a way. So any person who navigates their way through logistical adversity is an inspiration. Nicola Tesla, for example, wanted to give so much to the world, and in many ways, we are still reaping the rewards of his contributions to this day. Truly inspiring."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Behavioral
7. Tell me about a time where you had to choose between a high-risk and a low-risk situation.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you are a risk-taker or risk-averse. Innovation is partly achieved by taking calculated risks. For some, taking calculated risks comes naturally. Then there are those who are risk-averse, maintaining the status quo. Others might take risks compulsively, which could turn costly for an individual, a family, or a company.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
If you are a risk-taker, they want to know how you evaluate risk. When delivering your example, you want to present yourself as someone who takes calculated risks as opposed to someone who is a habitual risk-taker.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"The most basic explanation for what I do is making my bosses' jobs easier. This includes anticipating their needs by first understanding what those needs are. These include the needs of the other members of my team, the work that needs to be done, and the full scope of the big picture. Now, where there are occasions when an urgent quick decision needs to be made and there's no supervisor there to make the call, making that decision without them is a calculated risk. How to make the call without overstepping my bounds, staying true to the big picture and the needs of the entire team, with the aim of making my bosses' job easier, is the true task. For example..."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Behavioral
8. What is your greatest strength and weakness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to determine your fit for the role. How you answer this question will give the interviewer insights into your self-awareness, how honest you are about your strengths, and how capable you are of identifying your weaknesses and growth opportunities.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
In a work context, your strengths allow you to complete your to-do list, understand client needs, and apply what you have learned in your training. Talk to the interviewer about a couple of your strengths and why you think those will help you succeed in this role. When discussing your weakness, your goal is to turn that weakness into a strength. Think about any growth opportunities you've identified in the past that can be applied to your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think my greatest strength is my eagerness to please, but my greatest weakness is not being great as saying no. In the past, I've bitten off more than I can chew and struggled with how to communicate 'no'. Since then, I learned that not communicating what's possible within my well-managed time and taking on more than I can handle will lead me to underperform. I've since gotten a handle on this. But being a people person who is not easily offended and rarely takes things personally, saying no can be hard for me. This trait is a strength and weakness. I'm learning how to strike a harmonious balance between the two."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Behavioral
9. Tell me about yourself.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The Honeywell Internship Program is a competitive opportunity. As they scout for viable candidates, they want to get to know you as a person. Gaining insights into your personality will help them determine your individual strengths, and how the person on paper (your resume) fleshes out.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
You'll want to align your answer with the company and its core values. The goal is obvious, tailor your answer to seem like a good fit with the rest of their team.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I grew up in a small town in Valley City, North Dakota. At an early age, I was working in my Pappy's convenience store. I learned my strong work ethic from him. By the time I was 14, there were times I was managing the store. Everyone knew me by name and treated me with respect. I've always had a strong work ethic, which I learned from him, and he wanted me to follow in his footsteps. But that wasn't what I wanted. I crave adventure and needed to get out of that small town. So I did everything I could to ensure I'd escape that place, and that started with graduating from high school with a 4.0 GPA, and landing a scholarship, which I did at Berkeley..."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Behavioral
10. What are your interests and goals?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to gain a more casual insight into your personality, interests, and motivators. They're also interested if you will offer personal insights, or stick to professional interests and goals. How you interpret the question is part of what they are interested in learning.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
If you can align your interests with the elements of what this opportunity offers, all the better. Find those common denominators and weave them into your answers. Look for the commonalities and ensure they are communicated with sincerity.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"Beyond my five-year career goals and working in a diverse environment, it's also a goal of mine to travel the world, and immerse myself in other cultures. I enjoy foreign films and learning about other cultures. I love traveling, adventure, and experimenting with international cuisine."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Behavioral
11. Describe a time where you were given a responsibility, but you failed to live up to expectations.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Many times, a person might feel fear of being judged for a mistake they've made. How they confront their fear, and the situation, is the true test of their character. They want to ensure their ideal candidate has a strong sense of self-accountability and exhibits the ability to learn from setbacks. How you answer will help them evaluate how you handle disappointment and what you learn from such experiences, if you take responsibility for your own actions, inactions, limitations, and self-awareness, as well as your attitude towards life. Making mistakes is human. How we deal with and remedy a mistake comes down to exercising good judgment and knowing when asking for help is appropriate.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Relay a positive experience, detailing the situation, framing the setback, how you dealt with it, and what you learned from it, providing what you consider failure looks like to you. Detail what you would've done differently and how you avoided repeating it.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I inherited the workload of an employee that was underperforming, a lot, and was let go. It was overwhelming. I suffered from task paralysis and had trouble getting started. Long ago, a mentor suggested in situations like this I always tackle the biggest aspect of an overwhelming project first, since that was what I felt most daunted by. It was good general advice, and I listened to it. However, in this instance, I should have taken a different approach. I lost focus on the priorities of the project, where instead of focusing on the tasks one by one, I should have looked more closely at the broader view of the problem at hand. As a result, I didn't manage my time well and should have approached the project differently. I missed that target, but never made the mistake again."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Communication
12. What questions do you have for me?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question will help them not only assess your genuine active interest in working for them but also clue them into whether you are the type of person to ask questions when training for a new job. The more questions you ask, the more enhanced your communications skills will seem, and the more likely you are to be self-guided and successful at your job.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. They've provided opportunities for you to share your accomplishments and advertise your merits. This is your opportunity to allow them to propose their pitch and advertise their merits and what they offer, allowing them the opportunity to convince you this is a great opportunity. Don't ask about pay, incentives, benefits, or anything that serves you. You haven't sealed the deal, so don't blow it by asking what else they can give you. This will only indicate that you're only in it for the money and that your goals and values are not at all aligned with theirs. Rather, a good question to start with is, 'What does a typical day, from beginning to end, look like for an intern starting in the program?
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have a few. Let's start with, what does an average day on the job look like once onboarding and orientation are complete?"
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Communication
13. Tell me about a time you had a difficult experience with a teammate/coworker.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They're aiming to get a glimpse of your mediation and negotiation skills. Your answer will offer a meaningful glimpse into your personality, as well as your soft interpersonal skills. The interviewer needs to know how adept and effective you are at diplomacy and working swiftly towards a communal end goal. They are also curious if you have issues with people in positions of authority, or if you strive to preserve the peace and exhibit respect for your superiors.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
When an interviewer asks you how you deal with conflict, never focus on any one person as the source of the conflict. Exemplify the situation and focus your example on the solution rather than the problem. Let's say you were working on a group project and you had a disagreement with someone on your team. Explain the steps you took to work through it. Taking a thoughtful approach by listening to the opinions of others is always a good place to start! Show that you took the initiative and stayed calm to resolve the situation!
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was working with someone who was interested in competing for a leadership position. A new location was about to open and several employees were interested in those few leadership positions which were about to open up. I liked this coworker and offered some suggestions to help them out. But they took the advice all wrong and accused me of trying to undermine their efforts in landing that promotion. But my only motivation was helping them out. So I took a step back and waited for things to settle. I then made extra efforts in my daily interactions with them to convey I was a fellow member of the team only interested in supporting their efforts. After they were passed up for the promotion, I told them I was sorry they didn't get the promotion. They then said they were sorry I didn't either. I then told them I never threw my hat in the ring, and that promotion wasn't conducive to my goals. They acted surprised. After that, our relations returned to normal."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Communication
14. Tell me about a time when you received a grade on an assignment that you didn't agree with. What did you do?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is interested in how you dealt with this in the past, as it will offer clues as to how you'll conduct yourself in the future. Your answer could reveal whether your unacknowledged achievements match the kind of innovation they are looking for in their candidates. As stated on their website, they are looking for those with the qualities of a growth mindset, teamwork, and ambition.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
When providing your answer, ensure you appropriately present the backdrop of the situation you're presenting. This simple question can open the door to a wide variety of complex answers, from what you consider an achievement to how you'd define a lack of recognition or acknowledgment. It could also reveal whether you're able to identify your growth opportunities, or if you respond defensively towards constructive criticism of your work, in which case self-improvement and growth will present as unlikely.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I experienced this in my first year of college, feeling I wasn't fairly graded for my efforts. 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 being able to communicate this point in our exchange, 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 May 27th, 2022
Communication
15. At Honeywell, we value clear communication between all parties, departments, and sectors of our business. Tell me about your communication style.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is trying to assess your communication skills. Communication is an integral part of any business. Enhanced communication is a necessity to ensure all the company's systems run smoothly. When communication breaks down, that leads to rework, which leads to a loss in productivity, which can cost a company money and affect their overall budget.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
A communication breakdown can happen anywhere in the chain. The message sent is not always the message received. One supervisor might tell you one thing, and a different supervisor might tell you another. So start by mirroring the key points of their question. Mirroring is the perfect way to show you're actively listening and contributes to enhanced communication. From there, emphasize the value of effective communication, and elaborate on your personal approach.
Consistency and follow-through are integral to functional communication operations. An employee might confirm they understand the task they're to complete but fail to communicate they've completed the task. Offer an example of a time you identified a communication breakdown and describe what you did to correct it without assigning direct blame or casting anyone in a negative light. Objectifying the situation, rather than a person, is the aim here.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I adapt. Often, the most important thing in those situations is simply to establish a mutual understanding. If they can adapt their communication to yours, or at least meet you halfway, that's great! But don't expect that to happen. So I ask questions and clarify as much as possible. I'm an over communicator, which can be frustrating for those who aren't great communicators. But when communication is poor, someone's got to pick up the slack. When I identify the need, I do what I can."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Communication
16. Tell me about a time you had to use your persuasive skills.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This interview question explores whether you possess the desirable enhanced communication skills required to effectively inform those you communicate with in an effectively persuasive manner. So this is less about getting others to bow to your will and more about how you successfully communicate your vision in an effective way that persuades others to share your vision towards innovation and positive change.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
The most important quality of an effective leader is their ability to govern their emotions. Doing so keeps them centered, and more able to respond intelligently to any questions or challenges posed by their subordinates. In addition to having a high EQ (emotional intelligence), 8 of the most essential communication skills effective leaders possess are; an ability to adapt their communication style, active listening, transparency, clarity, ability to ask open-ended questions, empathy, open body language, and receiving and implementing feedback. Consider these points and how they apply to your example when you deliver your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was working with a team leader that was spearheading a project. They had several suggestions for a fresh approach to going about executing a workplace policy to expedite some practices. They pitched it, and our management liked their suggestion and assigned the task of implementing these ideas into practice. I had several suggestions based on the analytics that I deemed necessary to help them succeed. But they drew the wrong conclusion about what I was suggesting without hearing me out. I approached them at an inopportune time when they were clearly stressed and carrying too many things at once. So I realized they had to give me an audience, and created a project proposal where I drafted these suggestions in a document, breaking down the pros and cons for my suggestions, thoroughly arguing what I thought were the benefits of these considerations. They shortly later approached me, apologized for not hearing me out, expressed they wish they had and showed great appreciation for my written communication and its presentation. When it comes to the welfare of the team, you can't give up."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Discovery
17. Honeywell 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?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is assessing how thoroughly you've researched the position, and if you embrace the same values as their altruistic pursuits. Finding out whether you specifically want to work for them will assist them in deciding if you're the best candidate for the position.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
It's important to research Honeywell, its core values, the keywords used on the website, and its mission statement. Incorporate those components in your answer. Discuss your values and how they align with the values at Honeywell. Be prepared to discuss the global efforts currently underway and research any local charity efforts that Honeywell supports. Discuss these points with enthusiasm. Demonstrate a desire to be a part of those efforts.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've researched your company's efforts to give back, and I 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. I've 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 Honeywell's involvement in charities. Your values and interest in your global impact are impressive. It's one of the reasons I am so attracted to your organization."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Discovery
18. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question will offer insights into the level of your ambition, clues to where you want to take your career, and how well your goals align with what they offer. It'll also reveal how familiar you are with Honeywell, how familiar you are with the position, and how your future aligns with the opportunities their internship provides.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
One's self-development should be as never-ending as one's determination. Perhaps you've heard a person can drive from coast to coast in the dark, only seeing as far as one's headlamps allow. This analogy suggests one can surmount seemingly unachievable goals by breaking them up into smaller, more easily attainable tasks. One way a person can go about this is by putting together a five-year career plan. If you haven't already, put together a couple of them. Start with creating one starting from your college experience. Next, determine where you currently stand on your trajectory of that plan and build out another five-year plan from there. Following this exercise, you should be able to revise your five-year career plan every year, determining where you are on that map, and charting your path again from there. This way, you can adjust and correct your itinerary accordingly. You'd be surprised how doing so will aid in your interviews.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"Thank you for asking. I just revisited my five-year career plan, which I do once every year or two, depending on where I am at in my goals. For the next two years, I've set some pretty aggressive challenges for myself. I like thinking of it as acting as a cartographer of my future. The nearest destination on my map of the future is learning and 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. I have some charts with me that detail my plan if you'd like me to share?"
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Experience
19. Tell me about when you took advantage of an opportunity to learn a new skill.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is hoping to learn more about your approach to your own development. One's level of ambition can be revealed in how frequently someone takes advantage of learning new skills. It may also serve to reveal if someone is overly ambitious and frequently takes on too many tasks. Whether you're more likely to underperform on many tasks, over-perform on one task, or fall somewhere in between is what they're after here.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Taking on too many tasks, and trying to overachieve without having a firm grasp on time management, can result in poor work quality, thereby not meeting expectations. Being a perfectionist, and focusing too long on performing one task, may result in not meeting deadlines and slowing a team's productivity. They're trying to determine where you come in on this scale. The aim here is to strike a balance of quality and quantity.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I remember this time I had to deliver a report to a group of people who were ultimately there to judge my work, and in effect judge me. Now, I'd never done any form of public speaking, and I was not only nervous but in the dark about how to go about presenting myself. I'd seen others present eloquently, and others who got nervous and spouted out gibberish. So I padded the job like never before. If I was going to get up there, I had to anticipate every question that would come my way. I had to be a top expert on what I was about to speak about. This was the culmination of everything I'd worked towards. I was nervous. But I believed in myself, so I focused on that, and convinced myself that everyone would come around if I presented the information well. I watched videos with tips and tricks to speaking before a crowd with confidence. I believed in myself and delivered my report with conviction. I got a lot of pats on the back for that one. I felt like it was a success because of how I have further developed my skills since that day. It set a precedent which I have outshined repeatedly since."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Experience
20. What sets you apart from other candidates?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is curious about what kind of pitch you'd throw their way, how above and beyond you've gone in preparing for this interview, and how well you've been paying attention to the other interview questions in this set. They want to know if you know what sets you apart from the other candidates competing for this opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
This is an excellent opportunity to boast about your unique accomplishments. Go deeper into what you brought to your previous teams and what you would deliver to theirs. Think about your successes, the positive energy you'd bring, and the positive comments your coworkers have mentioned about you in the past. Speak confidently about your successes, make relaxed eye contact, and posture yourself with positive, engaging, and confident body language.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I've been described by several employers and coworkers as a clutch player and an outstanding performer. Beyond my hard skills, I have outstanding project and time management skills, am results-driven to the core, I'm an excellent communicator, and have a consistently positive attitude. Some people have a cup either half empty or half full, but my cup overflows."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Experience
21. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond what your previous job description entailed.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is trying to assess your work ethic, your career goals, and insights into your personality. This will help them determine what motivates you and how you'd fit into the culture of their brand.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
They want to know if you go the extra mile versus putting in the bare minimum. Therefore, it's important to go the extra mile with your answers to these interview questions.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"We had a member of our team that was clearly burned out. They showed up to work every day, a little worse for the wear. Sometimes hungover, sometimes sleep-deprived and unshowered, and they were either falling asleep in front of their computer or avoiding work. They eventually quit without giving any notice. Our staff was stretched thin as it were. I stepped up and took on the majority of their workload. This also required putting in extra hours on the job, and occasionally taking work home with me until we were able to hire additional support. It was a lot of work to perform, and a lot of work to keep me from burning out as well. As soon as we were able to hire someone, I spearheaded most of their training to get them up to speed as quickly as possible."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Experience
22. Tell me about your education.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know how your education has prepared you for this job. They are also interested in whether you went to school intending to follow the career path you've chosen or if you went to school pursuing one career path and ultimately chose another. What you learned from that experience and how you applied those lessons to your career can also be informative.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Focus on some of the relevant topics you learned while attending your courses. Go deeper than any subject you studied and offer what you learned from your college experience, which prepared you for your career. Talk about some of the more interesting things you learned.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I studied at the University of California Berkeley and have two degrees, a master's in engineering and a BS in nano health technologies with a focus on Biomedical Sciences. I founded a few clubs on campus surrounding exercise and nutrition. I've always been committed to helping improve the health of others and the planet. I'm proud of my accomplishments there and made a lot of progress towards my career goals."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Experience
23. Tell me about a time when you had a lot of tasks and how did you manage them?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This will help them assess your approach to your work. Being singularly focused is a strength, so long as you're able to shift gears and exhibit flexibility when the need arises.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk about the tools and resources you used to plan your work and stay organized on the job. Exhibit strong time management skills. Exhibit your consideration of exploring what standards are used to prioritize your work, and your ability to assess the timing, commercial importance, and positive externalities of other priorities. Additionally, convey your ability to follow the chain of command, knowing when to tap into the resources on the job. Multitasking is challenging for most people. How you track your progress and pick up where you left off on a task you had to shelf when more pressing priorities took precedent is important. Staying productive and preventing rework is part one of this. Your ability to exhibit sound judgment and prioritize based on the greater good for the team is of equal relevance.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm extremely systems-oriented in my approach. Whether they're systems implemented for tracking my own work or implementing systems for the office which everyone can use, I'm always developing tips and tricks to do the job easier the right way right away. For example. Recently, I was in the middle of a very detail-oriented project when an urgent project unfolded and everyone had to drop everything and band together to get this done. Now, I also had a deadline, so I took detailed notes, marking where I left off on this detailed project I had to put on hold to ensure no lost time and no rework, and no detail was missed. Once that was done, I got to work on the priority..."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
General
24. Where are the locations where Honeywell is located?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They are testing the breadth of your knowledge of the company. How you answer will inform them of how thoroughly you've researched this opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Honeywell has 82 office locations across 52 countries. The interviewer likely doesn't expect you to go down the list, but you can volunteer that statistic and a few locations that interest you.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"Honeywell is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and has 82 offices across 52 locations. This includes offices in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Australia, India, Algeria, Angola, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Brazil."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Innovation
25. Tell me about a creative solution that you came up with for a challenging problem.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Innovation is integral to leadership. They're seeking to measure your preferred working style and whether it meets their required criteria. They want to know how resourceful you are and whether you exhibit 'outside-of-the-box thinking.'
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
You want your answer to exhibit determination. Frame yourself as resourceful, with a propensity to think fast on your feet. Demonstrate that you aren't easily discouraged. Where there is a will, there is a way, which is the attitude you want to convey. Meeting deadlines, overperforming, learning, and innovating is the aim of the messaging in your example.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"We were using an overpriced vendor for our office supplies, and they frequently shipped the wrong products or had significant delivery delays. I knew someone who managed an office supply company, and I was able to negotiate a bulk buyer's discount for our company while cutting out the vendor. Our annual savings allowed us to readjust our company budget in innovative ways."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Leadership
26. If you were the leader of a team, what would you do to be successful?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question will help them evaluate the scope of your soft interpersonal skills. It will also help them ascertain how familiar you are with navigating the five main leadership types; authoritarian, participative, delegative, transactional, and transformational, as well as your approach towards and identification of each type.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Break down what leading a team means to you, from assembling a team to motivating them and ensuring all deadlines are met. Offer examples of the individuals you model your leadership style after. This will give the interviewer a tangible comparison to draw from.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would assign tasks not solely based on preference, but according to the skills and strengths of each member of my team. I would make sure every member of the team has a firm grasp of their time management skills. Any tasks that fell outside of their skills sets would be assigned based on who is willing to step outside of their comfort zone and is less likely to suffer from task paralysis. I would then work side by side with the team, check in daily on their progress, and check in with their pain points to see if I could help address them in any way. I would adjust priorities consistently where needed and keep my eye on the ball at all times. This would include weekly or daily team meetings where everybody expressed their progress and setbacks, so everyone is on the same page and can volunteer assistance and support the team."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Leadership
27. How would you define your style of leadership?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants insight into your style of leadership and how you overcome challenges and motivate your team. They're interested in learning more about how you approach your work.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Prior to your interview, put some thought into the qualities possessed by leaders you admire. Rather than rattling them all off, speak passionately about which of those you feel are important leadership qualities, and how you'd promote them to your clients if hired for the position. Stay positive, and share your philosophy in a way you feel will complement what you've learned about the company. When possible, incorporate the company's keywords and core values in your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say I am an influencer and a transformational leader. Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a person leadership skills and they'll lead for life. I've been told I am a great coach and motivator."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Leadership
28. What leadership roles have you taken on? Describe the challenges you encountered and how you led the group to a successful outcome.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is framed to test your leadership skills, or your reluctance to lead. As there are many personality types out there, some are born to lead, and others may learn to lead. With this question, they are trying to assess where you fall on this scale.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Before choosing your example, consider how you'd present your leadership skills or talents. Contemplate what leadership looks like to you, framed by leaders you admire. Consider what "rising to the occasion" looks like. Doing so will present you as striving to be the best version of yourself that you can be while demonstrating sincere potential.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"I started an applications and technology solutions club in college. There wasn't a club like it, so I decided to create the one club I was interested in joining. This took a lot of effort. From defining the purpose of the club, creating a constitution for it, recruiting and assessing interest, electing my club's officers, to our first meeting, and continuing to spread the word. I learned a lot from that experience. I am proud to say the club is still going on today. Aside from that, at my last internship, I led teams on projects on multiple occasions, whether under the direct guidance of our leadership or in a self-driven environment. I don't think micromanaging is effective. Mentorship and engagement, promoting the strengths of each individual member of the team, and only focussing on growth opportunities where team members are ready to step out of their comfort zone are my main leadership tools. Innovation is achieved through collaboration among every member of the team. This requires working side by side with them, frequently touching base, and addressing any concerns promptly as often as possible, with as many specifics as possible."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Leadership
29. Talk about a time you had to train someone in something they have no experience in.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are those who strive to contribute to the vision and the greater success of a team. Then there are those who strive to develop themselves, driven by their own ambitions to accomplish their personal and professional goals. There's nothing wrong with ambitiously trying to climb the ladder. But a person who prioritizes their own goals above others, or that of the team, can undermine their own efforts towards success. Prioritizing the ultimate success of the team displays big-picture thinking. Investing in the development of your coworkers, and driving positive change towards the greater success of the team is an investment in one's own development. By contributing to the greater success of the company and the team, you contribute to your individual success and development. The scope of your vision, the big picture versus a more narrow short-term view, is what the interviewer is truly trying to assess.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Honeywell's culture is centered around innovation, collaboration, and creating a level playing field for all its participants. Ideally, your goal is to reveal your motivation to further the team, rather than checking off a list of accomplishments as you try to climb through the ranks. Balance your personal goals with the goals of their team. When they align, both your personal goals and that of the team are accomplished.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"Throughout my career, I have trained over 25 new employees. And, in my current role, I oversee the activities of 5 junior interns. Strategic leadership and effective management are strengths of mine that I look forward to bringing to Honeywell."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Teamwork
30. In your experience, what are the building blocks of teamwork?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The genuine test of this question is how you interpret it. They are asking if you understand the importance of developing relationships with your coworkers, not if you go out drinking with them every night. Answer why it's important first, then follow up with how you would define a relationship with your coworkers as it might apply to you. The average person spends 8 hours of a workday sleeping, and 8 hours working. The answer to this question will show the value you place on your work relationships, and if you prioritize them by fitting them into your 8 hours of personal time. It will also offer insights into your personality type and how social you are.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about how you develop relationships with coworkers when you start a new job. Think about what you value in these relationships, such as your co-workers being a motivating force when you feel overworked. If you aren't a social person, this question may seem more challenging to answer. If this is the case, it's fine to acknowledge this, but express that you see value in bonding through socialization.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"While some of my coworkers go out drinking three nights a week, I attempt to do so about once every week or two. I am a social person, but I need balance in my life, and going out and drinking every night or burning out from socializing can throw things off just as much as not socializing at all."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 27th, 2022