Johnson and Johnson Finance Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Johnson and Johnson 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. Pick three words to describe yourself.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question will give the interviewer insight into your self-awareness and not only how you identify your merits and growth opportunities, but what three words you'll use to advertise yourself as a desirable asset.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Remain conscious of your body language throughout the interview process. Remain professional and strategic in your answer. Your answer should be relayed with confidence and ease.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"Communicative, innovative, and optimistic. I am trusted, a friend to all, and am frequently sought out for my input and advice. People say I'm the person they want in their corner, with the right attitude cheering them on, always finding a way to work smarter rather than harder, and can deftly communicate that knowledge to the rest of the team."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
2. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This get-to-know-you question can come at the front or end of an interview. It, again, is a method to more intimately get to know you and to assess how well your personality will fit in with the other people you'd be working with should they hire you.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Think about your values and the people who inspire you. Elaborate on why you'd invite them to dinner.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd invite George Washington, while he still had his teeth. I'd serve him fillet mignon and baked potatoes. I'd have a nice red wine and play Eric Satie on the stereo. I would love the opportunity to talk to George Washington about..."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
3. Tell me about a time you changed the status quo.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Innovation is partly achieved by taking calculated risks. Then there are those who are risk-averse, maintaining the status quo. For some, taking risks comes naturally. Others might take risks compulsively, which could end up costly for a company. They want to know how you evaluate risk.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Describe the status quo, detail why you were unhappy with it, and what you did to challenge it. Explain the outcome. Avoid examples where you may have overstepped your bounds or challenged the leadership of your superiors. This question is not only fielding your ability to think outside of the box but also testing your ability to follow the chain of the command.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I worked at a brick and mortar which was open from 8 am to 10 pm. Our night crew struggled to complete all their closing duties after receiving their nightly shipment. The morning crew struggled to get the work floor presentable for the morning shift. This was detrimental to team morale and strained relations between the morning and night crews. This went on for some time. I followed the chain of command, recommending we receive the evening shipment mid-day instead. We had the staff available to receive it during those slower hours. They took my idea and ran with it, and this change set up both the morning and evening shifts for success. The store operations and team morale have since improved."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
4. What would you do if someone in the workplace took advantage of you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This will aid the interviewer in assessing the level of your emotional maturity and how well you deal with disputes on your own. If you haven't tried to communicate with your fellow team members to resolve disputes on your own, this may indicate you won't work well in a team environment.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Avoid examples where you went straight to management and handed this problem off for them to solve, distracting them from their work. Offer examples where you attempted to resolve the situation on your own by investigating what happened, rather than immediately assuming the worst in the other person. A team works together. Describe what you learned from that exchange and what you did with that knowledge.
When working in a team, everyone should work together and always be given the benefit of the doubt. When a team leader has to drop what they're focused on to deal with inter-personnel disputes, this can hinder their progress and timelines and also hurt the functionality of the team. Additionally, assuming the worst in another team member and spreading the word of how you feel you were wronged will only be divisive and hurt the morale of the team.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I'll always default to a team player mentality. For example, if a co-worker called 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. If my coworker was purposefully inefficient and expected 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. So, if their behavior was hurting the team, I might consult my team leaders and see if they'd want me to do the work for them or not."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
5. Describe a decision you made that was a failure. What happened and why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They'll want to make sure whoever they choose for the internship has a strong sense of self-accountability and the ability to take ownership of their mistakes and exhibit the ability to learn and grow from such setbacks. 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. 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.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
When you provide your example, explain the reasons behind your course of action. If you tried to fix the mistake before bringing it to the attention of your superiors, explain why. In this scenario, a good reason would be to not distract others from important matters they were dealing with and that it was simpler and less exhaustive for you to fix the mistake yourself.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"Early in my college career, I had an overwhelming project. I suffered task paralysis, not knowing where to begin. A friend of mine suggested I tackle the biggest aspect of the project first, since that was what I felt most daunted by. It was good general advice, and I listened to it, even though this caused me to lose focus on the priorities of the project. Just about every other aspect of the project held a greater priority. As a result, I didn't manage my time right and should have approached the project differently. I promised my professor I'd beat my deadline by a week. I missed that target. I delivered on time, within minutes of my deadline, but saw it as a personal failure since I didn't exceed it. I never made the mistake of over-promising and under-delivering again."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
6. What are your weaknesses?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Be sure to keep your answers consistent. How you answer this question will give the interviewer insight into your self-awareness and how you identify your weaknesses and growth opportunities.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Frame your greatest weakness as an asset. For example, being a perfectionist can be a weakness. Sometimes, it can be difficult to let go and decide when good enough is enough. At the same time, this quality can be seen as a benefit to a company.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I can be hard on myself. This often comes up in my reviews. Even the toughest bosses I've had said they don't push me too hard because they know I'm pushing myself harder than they ever would. In the past, this caused me to trip myself up, but I've gotten better."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
7. How would you improve diversity in your work environment?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Changing demographics and a global economy require an understanding of diversity and multiculturalism. Communicating cultural competence when answering questions about diversity is essential. Diversity questions are one way a future employer can learn more about where you stand.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
When discussing diversity, focus on a general acceptance of the human experience and the sensitivities of underrepresented communities. When discussing inclusion, you should demonstrate empathy and acceptance. On even the most inherently human level, we are all driven by the same basic needs and grow from and experience the same unifying experiences. Focus on the unifiers of diversity when answering this question.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"When I created my career plan, I realized my core value is integrity. I pride myself on being 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 Johnson & Johnson. They even address it in their Credo, where it says, "We must respect their diversity and dignity and recognize their merit." So, I would encourage diversity not just for the obvious reason, but for the sake of forward-thinking and the encouragement of innovation. So, I would improve it by encouraging it and preaching its merits."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
8. What are you most proud of accomplishing in your career or otherwise?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to evaluate what you consider "putting your all in" and the level at which you are an overachiever, thereby providing insights into your personality and values and how those fit into your career goals. This will help them compare you to the other applicants in the interview pool. It will also clue them to the level of your work experience in the industry.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
It's okay to brag a little when answering this question. Be proud yet humble. Exhibit pride in your career accomplishments. Even if your example is on your resume, feel free to use it and explain why this accomplishment stands out. Detail everything that went into it and how this falls in line with the career milestones towards your goals, and why you regard it as a success in your personal development, aligning these accomplishments with the role you are contending for. If possible, try to present yourself as an innovator, with a unique lens focused on outside-of-the-box thinking.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"Every year, I look at my five-year career plan and revise it. Each time I look back, I consider how far I've come to achieve those goals as my greatest professional accomplishment. I can say with all honesty that being here in this interview is my greatest professional accomplishment to date. This is part of my bigger picture goal, and getting here was possible as a result of all of the micro accomplishments that drove me towards this macro destination."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
9. What are your biggest strengths?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Not only are they curious about what you perceive as your greatest strengths, but they are interested in how your strengths will benefit their team. Your answer will likewise inform them of your confidence and self-awareness.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Advertise the strengths you feel make you well suited to the role. Align your merits with what they're looking for in a viable candidate based on the information available online. Remain conscious of your body language throughout the interview process. Make sure your answers remain consistent with how you present yourself.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I think my greatest strength is my can-do attitude. The only thing we have any control over is our attitude. So, for me, the glass is always half full. When someone comes up with an idea, I'm never the one that says it can't be done because of XYZ for whatever reason. Rather, I'm the one who says, in order to achieve that goal, we'd have to overcome XYC. Where there is a will, there is a way. Luck is where you find it, and fortune favors the brave."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
10. Tell me about yourself. Where are you from?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This ice breaker is designed to lower your guard and get you to open up and create a connection. Once at ease, a person might grant their interviewer unintended insights into their personality. The more open you are assists them in determining how well you'll fit into their team.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
You can use this opportunity to highlight where you come from, not only geographically but also in life. Share the basics of who you are, why you're here, where you come from, and where you're going. Volunteer your more interesting accomplishments or life experiences. Remain professional.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I come from a little town Northport, NY. It's one of those little towns that's pulled straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Fun fact, the neighborhood bar was a favorite haunt of Jack Kerouac. Also, Maria Carey was from there as well. So, as soon as I started touring colleges, I toured campuses out of state. I wanted a fresh start when I launched my career."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
11. Who is your hero or 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 them with the type of leader who best matches an applicant's inspiration based on their ideals, helping that leader better serve as a role model for them through the experience.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, a celebrity, an author--anyone! Talk to the interviewer about who has inspired your life and why. Be relatable and try to inspire conversation. How well you get along with your interviewer will also offer insights on how well you will get along with the mentor they place you with.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say my grandfather was my role model. He was a fighter pilot in the 50s and 60s for the Navy and encouraged me to join the Navy out of high school. I did, and they paid for my education. He taught me my work ethic early on and that your work means nothing if not performed with integrity."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
12. What part of the Johnson & Johnson Credo resonates with you most?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question tests the breadth of the research and homework you put in to prepare for this interview. The Johnson and Johnson Credo is lengthy (341 words). It's best to familiarize yourself with it as thoroughly as possible.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
There is an entire section of their credo dedicated to their workforce. Find the part of that statement that resonates with you the most, as it is most appropriate for the interview. This way you can touch on topics that other questions in your interview set will probably touch upon. Therefore, you are setting the stage for circling back around to questions you've already answered, reflecting that you already embrace their values, generating consistency in your answers--which is what they are often hoping to find in a desirable candidate.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"There is a lot of great stuff there. But what stands out to me the most is the part where you talk about your work culture. Particularly where you say we must respect their diversity and dignity and recognize their merit. They must have a sense of security, fulfillment, and purpose in their jobs. We must support the health and well-being of our employees and help them fulfill their family and other personal responsibilities. Employees must feel free to make suggestions and complaints. There must be equal opportunity for employment, development, and advancement for those qualified. We must provide highly capable leaders and their actions must be just and ethical."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
13. What do you hope to get out of this internship?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They are not only interested in your drive and ambition for pursuing this opportunity, but how far you've gone to explore it and how it could affect your career trajectory. If you do fully grasp what this could offer your life and career, they are gauging your enthusiasm and ambition.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Recognize the benefits involved with networking with other interns and executives across the globe. Relay how the hands-on training in real life high-level corporate situations could benefit your career growth exponentially. Also worth recognizing is how few even have the chance to interview for such a position, and that it is an honor and a rare opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I pride myself on my growth mindset, always have. So, when I learned your tagline of being a company of learn-it-alls rather than know-it-alls, that resonated with me in a big way. It's rare that one gets an opportunity to work on real-world projects in collaboration with teams across the world, getting customized one-on-one coaching from full-time professionals bringing solutions and ideas to life while working on cutting-edge technology. It's a valuable opportunity, and if I am so graced to be awarded such a position, I'd get everything and anything I could out of this position."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Behavioral
14. Describe when you displayed integrity and ethics above all else.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is curious about what your answer will reveal about your level of integrity. They are also curious what kind of red flags your answer might reveal, such as making your coworkers seem lesser by making yourself seem bigger or above them.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Avoid casting any coworkers or supervisors in a negative light. Choose an example that advertises your integrity. Offering a situation where an honest mistake or human error was made and how you went out of your way to make right could serve you well here.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"A coworker struggled with showing up to work on time. They'd recently been reprimanded for it. When they missed their bus again, they called me with excuses for their alarm not going off, etc. When I asked them why they were calling me with this concern, and not a supervisor, they said they were hoping I would clock in and lie for them. I explained I wouldn't do this and suggested they talk to a supervisor, give them a heads-up that they were delayed, and take responsibility for their own actions. They said they were going to, hung up, and then instead called out sick. They then called another coworker and asked them to take on their workload. I grappled with this and decided their attendance issues weren't the only problem here. They were slowing down the productivity of the rest of the team, creating a negative work environment, and overburdening other members of the team by passing off their work. I felt resentful of the awkward position this coworker put me in, and decided, regardless of how awkward, that I should let management know. I did, and the issues were addressed. I was worried other members of the team might resent me for my decision, but it turned out most of them supported the choice I made."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Communication
15. What would you do if you were the CEO and you had a major public relations scandal?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Some time ago, in the early 1980s, Johnson and Johnson had something of a PR crisis regarding over-the-counter Tylenol having been tampered with, causing a historic crisis for the company. They are curious about how familiar you are with the history of their company. How you navigate this question not only touches upon your company knowledge but also your communication skills and the tact you'd used to navigate this sensitive question.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Choose your words carefully. Don't bring up your knowledge of this J&J history unless specifically prompted. Remain professional and focus on the situation of this question and not on specific examples.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"Well, what I wouldn't do is look guilty by repeating no comment to the cameras and hiding away, nor getting defensive and lashing out. I'd hire a team who is used to putting out fires like this and who is specially equipped to handle the situation. The right response and the timing of that response are as important as the message of that response. So, I'd appoint a response team and with them, I'd devise a strategy and a carefully crafted message to make sure we clearly identified and communicated with all those affected by the event and would then carefully monitor the situation and study what we can improve on to perform better next time. Every mistake is a lesson to shore up for success."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Communication
16. Have you ever had to tell someone bad news? If so, how did you go about doing it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Sensitive situations have the potential to adversely affect a team. The interviewer wants to know what you consider a difficult situation, how you handled it, and your reasoning for bringing attention to the situation.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Respond thoughtfully and with a respectful tone. Offer examples where your problem-solving skills secured the smooth running of operations and worked in the interest of all involved parties. Avoid examples that did not end amicably.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I had a coworker who decided to quit, but instead of calling management, for some reason, they called me. I wasn't a supervisor, yet I was put in this awkward situation. So, I had to approach management and inform them that the person quit. They then reassigned their project over to me. The project the person was working on should have been close to completion. When I investigated where they left off, I realized the project was never started. This was the second piece of bad news. That was an uncomfortable day."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Communication
17. Describe an instance where you had difficulty working with a member on your team. How did you deal with that person?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is layered and can be interpreted in many ways. How you will interpret this question will give your interviewer insight into your outlook on the world. Not only is the interviewer trying to get an idea of who you are, but also an idea of your communication skills. They're keeping a keen eye out for any red flags. In the simplest terms, in this scenario, the last thing you want is to plant the seed that the difficult person in this scenario was you.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
When relaying your example, pay close attention to the nuance of this question. They want to know your reaction to the situation and how you communicated. Objectify the situation, exhibiting an emotionally mature perspective, and describe how you navigated this terrain, ultimately leading to a successful resolution. Avoid assigning blame. You don't want to come across as part of the reason you didn't get along. Focus on the positives and how the overall outcome benefitted the team. You want to come across as a people person with enhanced communication skills. This question is meant to assist in evaluating your non-defensive communication skills and your aptitude for diplomacy, de-escalation, and negotiation. Take care to exemplify this mentality.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I was working with someone whose parents were going through a divorce. This person was distracted, feeling insecure, and sensitive. They also started missing class. I guess they were feeling a bit victimized by what they were going through and projected that at me since we were partnered together on a project. I didn't feel their negative outlook was doing them any good, so I tried to offer a more objective lens. It wasn't appreciated, and they lashed out at me, misinterpreted my concern as insensitive, and accused me of using a tone I didn't intend. After things de-escalated, I explained I was just trying to help, since I cared about them and didn't want their problems to go from bad to worse. I think this embarrassed them. A couple of days later, they apologized for the incident. I told them there was no need to apologize. We hashed it out and had no trouble moving forward and are still friends to this day."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Education
18. If you could redo something in your university life, what would it be?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question delves deeper into your educational experience by inquiring what life lessons you've learned from an experience that you would do over. This helps them identify whether you accept responsibility for your own actions and what you learned from such experiences.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Keep your retrospective attitude positive, while displaying optimism for the future. A growth mindset is what you want to display rather than exhibiting too much regret.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say I wish I had focused on building more relationships in my college years. There were a lot of parties and a lot of crazy fun experiences my friends in college had, which they'd invited me to, but I was too focused on my studies and my career. I now feel I missed out on one too many of those. I graduated at the top of my class, and they didn't, so no regrets there. I made my choice, but I just wish I'd put more effort into striking more of a balance. But now I know moving forward how'd I'd do things differently."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Education
19. Why did you pick your university and course load?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewers want to determine if you're committed to pursuing a career with the degree you've chosen or are thinking of taking your life in another direction.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Detailing how you've come to pursue your career and how your degree led you here. 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 educational journey and as long as you confidently display your commitment now.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I studied at U-Penn because they're one of the best Ivy League colleges in the country, so I pursued my two degrees with them, obtaining a Master's in Engineering and a BS in Nano Health Technologies with a focus on Biomedical Sciences because technological medical science is my passion and in line with my career pursuits..."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Education
20. How has your academic experience prepared you for this role?
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 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Focus on some of the relevant topics you learned while attending your courses. Go deeper than the subjects you studied and offer what you learned from your college experience and how it prepared you for your career. Talk about some of the more interesting things you learned.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"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 31st, 2022
Experience
21. Describe a time when you had to complete something on a tight deadline.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Employers ask this interview question to evaluate your time management skills and assess your ability to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. Your answer to this question allows the interviewer to get an idea of how you'd manage and complete your work assignments should they hire you for the job. Highlighting your time management skills, organizational skills, and your ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance can show employers that you are capable of performing efficiently while taking on multiple responsibilities.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Explain how you re-prioritize your workload as needed. For instance, you could explain to the interviewer how you'd handle inheriting tasks amid other projects. Describe how mindful you are of urgency as you prioritize items in your workload.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I had a looming deadline and there was still work that needed to be done. Then, a member of my team went out on leave. The project they were working on was near completion with the deadline approaching fast. Since I was familiar with the work they performed, I volunteered to take on that work as well. I wasn't sure if I could meet both deadlines, but I put my all in. In the end, I had to put in ten hours of overtime in three days to get it all done. I could have scraped by doing less, but then the quality of my work would have merely met expectations, which is below my standard."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Experience
22. Name a time you improved a process.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question evaluates your standard for "putting your all in", seeks to answer how you approach managing your projects, and also evaluates your communication skills. It also serves to clue them into your values, your personality, and your motivators, providing insights as to how you'd contribute. Even more so, they want to ascertain whether you are an overachiever.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Remember, the road to self-improvement is never-ending. So, frame your experience as a milestone towards your future goals. Offer milestones you hope to accomplish next, building off of your previous accomplishments. Evaluate what they are looking for in their ideal candidate based on how they've advertised their position and frame yourself as an above-average fit.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"While onboarding at my last job, they trained me on the general methods previous employees in my position used to tackle their work. I soaked it up and spent my time evaluating those systems for getting the work done. I changed or reinvented them in ways that made more sense to me. I'm all about increasing productivity only where it doesn't sacrifice the quality of my work. Sometimes I hit the mark, and sometimes it's close but not perfect, and when that's the case, I learn what I can.
Well, the head of our division visited our department and evaluated our workflow. They challenged us to increase our department's productivity within the next month. At my first opportunity, I showed my team leader the system's approach I used for my work, in case they'd want to get ideas for how'd they'd meet this challenge. They loved what I'd done so much that they had me form a team on how to adopt these systems to the rest of the department in a way where these systems could be adapted to each and everyone's unique personality and work style. Once everyone was up to speed, our productivity increased and we met this challenge. We increased our department's productivity, exceeding the goals they challenged us with. Even better, a few months later, everyone in our department received a bonus."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Experience
23. Describe your multitasking skills and approach.
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. 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 of this. Your ability to exhibit sound judgment and prioritize based on the greater good of the team is of equal relevance.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 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 while considerating exploring what standards are used to prioritize work. Display an ability to assess the timing, commercial importance, and positive externalities of other priorities. Additionally, convey your ability to follow the chain of command, and know when to tap into the resources on the job.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"The first greatest achievement of the human race was discovering and being able to control fire. So, I like to imagine that every goal is the spark of an idea set in motion. Every goal generates work, and some are closer and burn more brightly than others. So, I like to think that I am harnessing the power of fire, or ideas. Whichever burns the brightest and closest needs to be tended to first, then the next brightest. I don't like to say I am putting out fires, but rather harnessing the fire. So, I look at task management through this lens. I look at everything that needs tending to, evaluate which is burning brightest, and prioritize accordingly."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Experience
24. How would you reduce expenses?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They are interested in not only how you would be on the lookout to protect the company's assets, but also how you would increase the company's revenue by implementing cost cuts. 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 31st, 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. You want to convey that you believe where there is a will, there is a way. Meeting deadlines, overperforming, learning, and innovating is the aim of the message in your example.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"Besides keeping payroll down and productivity up, I'd look over everything and study it to see if there was another way to go about it. So often methods to cut costs are hiding in plain sight. For example, I worked for my grandpa at his convenience store over the summers in college. One day, I had an idea. We were using an overpriced vendor for our office and backroom supplies. I knew someone in college whose dad managed an office supply company, and I was able to negotiate a bulk buyer's discount for our company while cutting out the vendor. Grandpappy was thrilled."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Experience
25. Describe all the costs associated with the production of this pencil.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The economics of a pencil is a common economic example of the cost of a product that serves as a commodity. By determining the cost that goes into making a pencil, you can determine the price you can sell it for making a profit. Your knowledge will exhibit strong business sense.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
If you're not familiar with this concept, read up on it and study. Don't go overboard with delivering your answer. Be confident and professional.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"Let's see if I can remember this one. The cost drivers for a pencil are its raw materials, parts or other finished components used to assemble the pencil, transportation, and handling of various materials used to het the finished product to the factory, labor, and benefits for the factory workers employees, energy, and supplies used to maintain equipment, along with government regulations, capital, and management."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Experience
26. Tell me about a time when you took a risk and received unexpected results.
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 31st, 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 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"Once, I was compiling a report, and there was missing information I needed from a professor who was out on leave. So, I decided to start digging in unconventional sources, old records, and archived information. From those, I had several pieces of a puzzle I was able to piece together. From that, I was able to complete the picture from the missing pieces in a way that ensured me I was close enough. Then, once I was able to do that, I was able to quantify the suspected missing data from other sources. It only set off our timeline by one day, still well within meeting our deadline for the project. When the project was underway and I realized the easy resource of my professor was unavailable, I was sure I wasn't going to be able to complete the project. But I was surprised by the results, in that I finished early, and learned so much more by taking the route I had."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Experience
27. Are you considering applying to any other companies?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
If asked this question during your interview, your interviewer is likely looking to see if you have any sort of timeline you're under. They are also curious about where they scale on your job wishlist. Job hunting is a numbers game. They don't expect you to put all your eggs in one basket. But they also don't want to hire someone who is just looking for any job. They need assurances that you ideally want to work for them and want to know why.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Honesty is always the best policy with this question, and it always puts a bit of a fire under a recruiter if they're aware that you're actively looking for another position. Feel free to talk with the interviewer about your search so far and don't hesitate to let them know that a role with Johnson & Johnson is at the top of your wishlist. Keep an organized folder with every customized resume and cover letter you've submitted to each position you are interviewing for. The interviewer will have something similar for all the applicants they are interviewing. Have tabs separating your notes for each interview, with a breakdown of the pro and cons of each employer. Detail, for your eyes only, what each of them offers you and what you offer them. Having this with you will show that you are an organized professional taking all your prospects seriously. This will help market you as a viable candidate.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I've never been the type of person who puts all of their eggs in one basket. I am interviewing with several companies and am keeping notes on all those I've been interviewed for, comparing each one to see how well they align with my goals and objectives. I'm interested in finding the right lasting fit. It's all about being professional and respecting the time and efforts of everyone who contributes to the process."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Leadership
28. What is your leadership style?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants insight into your style of leadership and how you overcome challenges while motivating your team. Additionally, how you answer this question will help them evaluate your approach and ability to identify the benefits and drawbacks of each of the five leadership personality styles; authoritarian, participative, delegative, transactional, and transformational.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Think about the leadership style which inspires or motivates you most. Whether inspiring innovation in others by assigning tasks equitably, based on skill, preference, or randomly, determine which approach you've found most effective and speak to its merits. Take all of this into consideration before formulating your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say I am an influential 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, and I think that's partly due to my approach. I treat everyone equally, working in partnership with my peers conducting myself with honesty and integrity, and earning their trust by showing I care."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Leadership
29. Talk about a time you successfully educated another individual or group in your area of expertise in college. What made your educational experience effective?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They're gauging how comfortably you coach others. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you'll seem. So, it should seem like second nature in how you communicate it. They're also trying to ascertain what talents or perspectives you have, if any, which make you uniquely qualified for this position.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
An effective coach successfully motivates a team to put their all in. How you motivate those whom you coach is as important as what you're teaching them.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"There were several experiences I had like this throughout college. I was ahead of my class. I graduated from high school two years early and got a head start in my studies in college by reading through my textbooks before school started. So, I frequently found myself in group team settings where I was educating the rest of the team."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Leadership
30. Tell me about a situation where you had to be a leader.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The scope of your vision--and whether you possess a big picture versus a narrower, short-term viewpoint--is what the interviewer is trying to assess. There are those who strive to contribute to the vision and the greater success of a team, who are driven 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 latter. But prioritizing the ultimate success of the team displays big-picture thinking. By contributing to the greater success of the company and the team, they are contributing to their individual success and development. Therefore, 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.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
How to Answer
Provide examples where you balanced your personal goals with the goals of the team through identifying an employee's growth potential. Reveal your motivation to further the team, rather than checking off a list of accomplishments as you try to climb through the ranks. The impression you want to give is that you are humble, you're good at your job, and you are consistently putting your all in.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd just turned in my work early when a coworker started asking me for help with the job they were working on. After the third question, it was clear they lacked the confidence necessary to tackle the task at hand. They were trying to go above and beyond by taking on a project that was outside of their comfort zone. So after the third request for help, I went over to their desk, looked at what they were working on, and asked them more questions to get a picture of what they needed coaching on. From there, I mentored them on how to complete this job, from beginning to end, guiding them along the way. Once they tackled the project, the advice I gave them helped them tenfold. This took them in some surprising directions, and the next thing I knew, they were mentoring me on something new. It comes full circle. That's teamwork, right?"
Written by Kevin Downey on May 31st, 2022