Work volume can become very high at Kimberly-Clark. How do you handle the stress of a larger than normal workload?
In the manufacturing industry, production volumes can fluctuate from week to week, season to season, and year to year. In jobs like this, I know that hiring managers like to ensure that new staff they are considering can handle the stress of long hours and harder work from time to time. At Kimberly-Clark, periods of mandatory overtime can also be expected, and your interviewer needs to be assured you can handle this added workload.
"When I have a large workload, I do not stress over the tasks in front of me. Rather, I make a simple plan of which tasks are a high priority and which tasks are a lower priority. I complete the higher-priority tasks. Through this system, I can focus on my tasks individually rather than stressing out about the multitude of tasks ahead of me. I also love the satisfaction of crossing things off my list!"
"In the job I've had for the last nine years, there are times of the year when we have higher production loads, and overtime is offered on a volunteer basis. I am typically willing to volunteer because my home life allows it, and I like the extra income. There are also times when it is mandated for all production staff. I never let mandated overtime get me down and always put my best foot forward when working additional hours."
The best way to answer a question like this is to use a specific example from your career when you had to handle a stressful workload. Carefully walk your interviewer through the situation and the action you took to work through it with professionalism and success. To finish your answer, reiterate that you are willing and ready to take on any of the challenges presented to you in the future at Kimberly-Clark.
"I'm ready for any challenge that would come my way at Kimberly-Clark, even if it involves a high workload and extra projects. I feel confident that my undergraduate program has prepared me to stay organized and on track in my work in any situation, especially given that I had some very loaded semesters to finish my program in four years."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I honestly do not stress over high workloads. I like to stay busy so I try to prioritize my workload by priority down to the lesser.
Marcie's Feedback
It's great that you don't get easily stressed out by a lot of work! Consider talking about how you prioritize tasks based on both importance and urgency. Also, give an example of a time when you successfully handled a lot of work all at once and talk about any stress relievers you rely on to remain calm. Nice job!
