32 La Prairie Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our La Prairie, Inc. 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.
1. Many consumer products are heavily regulated by the FDA and other health organizations/associations. How do you feel about that?
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on consumer product regulation. Be sure to remain positive and avoid going on a rant if there are regulations with which you do not agree.
1st Answer Example
"I feel that strong regulations are essential for the protection of the consumer as well as for the distributor. If I could change anything, I would wish for some approval processes to be more streamlined; however, I do agree with most consumer product regulations."
2nd Answer Example
"I feel that the FDA and other health organizations have our best interest in mind. I appreciate the regulations and the protection they provide for consumers."
2. At La Prairie we always think of the consumer first. What are the top 3 ways that we can ensure consumer satisfaction?
How to Answer
When it comes to consumer goods, the satisfaction of the consumer is everything! These days with reviews online and the power of social media. How will you ensure that consumer satisfaction is a priority when working at La Prairie, Inc.?
1st Answer Example
"I feel that consumer satisfaction comes first from offering value. The product must be surprisingly high quality for the price being asked. The other top ways I ensure consumer satisfaction is through easy access to answers, and fast delivery/shipping/order fulfillment."
2nd Answer Example
"There are many ways to ensure consumer satisfaction; however, I feel that the 3 top ways to ensure customer satisfaction are through top-notch service, excellent follow-up, and consistently providing a product that solves a specific need."
3. In your opinion, what is the most innovative consumer product you have seen in the past 12 months?
How to Answer
When you are discussing innovative consumer products, be sure to include products created or distributed by La Prairie, Inc.. You want to assure the interviewer that you have a keen interest in their particular products. This answer is where research, before your interview, becomes very important.
1st Answer Example
"I have seen many innovative products come onto the market in the past 12 months. The one product from La Prairie, Inc. that I was most impressed by was XYZ. I love that it offers the consumer an easy solution, it's packaging is clean, and it has many qualities never presented in a product like this before."
2nd Answer Example
"This year I have fallen in love with product ABC. It has a clean design, is an affordable price point, and offers a variety of uses. What has been your favorite innovation in consumer products this year?"
4. What do you know about La Prairie and our work environment?
How to Answer
Do you know anyone who has worked for La Prairie, Inc. before? Have you researched employee reviews online? Talk to the interviewer about your findings when it comes to the work environment at La Prairie, Inc..
1st Answer Example
"I have looked at employee reviews online and have talked to a couple of your current employees on the workplace culture at La Prairie, Inc.. The consistent feedback that I have come across is that La Prairie, Inc. values its employees through fair pay, a great benefits package, and a lot of performance incentives. My findings were, overall, very positive."
2nd Answer Example
"I know that your employees are happy! I read a few reviews on Glassdoor and see that you have very high ratings for your interview process, onboarding, as well as overall company culture."
5. Of all the places that you could work, why do you want to join La Prairie?
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about your reasons for wanting to work for La Prairie, Inc. specifically. With all of the competitors out there - why them? Be as specific as possible.
1st Answer Example
"I would like to join La Prairie, Inc. because you have the strongest reputation for compliance and consumer concern in your industry. It's essential to me to work for a company with an honest reputation."
2nd Answer Example
"La Prairie, Inc. has been on my radar for some time now. I have a few friends who work for your organization, and they have the best things to say about working here. Specifically, I believe that you value your teams and their career growth. These are important factors for me in my next opportunity."
6. The performance of consumer products relies greatly on advertising and marketing efforts. Do you have any experience with advertising, marketing, or market research?
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about any experience you have in advertising and marketing; whether that be on the job training or formal education. Discuss how you have seen robust marketing strategies directly affect the performance of a product.
1st Answer Example
"I have always been fascinated with the direct correlation between marketing strategies and product performance. This is why I took Marketing and Communications in university. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and have additional training in advertising methods from my current employer. I have seen strong marketing campaigns take an underperforming product and make it the strongest performing product in as short as 90 days. I look forward to putting my knowledge in marketing and advertising towards a role with La Prairie, Inc.."
2nd Answer Example
"Although I do not have formal training and education in advertising and marketing, I love to research new marketing techniques. I also have a strong understanding of the Instagram and Facebook algorithms, including how to have your posts seen by the right audience."
7. At La Prairie we prefer to hire candidates who value post-secondary education. Do you have any post-secondary education or related training?
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about your post-secondary education, being sure to highlight the best parts of your performance. If you do not have the formal post-secondary education, you will need to sell the interviewer on the idea that you have gained the knowledge required to succeed with La Prairie, Inc..
1st Answer Example
"I value post-secondary education as well. Although I do not have a completed degree, I do bring a plethora of related experience from Company ABC and XYZ. Both organizations provided me with exceptional training. In addition to this formal on the job training, I have also read numerous business books and attended a variety of industry related workshops."
2nd Answer Example
"I have a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Concordia University. I am proud to say that I graduated top of my class. I have a lot to offer La Prairie, Inc. when it comes to my knowledge of consumer products, marketing, and advertising."
8. Despite more current trends, many consumer products have been tested on animals. What are your thoughts on this?
How to Answer
The testing of products on animals has been a long time controversy in the consumer products realm. Discuss with the interviewer your thoughts on testing consumer products on animals.
1st Answer Example
"Science has come a long way, and I do not see a need to test products such as mascara and shampoo on animals. I believe that products should not contain harmful chemicals and the more natural, the better. "
2nd Answer Example
"I do not support testing on animals. I believe that science has come far enough that we do not need to exercise this practice. Alternatives may be more expensive, but I fully believe that the right consumer will be okay with paying a premium for ethically produced products."
9. Sales performance is of utmost importance to La Prairie. How do you plan to contribute to our profitability?
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about your sales targets, results, and contributions in the past. Be sure to highlight your biggest wins and talk about the ways you will bring the same performance to La Prairie, Inc., if hired.
1st Answer Example
"I plan to contribute to your profitability through hard work, tenacity, and paying close attention to the needs of my customers. I have solid results in my most recent position and look forward to bringing these same successes to La Prairie, Inc.."
2nd Answer Example
"I have a solid sales plan that I will be bringing with me to La Prairie, Inc., should you hire me. I also have a strong portfolio of over 3,000 contacts. My first step would be to reach out to all of these contacts."
10. The consumer products industry is fast moving. How do you keep up to date on current trends?
How to Answer
Being up to date on current trends is incredibly essential in the consumer products industry. Assure the interviewer that you are engaged and interested in what the market trends look like.
1st Answer Example
"I agree, the consumer products market is incredibly fast moving. I keep up to date on new trends in the news and online through Google Alerts. There are a variety of industry publications that I subscribe to as well as bloggers that I am subscribed to."
2nd Answer Example
"It's tough to stay up to date on current trends, in such a fast-moving industry. My favorite sources of information include ConsumerReports.org, Good Housekeeping, and CustomerReview.com."
11. Are you applying for a job with any of our competitors?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know if you are specifically targeting positions within the same industry. Talk to the hiring manager about your desire for a role specifically in their industry. Be sure to reiterate your keen interest in the role with La Prairie, Inc..
1st Answer Example
"I have applied to a variety of roles inside this industry and am currently interviewing with one other company. My primary interest is with La Prairie, Inc. because your products align perfectly with my product expertise."
2nd Answer Example
"I am active in my search and have interviewed with 2 of your local competitors. With one, I am in the second interview. With the other, I just had a phone interview yesterday. With that said, I am most interested in this role with La Prairie, Inc.."
12. La Prairie likes to hire those who take pride in their work. Tell me about your greatest work related accomplishment.
How to Answer
Talking about your greatest accomplishment will give the interviewer a strong idea of where you place your values. It will also show the interviewer more about your personality, how you like to be motivated, and how to coach you in the future. It is okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your career accomplishments!
1st Answer Example
"The greatest accomplishment in my career was graduating University as an honors student while still working full time in a related field. I was top of my class, and working full time. This showed me that I could dedicate myself to my career, and reach the goals that I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and be recognized for my dedication."
2nd Answer Example
"My greatest career accomplishment was having been promoted the fastest in the entire organization's history and sweetening the deal by closing a deal less than 48 hours later. I was not only proud of myself but also received accolades from the VP of Sales in front of the entire company, which was a really special moment. I took a pay cut to move into the role, so to exceed expectations, be promoted, and be financially ahead of where I was previously was exhilarating. "
13. If La Prairie hired you today, what would you accomplish first?
How to Answer
When you start a new position, it is important to set a goal on how you will make a positive impact quickly after being hired. Tell the interviewer what your impact goal is, should you be the successful candidate.
1st Answer Example
"When we were speaking earlier, about sales targets in this position, you mentioned that most new sales professionals hit their KPI's after 120 days. If I were hired today, my goal would be to exceed my KPI's after the first 90 days. I plan to make a positive impact very quickly."
2nd Answer Example
"I know you mentioned that the average tenure in this position, before promotion, is anywhere from 6 months to a year or more. I intend to prove over the first three months that I am a rockstar in the organization and would be of greater benefit to you in an account executive role than I am in a business development role."
14. Change is par for the course with La Prairie. When have you had to adapt to change?
How to Answer
Being able to adapt to change in the workplace is a crucial skill to possess. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have had to adjust to changes on the job. How did you handle the change? Was it a positive reaction?
1st Answer Example
"In my current role there is a lot of turnover when it comes to our management team. I have had to adapt to 3 new managers in the past four years. It is not the ideal situation, but I can adjust for the good of the team."
2nd Answer Example
"In my previous role at a high-growth tech startup, the sales organization was restructured a number of times, from a new boss to new teams and territories. Some of the accounts I had been nurturing but had not yet converted were now handed off to another sales rep who received the fruits of my labor. Of course, this can be very frustrating; however, by sitting down with management to understand the "why" of the change, I was able to see the bigger objective and ultimately increase my sales performance."
15. When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
How to Answer
Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with setbacks in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing, and can be a bit disheartening, but I understand that it happens from time to time. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief with my manager and discuss what I could have done differently. Then, I move on!"
2nd Answer Example
"Setbacks happen for a reason, and they do not affect me emotionally in the least. I am a very pragmatic thinker and stay focused despite the challenges that come my way."
16. Have you progressed in your career as you have expected?
How to Answer
Career progression can be a touchy subject, especially if you feel that your career hasn't progressed as well as you would have liked. Talk to the interviewer about your career progression and what you would like to see in the future.
1st Answer Example
"Overall, my career has progressed a touch slower than I would have liked. I have held a couple of positions that didn't offer the growth and learning that I was expecting; however, I have bounced back nicely. I feel that this particular position would take my career exactly where it should be."
2nd Answer Example
"I am very happy with the progress of my career. I am proud of my accomplishments and the path my career has taken so far."
17. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
How to Answer
On a scale of 1-10, how skilled are you in communication? Why did you choose that particular rating for yourself?
1st Answer Example
"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything."
2nd Answer Example
"I will rate myself an eight because I value communication. I utilize multiple methods of delivering messages, and I give ample time for questions before implementation."
18. Tell me about your experiences giving presentations in front of large groups.
How to Answer
Public speaking can be intimidating so assure the interviewer that you are capable of communicating well in front of large groups. Have you taken any courses or training in public speaking? Perhaps you have so much experience that it comes second nature. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of giving presentations.
1st Answer Example
"In my past 2 roles I have been responsible for regularly presenting to my team of 43 staff as well as to our entire warehouse team of over 200. I have taken a couple of Toastmasters sessions which helped a great deal. I am a confident public speaker."
2nd Answer Example
"Presenting to large groups is a big part of successfully rolling out large communications to teams organization-wide. I have experience preparing the deck to be presented to ensure it is simple and thorough. I utilize different communication techniques to make a presentation fun, interesting, and engaging."
19. We believe in strong work/life balance at La Prairie. How often do you take work home with you?
How to Answer
The majority of people will work overtime hours or take work home with them on occasion. Talk to the interviewer about how frequently to take your work home. If you do take work home with you, make sure to express that it is due to overachieving and not procrastination or poor time management.
1st Answer Example
"I make sure to utilize my work hours very efficiently so the only time that I take my work home is when there is an extremely stringent deadline. I would say that, overall, I take my work home maybe twice per month. It's all about being diligent with your time!"
2nd Answer Example
"I try not to take my work home with me. Everyone needs downtime. However, if something needs to get done, I will get it done, even from home."
20. La Prairie puts emphasis on hiring people who fit into our workplace culture. How would you describe your personality?
How to Answer
Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your personal traits vs. your integrity. This would include buzzwords such as introverted, energetic, and confident.
1st Answer Example
"I would describe my personality as approachable, light-hearted, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me."
2nd Answer Example
"Some other words you could use to describe your personality:
- Honest
- Patient
- Good-Natured
- Imaginative
- Logical
- Modest
- Perceptive
- Poised
- Kind"
21. La Prairie wants to know how to motivate you. What work situations excite and motivate you?
How to Answer
It is important, for your success, that the hiring manager knows how to keep you motivated and excited to come to work every day. Share with the interviewer what they could do to ensure that you are happy and productive.
1st Answer Example
"I am most motivated, on the job, when tasks are organized, and the vibe is positive. I value strong teamwork and good leadership."
2nd Answer Example
"I am most motivated when a team is working as a whole, and when I feel organized. When a project or situation is well planned and researched, it motivates me to keep the momentum."
22. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you are pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments. Have you experienced a position where the environment wasn't conducive to your productivity? Be sure to understand the type of environment that is offered in this position before the interview.
1st Answer Example
"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the mentality is positive and teamwork is encouraged. I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic. From what I understand, La Prairie, Inc. offers a very collaborative work environment. How would you best describe the environment here?"
2nd Answer Example
"In my next position, I am looking for an environment that is collaborative and positive. Currently, I work in the opposite type of situation and the negative environment is my reason for seeking a change."
23. How did you bring value to your last position?
How to Answer
This question is similar to 'Why are you the best candidate?' Think about the strengths and skills that made you an asset in your last position. Maybe you influenced changes that saved the company money. Perhaps you were the top grossing sales person on the floor. Think of your strengths in action! If you are reliable, talk about how consistent your work has been and how you are in constant support for coworkers. If you have a strong work ethic, share how you accomplished a project in the midst of harsh obstacles.
1st Answer Example
"There were several ways I was able to bring value to my last position. First, I successfully passed each sales goal in my department. Second, I was able to motivate other members of my team and share my sales techniques with them. Third, I introduced two new procedures to the sales manager that helped us eliminate employee idleness between sales calls."
2nd Answer Example
"I brought value to my last position through my high level of reliability, my positive attitude, and my above average organizational skills. Successful project management is a large part of my work history and the company I am currently with was lacking when it came to smooth project execution. I was able to greatly improve their performance in that area."
24. Have you ever broken a confidentiality agreement?
How to Answer
Companies will have confidentiality agreements for a variety of reasons. These could be to protect their trade secrets or to ensure that you do not bring clients over on the occasion that you leave their company. Talk to the interviewer about your experience with confidentiality agreements.
1st Answer Example
"I have never, to my knowledge, broken a confidentiality agreement. Despite my reasons for leaving a position, I would never choose to hurt a previous employer in any way."
2nd Answer Example
"Confidentiality agreements are necessary and important to protect an organization. I understand the aspects of confidentiality and take them very seriously. I have never broken that trust."
25. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.
1st Answer Example
"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."
2nd Answer Example
"I am currently making $100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."
26. Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?
How to Answer
Do you feel that you should be paid based on tenure, or results? Discuss this with the interviewer and back your answer with an example, if possible.
1st Answer Example
"I feel that employees should be paid, and rewarded, based on their performance. A new employee would be greatly motivated through being rewarded for performance and it encourages a healthy competition with tenured employees."
2nd Answer Example
"I feel both performance and experience should be equally rewarded and weighted."
27. After researching La Prairie and our culture, what do you think are the top 3 values we look for in our candidates? Do you possess those qualities?
How to Answer
Display to the interviewer that you are engaged in the interview process by showing off the research you have conducted on La Prairie, Inc. before your interview. What types of qualities do they consistently mention on their website? In their job postings, do they refer to their company culture?
1st Answer Example
"I have conducted a strong amount of research on La Prairie, Inc. before coming here today and found that you consistently look for individuals with strong integrity, vision for the future, and ability to work as part of a team. I possess all of these qualities and feel that I would be a perfect match for La Prairie, Inc.."
2nd Answer Example
"The qualities and values most desired by employers include:
- Strong Communication
- Good Work Ethic
- Determination
- Flexibility
- Eagerness
- Grit
- Ability to Get Along
- Loyal"
28. How do you deal with distracting coworkers who stand in the way of your progress?
How to Answer
Even the most well-meaning coworkers can distract you from getting things done at work from time to time. The funny and entertaining coworkers who like to chat online and send YouTube videos are often the ones who can get in the way of your productivity if you let them. How do you respond? Show off your ability to set professional boundaries, when needed.
1st Answer Example
"I typically just set a kind, but clear, boundary and tell my coworker that I need to focus. I will offer an alternate time for a catch-up, over lunch for example. It is important for the sake of workplace culture to set aside time to be social with coworkers, so I usually just let them know when I'll be available for a quick break in the day."
2nd Answer Example
"If I have a distracting co-worker, I will highlight the distraction right away while remaining kind. I feel it's always best to nip issues in the bud right away before they become out of control."
29. Do you see yourself a leader? When have you led a team?
How to Answer
Perhaps you have led a club at work, been a coach for a youth sports team, or were on the advisory board for a non-profit organization. You should always be prepared to show the interviewer that you have a natural ability to lead others. Whether you have led a group of 500 or a team of 2, you must display to the interviewer that you are capable of handling the responsibility that comes with being a leader and mentor.
Talk about your desire to be a leader. Share with the interviewer that you strive to be a role model for others. Explain that you jump at the opportunity to lead groups, encourage your counterparts, and be a face of the organization when challenges arise.
1st Answer Example
"In my current position, I am the president of the social committee. I love that I have the opportunity to encourage employee engagement while being a positive influence on the workplace culture. I am a natural leader because I start with leading by example. As a leader, I make myself available to others who need mentor-ship, a bit of assistance in adjusting to their role, or just a listening ear when they've had a tough day. I am confident in my leadership abilities and look forward to joining your team in a leadership role."
2nd Answer Example
"I definitely see myself as a leader. Not only have I managed a team in two prior roles, but also I believe that leadership does not always equate to management. I am sure to lead at all times by providing the best model, enthusiasm, and work-ethic of the organization. I am open to new ideas and love to tackle a new project which, to me, embodies leadership."
30. Tell me about your experience in training and coaching others.
How to Answer
Coaching and training experience may not be required for this role, but they are abilities that are always valued by an employer. Briefly explain the experience that you do have in training, and coaching, in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"In my last position, I trained new hires on how to use our applicant tracking system. It was a very cool experience because it showed me that I love to teach and train. I am good at explaining how things work. It required a lot of patience, but it helped me to recognize my leadership potential."
2nd Answer Example
"If you lack experience in training and coaching you can respond with: "I haven't had the opportunity to formally coach or train anyone in the workplace, but I am interested in learning how to be an effective leader. I am eager to learn how to best motivate others."
31. Tell me something about yourself that I wouldn't know from reading your resume.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to get to know you apart from what is written on your resume. You are certainly not obligated to discuss personal matters such as your kids, or relationship status, for instance. Stick with a couple of fun facts to show the interviewer that you are a real person, too. Your answer should be unique so that you are a memorable candidate!
Focus on special non-work related skills or hobbies. For example, you might share that you enjoy beat-boxing or making origami swans. Be prepared for the interviewer to stop you and ask you to perform your skill on the spot when it's possible! (This will make you unforgettable!)
1st Answer Example
"I am an avid marathon runner and have traveled to 10 countries in the last 8 years to compete in a variety of races. I am a competitive individual and enjoy keeping fit."
2nd Answer Example
"I moved here from Ukraine when I was 8, speaking only Russian, and learned English from my Palestinian neighbor who spoke zero Russian. How? I'm still not sure, but we were pals and hung out daily and somehow figured out how to communicate!"
32. What is your greatest weakness?
How to Answer
Pick a weakness that is not a core skill for this position. You can be candid in your answer; recognizing that you really aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness.
Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar at a nearby community center. We are all human with our own weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!
1st Answer Example
"I believe I could improve on some technical skills including Excel and PowerPoint. Currently I am at a beginner to intermediate level; however, I would be more comfortable at an advanced level. I have enrolled myself in an evening/weekend workshop for the next six weeks. We will see how stellar my skills are after that course!"
2nd Answer Example
"This is super cliche, but it's also true. I am not good at delegating to others. When I become submerged in a project, I don't like to give away any of the control. While this can be good, it can also definitely inhibit the outcome of the project and my growth as a team player and individual.
I am currently working on this, as I know it is a deficit."