30 Mettler-Toledo Interview Questions & Answers
1. At Mettler-Toledo we have employees from all branches of manufacturing including food, chemicals, textiles, machines, and equipment. What type of experience best defines your background or specialty?
How to Answer
This question is designed for the interviewer to draw out any transferable skills you may have. Take a few minutes to walk the interviewer through your background. Be sure to highlight any experience in manufacturing, whether or not the industry is a direct fit with what Mettler-Toledo does.
1st Answer Example
"My previous employers have focused on food manufacturing; however, I am very familiar with many of the processes that transfer to the chemicals manufacturing industry. My safety training, as well as my machinery experience, will be a major asset to your company, should you choose to hire me."
2nd Answer Example
"I am newer to the manufacturing industry so feel that I could quite easily land on my feet in a multitude of focus'. If I could choose one particular area that I was most passionate about, I would prefer to work on the machining side."
2. We want you to find a fulfilling career with Mettler-Toledo. Where could you see yourself 5 years from now?
How to Answer
Before your interview, be sure to visit Mettler-Toledo career opportunities online. Take note of the range of job possibilities. Perhaps there are opportunities in other locations? What kind of growth is available in the particular department with which you are interviewing? Assure the interviewer that you desire a long-term opportunity with Mettler-Toledo by discussing the career path you would like.
1st Answer Example
"I saw a few leadership opportunities posted on your company website that seemed very interesting. Ultimately, I would like to work my way into a management role that offered leadership opportunities. I am very interested in working for Mettler-Toledo because of the multiple growth opportunities present here, and I look forward to proving my capabilities to you."
2nd Answer Example
"Ideally, five years from now, I would love to see myself growing into a more prominent leadership role within your organization. My career interests align very nicely with your company's goals which helps me to see a great long-term fit here."
3. At Mettler-Toledo we prefer to hire individuals who are invested in their professional development. Walk me through any industry related coursework you have attended.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know if you have taken any formal education and training related to their industry. Your reply will help the interviewer to assess your commitment to Mettler-Toledo and their industry.
1st Answer Example
"I have taken a variety of coursework related to the manufacturing and engineering industry. In addition to my Bachelor's degree in Engineering, I also have a Project Management certificate. I am fully dedicated to forging a strong career in this field and look forward to bringing my knowledge to work for Mettler-Toledo"
2nd Answer Example
"The majority of my training is in leadership and human resources within a manufacturing environment. I appreciate that Mettler-Toledo takes an interest in professional development because that aligns nicely with my plan to further my knowledge in safety and training for factory environments."
4. At Mettler-Toledo we put great pride into the quality of our products. In your opinion, what do we do best?
How to Answer
When a company takes great pride in the quality of the products they manufacture, they want to know that the individuals they hire are passionate about quality as well. Show the interviewer that you have invested some time in getting to know the products at Mettler-Toledo.
1st Answer Example
"I can certainly see the pride that this company puts into the products you manufacture. After researching your range of products, I believe that you have the biggest market strength because you keep so much of your work local."
2nd Answer Example
"From my experience, so far, I feel that Mettler-Toledo is fantastic when it comes to how you treat your employees. Happy employees will put out great products. A healthy workplace culture is a great way to stand out!"
5. Mettler-Toledo works with some very well-known and respected brands. How will you do your part to contribute to our strong reputation?
How to Answer
This question is designed for the interviewer to find out if you have researched Mettler-Toledo before your interview and also to see if your customer service philosophy matches their company values.
Be sure to research the brands that Mettler-Toledo works with, or represents. Of those brands, discuss with the interviewer the ones with which you are most familiar. If something about them stood out to you during your research, be sure to mention this.
Next, assure the interviewer that you are capable of upholding their strong reputation through your morale and customer service expertise.
1st Answer Example
"Part of the reason why I applied to work here is that of your impeccable industry reputation. The biggest brands that you work with are some of the brands that I currently work with already so if you hired me; you would be hiring someone with an applicable background. I would uphold your strong reputation by continuing to bring dedication and deep product knowledge to the job."
2nd Answer Example
"I plan to do my part in upholding your reputation by bringing my absolute best to work every single day. I will treat your customers, vendors, and suppliers with utmost professionalism and respect."
6. List for me the machinery that you are most accustomed to operating.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like assurance that you can handle the type of machinery that they operate at Mettler-Toledo. Talk to the interviewer about your exposure to machinery and any manufacturing specific experience that you may have. Be sure to ask the interviewer if they are looking for a particular type of machinery. This question will allow you to overcome any potential objections later. If specific machinery experience is requested in the job description, be sure to address that as well.
If you have the right experience: "I see from your job description that you are looking for experience in machines X, Y, and Z. I have run these specific pieces of equipment for the past 12 years and consider myself an expert with them. Are there any other machine operating skills that you desire?"
1st Answer Example
"I see from your job description that you are looking for experience in machines X, Y, and Z. I have run these specific pieces of equipment for the past 12 years and consider myself an expert with them. Are there any other machine operating skills that you desire?"
2nd Answer Example
"If you do not have the exact experience, they are seeking: "I am most experienced in X which is very similar to Y, which I believe you frequently operate here. I am also an expert operator in A, B, and C machinery types. Are there any other skills that you desire?"
7. Workplace safety is incredibly important to us at Mettler-Toledo. What kind of safety training do you have?
How to Answer
Chances are, your safety training is listed on your resume. The interviewer is looking for a brief overview of your safety training. Take a few minutes to walk them through your experience. Also, if you have any statistics to share on your safety record, this is a great time to discuss those successes.
1st Answer Example
"Just this year I renewed my safety training in X, Y, and Z. My current company was rigorous on safety, so I come from a strong environment where safety always comes first. I was the first production supervisor to have an accident free year which is something that I am proud of."
2nd Answer Example
"I am new to my career, so I have not completed many noteworthy safety courses yet. I am CPR, and First Aid Certified and have taken Fall Arrest training. Could you share with me the courses that you feel I need so that I can gain a head start in the on-boarding process?"
8. At Mettler-Toledo we manufacture thousands of SKU's. How do you plan to learn about our product range?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you have a plan in place to succeed in this position with Mettler-Toledo. Discuss with the interviewer how you plan to learn their vast product range. Highlight your ability to study, memorize, and retain information. Display to the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in what Mettler-Toledo manufactures.
1st Answer Example
"I have already taken a keen interest in your products and am confident in my ability to learn the range of SKU's very quickly. I noticed that you have an online catalog, so I already started learning a lot about your product. Are there any other learning resources that you would recommend? I am a quick learner and great at retaining information. If you hire me, you will not be disappointed in my strong product knowledge abilities."
2nd Answer Example
"Your product range is impressive, and I understand that it is going to take some time for me to become familiar with the large range of offerings you have here. I have a strong ability to memorize facts, and so I plan to create flashcards and cheat sheets for myself to help with my initial training."
9. Mettler-Toledo manufactures a multitude of products. Which to you think is our best seller?
How to Answer
The interviewer is testing your depth of knowledge on Mettler-Toledo and their products. How you answer this question will quickly reveal to the interview how much, or how little, research you have done before the meeting.
Start by researching the company website and look for any special mentions. Generally, a company will highlight their best seller or most popular product. Next, Google search the company name and see if any particular product comes up in your search. Lastly, check customer or client reviews to see if there is a consistent theme.
Give your answer by demonstrating your research, and logically backing your answer. You should ask the interviewer what their best selling product is, as well. This question could open up a great conversation between yourself and the interviewer while providing you with additional information that will be helpful for any upcoming interviews with Mettler-Toledo.
1st Answer Example
"I noticed, when researching this organization, that product X stood out above the others. Your company website has a page dedicated to it, and there are many customer mentions of this product online. I believe this must be your best seller. Is this correct? I would love to learn more about your products and which ones are the most popular."
2nd Answer Example
"Because you have so many great products, it is hard for me to guesstimate which of your products is a best seller. Personally, product A stands out the most to me because it is unique and multi-functional. Could you share with me what your best selling products are?"
10. Tell me about the inventory software you have worked with. Are you familiar with the programs we use at Mettler-Toledo?
How to Answer
Direct experience with the exact software or programs used at Mettler-Toledo may not be a "must-have," but do take some time to find out which programs they use, and discover how your technical skills may be a match.
If specific technical skills are essential for the success of this role, the desired skills will be listed in the job description. Be sure to ask the interviewer if they want to see any specific technical skills. This question will allow you to overcome any objections the interviewer may have later regarding your exposure to their particular programs.
If you have the right experience: "I see from your job description that you are looking for experience in program X, Y, and Z. I have used all three of these programs for the past five years and would rate myself as an intermediate level user. Are there any other technical skills that you desire?"
1st Answer Example
"must-have,"
2nd Answer Example
"If you do not have the exact technical experience, they are seeking: "I am a fluent user in program X which is very similar to program Y. I am also an expert user of Excel and most other Microsoft programs. Are there any other technical skills that you desire?"
11. When do you best demonstrate yourself as a leader?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you are confident about your leadership abilities and that you understand when your leadership abilities have been most useful.
Perhaps you best demonstrate yourself as a leader when your manager is away. Maybe you often jump into a leadership mindset when a co-worker is struggling. Think about a recent time when an employee on your team was successful at something because of your leadership skills. Discuss the scenario and how your leadership skills made the difference.
1st Answer Example
"I best demonstrate myself as a leader when I know that a coworker could use my assistance. I seem to be a natural teacher and mentor which means that when someone is struggling, my first instinct is to train them. Just recently, I coached a new employee on a sales technique that helped her to achieve her quota for the first time. I look forward to working in this role with you because it will allow me to take on further leadership opportunities."
2nd Answer Example
"In my current position, every time my current manager is away, I take on the role of leader for our team. This leadership opportunity takes place usually one day per week. When you call him for a reference, he will be able to tell you that I have naturally stepped into the responsibilities associated with being a leader."
12. What decisions did you routinely make in your last position?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know more about the types of decisions you are accustomed to making in the workplace. The way you answer this questions will give them a good idea of your level of experience, seniority, and ability to handle the decision-making requirements in this possible position.
If the job you are interviewing for requires you to be decisive and quick on your feet, you will need to be able to provide examples of how you have done these things in the past. If you worked in tech support, you faced problems that you needed to find solutions for on a regular basis. If you worked as a sales rep, you might have required to know how to negotiate and make decisions on prices and benefits you can give your customers.
You may have faced decisions that became so routine you didn't think twice! Refer to these types of decisions and be sure to highlight how these types of decisions have prepared you for a role like this one.
1st Answer Example
"In my previous position I was quite often required to make decisions on staff scheduling as well as hiring and terminating. I feel that role prepared me quite well for a position like this one. I have well-honed decision-making skills and my intuition, when it comes to hiring, has been elevated."
2nd Answer Example
"I regularly made decisions regarding pricing and discounts for customers. I had a standard set of criteria that I created, and I tried to let that guide me for consistency."
13. What was your greatest cost-cutting measurement you accomplished at your previous employer?
How to Answer
If you are in a management type of role, you will often be asked to keep your eyes open for cost-saving opportunities. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of understanding the importance of this practice and give a strong example of a time when you have done so.
1st Answer Example
"I have been able to present cost-cutting suggestions many times to my previous employer. The one that I feel had the biggest impact was when I suggested additional warehouse staff. We had three various shifts and still an average of 100 hours of overtime per week. I presented to my employer that we hire one more warehouse employee for each shift, keeping the hours to just 120 regular vs. 100 hours of overtime pay (@1.5x) This recommendation saved the company $31,000 per year. They implemented this change across 15 warehouses the following year, amounting to nearly half a million dollars in savings per year."
2nd Answer Example
"The greatest cost-cutting measurement that I accomplished at work was through new suggestions for theft prevention. Since we implemented some of my suggestions our loss, due to theft, has decreased 12%."
14. If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?
How to Answer
A hiring manager will be able to tell a lot about your personality by learning about your other career interests. If you could do anything over, what would you do, and why?
1st Answer Example
"I certainly do not regret the direction I have taken my career; however, if I had to start over in a new direction completely I would likely pursue my Degree in Education and become a teacher. Both of my parents were teachers, and they seemed to have a very fulfilling career. I enjoy coaching and leading others so, any tasks in my current career that related to these skills, are very welcome."
2nd Answer Example
"I am not one for regrets or looking back; however, if I could change anything about my career path, I would have been more aggressive in my path to leadership earlier on."
15. Why are you the best candidate for us?
How to Answer
Bragging about yourself in an interview can be tough to do, but this is your time to shine! Which characteristics and career accomplishments have made you a stand-out candidate? Perhaps you have received some academic awards or have been given individual accolades in your most recent position. There is nobody like you, and now you need to express that to the interviewer.
1st Answer Example
"I am the best candidate for you because I have a consistent history of exceeding my targets and goals for the past three years. I have been promoted two times in the last year which is nearly unheard of in my current company. In addition to these successes, I have excellent cold calling skills which I will put to work immediately after being hired by your company."
2nd Answer Example
"I'm qualified and passionate about your cause. I am excited about the idea of delivering value to your organization and will hustle for the opportunity to go above and beyond for your organization."
16. What experience do you have using team-based messaging applications?
How to Answer
There are many options for communication software and messaging applications. Give the interviewer a brief overview of the apps you have experience using and assure them that you can learn their internal system, should it be new to you.
1st Answer Example
"I have used a variety of team-based messaging applications. I am best versed in Brosix, AOL Instant Messenger, and Freedcamp. No matter which system you use I am sure that I can pick it up very quickly."
2nd Answer Example
"I have not used team-based messaging applications in my past positions; however, I am very technically savvy and experienced with multiple programs such as A, B, and C. I look forward to learning your systems as well!"
17. How would you describe your relationship with your customers or clients?
How to Answer
Do you value your client and customer relationships? How do you nurture them to ensure that they are happy and continue to come back? Talk to the interviewer about your strategy for solid customer and client relationships.
1st Answer Example
"My customer and client relationships are best described as open and honest. I believe that the more upfront and transparent you are with your clients, the more likely they are to return. I most definitely value my clients and am sure to nurture those relationships as much as possible."
2nd Answer Example
"I build and keep excellent relationships with my clients! These relationships are key to the success of my employer which means that I need always to be putting my best foot forward. I am honest with my customers, helpful, and always try to deliver earlier than they anticipate."
18. Do you ever used your sense of humor to diffuse a situation at work?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you can diffuse a tense situation if needed. They also want to see a bit more of your personality! Stress and fast-paced work environments can cause people to feel overwhelmed and sometimes even angry or upset. Think of a time when you took a much more lighthearted approach to diffuse a tense situation.
1st Answer Example
"I would say that I use my sense of humor often at work. This humor could be by poking fun in friendly ways, or adding a bit of good sarcasm. Humor does seem to make things a bit lighter and more fun on the floor, allows everyone to shake off whatever's bringing us down, and move on to the next issue to tackle."
2nd Answer Example
"Humor is one of those universal things to which everyone can relate. When used properly, it can help bridge a gap or bond a relationship. I use it, with good taste and professionalism, often in my communications. At the end of the day, it is important to enjoy what you do, and humor is a big component of that."
19. 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 company. 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 bring value to my current position by being a knowledgeable and reliable employee. I bring a great attitude to work every day and am always open to teaching new employees as well."
20. What steps do you take when you have to make an immediate decision without all the relevant information?
How to Answer
Sometimes we have to make decisions without all of the pertinent information at our fingertips. The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of taking educated guesses and that you are confident enough in your abilities that you can make a good decision without all pieces of the problem being present.
1st Answer Example
"When I need to decide without all of the information present, I weigh the pros and cons and come up with a solution that makes the most sense. Common sense can take you a long way! Next, I may ask the opinion of someone I trust to see what they think. Even though I trust my decision-making ability, I still think it's important to get a second opinion when it comes to situations involving money or decisions that make a significant impact on others."
2nd Answer Example
"I am a strong believer in following my gut, and for the most part, it has not steered me wrong. I try to gather as much information as possible, but when all of the pieces are not accessible, I assess the situation using my prior knowledge of similar situations, and I follow my intuition. If I'm not certain or feel conflicted, I don't hesitate to bring in another person or persons to help me come to the best, most effective decision."
21. What challenges are you looking for in this position with Mettler-Toledo?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that this role will be challenging enough for you to stay with Mettler-Toledo long term.
Be sure that you understand the job description. Take a close look at the duties and responsibilities that could pose a more significant challenge for you. Sometimes the hardest part is balancing all of the tasks you're expected to manage.
Explain to the interviewer that you are prepared and looking forward to learning from difficulties as they arise. Be specific to show your understanding of the expectations of the role.
1st Answer Example
"I understand that working as a (your position) comes with a lot of challenges. As a new graduate, I have been eagerly awaiting my opportunity to jump into the job market and take on any challenge presented to me. I see the challenges of this position as opportunities to grow and learn."
2nd Answer Example
"I am eager to be challenged in the workplace and am particularly looking forward to challenges pertaining to marketing, and product development."
22. List the top 3 skills that you have acquired in your last role.
How to Answer
You have likely gained many valuable skills in your career. Share with the interviewer which skills you value the most. Be sure to include capabilities that will potentially benefit this potential new employer.
1st Answer Example
"In the past few years I was able to upgrade my education while still working full time. The biggest skill that I gained was my ability to multi-task as I worked the dual role of employee and student. I also have strong skills in a variety of Microsoft programs such as PowerPoint and Excel."
2nd Answer Example
"Here are some additional transferable skills you may have acquired in your last position:
- Leadership experience
- Delegating tasks to other employees
- Researching
- Analyzing data
- Written and verbal communications
- Terminations and onboarding"
23. We have had concerns with employee theft recently. What would you do if you caught a coworker stealing? co-worker stealing?
How to Answer
Some businesses have trouble with employee theft, and they need to make sure that they are hiring someone who is honest and trustworthy. Talk to the interviewer about the steps you would take if you caught a co-worker stealing.
1st Answer Example
"I am sure that you have an internal policy for employee theft so I can assure you that I would follow the required steps to report the theft. I am a trustworthy person with a strong track record of honesty with my previous employers."
2nd Answer Example
"If I caught an employee stealing, I would report the incident immediately. As a previous manager, I understand the value of employee honesty."
24. How can we motivate you on the job?
How to Answer
Every employer should know how each staff member is best motivated. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you are best motivated on the job.
1st Answer Example
"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I do like to know that my efforts are being noticed. In my current position, we have a leaderboard and I do like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of competition in me as well."
2nd Answer Example
"I am delighted that you have asked this question! It just goes to show that you are a thoughtful employer. I am motivated by fun contests led by reaching KPI's and other important targets."
25. What do your team members think of you as the team leader?
How to Answer
It is essential to be aware, and honest, about your strong points and shortcomings when it comes to your leadership skills. Talk to the interviewer about what you honestly feel your team would say about your leadership skills.
1st Answer Example
"I often ask my team members for feedback on my leadership skills. The points that consistently come up are that I am a clear communicator and that I am approachable. One thing that I could work on would be my ability to be more concise in my direction, but I have been working on that and feel that I have improved significantly. "
2nd Answer Example
"I hope that my team sees me as a positive example, whether I am in a leadership role or not. I enjoy teaching and guiding others so I believe they would say that I am a collaborative leader who values mentorship."
26. How competitive are you?
How to Answer
Being a competitive person is an excellent thing if you are appropriately competitive in the workplace. Assure the interviewer that you have a tremendous competitive edge when necessary but are still able to balance that competition healthily.
1st Answer Example
"I think that on a scale of 1-10, I would rate myself as a 7 when it comes to being competitive. I love a great competition in the workplace when it comes to sales goals and breaking through last years' numbers. I am not competitive to the point that it would hurt my team or colleagues."
2nd Answer Example
"I am not overly competitive when it comes to my ego. My competitive nature kicks in when I have a deadline to meet or a client who wants to be impressed by my level of work and service."
27. How do you deal with a coworker when they stand in the way of your progress at work?
How to Answer
Even some of the best coworkers who are hard-working and entertaining can distract you from getting things done at work. The funny and entertaining coworkers who like to chat online and send you YouTube videos over email are often the ones who can get in the way of your productivity. How do you respond?
This question gives you a chance to talk about how you set healthy boundaries at work. It can be a difficult task, but you can handle it! Show off your ability to listen and communicate what you need from your coworkers, especially when you need space!
1st Answer Example
"I typically just set the boundary and tell my coworker that I need to focus, but I'd love to catch up with them at lunch. I've learned to set aside time to take breaks and spend time with coworkers, so I usually just let them know when I'll be available."
2nd Answer Example
"I understand that coworkers can be distracting at times. I have no problem expressing that I am in a time crunch and asking my coworker if I can catch up at a later time."
28. 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."
29. If you had a co-worker call in sick and you were asked to take over their project requiring overtime from you, how would you react? Where do you draw the line when it comes to being a team player?
How to Answer
Show your confidence to your interviewer by explaining your willingness to be part of the team and not being afraid to pick up the slack when needed, but make sure you don't allow someone to take advantage of you.
1st Answer Example
"I will always choose to be a team player. If I had a co-worker call in sick, I would take over what I was capable of doing. The only time I would draw the line would be if I felt I was being taken advantage of for any reason. For example, if they were purposefully being inefficient and expecting me to pick up the slack. For the sake of the company, I am always willing to go above and beyond the expectations."
2nd Answer Example
"So long as my willingness to jump in is not taken advantage of, I am happy to help when my company is in a pinch. When the tables turn, and I may be ill, it would be nice to know that someone will be there to help me out as well."
30. Why were you fired or let go from your last job?
How to Answer
Being terminated does not have to be an embarrassing or shameful thing. Be open and honest with the interviewer regarding your dismissal. Be sure to let the interviewer know that you can provide positive references despite a previous termination.
1st Answer Example
"I was terminated from my last position due to my inability to relocate to the new plant that my company was opening. It was unfortunate, but I am confident that I will find the right fit again shortly. Despite my termination, I can provide you with strong work references."
2nd Answer Example
"Unfortunately, I was part of the 300 layoffs that occurred after a competitor acquired our company. It was a disappointing experience to go through; however, I am excited about the opportunities that await me."