How would you handle an issue with a policy or procedure?

"I would first talk with my manager to make sure I understood the expectation correctly. I could have interpreted it wrong, or there could have been a miscommunication. If I still had an issue, I would take some time to think about how I could deal with it. I've learned to pick my battles and be adaptable as much as I can."

In the food and beverage industry, being adaptable is essential. Nestle Purina strives to keep up with their customers by improving their products, making changes in policies or procedures inevitable. This means policies can change quickly, and you will be expected to adapt. The interviewer wants to hear how you will respond when you disagree with the way something is handled or executed.

"I know well enough at this point in my career that policies and procedures are in place for a reason. If I truly don't understand the reasoning behind a policy, I ask for further clarification in a respectful and open-minded way."

"I would be sure to fully understand the policy or procedure, and if I didn't, I would reach out to my manager or HR to ensure that I totally understood before I took any action. This way, I can go into any situation knowing the facts."

At Nestle Purina, we value individuals who take initiative. Can you give me an example of a time you did something without being asked?

"I noticed the numbers were off on a shipment I delivered to a customer. They ordered 30 cases, and we only delivered 25. When I made the delivery, I let the customer know we would deliver the additional cases the next day, and I called my manager to find out what went wrong. My manager and the client appreciated my sense of urgency and ability to take action after making that observation."

Taking the initiative demonstrates leadership ability. Even if you are working as a delivery driver, there is always an opportunity to be proactive in the way you approach your work. Nestle Purina wants to hire individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities because they invest in their employees and often promote from within. Impress the interviewer by showing how you manage your workload and take action before anyone has the chance to ask you first.

"I often take the initiative without being asked. This includes training staff members on a new procedure, calling customers to follow up on their orders, or taking random inventory counts."

When have you had to think outside of the box to solve a problem?

"In my current position, we saw a decrease in clients due to a local economic downturn. I recommended to our head office that we begin to generate business outside of our region for the first time in many years. They agreed, and the idea turned things around for us that fiscal year."

Talk to the interviewer about a time you solved a problem creatively. Discuss the outcome and the steps you took to ensure your success.

"I once had to deal with a space issue in our warehouse. We arranged and re-arranged several times and could not make it work. I thought outside the box and rented some outside pod storage until we were back to normal inventory levels."

Tell me about a time you saw someone do something that compromised the integrity of your organization.

"I worked with a coworker who experienced some burnout. They had a lot going on in their personal life as well, and their work/life balance was thrown off. I was lingering nearby when I overheard the poor service they were giving one of our biggest vendors with a 'too bad, just get over it' defensive attitude. This was not a fair representation of our brand, and I asked them to pause the call. They did, and I explained that it seemed like they needed a break from this one and offered to take over. They accepted and transferred the call to me. What I didn't know was that one of our supervisors was monitoring the call and pulled that employee aside after I took over. I turned the vendor's experience around and got things back on track."

Situations like this can be sensitive and affect how others on your team perceive you. The interviewer wants to know how you handled such situations and your reasoning for bringing attention to the situation. Explain that you were working in the interest of all involved parties. Mention the welfare of your coworker, the needs of the team, and the necessity of bringing it to your superiors.

"I uncovered some discrepancies in the orders we were shipping out. Every order was around ten items short of what we were supposed to be shipping to our vendors. Upon closer examination, I realized there was a pattern. It was intentional but made to look as if it was random. Pretty soon, I found one person connected to these orders. It wasn't the person placing the order, but the person verifying and approving the orders. I decided this was enough information worth passing on to management. They took over the investigation, and they let the person go. A couple of weeks later, a supervisor told me they saw the former employee selling those stolen company goods at a flea market. Not only were they giving the company a bad name by not living up to our client's expectations, but they were stealing from the company as well. Most unfortunate."

Tell me about a time you learned a skill set that improved a workplace process.

"I am all about systems implementation. I strive to deliver above and beyond quality in my work first, then implement procedures that increase the quantity without sacrificing quality. When I finish my onboarding, I analyze what I've learned and find methods to improve my workflow and productivity. Once I feel I've done so, I'll share my method with anyone interested. In my last job, this led to several improved systems the entire workplace adopted, which increased our department's productivity threefold."

The interviewer hopes to learn more about your approach to your development and your ability to step outside of your comfort zone. A person's level of ambition can be revealed in how frequently they take advantage of learning new skills. It may also reveal if you are ambitious and take on too many tasks. The interviewer wants to know whether you're more likely to underperform many tasks, over-perform one task, or fall somewhere in between. Explain why your example was outside of your comfort zone. Specify whether you were volunteered for this task or were challenging yourself. Describe what you did to ensure your success and the obstacles you faced along the way.

"We were having difficulty keeping everyone on the same page. Communication was inconsistent and often passed on verbally. I suggested our management start a weekly bulletin, which could be kept in a binder in the break room. We had a page at the end of every bulletin with a list of all our staff with a checkbox next to their name. They'd check the box next to their name when they read it. Management loved the idea, and they wanted me to get it started. I didn't know where to start, so they sat down and gave me a weekly meeting where I would take notes and come up with the bulletin. I had to learn shorthand to do this fast and meet the expectations I set for myself. It was a success. This improved our workplace's communication and improved accountability. I'm always looking for ways to streamline our workflow and productivity. I'm a believer in making work foolproof. The path of least resistance should always be the path of doing the job the right way right from the start. This prevents rework and enhances productivity."

At Nestle Purina we understand that conflict can arise when you're working closely with others on a team. Give me an example of a time you had to deal with an issue while working with others.

"My coworker was a great salesman but horrible at the administrative side. He made so many mistakes and didn't seem to care. It bothered me because I take such pride in the quality of my work. I decided to talk with him and found out that he wasn't clear on expectations or how to do some of the basic aspects of the paperwork for each sale. He got some additional training to get on the same page as the rest of the team."

Responding to a conflict can be tough, especially in a team environment where you want to be sensitive and not step on any toes. Share an example of a conflict that occurred within your department or between you and a co-worker that you effectively resolved. Explain the situation and how your actions resulted in a resolution or compromise.

"In my current position, there is a concern about workplace bullying, and there are a particular group of individuals who 'lead the pack,' so to speak. The situation got out of control a few months ago, and I had to involve human resources and conduct a few exit interviews. Having to terminate employees is never easy; however, if they are causing conflict, it is always the best choice in the end."

"When I first started working after my promotion at my new plant, I was working on an issue in quality and did not 100% understand the procedure. I asked a co-worker to explain the procedure, but instead of helping me, she printed off a procedure and walked out. I had a problem with this because I work well with others. That day, I pulled her aside and told her about working together and asked if we could do that. She respectfully understood the issue."

Tell me about a time when your actions resulted in greater team efficiency.

"When I worked as a brand ambassador for a local snack company, I moved quickly to unload and organize the products. I noticed that by keeping products organized, we were able to save some time preparing and setting up for events. I made a point to keep all products organized to make the distribution process go much more smoothly."

Teamwork is essential when working in the food and beverage industry. To ensure that products meet quality standards at Nestle Purina, teams within every department must cooperate and communicate effectively. The goal is always to keep customers happy. Share a time when you made a difference on your team.

"I am a very organized individual. When I was asked to help with the team schedule, I was excited to make a difference! I was able to reduce a significant amount of overtime and eliminated split shifts."

What is your greatest professional achievement so far?

"I was the top sales leader at my most recent company. I think the reason I did so well was my consistency in following up with customers. I checked in with them daily and made sure I met my sales goals every week. My contribution helped them increase sales that year by 25%!"

Nestle Purina is looking for motivated individuals. Whether your accomplishment is related to school, work, or volunteer experience, give an example that demonstrates your determination and ability to overcome obstacles. Often an achievement is honored through high praise from a manager or an award. Numbers speak volumes! Whenever you are able, tangibly explain the results, offering up a concrete example of what your achievement looked like to help the interviewer at Nestle Purina get a much clearer picture of your success.

"The greatest accomplishment in my career was graduating from University as an honors student while working full time in a related field. I was at the top of my class and working full time. This achievement 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."

"My greatest professional achievement was having zero findings in the unannounced FSSC audit. This is a huge accomplishment for any company. I was responsible for HACCP, the food safety team, internal audits, and consumer complaints. I felt that my hard work towards the programs gave the auditor the confidence that I was doing a good job and keeping up with changes to the standards."

Tell me about an idea you implemented in the past that made an impact.

"Since customers are so much more concerned about their long-term health, I helped my current company come up with a marketing campaign for ABC product to appeal to the health concerns of the public. I conducted market research using surveys to identify the specific health concerns of the individuals who buy our products. By promoting our new health-conscious recipe, we were able to increase sales by 15% that year!"

Coming up with ideas to increase productivity and efficiency and save time and energy is a great way to make an impact on your coworkers and the company. Seeing problems as opportunities is a skill that can make you an essential asset to Nestle Purina. Think of a time you had a chance to make a difference by changing a process or procedure.

"In my previous role, I was fortunate enough to introduce my company to the idea of a gold level service, which provided customers with additional options on top of our general customer service. Our customer base responded very positively, and we kept the program running for a few years."

"I've implemented a new Sanitation program. During an FSSC audit, our sanitation program received a minor citation for not being complete or cohesive. I was tasked by my manager to make a new one. I sat down with each sanitation associate and the manager, and we discussed every aspect of their jobs, including, but not limited to, what they did daily, how long each item took, and what happened yearly. I created the first MSS, and when it was audited six months later, it had zero citations."

Tell us a time you had a conflict with your supervisor or manager and how you managed it.

"I had a supervisor who managed a particular shift where everything that could go wrong went wrong. They went into something of a frenetic panic. A lot of micromanaging happened that day, which escalated the situation. At a certain point, they pulled me aside and asked if I would help with something and asked me to go about it via several 'shortcuts' which were clear safety violations and against workplace policy. I refused. They pressed me, and I held my ground, and there was tension between us for several days. After that, they didn't treat me the same again. It was unfortunate, and they lost some credibility with me. I wasn't aware, but a few people they'd vented to brought it to the attention of our superiors. This person, knowing well it wasn't me who alerted their superiors, blamed me for the situation. They refused to accept responsibility and held their position that had I done what they requested, none of the consequences of their actions would have happened."

This behavioral question aims to reveal how well you deal with those in a position of authority and how well you work with the rest of the team. The interviewer needs to know if you respond defensively to situational conflict or approach such instances diplomatically, working swiftly towards a communal end goal.

"I received a mediocre review early in my career. I'd been working my tail off and going above and beyond. Then, when I received my review, every category fell into the 'meets expectations' category. I felt I should have been in the above and beyond section and did not receive the score I felt I deserved. I then broke down all the things I'd done, but my boss said no one knew, and labeled me a stealth worker. He said that I needed to make others more aware of my accomplishments and that perception is reality. So I started keeping a journal in my pocket where I detailed everything I did that went above and beyond. I composed a weekly report of all of my accomplishments and passed them to my boss, and when the next review came, all of my scores fell in the going above and beyond category. My boss kept complimenting me on how far I've come along and how incredibly my performance improved. I told them the only thing that changed was how I documented my accomplishments and made them aware of them, to which they replied that perception is reality. I get that now."

What questions can I answer for you?

"I have the experience needed to perform the job and am familiar with what the role looks like, but every department is different. So, based on the department's rules, regulations, and systems and processes, what does a day in the job with your department look like in this position after onboarding?"

This question will help the interviewer not only assess your genuine active interest in working for them but also whether you are the type of person to ask questions when training for a new job. The more questions you ask, the more enhanced your communications skills will seem, and the more likely you are to be self-guided and successful at your job. You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. They've provided opportunities for you to share your accomplishments and advertise your merits. This is your opportunity to allow them to propose their pitch and advertise their merits and what they offer, allowing them the opportunity to convince you this is a great opportunity.

"Thank you. I have a few questions. For starters, can you tell me what transpired that led to the vacancy of this position?"

There may be times when you are asked to stay late or work weekends or overtime due to fluctuations in the schedule and shift changes at Nestle Purina. What is your availability?

"I am excited about the opportunity to work for Nestle Purina, and I am available to work whatever hours are required to get the job done. Can you tell me more about what I can expect from the schedule? I am flexible and comfortable working long hours."

The hours you would be expected to work at Nestle Purina largely depend on which department you work in. If you work in production or delivery, you will most likely be required to do shift work, possibly working on weekends. If you work in the corporate office, you may be salary, which often means working long hours. If you're not sure what to expect from the schedule, now is the time to ask!

"The only restriction that I currently have on my schedule is Thursday evenings as I take my son to tutoring those evenings. Other than this, I am flexible with my availability. Because I have a family, I ask for reasonable notice to schedule changes."

Why are you leaving your current job?

"I decided to look for other jobs because I have already been promoted twice, and there is no more room for growth. This position at Nestle Purina will give me more experience as a manager and help me to cultivate my leadership skills."

Be honest about your situation and use discretion with what you share. If you are leaving because you had issues with your manager, talk about it professionally. Nestle Purina wants to hear that you are interested in growth opportunities or broadening your skills. Be specific about how this new position will take your career to the next level.

"I am passively looking for a new opportunity that will offer continued education and growth opportunities. Also, I am looking for compensation advancement as I have hit the peak of my earnings in my current company."

"I'm looking for the next big step. This job would be a perfect growth opportunity for me, and I'm looking forward to this opportunity."

What can you tell me about what Nestle Purina does and the history of our company?

"Nestle acquired Ralston Purina back in 2001 and merged it with Nestle's pet food brand. They're dedicated to innovating pet care safety and nutrition and have several programs, like the purple leash project, which is dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse escape their situations with their pets."

The interviewer is curious about how well you've researched the company and its values. Gauging how familiar you are with their company reveals that you put in the work, not just when you're on the clock, but when you are vested in success.

"In 1867, Henri Nestle founded Nestle when they developed the first formula for children who couldn't be breastfed. In 2001, they acquired Purina and merged it with their own brands. There are several innovations in the market they've spearheaded since, like creating foods that reduce allergens in pets, but the list of their accomplishments and their history is long. How deep would you like me to go?"

What do you think you will enjoy most about working in the food and beverage industry?

"I am excited to work in the food and beverage industry because there is an opportunity for growth. When I worked at a food processing company, I started working in the warehouse and was promoted within six months to a delivery driver. When I found out about the delivery supervisor position with Nestle Purina, I was immediately interested. It is so motivating to work in an industry that recognizes my potential and my abilities and gives me ample opportunity to grow my career."

In our consumer culture, the food and beverage industry continues to thrive nationally and globally. There are endless opportunities for growth at Nestle Purina because business is thriving, and the demand for its products is on the rise. Research the company to find out how they compare to their competition. If you are new to the industry, you may want to take some time to learn more about how your position will relate to the bigger picture of manufacturing, sales, or marketing of the products.

"I love that the food and beverage industry is so innovative and ever-changing! New products are always being introduced, which keep things interesting. I enjoy learning, so this is certainly the industry for me."

"I've been working in the food and beverage industry for 11 years. I think there's nothing like it. I enjoy solving problems and knowing that when I see something on the shelf, I helped get that product to the point of creation. I feel so good knowing that a consumer is buying a product I had a hand in. I feel good knowing that the product is food-safe."

What interests you about Nestle Purina?

"I'm excited to work for a company that cares about its impact on the environment and join a team that shares my values. Your mission stood out to me because I also value providing the best service to customers and creating innovative solutions to problems. Your reputation for meeting your customer's needs by making changes to your products and listening to them is impressive!"

You must do your homework before an interview! Nestle Purina wants reliable individuals willing to work hard to get the job done right. You want them to know that you fit the profile of the type of candidate for which they are looking.But first, you want to impress them with your company knowledge. After a little research, you will learn about their mission to create new products and services to meet the needs of their customers. Review the website and consider checking out what people are saying about them on glassdoor.com. Nestle Purina wants to hear about the good things future employees are looking forward to experiencing! It will show them that you are not looking for just any job.

"I have been passively seeking a new position for quite some time and haven't jumped on anything yet because I want to make sure it's the right fit. I feel that this job is right for me, at this point in my career, because it offers an opportunity for me to utilize my recent education in hospitality while allowing me to advance in my management skills."

"I'm invested in the company's mission. It resonates with me, as I am passionate about the health and well-being of our family members and consider pets to be family. Purina is a top-of-the-line company that continues to grow, and I want to grow with this successful company."

Are you more of a people person or an animal person?

"I love all living things, great and small. I don't claim to be an animal lover, which is often code for being a misanthrope. I'm happy being alone with my pooch or working as part of a team. I'd say I'm a dog person, a cat person, and a people person."

This question aims to determine where you fall on the scale of being an extrovert or introvert and whether you're more of a team collaborator or an innovator. Both bring value. There is no wrong or right answer. Put self-evaluative thought into your answer rather than trying to hurry through it. Be honest. Don't choose one or the other unless that is the case, which it rarely is. Most people fall somewhere in the middle.

"Both. It helps me balance things in life. I love my little furry friends. I also love hanging out with my regular friends at work or outside of work. We all need to be interactive, and we all need some quiet time as well."

Nestle Purina is asking for 8 years of industry experience and you have just 5. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

"Although I have five years' experience rather than eight, I can do this job well. I outperformed colleagues who had 12 years of experience in my previous role. To me, it's all about drive and the ability to be a quick study. I have all of these qualities and more."

To many employers, the number of years' experience is flexible, as long as you have the results to show for the years that you do have. Talk to the interviewer about your major career successes. This question is the time to sell yourself. Make no apologies for your lack of years!

"Along with my five years working in this industry, I have worked in related industries my entire career. Also, I hope that my graduate degree gives me a little boost in experience over the required undergraduate degree."

"I'm qualified for the position because I've had 10 years' experience and I've served as the quality manager in their absence. I've worked in many different situations with many different outcomes, and I'm more than capable of leading a team."

What Nestle Purina product do you have in your home?

"My spouse and I have three cats, and they'll only eat Fancy Feast. We have a whole drawer of that, for sure. If not, we'll be in trouble real quick."

A company often expects its employees to embrace and embody its brand. This question has a dual purpose - to determine your brand loyalty and assess your personality.

"There's always a big bag of Alpo for our Bedford Great Dane. His name is Andre, and he loves his Alpo."

How do you believe your coworkers would describe you?

"I believe that my coworkers would describe me as curious, confident, and creative! I put a lot of effort into my work and always want my clients to be happy with their end product. I conduct a great deal of research into new marketing trends to ensure that I am delivering the best, most up-to-date solutions to my client projects."

You may be carefree and fun-loving with your friends on the weekends, but at work, you are focused and professional. The interviewer is interested in your personality and how you will fit with the team. As you prepare for this question, picture a few scenarios from your current or previous position. Maybe you encourage and motivate your coworkers when they have a bad day. If you have proven yourself reliable, and people can depend on you to be on time, share it! Think about some of the qualities you enjoy in a coworker and share how you think you embodied some of those qualities.

"I believe my coworkers would describe me as dedicated, trustworthy, and kind. When you call my references, I strongly believe that they will say the same things about me. I am a proud employee and promise to be a great brand ambassador for your company."

"Quality-oriented, kind, understanding, and willing to listen. I have associates on the floor that come to me for advice often and I respond with facts. I am one to listen and I feel grateful that associates can build that trust with me."

How can we motivate you on the job?

"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I like to know that my efforts are being noticed. In my current position, we have a leaderboard, and I like that concept because it creates a healthy competition."

Every employer should know how each staff member is best motivated. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways you are best motivated on the job.

"I am motivated by knowing something about the end customer and being able to relate to them as a person. A personal touch is always helpful for me."

"Recognition. Recognition is one of the easiest ways to be motivated but it is, unfortunately, one of the things that is often forgotten. Knowing that I'm doing a good job is what I need to keep me going."

We strive to help our employees create a healthy work/life balance at Nestle Purina. How do you balance life and work?

"I am methodical about my work and schedule. I set reminders on my calendar to stay organized and on time, relying on my Google calendar and to-do list. I make sure I can make it to soccer practice each week so that I can play in the games on the weekends."

Nestle Purina cares about their employees working hard to build connections with their customers and create a sense of community within the workplace. Even in healthy work culture, it can be challenging to balance your work with the rest of your life. Explain how you balance your life in your current or past roles.

"I find that with the right company, it's pretty simple to balance life and work. When I enjoy what I do, the work doesn't feel like a chore. When I am at home, my family gets my attention first. I take time on the weekends to do things for myself and regenerate before the work week begins."

Describe your typical work week.

"I like to take time to prepare for the week by organizing my schedule every Monday morning. I make sure all of my meetings are marked on my calendar and set reminders about important deadlines. I understand that changes can interrupt my daily flow, and I can adapt and stay calm when those shifts occur throughout the week. I am efficient and get my work done within 40 hours each week. I am also flexible and willing to stay late when I need to finish a project or if one of my co-workers needs assistance."

Think about your typical day-to-day in your current or most recent role. Reflect on how your work ethic helped you to stay organized and tackle challenging projects. Connect your past experiences to what you expect to experience while working for Nestle Purina.

"My typical work week is always non-typical! My days include making client phone calls, site visits, and answering questions and concerns via email. Client management is the key to what I do."

"Each day, I start by logging into my email and seeing what the day holds. This way, I have my priorities ready for the day. I check my meetings and check with the previous shift to see if there's anything that happened overnight and what needs to be escalated to the daily directional meeting. From there, I work on my daily tasks, which include emails, phone calls, updating programs, and working with others."

What are some of the challenges that the food and beverage industry face today?

"I am impressed by the way your company has adapted ABC product for individuals with gluten intolerance. I know that the increasing awareness of these types of allergies and auto-immune diseases is taking a toll on sales for some companies because people are becoming so health-conscious. It's great to hear that you are so competitive within the industry, always taking an innovative approach to making changes to ABC product."

With the increase in food allergies and the knowledge that things like hydrogenated oils are bad for your health, the food and beverage industry faces the pressure of keeping the public happy while staying true to their products. Do your research before the interview to make sure you are aware of some of the challenges within the industry. You may want to review press releases or news articles about Nestle Purina to learn about any recent events or challenging situations they are facing.

"I believe that the biggest challenge that the food and beverage industry faces today is the fast-changing trends in food and beverage. Everyone is working so hard to come up with the latest and greatest thing that it's challenging to remain a trailblazer in the market."

"The food and beverage industry is ever-changing. If you keep up on the news, you can see that there's a variety of issues that more and more people are taking notice of. Pets have become family, and consumers are more aware than ever about what's going into the food. Keeping up on the news and standards will help Purina stay ahead of the curve and overall ahead of the game."

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

"I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communications and Marketing from UBC in 2009. Since then, I have been actively making my way to a leadership role in social media marketing within the hotel and hospitality industry. I am an energetic and positive person, ready to make a difference in a growing organization."

This question can trip some people up because it is open-ended. Open-ended questions like this give you the chance to tell a story. When you talk about yourself, you want to share information that the interviewer at Nestle Purina will find exciting and relevant to the position. Engage the interviewer by telling your story with enthusiasm! Consider sharing a skill you developed that will be useful for this position.

"My name is Katie and I have a Bachelor's in Food Science from Ohio State University. With that, I have a minor in Agricultural Business. I like to hang out with my family, work on computers, crafts, and play games. I'm a wife, mom, and friend, and I would love to be a hard worker for you."

How would your co-workers describe you?

"My co-workers respect me for my ability to navigate obstacles and solve problems. When I am working on ABC project, I pay close attention to detail, double-checking my work for mistakes. My co-workers appreciate that I think about the big picture and consider how my work will affect their jobs. I am highly collaborative and have a great attitude."

This question allows you to show off your best qualities. Take a moment to reflect on your relationships with your co-workers. Nestle Purina is looking for strong communicators and innovative leaders. Think about how your work ethic had a positive effect on your team.

"I have shared a respectful relationship with all of the colleagues I have worked with. We have shared the goals and knowledge required to accomplish our projects the best we can. I believe that my current co-workers best describe me as collaborative and creative."

"My co-workers would describe me as a kind, hard-working individual that puts quality and food safety first. I have come in on the weekends and overnight to help solve quality problems, and I don't hesitate to do it again if needed."

What is your greatest strength? How will it help you make a difference at Nestle Purina?

"I have great people skills, and I make a point to be positive to boost morale when other people on my team are struggling. I'm a good listener, and I work hard to manage conflict with grace and ease whenever an issue arises with a client or a co-worker. All of my skills will increase productivity by keeping the work environment positive. I focus on providing the best quality in my work, which rubs off on my co-workers because my work ethic motivates them."

The interviewer at Nestle Purina would like to know your stand-out skills and where you put the most value when it comes to your offerings as a candidate. Think of the traits that have helped you succeed in the past. You can draw from your experiences in school or activities if you lack work experience.

Some great strengths you may have: - Person of Accountability - Invested in Culture - Positive Mindset - Perceptive - Approachable - Empathetic - Honest - Patient - Decisive

"I am a positive person. I take accountability for my actions, hard-working, approachable, good team member."

"My greatest strength is developing relationships. I like working with people tremendously, and I feel that bringing other people in to solve a problem is highly effective. At my previous employer, when we had a foreign material issue, instead of completely relying on quality to solve the problem, I brought in the packaging operator, their manager, and the production manager to complete a risk assessment to explain where the foreign material was found, how the incident could have happened, and what we can do to prevent the issue moving forward. They say teamwork makes the dream work!"

What is your greatest weakness?

"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 in an evening/weekend workshop for the next six weeks. We will see how stellar my skills are after that course!"

Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or taking a seminar at a nearby community center. We all have weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!

"Sometimes I have difficulty asking my coworkers for help. I like having control over my daily tasks and taking on new projects, but I'm not always willing to admit when I have taken on too much. When I made a mistake because I was juggling too many projects, I learned that it's okay to ask for help. I'm learning how to organize better and communicate what I need from my team. This skill has helped me be more effective at my job, and it's helped my team work together even better than before!"

"Sometimes is difficult for me to ask for help, I feel they going to think I am lazy so its a challenge in my head but if I need help I do ask for it."

"My greatest weakness is that I can become overwhelmed. If too many things come my way at once, I can get a little frazzled. To improve, I have taken courses at my previous company to address organization and prioritization. I also take the time in the morning to go through my emails and meetings so I can prioritize as needed. I am also not afraid to ask for help when needed."

What goals would you like to accomplish while working for Nestle Purina?

"After looking through your careers, I was excited to find out that your mission is very much in line with my career goals. Your leadership development program is exactly what I need to improve my management and team-building skills. I want to grow my career in merchandising, eventually moving into a management role. I feel confident that working for you will help me to cultivate my skills so that I can take my career to that next step."

If you are looking for opportunities to advance your career, Nestle Purina is a great place to start! They are interested in hearing about how you want to grow within the company. You may be taking the next step in your career or starting fresh out of college. It's important to research the company before interviewing to identify how they will help you reach your goals.

"My primary career goal is to find a position where I can stay long term while making an impact on the company's profitability. Because Nestle Purina has such a strong reputation for workplace culture, it fits perfectly with my desires for a long-term fit."

"I would like to grow as a person in a management role and accomplish the Purina Mission, which is to care for and love pets and ensure that they live a long, happy, healthy life. I want to use my skills to help achieve Purina's mission and use my communication skills, interpersonal skills, and knowledge to ensure that pets come first."

What challenges do you anticipate in this new role with Nestle Purina?

"I am looking forward to using my experience as a sales associate to increase product visibility and exceed sales quotas at Nestle Purina. I am motivated by the challenge of meeting strict deadlines for client demands. When I was working for my previous company, I prioritized listening to customer needs and making sure I was clear on client expectations. I was so meticulous about details, checking my numbers at the end of every week and ensuring my clients were fully stocked with all of the products they needed."

Interviewers at Nestle Purina want to hear that you understand the job description and are capable of navigating challenges at work. To build their confidence in your ability, talk about the challenges you expect based on your knowledge of the position and your experience. Then offer up an example of how you have dealt with problems in the past.

"Because this is a new industry for me, I expect the biggest challenge to be learning the industry lingo, behaviors, and complex needs. I am excited to learn and have already started studying industry-related topics."

"The challenge of a new team can be intimidating. When I first transitioned to a promotional role with my previous employer, I moved to a new facility with a whole new team. I was nervous, so I made sure to schedule time with each of my teammates early on so I could get to know them and learn how they work. I like to be accommodating, as we all have different work practices. Because of those meetings, I developed a collaborative relationship with each team member.This is also a new plant. It will be a challenge to get it up and running, but I have experience in writing successful plans. I've written a successful HACCP plan and created a successful MSS."

Do you have experience training others?

"Yes, I trained two individuals on XYZ skill in my previous job. First, I had them shadow me so that they could see what I was doing. I made sure they felt comfortable asking questions, spoke slowly, and demonstrated the skill. I asked them if they wanted to try while I shadowed them. This was an effective way to train, and I enjoyed it very much!"

Because Nestle Purina is growing at such a rapid pace, as they hire new staff, your manager may ask you to train new employees. If you have experience, talk about the strengths and skills you used to teach others. If you don't have experience with training, you can explain how you will demonstrate, listen to, and observe others throughout the training process.

"I have not been in a role senior enough to train others in the past, but I believe that I will be a strong trainer and mentor in the future. I care about the progress of my colleagues and am a patient teacher."

"I do have experience training others. I currently am in charge of the quality training matrix at our site, as well as my own quality orientation. The quality training matrix consists of hands-on training for CCP/OPRPs. I will complete the hands-on training when due."

It's important for shift changes to go smoothly at Nestle Purina to maintain productivity. How do you make sure transitions are seamless?

"When I worked as a merchandiser, I was part-time and shared the responsibilities with a team of four people. I took time to explain what I was working on to my co-workers whenever I had to end my shift in the middle of a project. I also left notes that were easy to understand and kept my workspace tidy."

Shift work can be tricky in the food and beverage industry. If someone leaves a mess or leaves their work half-finished, and you don't know where to begin, you can waste valuable time scrambling to pick up the pieces. Nestle Purina doesn't want to waste any time during shift changes because time is money. Give an example that demonstrates that you are mindful of the transitions.

"Strong scheduling is the most important factor in ensuring transitions are seamless. In addition to solid scheduling, everyone's willingness to jump in and help when volumes are higher than average or when staff is shorter than expected is crucial."

"There's a 30-minute timeframe to where each shift overlaps the other to ensure associates can discuss what has happened while on shift. Not only that, there are boards that help drive communication from shift to shift. I also make myself available to all shifts via phone or in-person if anyone has any questions or has the need to talk."

How do you handle situations that could cause you to be tardy or absent?

"I always arrive to work at least 15 minutes before I am expected to be there so I have extra time in case something happens. I also make sure I have the numbers of my co-workers and boss so I can call to let them know if I'm stuck or running late."

The food and beverage industry requires people and processes to operate promptly. Remember, you are a part of a much larger operation. If you are running behind, you could slow down production. Give an example that will show Nestle Purina that you plan and take a proactive approach to these types of situations.

"I was raised to be early, at all times. I am well-scheduled and understand the negative impact my tardiness can cause. If I expect to be late, I call my manager or whoever will be affected by the situation. I will also put in extra hours when necessary."

"I like to be early to work, but if there was an instance in which I had to be late, I'd be sure to let my manager know what was going on. I'd be sure to have the phone numbers of my team, so I can inform them if that happened."

How do you handle customer complaints?

"A customer called me very frustrated about a problem with a shipment. I listened and told them I would be happy to help. I asked more questions to understand the problem and then made a few suggestions once I had a better idea of what might solve it. The customer was very relieved and grateful that I took the time to listen and make sense of the issue."

If you are interviewing for a customer-facing role at Nestle Purina, you want to show off your ability to deal with conflict and nurture those professional relationships. Give an example of a time you helped resolve a customer's issue.

"If I have a customer complaint, I have been trained to actively listen, not interrupt, and repeat back to the client in their own words. This technique prevents further misunderstanding and helps the client to feel they are listened to and cared for."

"Customer complaints are handled with upmost care. Customers are the ones keeping us in business, so we must take each complaint seriously. I go into files and dig out paperwork and records for the day, ensure all is in compliance, write a detailed report stating we believe that this could have came from us or not. The consumer complaint is fact and that is what is presented back to the customer."

The work environment at Nestle Purina can be fast-paced at times. How do you handle stress?

"I handle stress very well, and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure not to get distracted. Staying on deadline is very helpful, and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."

The interviewer wants to hear that you can keep up in an ever-changing, fast-moving environment. They want to hear that you will be able to handle the pressure and have experience dealing with this type of work environment. Share a few tips that have helped you in the past.

"Stress is part of any demanding job, and I embrace it to the fullest. I take good care of myself and prioritize my workload to maintain a healthy balance in my stress levels."

"Well I think stress is part of the job, I just focus on my daily task and do my best."

"I am good at handling stress. I use my organizational skills to manage stress. In this role, I would prioritize food safety over non-food safety. I like to work in a cohesive group of people to solve problems with maximum efficiency. I have taken classes through my former employer to manage my organizational skills and learn how to prioritize incidences with success. I am able to break down issues and handle the stress."

Nestle Purina Interview Questions

Go Back

1. How would you handle an issue with a policy or procedure?
2. At Nestle Purina, we value individuals who take initiative. Can you give me an example of a time you did something without being asked?
3. When have you had to think outside of the box to solve a problem?
4. Tell me about a time you saw someone do something that compromised the integrity of your organization.
5. Tell me about a time you learned a skill set that improved a workplace process.
6. At Nestle Purina we understand that conflict can arise when you're working closely with others on a team. Give me an example of a time you had to deal with an issue while working with others.
7. Tell me about a time when your actions resulted in greater team efficiency.
8. What is your greatest professional achievement so far?
9. Tell me about an idea you implemented in the past that made an impact.
10. Tell us a time you had a conflict with your supervisor or manager and how you managed it.
11. What questions can I answer for you?
12. There may be times when you are asked to stay late or work weekends or overtime due to fluctuations in the schedule and shift changes at Nestle Purina. What is your availability?
13. Why are you leaving your current job?
14. What can you tell me about what Nestle Purina does and the history of our company?
15. What do you think you will enjoy most about working in the food and beverage industry?
16. What interests you about Nestle Purina?
17. Are you more of a people person or an animal person?
18. Nestle Purina is asking for 8 years of industry experience and you have just 5. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?
19. What Nestle Purina product do you have in your home?
20. How do you believe your coworkers would describe you?
21. How can we motivate you on the job?
22. We strive to help our employees create a healthy work/life balance at Nestle Purina. How do you balance life and work?
23. Describe your typical work week.
24. What are some of the challenges that the food and beverage industry face today?
25. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
26. How would your co-workers describe you?
27. What is your greatest strength? How will it help you make a difference at Nestle Purina?
28. What is your greatest weakness?
29. What goals would you like to accomplish while working for Nestle Purina?
30. What challenges do you anticipate in this new role with Nestle Purina?
31. Do you have experience training others?
32. It's important for shift changes to go smoothly at Nestle Purina to maintain productivity. How do you make sure transitions are seamless?
33. How do you handle situations that could cause you to be tardy or absent?
34. How do you handle customer complaints?
35. The work environment at Nestle Purina can be fast-paced at times. How do you handle stress?

Nestle Purina Interview Questions

1. How would you handle an issue with a policy or procedure?

2. At Nestle Purina, we value individuals who take initiative. Can you give me an example of a time you did something without being asked?

3. When have you had to think outside of the box to solve a problem?

4. Tell me about a time you saw someone do something that compromised the integrity of your organization.

5. Tell me about a time you learned a skill set that improved a workplace process.

6. At Nestle Purina we understand that conflict can arise when you're working closely with others on a team. Give me an example of a time you had to deal with an issue while working with others.

7. Tell me about a time when your actions resulted in greater team efficiency.

8. What is your greatest professional achievement so far?

9. Tell me about an idea you implemented in the past that made an impact.

10. Tell us a time you had a conflict with your supervisor or manager and how you managed it.

11. What questions can I answer for you?

12. There may be times when you are asked to stay late or work weekends or overtime due to fluctuations in the schedule and shift changes at Nestle Purina. What is your availability?

13. Why are you leaving your current job?

14. What can you tell me about what Nestle Purina does and the history of our company?

15. What do you think you will enjoy most about working in the food and beverage industry?

16. What interests you about Nestle Purina?

17. Are you more of a people person or an animal person?

18. Nestle Purina is asking for 8 years of industry experience and you have just 5. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

19. What Nestle Purina product do you have in your home?

20. How do you believe your coworkers would describe you?

21. How can we motivate you on the job?

22. We strive to help our employees create a healthy work/life balance at Nestle Purina. How do you balance life and work?

23. Describe your typical work week.

24. What are some of the challenges that the food and beverage industry face today?

25. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

26. How would your co-workers describe you?

27. What is your greatest strength? How will it help you make a difference at Nestle Purina?

28. What is your greatest weakness?

29. What goals would you like to accomplish while working for Nestle Purina?

30. What challenges do you anticipate in this new role with Nestle Purina?

31. Do you have experience training others?

32. It's important for shift changes to go smoothly at Nestle Purina to maintain productivity. How do you make sure transitions are seamless?

33. How do you handle situations that could cause you to be tardy or absent?

34. How do you handle customer complaints?

35. The work environment at Nestle Purina can be fast-paced at times. How do you handle stress?