How do you handle customer complaints?

"If I have a customer complaint, I have been trained to actively listen, not interrupt, and repeat the problem 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."

Responding effectively to customer complaints and providing excellent customer service are essential skills in the food and beverage industry. Your interviewer wants to hear that you have a strong foundation in customer service and will use these skills to excel in a customer-facing role with PepsiCo.

For those looking to work in a customer-facing role with PepsiCo, it's essential to show off your ability to deal with conflict, solve customer problems and nurture professional relationships. Give an example of a time you helped resolve a customer's issue, highlighting how your actions helped resolve the problem

"In my current role, I've completed a great deal of customer service training focused on dealing with difficult or angry customers. I am patient with customers and let them voice their concerns before jumping in to help. I maintain a positive attitude and tone, even if the customer is not kind. I always try to put myself in their shoes. You never know what kind of day someone has had, so I don't take their anger or frustration personally. I do all that I can to self-help and assist them, including utilizing my resources or checking with team members. I want every customer to be happy, and if I cannot find an acceptable resolution, I will escalate it immediately to my team lead or supervisor."

"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 suggested a path forward 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, and we were able to find an acceptable solution to the problem."

If hired for this role, what kind of team player could we expect you to be?

"I would be a reliable team member that others could count on to cover them if they were ill and lend a hand if they fell behind. I'm an encourager and focus on having a positive attitude, which is often contagious among others! Once I settled into my role, I would be a mentor for others and help train new team members."

Teamwork is one of the keys to success at PepsiCo. You can expect to work closely with a PepsiCo team, and many roles will require you to liaise with other departments. Your interviewer wants to be certain that your contribution to the PepsiCo team will be a positive one!

Your answer should highlight themes of building trust, gaining respect, and being professionally prepared as part of a larger team. Don't hesitate to show flexibility in your ability to both lead others and be led by others, and use examples of times you've done both.

"My current colleagues would tell you that I'm knowledgeable in my area of expertise and use this expertise to contribute to the larger team. In addition, I communicate effectively and take direction from others. I'm also willing to help other teams or divisions when necessary. I understand that I would be working closely with the digital marketing team at PepsiCo, which I assume would involve some interdepartmental coordination. I am eager to learn about new areas outside my expertise to develop professionally, so I look forward to this collaboration."

"I prefer to work in an environment that promotes teamwork and collegiality. If I were fortunate enough to join the team here, I would love to take on a leadership role. I've learned to delegate work effectively and help train new employees on our mission and their roles in my current project manager position. I can also thrive in taking direction from others."

Tell me about a time you failed. How did you handle it?

"In school, I failed one of my core classes. At first, I was upset with my professor for grading me so harshly that semester, and I found myself making excuses for my failure - I was working a part-time job, there weren't enough hours to study, my roommate was too loud, etc. I took a step back and realized I was the only person to blame for my failure. I took ownership and wrote out what caused my failure and a corrective action plan for retaking the course."

How you respond to failure demonstrates more about your character and ability to succeed professionally than how you react to success. Your interviewer must understand that you effectively manage and grow from failure, using it as fuel to improve personally and professionally.

Using a relevant professional example, emphasize that you've learned to approach failure constructively and that it doesn't cause you to shy away from future challenges. Don't use too big of a failure as an example, as you don't want the interviewer to feel concerned about your ability to perform the job effectively!

"My team lost one of our biggest clients in my current role. While no one specifically was to blame for it, everyone felt at fault, and morale was pretty low. I sat down with my team to discuss where things went wrong with this client and how we could prevent this situation from happening again. When faced with failure, I strive to maintain a positive attitude by focusing on what I can learn from the situation to improve for next time."

"I've learned that some degree of failure is inevitable when you take risks and seek growth. The first example that comes to mind is a huge client project I worked on at my previous company. I had just graduated from college and was new to the work world. The scope of the completed project was not at all what the client was looking for, and my manager had to step in to help solve various problems. While disappointing, I learned a great deal from this early failure: to consult my manager more frequently when working on an unfamiliar topic, increase my attention to detail, and ask for help when needed. Future client projects went 10x better. I've learned to view failures like this as growing experiences."

"I once failed one of my mid-term exams at university. At the time, I was doing an internship at one of the big four companies. I spent all my time on the internship, so I failed one of the midterm exams. When I realized the problem, I adjusted my schedule so that I had enough time for both my internship and my university studies."

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

"I volunteered at a local animal shelter last year. There was a high volume of animals, and the adoption applications were low. I decided to look at the website and Facebook pages as if I were a potential adopter. I found that the photos of the animals made me feel sad, and the animals didn't look very clean or appealing. I also found the website hard to navigate compared to other county sites. I took the feedback to the director and suggested we try something new. We created fun backgrounds for photo shoots and used props and cute furniture to photograph the animals. I also made some edits to the website to make it more user-friendly and appealing to the community, and within three months, our applications had increased by 25%!"

Complicated problems require creative, outside-of-the-box solutions. Whatever the role you're applying for, you should be able to design and implement innovative solutions to your problems effectively.

Think of a time you had to devise a creative solution to a challenging problem. Discuss this solution's outcome and its positive effect on your team.

"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 returned to normal inventory levels."

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

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

"I didn't always agree with the structure of my professor's lesson assignment due dates. For example, we were required to submit a post by Thursday and respond to two other students' posts by Saturday. It was difficult to have my assignments based on another student because students often submitted initial posts late, causing me to readjust my schedule and not work ahead. I provided the feedback in a course survey, but ultimately, I respected the professor's decision and encouraged my classmates to post their assignments on time."

Being adaptable in the food and beverage industry is essential. PepsiCo strives to keep up with their customers with continual improvements to their products, meaning that changes in policies or procedures are inevitable. Policies can change quickly, and you will be expected to adapt.

The interviewer wants to hear how you will respond when you disagree with how something is handled or executed. Emphasize your ability to 'go with the flow' and adapt when top-down changes occur. Give an example of a time you did just that.

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

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

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

"I am a natural mentor, and I always offer a hand whenever I notice a fellow student struggling in class that I excel in. I never wait for someone to ask me for help because I know how hard that can be to struggle silently. I try to share my knowledge and experience with others as often as possible to help them succeed."

Taking initiative displays your capacity to be a strong leader at PepsiCo. No matter your role, there is always an opportunity to be proactive in your approach to your work. PepsiCo strives to hire individuals who demonstrate solid leadership skills, and this question is an opportunity for your interviewer to see if you have those leadership skills.

Impress the interviewer by showing how you manage your workload and take action before anyone has the chance to ask you first. Point to a specific example where you made a difference at work by doing something that wasn't expected of you.

"I often find myself taking the initiative without being asked. That will include training staff members on a new procedure, calling customers to follow up on their orders, or taking random inventory counts."

"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. After making that observation, my manager and the client appreciated my sense of urgency and my ability to take action."

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

"I would ensure that I wrapped up my tasks at the end of the day and communicate clearly where I was leaving off my shift. If I could not complete certain tasks, I would notify my supervisor and share that with the person taking over for me. It's important not to get behind in your work and burden the next shift, so I would take extra care to manage my time wisely to get my job done."

Shift work can be tricky in the food and beverage industry. If someone leaves a mess or their work is half-finished, you can waste valuable time scrambling to pick up the pieces. For those applying to hourly roles at PepsiCo, you must demonstrate your ability to maintain productivity and efficiency amidst shift changes.

Give an example that demonstrates that you are mindful of these transitions and can maintain your level of productivity. Refer to any techniques you have used in shift work in previous roles to make these transitions seamless.

"Strong scheduling is the most important factor in ensuring transitions are seamless. Also, everyone should be willing to jump in and help when volumes are higher than average or when staff is shorter than expected."

"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 coworkers 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."

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

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

The food and beverage industry requires people and processes to operate promptly. Remember, you are a part of a much larger operation, and if you run behind or miss work entirely, you could slow down production. This question will be most relevant to workers involved in shift work with PepsiCo.

Give an example that shows PepsiCo that you plan and prioritize your professional commitments. Demonstrate that in this new role with PepsiCo, you will take a proactive approach to situations that have the potential to cause delay or absence.

"I am an extremely reliable employee and have not been late to work in the three years I've been at my current company. I understand the negative impact that being late or absent can have on the team. If I were going to be late for some reason, I would notify my manager immediately. I would also make up the time during my lunch or at the end of my shift to be sure my work got done for the day."

"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 coworkers and boss so that I can call to let them know if I'm stuck or might be running late."

Tell me about an idea you implemented that made an impact.

"My professor used to email us a survey at the end of the course, and I often heard that students didn't feel comfortable sharing negative feedback for fear of retaliation. I approached my professor and suggested he create an online Google form to send out the survey to allow anonymity. I provided the feedback I'd heard and asked if he would consider this method. He was interested in trying it, so I showed him how to set it up and send it to the students in his classes. He later shared with me that he gained valuable feedback throughout the semester and attributed that to the new platform he was using to give students a voice anonymously."

Coming up with ideas to increase productivity and efficiency and save time and energy is a great way to impact your coworkers and the company positively. The ability to see problems as opportunities is a skill that can make you an essential asset to PepsiCo.

Think of a time you had a chance to make a difference by changing a process or procedure. Point to the steps you took to implement your idea, highlighting the tangible impacts that your work had on the company. Be sure to back up your claim with evidence. Emphasize your motivation, work ethic, and innovative thinking through your example.

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

"Since customers are concerned about their long-term health, I helped my current company devise a marketing campaign for (XYZ) product to appeal to the public's health concerns. I conducted market research, using surveys to identify the specific health concerns of individuals who buy our products. By promoting our new health-conscious recipe, we increased sales by 15% that year!"

How would your coworkers describe you?

"My professor would tell you that I'm always on time and engaged in group projects. She would also tell you that I take pride in my work, am detail-oriented, and can take constructive criticism and improve. My volunteer director would tell you that I'm reliable and always serve others with a positive attitude!"

PepsiCo is looking for strong communicators and innovative leaders. This question allows you to show off your best qualities. It also gives your interviewer a better idea of your self-awareness and interpersonal skills.

Take a moment to reflect on your relationships with your coworkers. Think about how your work ethic positively affected everyone on your team. If you're having trouble thinking of traits, think of some of the qualities you most admire in a coworker and share how you've embodied those qualities.

"I have shared a respectful relationship with all of the colleagues I have worked with. We shared the goals and knowledge required to accomplish our projects the best we could. My current coworkers would describe me as collaborative and creative."

"My coworkers respect me for my ability to navigate obstacles and solve problems. While working on (XYZ) project, I always pay close attention to detail, double-checking my work for any mistakes. My coworkers appreciate that I think about the big picture and consider how my work will affect their jobs. I am highly collaborative with a great attitude."

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

"When I volunteered with a local mentor group, I found that the only application process for new mentors was a paper application. I did a few surveys and found that the paper application was an obstacle for many, and a few of my friends said they would be more likely to volunteer if there was an electronic application. I provided the feedback to the volunteer director, and together, we created an online application, and in three months, they saw the application rate increase by 10%!"

Efficiency is essential when working in the food and beverage industry. To ensure that products meet quality standards at Pepsi, teams within every department must cooperate and communicate effectively to keep the customers happy.

Describe a time you made a difference on your team. Outline the concrete steps you took to improve a process or increase team efficiency. If you can, choose an example relevant to the work you will be doing in a new role with Pepsi.

"I am an organized individual, so when I was asked to help with the team schedule, I was excited to make a difference. I reduced a significant amount of overtime and eliminated split shifts."

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

"I noticed that in my current job (as tender engineer) that we needed a library for the studied project that could be shared with different departments. It needed to include all the lessons learned, a list of supplier contacts, the material prices, etc. This library helped us get more familiar with the new materials in the market and prices. It also allowed us to contact suppliers easily. There were many more benefits gained when we were able to share these documents clearly and easily."

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

"During my internship, I was assigned a very stressful group project. The team consisted of four of my peers and myself, and there were personality conflicts among the team from the start. Everyone wanted to be in charge, but no one wanted to do any of the work. I suggested that we all nominate a lead for the project, and the group responded positively to that idea and nominated me. I devised an overview of the project and some milestones we needed to achieve. With the group's feedback, I determined everyone's strengths and delegated the tasks that aligned best with those strengths. When someone on the team was negative, I would redirect them and pull them aside and remind them of the importance of providing constructive input and maintaining a positive attitude."

Responding to conflict can be tricky, especially in a team environment where you want to be sensitive and not step on any toes. This behavioral question gives the interviewer insight into the strategies you've developed over the years to respond to interpersonal conflict.

Share an example of a conflict that you effectively resolved within your department or between you and a co-worker. Explain the situation and how your actions resulted in a resolution or a compromise. Highlight the traits that contributed to your success in handling the problem, such as active listening skills or assertiveness.

"My coworker was a great salesman but was careless on the administrative side. He made regular errors and didn't seem to care, which was frustrating because I take pride in the quality of my work. We also worked together on various client work, and I wanted to ensure that our clients always received the best. I asked him how he felt about work and his performance on certain tasks. He got some additional training to get on the same page as the rest of the team."

"In my current position, there has been a concern with workplace bullying, and a particular group of individuals 'lead the pack,' so to speak. The situation became out of control a few months ago, and I had to involve human resources and conduct a few exit interviews. It is never easy having to terminate employees, but if they cause conflict that gets in the way of a positive work environment, it is the best choice in the end."

"We are now working on thesis work. Three days ago we had a conflict related to the difficulty of work that should be done by each member. The conflict was solved peacefully. I suggested that we review our commitments and divide our tasks equally based on the strengths of each member. The problem was then solved."

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

"In my first year of college, I experienced the stress and pressures of being a full-time student. I didn't have proper time management skills then, so managing all my classes and assignments and preparing for exams was very stressful. I learned that self-care was essential and developed time management techniques that helped me successfully plan my weeks and months and set goals and milestones to achieve them. My first year was a great learning experience; I learned how to adapt and overcome stressful situations."

Stress is an inevitable part of most jobs. The interviewer wants to learn if you can handle stress effectively and have experience managing pressure effectively in an ever-changing, fast-moving environment.

Demonstrate the strategies you draw upon to effectively manage stress and ensure that it doesn't get in the way of doing your job effectively. You might even give an example of a time you effectively worked in a fast-paced environment. Highlight the strategies you employed to maintain a level head amidst stress.

"I think of myself as being resilient when faced with stress because of my experience working in a management role in a fast-paced environment for over a decade. Under extreme stress, I give myself a breather by taking a quick walk around the block or spending a couple of minutes on the phone with my wife, who is great at bringing me back down to earth."

"I handle stress 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 delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."

"I can say that I handle stress well because I faced stress throughout my four years at university. We often had quizzes and exams. Thanks to this experience I understood how to cope with stress. For me, the most effective option is to set certain deadlines myself."

What is your greatest weakness?

"I am a fixer; sometimes, I take the quicker route of doing the task for someone instead of taking the extra time to teach them how to do it themselves. I am more intentional in the tasks I take on and encourage others to self-help where possible and then do a screen share to help them learn the task."

This common interview question is an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness and humility. At the same time, you do NOT want to give an answer that makes you look unqualified. Hiring managers want to see that you understand your weak points and have developed a system to effectively address these weaknesses.

Give an honest answer with a weakness you have been focusing on, and describe the plan you've put into place to work on it. Make sure the weakness isn't a core competency of the PepsiCo job description. If it's an analyst role, revealing logical reasoning skills as a weakness likely won't get you far. Reflect on traits you want to work on that won't affect overall job success.

"I believe I could improve 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!"

"I take a lot of pride in my work and often struggle to delegate tasks to other members of my team. Even though I trust my coworkers and know how fantastic their work is, I've gotten into the habit of seeing tasks through from start to finish. However, that was no longer feasible with the new responsibilities I had taken on, so I've been working on feeling more comfortable asking for help from my colleagues when I need it. While this weakness is still a work in progress, I've learned how important it is to communicate effectively with and rely on my team."

Describe your typical work week.

"I attend classes Monday-Friday, 8 am-2 pm, and in the evenings, I work on homework and other projects related to my classes. Two evenings a week, I go to Yoga class at my local YMCA, and on Saturdays, I volunteer at the animal shelter. I'm pretty active, so I rely heavily on my calendar and alerts to keep myself organized."

Your answer to this question gives the interviewer a peek into your daily work life. It allows the interviewer to understand your work habits, motivation, and the pace of your environment.

Think about your typical day-to-day and weekly structure in your current or most recent role. Give the interviewer an overview of your typical roles and responsibilities and if you're traveling most of the time or in the office. If you're applying for a customer-facing position at PepsiCo, give examples of the time you spend each week visiting clients or performing related duties. If you're applying for a plant management-related role, provide examples of a time you spend on-site with mid-level managers or your weekly responsibilities of reporting.

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

"I like to take time to prepare for the week by organizing my schedule every Monday morning. I ensure all 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, getting my work done within 40 hours each week. I have also proven to be flexible to stay late when I need to finish a project or if one of my co-workers needs assistance."

PepsiCo's brand offers a variety of food and beverages. Do you have a favorite PepsiCo product?

"Growing up, my family always bought canned Pepsi. It's funny to look through family photo albums and see how the Pepsi can design has evolved over the years. I'm always disappointed when I go to a restaurant and order a Pepsi to find out they only serve Coke!"

The interviewer asks this question to get a sense of your knowledge of the PepsiCo brand, which is undoubtedly far-reaching. You should know that PepsiCo is so much more than the soda its name is often associated with. Products like Lays, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream all fall under the PepsiCo brand.

Demonstrate your familiarity with the brand by pointing to one or two PepsiCo products you enjoy most frequently. If you can think of a personal anecdote to go along with your answer, feel free to share it!

"My kids regularly drink OceanSpray cranberry juice, a household staple for us! My personal favorite of all the PepsiCo products would have to be bottled Starbucks Cold Brew. I have one every morning to start my workday."

"I consume many PepsiCo products regularly. My favorite product recently has been SodaStream to fuel my carbonated water addiction!"

What interests you about PepsiCo?

"As I started my career search, I sought companies with excellent reputations. I saw that PepsiCo had won several awards in the last couple of years, including Forbes - 2022, Named among America's Best Large Employers, and featured awards for sustainability and DE&I. Those are important to me and demonstrate that your company values its employees and strives to be the best. I'm eager to join an organization with such accomplishments."

You must do your homework before an interview! Pepsi 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 candidate they are looking for.

This question is your opportunity to impress the interviewer with your company knowledge. After a bit of research, you will learn about their mission to create new products and services to meet the needs of their customers. Review the website and then consider checking out what people are saying about them on glassdoor.com. Pepsi 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 ensure it's the right fit. This job is right for me, at this point in my career, because it offers an opportunity to utilize my recent education in hospitality while allowing me to advance in my management skills."

"I'm excited to work for a company that cares about its impact on the environment. I'm excited to join a team that shares the same values as me. Your mission stood out because I also value providing the best service to customers and creating innovative solutions to problems. On the Pepsi website, you thoroughly discuss your commitment to human, environmental, and talent sustainability. This commitment is the most impressive part of the Pepsi mission."

Why do you want to work for PepsiCo?

"Since graduating, I've been very intentional about applying only to companies with good reputations and positive employee reviews. I made a list of companies aligned with my core values, then researched them on Comparably to learn more about how employees rate the culture and CEO. I was pleased to see PepsiCo had a 4-star rating on culture and a 72% approval rating of the CEO. There were many comments about how well the company treats employees, the opportunities for professional development, and compensation. Those are all important factors to me and drew me to apply!"

As one of the most recognized global brands with a presence in over 200 countries, there are many reasons you would potentially want a career with PepsiCo. Your interviewer wants to ensure that you've reflected on this 'why' and that your goals align with what a career with PepsiCo can offer you.

Thoroughly reflect on this question beforehand so you can deliver a confident answer. Choose two or three aspects of PepsiCo's brand, offerings, and company culture that attract you. Above all, demonstrate excitement for the opportunity to join PepsiCo's global team!

"I'm drawn to your mission of 'creating smiles and making a positive impact on the world' as it aligns closely with my personal mission statement. In addition, I'm impressed by your work in the past decade to increase gender parity in your leadership."

"I've worked in the CPG space for the past five years, and of all the companies I've considered a long-term career with, I'm most drawn to PepsiCo as a company for the ongoing work you've done to mitigate environmental harm and do good for the planet and its people. For example, the pep+ program is a global leader among CPG competitors, and I hope to contribute to such an innovative, forward-thinking company that truly takes ESG issues into account."

Tell me something about yourself that I wouldn't know from reading your resume.

"I am an animal lover and have two dogs and a cat. I volunteer at our local animal shelter and foster pets transitioning to finding their forever homes. "

The interviewer would like to get to know who you are outside of a piece of paper. This question is an opportunity to stand out as an applicant with a fun fact or personal trait that makes you memorable.

You are not obligated to discuss personal matters, such as your kids or relationship status. Stick with a few fun facts to show the interviewer that you are a real person with varied interests outside of work. Focus on non-work-related skills or hobbies. For example, you might share that you enjoy beatboxing or making origami swans. Sharing a unique fact about yourself will make you unforgettable as an applicant!

"I currently run a meetup group in our city for ultimate frisbee! I have met many new friends this way and encourage my team to participate when they can. Healthy competition is great for team building, too."

"I am an avid marathon runner and have traveled to 10 countries in the last eight years to compete in several races. I am a competitive individual and enjoy keeping fit."

We value employee innovation at PepsiCo. What does innovation mean to you?

"Innovation means brainstorming to develop new ways to solve problems. It's a way to be creative while creating value for a process or product. When I think of modern-day innovations, I think of energy-producing roads and wind turbines. Innovation means taking something that already served a basic purpose and thinking creatively to improve it to better the planet."

PepsiCo continually seeks comprehensive improvements to its products to stay one step ahead of competitors. They are especially interested in investing in top talent and accelerating the digital transformation to maintain their far-reaching reputation in the CPG space. Your interviewer wants to know if your definition of innovation aligns with PepsiCo's culture.

Think about how you define innovation in your work life, and tell your interviewer how you have contributed to an innovative environment in the workplace and how you would continue to do so at PepsiCo. Highlight how you leveraged technology in a previous project or designed a unique solution to address a challenge. An example like this can serve as the basis of your definition of innovation.

"I think innovation means thriving on change and remaining nimble in my work. Innovation can mean creating a new and powerful idea, and it can also mean simplifying an existing one. I strive to bring an innovative edge to every project I work on by bouncing ideas off of my team members, engaging in comprehensive market research, and finding unconventional solutions."

"In my previous role, I was fortunate enough to introduce my company to the idea of a gold-level service where we added service options on top of our general customer service. Our customer base responded positively, and we kept the program running for a few years. To me, innovation is creating new products and services that are useful to customers and make my company stand out further in their space."

Why should we hire you?

"I'm eager to enter the workforce and demonstrate my value to the organization. I have completed my degree program and an internship with a competitor, so I'm ready to put my knowledge to use and contribute to the success of the organization. I'm reliable, detail-oriented, and passionate about learning and growing, and I will be a committed employee who hopes to remain with the organization for the next several years."

Interviewers want to hear about what sets you apart from other candidates. This question is your opportunity to tie it all together for them by highlighting your career goals, most relevant experience, and the personal motivation you have to work in this role.

Think of your answer as your 'elevator pitch' or your qualifying statement to seal the deal. If the interviewer asks this question towards the end, focus on the most salient features of your application rather than bringing in new pieces of information. Ask a few friends or family members what they feel sets you apart if you can't think of unique traits. Their observations may help you understand how you are perceived. If you already have a clear idea of what sets you apart, share that information confidently. Remember that in an interview, you are your most influential advocate.

"You mentioned that you were struggling with employee retention on (XYZ) team. I have an incredible onboarding strategy that took my current company from a 35% turnover rate to just 5% in twelve months. I will turn this pain point around for you."

"I have over a dozen years of experience in the CPG industry. I have a proven track record of success at the various companies I've worked for and will bring that knowledge with me. I also offer creative solutions to position your department against the competition and ideas that will help elevate your business to the next level."

What goals would you like to accomplish while working for PepsiCo?

"I hope to establish myself in an entry-level role and focus on building my knowledge base and experience in the beverage industry. Ideally, I would like to find a mentor who can teach me more about the organization and help me set goals. I hope to be with the company for many years as I grow and progress in my career."

If you are looking for opportunities to advance your career, PepsiCo is a great place to start! Hiring managers are interested in how you want to grow within the company.

Start by demonstrating sincere motivation to grow with PepsiCo. You may be taking the next step in your career or starting fresh out of college. Regardless, show your interviewer that you're motivated to hit the ground running and advance in a role with PepsiCo. Research PepsiCo and the role 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 impacting the company's profitability. Because Pepsi has such a strong reputation for workplace culture, it fits perfectly with my desires for a long-term fit. I appreciate that you were named a Top 100 Employer, an exceptional draw for me as a candidate."

"After looking through your careers, I was excited to find out that your mission aligns with my career goals. Your PepsiCo University initiative 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 cultivate my skills to take my career to that next step."

How can we motivate you on the job?

"I'm motivated when I have encouraging, supportive leaders. I feel valued and driven to succeed when my leader takes a genuine interest in me and my growth. I'm also motivated by monetary incentives and verbal praises."

Managers must know how each staff member is best motivated, as this knowledge will help them to help you. Whatever keeps you motivated on the job, whether intrinsic or extrinsic, your answer to this question will give your interviewer a better idea of your work ethic and how PepsiCo can best support you.

Share with your interviewer what motivates you on the job, being open about your professional needs. Your answer might touch on themes of verbal praise or affirmation, healthy competition, or opportunities for career growth and development.

"I am passionate about quality control. I know our products must be safe for consumers, and I take that very seriously. I'm motivated when my leaders have high expectations of quality and I'm part of a team that achieves and maintains excellence. I am most motivated by a team environment where there is a lot of collaboration and celebration of achievements."

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

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

"I prioritize my health and wellness by exercising regularly and attending preventative appointments. I also set boundaries for when I am on my work phone or checking email after hours; that way, I can give my family the time they deserve. Lastly, I take my designated lunch break every day to ensure I'm not skipping meals and to give myself a mental health break."

PepsiCo cares about its employees' well-being and strives to promote a sense of community within the workplace. But even in a healthy work culture, it can be challenging to balance your work with the rest of your life. Happy, healthy workers do their job most effectively, which is why your interviewer wants to get a better sense of the strategies you have in place to achieve balance.

Explain how you balance work and life in your current or past roles. It's okay to show that you have a life outside of work! Feel free to share the habits you've developed that allow you to effectively balance your job and life outside of 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 I can play in the games on the weekends."

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

Why are you leaving your current job?

"I just recently graduated and am entering the workforce. I'm looking for a stable company where I can establish myself, build my knowledge base, skills and network, and eventually explore advanced career paths down the road."

This question provides deeper insight into your professional motivation and background. It's also an opportunity for hiring managers to learn if you have any potential red flags, such as being fired or experiencing heavy interpersonal conflict in your current position.

Be honest about your situation while using discretion in what you share. If you are leaving because you had issues with your manager, speak about it professionally. Focus on your interest in growth opportunities or broadening your skills. Acceptable answers might include seeking professional growth opportunities, motivation to learn something new or take on greater responsibility, or simply a change of career goals or interests. Demonstrate positivity by focusing on how this new position with Pepsi will help you take your career to the next level.

"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 Pepsi will give me more experience as a manager, allow me to cultivate my leadership skills, and eventually advance further."

"For the past six months, I've felt stagnant in my current role and knew it was time for a professional change. My coworkers and supervisor have been fantastic to work with, but I feel confident that after three years with my current organization, it's time for the next chapter in my career. Given my experience and interests, I feel that the next chapter is with PepsiCo, and I'm looking forward to the growth opportunities you offer."

You may be asked to stay late or work weekends or overtime due to fluctuations in the schedule and shift changes at PepsiCo. What is your availability?

"I'm pretty flexible with my schedule availability. If overtime is required in this role, I am happy to accommodate whenever I can. My only restriction is that I cannot work Wednesday nights as I have an evening course those days."

The hours you would be expected to work at PepsiCo largely depend on your department. If you work in production or delivery, you will most likely be required to do shift work, possibly on weekends. If you work in the corporate office, you may be salaried, which can sometimes mean working long hours.

If you're not sure what to expect from the schedule, now is the time to ask! While being realistic about what you can manage and honest about your willingness to go 'above and beyond,' it's best to demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to pitch in when necessary.

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

"I am excited about the opportunity to work for Pepsi, 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 I am comfortable with working long hours."

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

"I'm very organized and can multi-task many projects and assignments. I've attended school full-time, completed a part-time internship, and played intramural sports, so I've had a very busy schedule. I am never late to anything and keep myself organized through my calendar and weekly planning and prioritizing. This strength in my personal life will transfer well in my work at PepsiCo. I do not doubt that I will be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment where multi-tasking and self-organizing skills are required to be successful."

The interviewer at Pepsi 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 helped you succeed in the past. You can draw from your experiences in school or activities if you lack work experience. Then, demonstrate your self-awareness by pointing out a strength that you've honed over the years. It is best to discuss a skill directly relevant to the role you're applying to at PepsiCo with a tangible example to boot.

"I have been told by previous supervisors that I show initiative in my work. I proactively work to sort out problems when they arise and work effectively in a team when necessary to fix an issue. During an end-of-year review with my boss last year, she commented on how much she appreciates my initiative and leadership when a stressful situation pops up."

"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 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."

What challenges do you anticipate in this new role with PepsiCo?

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

Interviewers at Pepsi want to hear that you understand the job description and can navigate challenges at work. This question is your opportunity to demonstrate that you've reflected on potential challenges and have a plan to address them in this new role.

To build their confidence in your ability, discuss the problems you expect based on your knowledge of the position and your experience. Then, offer an example of how you have dealt with challenges in the past.

"I anticipate one challenge being working short-staffed. Almost every company faces a labor shortage right now, and employees carry a heavier workload when teams aren't fully staffed. In my current role, we've been expected to do more with fewer resources, so I've learned ways to adapt and overcome when faced with this challenge. I strive to give my best effort every day and tell my manager when I feel overwhelmed or need additional support."

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

What challenges does the food and beverage industry face today?

"Two challenges I've noticed in the beverage industry are an unexpected influx in global supply chains and labor shortage. Shortages of raw materials and increased cost impact the business, and the increased demand for labor when the labor market is tight also creates problems at all levels of the organization."

The interviewer asks this question to ensure you have done your research and are up-to-date with current industry happenings and challenges. With an increase in food allergies and public knowledge that highly-processed foods are bad for your health, the food and beverage industry faces the pressures of keeping the public happy while staying true to their products.

Do your research before the interview to learn some of the challenges within the industry, specifically those impacting the beverage industry. Review press releases or news articles about PepsiCo to learn about 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 innovate the latest and greatest thing that it's challenging to remain a trailblazer in the market."

"I am impressed by the way your company has adapted to providing the healthier choices that your customers are asking for. You even have an entire section of your website dedicated to how PepsiCo supports human sustainability. The fact that you have reformulated many products to reduce fat, trans fat, sodium, and sugars is wonderful. I read that you also increased the level of whole grains, fruit, fiber, and micronutrients in many of your products."

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself.

"I'm a recent graduate from college, where I studied Supply Chain Management. I plan to draw on my academic experience and two internships at (X) company and (Y) company to succeed in this role. I'm a huge extrovert, and I love to learn new things and travel and explore new places!"

This question can sometimes trip applicants up because it's so open-ended. That said, you can expect some variation of this question, so make sure you have a solid idea of your answer before the interview! It's a way for both you and the interviewer to ease into the interview, allowing the interviewer to get a quick overview of who you are as a candidate while letting you highlight the most central aspects of your professional and personal identity.

Open-ended questions like this give you the chance to tell a story. When you talk about yourself, share information that the interviewer 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. Avoid going into too much detail. Begin by discussing relevant aspects of your background that precede your current situation and explain why you're seeking this new role, highlighting your most salient skills and professional goals.

"I started my career in sales about ten years ago. I love to travel and meet new people, so sales was a natural career selection for me. I recently moved to the area, so I'm still settling in. I enjoy hiking and mountain biking, so I use those outlets to maintain a healthy work-life balance."

"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 food and beverage industry. I am an energetic and positive person, ready to make a difference in a growing organization."

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

"I am excited to put my sales and marketing degree to work with such a well-known and reputable company. I have always been interested in food and beverage marketing, but on a more personal level, I enjoy a variety of Pepsi products. In my job search, I applied to organizations I'm passionate about and support, so this is a natural match! I'm excited to learn how such a dominant company in the industry operates and is successful."

The food and beverage industry continues to thrive globally and offers various avenues for advancement. Interviewers want to ensure that you have experience in the industry or at least a strong interest in learning more about the industry. This experience and interest will indicate your motivation for the job.

Research PepsiCo to find out how they compare to their competition. If you are new to the industry, you may want to learn more about how your position will relate to the bigger picture, whether it's manufacturing, sales, or marketing of the products. Pepsi owns multiple brands, including 7-Up, Mountain Dew, Mug, Aquafina, Lipton, AMP Energy, SoBe, and even the Starbucks Frappuccino bottled drinks you love! Highlight your knowledge of the company, and make sure the interviewer knows that you've done your research!

"I love that the food and beverage industry is innovative and ever-changing! New products are always being introduced, especially under the umbrella of brands that Pepsi owns, which keeps things interesting. I enjoy learning, so this is certainly the industry for me to be in."

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

PepsiCo is asking for eight years of industry experience, and you have just five. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

"While I don't have hands-on food and beverage industry experience, I have a formal education with a bachelor's degree in X. I graduated top of my class and also had an opportunity to intern in a similar field in retail. I'm reliable, hard-working, and a creative problem-solver. I'm looking for a company where I can establish myself and grow in knowledge and experience."

To many employers, the number of years of experience is flexible as long as you have sufficient expertise to be successful in the tasks required of you. This question is your opportunity to convince the interviewer that you're qualified for this role despite not checking off every item on the position description.

Use this question to highlight your major career successes and convince your interviewer that while you don't have (x) years of experience, you have gained meaningful, high-impact experiences that will contribute to your success. Focus on selling yourself as a candidate, making no apologies for your lack of years!

"Along with my five years working in food and beverage, I have worked in related industries like food manufacturing, food transportation services, and restaurants my entire career. Also, I hope that my graduate degree gives me a little boost in experience over the required undergraduate degree."

"Although I have five years of experience instead of eight years, I feel that I can exceed expectations in this role. In my previous job, I outperformed colleagues with 12 years of experience, as measured by customer conversions. To me, it's all about drive and the ability to learn quickly."

Do you have experience training others?

"I do not have formal training experience but have served as a mentor to at-risk youth in my community. I worked with them to develop life skills like cooking, applying to college, doing laundry, balancing a checkbook, etc. I am patient when teaching and always demonstrate compassion and kindness."

Because PepsiCo is growing at such a rapid pace, you may be expected to train new hires as they add members to the team. The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of this undertaking and will demonstrate strong leadership skills in this position.

This is a straightforward question that allows you to answer either 'yes' or 'no' and then describe what this experience looked like if you answered 'yes.' If you have experience, talk about how you used your strengths and skills to teach others. If you don't have experience with training, you can share how you will demonstrate, listen, 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 I will be a strong trainer and mentor. I care about the progress of my colleagues and am a patient teacher. I look forward to the opportunity to train and mentor members of my team once I've gotten up to speed in the role."

"Yes, I trained two individuals on (XYZ) skills in my previous job. First, I had them shadow me so that they could see what I was doing. I made myself approachable by speaking slowly, giving lots of examples, and making sure they felt comfortable asking questions. 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!"

What is your greatest professional achievement so far?

"My greatest accomplishment is graduating with a 4.0 and Summa Cum Laude honors. I worked hard throughout school to complete assignments on time and to the best of my ability. I was dedicated and never late to class. I am also proud of the network of other students I created by building and maintaining relationships."

Pepsi 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 with high praise from a manager or an award. Think back to the times you received explicit recognition for the difference you made. Remember that numbers speak volumes! Whenever possible, point to quantitative results and offer a concrete example of your achievement. That will give the interviewer at Pepsi a clear idea of your past professional success and what you will add to the team.

"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 I could dedicate myself to my career and reach the goals I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and be recognized for my dedication."

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

At PepsiCo, we seek to hire leaders. Tell me about a time you took the initiative to improve work-related procedures.

"I volunteered for a small, local organization while in school. I noticed that the onboarding of new volunteers was very disorganized and chaotic. Once I got settled into my role there, I volunteered to create a streamlined onboarding process for new volunteers. It included an orientation schedule and agenda with different leaders covering certain topics. I also printed all the paperwork and made packets so everything was in one place. I surveyed the new volunteers, and all rated the onboarding and orientation process as excellent!"

Regardless of how junior or senior your role is at a company, you must demonstrate that you hold the traits of a good leader and use these traits to effect positive change in the workplace. Your interviewer wants to ensure that you are a good leader and will exercise your leadership capacity in a new role with PepsiCo.

This question is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your initiative and creativity. Think about a time you proposed a change in the workplace that led to positive effects. It's okay if it was only a small change, especially if you are early on in your career.

"In my previous role, I recognized that our team needed a training program to bring others in at a quicker rate. I took the initiative to create the training program, playbook, and schedule and incorporated all the work we did in a way that people could easily replicate. The team loved having it and found the training program quite useful and efficient."

"I recently made suggestions to my manager about the team messaging application we used. I found a team-based app that offered a lower monthly cost with added features. He took the suggestion, and it has worked well for our team! The company was happy with the cost savings as well."

PepsiCo Interview Questions

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1. How do you handle customer complaints?
2. If hired for this role, what kind of team player could we expect you to be?
3. Tell me about a time you failed. How did you handle it?
4. When have you had to think outside of the box to solve a problem?
5. How would you handle an issue with a policy or procedure?
6. At PepsiCo, we value individuals who take initiative. Can you give me an example of a time you did something without being asked?
7. It's important for shift changes to go smoothly at PepsiCo to maintain productivity. How do you make sure transitions are seamless?
8. How do you handle situations that could cause you to be tardy or absent?
9. Tell me about an idea you implemented that made an impact.
10. How would your coworkers describe you?
11. Tell me about a time your actions resulted in greater efficiency on your team.
12. At PepsiCo, we understand that conflict can arise when you work closely with others on a team. Give me an example of a time you had to deal with an issue while working with others.
13. The work environment at PepsiCo can be fast-paced at times. How do you handle stress?
14. What is your greatest weakness?
15. Describe your typical work week.
16. PepsiCo's brand offers a variety of food and beverages. Do you have a favorite PepsiCo product?
17. What interests you about PepsiCo?
18. Why do you want to work for PepsiCo?
19. Tell me something about yourself that I wouldn't know from reading your resume.
20. We value employee innovation at PepsiCo. What does innovation mean to you?
21. Why should we hire you?
22. What goals would you like to accomplish while working for PepsiCo?
23. How can we motivate you on the job?
24. We strive to help our employees create a healthy work/life balance at PepsiCo. How do you balance life and work?
25. Why are you leaving your current job?
26. You may be asked to stay late or work weekends or overtime due to fluctuations in the schedule and shift changes at PepsiCo. What is your availability?
27. What is your greatest strength? How will it help you make a difference at PepsiCo?
28. What challenges do you anticipate in this new role with PepsiCo?
29. What challenges does the food and beverage industry face today?
30. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself.
31. What do you think you will enjoy most about working in the food and beverage industry?
32. PepsiCo is asking for eight years of industry experience, and you have just five. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?
33. Do you have experience training others?
34. What is your greatest professional achievement so far?
35. At PepsiCo, we seek to hire leaders. Tell me about a time you took the initiative to improve work-related procedures.

PepsiCo Interview Questions

1. How do you handle customer complaints?

2. If hired for this role, what kind of team player could we expect you to be?

3. Tell me about a time you failed. How did you handle it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How would your coworkers describe you?

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

12. At PepsiCo, we understand that conflict can arise when you work closely with others on a team. Give me an example of a time you had to deal with an issue while working with others.

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

14. What is your greatest weakness?

15. Describe your typical work week.

16. PepsiCo's brand offers a variety of food and beverages. Do you have a favorite PepsiCo product?

17. What interests you about PepsiCo?

18. Why do you want to work for PepsiCo?

19. Tell me something about yourself that I wouldn't know from reading your resume.

20. We value employee innovation at PepsiCo. What does innovation mean to you?

21. Why should we hire you?

22. What goals would you like to accomplish while working for PepsiCo?

23. How can we motivate you on the job?

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

25. Why are you leaving your current job?

26. You may be asked to stay late or work weekends or overtime due to fluctuations in the schedule and shift changes at PepsiCo. What is your availability?

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

28. What challenges do you anticipate in this new role with PepsiCo?

29. What challenges does the food and beverage industry face today?

30. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself.

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

32. PepsiCo is asking for eight years of industry experience, and you have just five. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

33. Do you have experience training others?

34. What is your greatest professional achievement so far?

35. At PepsiCo, we seek to hire leaders. Tell me about a time you took the initiative to improve work-related procedures.