32 Procter and Gamble Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

Procter and Gamble puts emphasis on hiring people who fit into our workplace culture. How would you describe your personality?

Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your personal traits vs. your integrity. This would include buzzwords such as introverted, energetic, and confident.

Michelle's Answer

"I would describe my personality as approachable, energetic, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me. I would also classify myself as bold - I'm willing to take risks in order to achieve higher and better results, ultimately for the good of the company and the good of the consumer. Above all, I believe I exemplify integrity, which meshes well with P&G's goal of leading the charge in doing the right thing."

Michelle's Answer

"It may seem like an odd combination, but I would describe myself as both logical and imaginative. I'm imaginative in the sense that I'm always looking for new ways to approach consumer issues and new ideas to test out. And then I'm logical in the sense that I want experimentation, data and results to know for sure that what my imagination comes up with is truly feasible. I think my personality will fit well within Procter and Gamble's focus on innovation, mastery and seeking to be the best."

2.

Have you progressed in your career as you have expected?

Career progression can be a touchy subject, especially if you feel that your career hasn't progressed as well as you would have liked. Talk to the interviewer about your career progression and what you would like to see in the future.

Michelle's Answer

"Overall, my career has progressed a touch slower than I would have liked. I have held a couple of positions that didn't offer the growth and learning that I was expecting; however, I have bounced back nicely. I feel that this particular position would take my career exactly where it should be for my level of education, experience and ambition."

Michelle's Answer

"I love this question, and I can't imagine that there are very many people who can say that their career has progressed exactly as expected. And if they can say that, it tells me they haven't taken very many risks or disrupted the status quo. Because of my entrepreneurial approach in general, I'm open to new opportunities and willing to take risks in order, ultimately, to enjoy greater success. When you approach your career in that fashion, you never know where it will take you - except on to greater challenges and success."

3.

The consumer products industry is fast moving. How do you keep up to date on current trends?

Being up to date on current trends is incredibly essential in the consumer products industry. Assure the interviewer that you are engaged and interested in what the market trends look like.

Michelle's Answer

"I agree - the consumer products market is incredibly fast moving. I keep up to date on new trends in the news and online through several business- and consumer-goods-focused blogs. I subscribe to a variety of industry publications as well."

Michelle's Answer

"It's tough to stay up to date on current trends, in such a fast-moving industry. I like to follow any blogs from the C-suite within the consumer products industry to get a feel for various company strategies and philosophies. I think it's also important to join professional organizations and travel to at least one professional conference per year. That allows me to hear from leaders in the field and to swap stories and experiences with those who hold similar roles in other companies across the world."

4.

As a manager, what is your greatest weakness?

Everyone has his/her weaknesses, and that is OK. Talk to the hiring manager about what you feel you could work on the most, and what you are doing about it. Avoid discussing a weakness that could be detrimental to you securing the position.

Michelle's Answer

"As a manager, I feel that my greatest weakness is in separating employees as quickly as possible when they begin to show signs that they are not going to work out. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and have been known to continue trying to nurture people when they really are overdue for termination. I have taken a couple of management training classes focusing on this area, and I'm also working with an industry mentor; I feel I'm improving in being able to objectively approach separating employees who aren't a good fit, in a way that is respectful to the employee and for the overall good health of the organization."

Michelle's Answer

"One thing I've consistently worked to improve since my first management position is increasing the level of trust I have in my employees. For me, it was a difficult transition to move from a front-line employee to one who manages the work of others. I wanted to jump in and help my employees accomplish their goals instead of offering support and allowing them to set and reach their own goals. I continue to improve in this area, and I believe I'm at the right point in my career development to live out the P&G value of trust - having confidence in each other's capabilities and intentions and believing that people work best when there is a foundation of trust. That sense of trust is more important than making sure people do things my way."

5.

When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

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Procter and Gamble Interview Questions

Procter and Gamble puts emphasis on hiring people who fit into our workplace culture. How would you describe your personality?

Procter and Gamble Interview Questions

Procter and Gamble puts emphasis on hiring people who fit into our workplace culture. How would you describe your personality?

Have you progressed in your career as you have expected?

The consumer products industry is fast moving. How do you keep up to date on current trends?

As a manager, what is your greatest weakness?

When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

Procter and Gamble is a global corporation with brands and employees all over the world. What is your experience working with a diverse group of people?

What are your salary expectations?

The performance of consumer products relies greatly on advertising and marketing efforts. Do you have any experience with advertising, marketing, or market research?

At Procter and Gamble we prefer to hire candidates who value post-secondary education. Do you have any post-secondary education or related training?

Change is par for the course with Procter and Gamble. When have you had to adapt to change?

Tell me about your experiences giving presentations in front of large groups.

What type of work environment do you dislike working in?

How do you deal with distracting coworkers who stand in the way of your progress?

Procter and Gamble wants to know how to motivate you. What work situations excite and motivate you?

How would you handle a situation where your Procter and Gamble supervisor did not properly communicate information to you?

Of all the places that you could work, why do you want to join Procter and Gamble?

The environment is fast-paced and challenging at Procter and Gamble. How do you determine priorities when you have multiple projects due?

What questions do you have for me about working with Procter and Gamble?

At Proctor and Gamble, we seek to hire those who want a long-term fit. What is your long-range career objective?

Procter and Gamble likes to hire those who take pride in their work. Tell me about your greatest work related accomplishment.

Do you see yourself a leader? When have you led a team?

What does it mean to you to be an ethical company?

Despite more current trends, many consumer products have been tested on animals. What are your thoughts on this?

Work volumes can become very high at Procter and Gamble. How do you handle a larger than average workload?

Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?

Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

We believe in strong work/life balance at Procter and Gamble. How often do you take work home with you?

Environmental quality and sustainability are very important to us at Procter and Gamble. How do you feel about that?

If Procter and Gamble hired you today, what would you accomplish first?

Are you applying for a job with any of our competitors?

Sales performance is of utmost importance to Procter and Gamble. How do you plan to contribute to our profitability?

At Procter and Gamble we always think of the consumer first. What are the top 3 ways that we can ensure consumer satisfaction?