32 Procter and Gamble Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

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

The majority of people will work overtime hours or take work home with them on occasion. Talk to the interviewer about how frequently to take your work home. If you do take work home with you, make sure to express that it is due to overachieving and not procrastination or poor time management.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"Only occasionally. I make every effort to utilize my work hours efficiently so that the only time I take work home is when there is an extremely stringent deadline or some type of emergency. I would say that, overall, I take my work home maybe twice per month. Now, that's on the execution side, but on the ideation side, I can tell you that I'm constantly thinking about new ways to do things, new innovations to try or new approaches to problem, so that 'script,' if you will, is constantly running in my brain!"

Michelle's Answer #2

"I try very hard not to take my work home with me. For me, it's very important to compartmentalize work and life and keep them separate so that I can give each of them my full focus in the moment. That means I have to be very disciplined throughout the workday, stay focused, and use effective time-management techniques to help me maximize my performance. This way, I'm meeting or exceeding goals, while still enjoying time with my family to disconnect from work and just 'be.'"

2.

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

Being able to adapt to change in the workplace is a crucial skill to possess. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have had to adjust to changes on the job. How did you handle the change? Was it a positive reaction?

Rachelle's Answer #1

"In my current role there is a lot of turnover when it comes to our management team. I have had to adapt to three new managers in the past four years. For a company like P&G that values strategic focus, innovation and being the very best, I'd imagine that team members move up and around a great deal within the company. I'm fully prepared to handle that kind of change and adapt to both new team members and changing market conditions."

Michelle's Answer #2

"In my previous role at a high-growth tech startup, the sales organization was restructured a number of times, from a new boss to new teams and territories. This can be very frustrating if one doesn't approach it with the right frame of mind, but I was able to thrive there. In this situation, if all team members are acting in accordance with P&G's value of doing what is right for the business with integrity, that means we'll all be ready to take advantage of developing opportunities, being nimble and capitalizing on market changes with strategic focus."

3.

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

This is a nice chance to show the interviewer that your sense of ethics and integrity meshes with that of the company. Make sure to do some research in advance so that you understand Procter and Gamble's position on various issues.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I really love this question, and it's one I've given a lot of thought to. For me, a company is ethical when it follows fair and unbiased reporting practices and when it sources its materials and drives its production cycle in a way that is sustainable and responsible with both people and natural resources. From what I've learned about Procter and Gamble, the way you operate as a company and as individuals is based on the principle of doing the right thing. I love the idea of being a force for good and a force for growth."

Michelle's Answer #2

"There are many facets to being an ethical company, from the way you treat your employees to the manner in which you garner your raw materials. From what I've researched, I do believe Procter and Gamble is an ethical company - the organization is very up front and open about many important ethical issues in the consumer products industry: reporting practices, sustainability, human rights and animal welfare, just to name a few. These are some of the touchstone issues that define a company's ethics, and I believe my own sense of integrity fully aligns with P&G's - to lead the charge in doing the right thing."

4.

Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?

Do you feel that you should be paid based on tenure, or results? Discuss this with the interviewer and back your answer with an example, if possible.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"Both tenure and performance are important, but I do lean toward performance incentives. I feel that employees should be paid, and rewarded, based on the documented value they bring to the organization. This approach is a strong motivator - a new employee would be greatly encouraged by being rewarded for performance, and this approach also facilitates a healthy competition with more tenured employees."

Michelle's Answer #2

"This is a classic question, isn't it? Experience and company knowledge are so important and are certainly of value to an organization, while performance is the documented articulation of an employee's value to the company. I believe the best compensation programs figure out a way to honor both, with the emphasis on performance. Doing so encourages good employees to stay, since they know they're valued for their tenure and experience - but it discourages people from getting so comfortable in a long-time role that they don't strive for their highest performance."

5.

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

Talking about your greatest accomplishment will give the interviewer a strong idea of where you place your values. It will also show the interviewer more about your personality, how you like to be motivated, and how to coach you in the future. It is okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your career accomplishments!

Rachelle's Answer #1

"The greatest accomplishment of my career thus far was graduating from college as an honors student while still working full time in a related field. I was at the top of my class, plus working full time. This showed me that I could dedicate myself to my career and reach the goals that I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and to be recognized for my dedication. I believe that this kind of work ethic will fit well within P&G's culture of passion for winning, strategic focus and innovation."

Michelle's Answer #2

"My greatest career accomplishment so far is being promoted the fastest in the entire organization's history and topping it off by closing a major deal less than 48 hours later. I was not only proud of myself, but also received accolades from the VP of Sales in front of the entire company, which was a really special moment. I look forward to applying this same work ethic to P&G's environment of innovation, mastery and seeking to be the best."

6.

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

The testing of products on animals has been a long time controversy in the consumer products realm. Discuss with the interviewer your thoughts on testing consumer products on animals.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"Science has come a long way, and the need to test products on animals is minimal, if not non-existent. Overall, I'm of the mind that products should not contain harmful chemicals and the more natural they are, the better. That's one of the attractive elements of the Procter and Gamble philosophy - I'm impressed that the company has invested more than $410 million in developing alternative, non-animal testing methods and is committed to getting them accepted by regulators around the world."

Michelle's Answer #2

"Overall, I do not support testing on animals. I believe that science has come far enough that this practice is unnecessary. Consumers, on the whole, expect for their products to be ethically sourced and manufactured in a cruelty-free fashion, and are even amenable to paying a premium for ethically produced products if that's what it takes. I believe my philosophy fits well with that of Procter and Gamble - I was so happy to learn, while preparing for this interview, that P&G does not test its products or ingredients on animals anywhere in the world unless required by law."

7.

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

Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with setbacks in the workplace.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing, and can be a bit disheartening, but I understand that it happens from time to time. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief with my manager and discuss what I could have done differently. Then, I move on. I believe this fits well with P&G's focus on innovation - every failure can take us one step closer to a major breakthrough for our consumers."

Michelle's Answer #2

"Setbacks happen no matter what, and for that reason I try not to let them affect me emotionally in the least. I am a pragmatic thinker and stay focused despite challenges that come my way. I once had a colleague who described setbacks as "forward fumbles," which is a philosophy I have internalized and try to share with others. What looks in the moment like a setback can often, in retrospect, be a catalyst for change or an inadvertent step toward a successful outcome you weren't even able to imagine."

8.

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

Talk to the interviewer about your reasons for wanting to work for Procter and Gamble specifically. With all of the competitors out there - why them? Be as specific as possible.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"For me, Procter and Gamble is synonymous with excellence - for nearly 200 years, your brands have challenged convention, led innovation, and helped shape culture. I love that the company is mission-based and believes in finding small but meaningful ways to improve lives--now and for generations to come. That's the kind of environment in which I believe I could be successful."

Michelle's Answer #2

"Procter and Gamble has been on my radar for some time now. I greatly appreciate your corporate purpose, values and principles. I love that they clearly articulate the behaviors that shape the tone of how you work with each other and with your partners. Your values of integrity, leadership, ownership, passion and trust lead me to believe that Procter and Gamble has the kind of work environment in which I can thrive."

9.

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

Talk to the interviewer about any experience you have in advertising and marketing, whether that be on the job training or formal education. Discuss how you have seen robust marketing strategies directly affect the performance of a product.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I have always been fascinated with the correlation between marketing strategies and product performance. This is why I studied marketing and communication in college. I have a bachelor's degree in marketing, plus additional training in advertising methods from my current employer. I have seen creative and strategic marketing campaigns take an underperforming product and make it a strong contender in as short as 90 days. I look forward to putting my knowledge in marketing and advertising toward a role with Procter and Gamble; it's obvious that P&G invests a great deal in cultivating brands that are household names in everything from baby and personal care to home and fabric care."

Michelle's Answer #2

"Although I do not have formal training and education in advertising and marketing, I love to research new marketing techniques. I'm a strong writer, so I feel that I could put that skill to use in helping the organization communicate effectively with both internal and external audiences. On the consumer front, I also have a strong understanding of several social media algorithms, including how to have your posts seen by the right audience. I'd look forward to using that skill for the good of the organization, along with learning more about more traditional marketing, advertising and communications tactics."

10.

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

When you start a new position, it is important to set a goal on how you will make a positive impact quickly after being hired. Tell the interviewer what your impact goal is, should you be the successful candidate.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"When we were speaking earlier, about sales targets in this position, you mentioned that most new sales professionals hit their KPI's after 120 days. If I were hired today, my goal would be to exceed my KPI's after the first 90 days. My goal, consistent with Procter and Gamble's values, will be to focus resources to achieve leadership objectives and strategies.I plan to make a positive impact very quickly and show that I am a perfect fit for P&G's culture of mastery, innovation and passion for winning."

Michelle's Answer #2

"I know you mentioned that the average tenure in this position, before promotion, is anywhere from six months to a year or more. I intend to prove over the first three months that I am a rockstar in the organization and that I can live out Procter and Gamble's corporate values of leadership, ownership and passion for winning - treating the Company's assets as my own and behaving with the Company's long-term success in mind."

11.

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

Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on sustainability. Try to align your answer with what you know about their practices, policies and procedures wherever possible.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I believe that environmental quality and sustainability are key defining issues within the consumer products industry. Today, many companies are judged by potential consumers and employees by their positions on issues like these. For example, I'm very impressed by Procter and Gamble's stance on taking steps across its entire supply chain to confirm that sourcing of raw materials does not fund armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries."

Michelle's Answer #2

"These are very important concerns for me personally, as well. Like Procter and Gamble, I believe that science-based practices can help preserve our planet for generations to come. We can do well as a company and also do good for the environment and for the communities whose resources support our business."

12.

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

Every hiring manager wants to know how to keep you best motivated and excited about the job. Talk to the interviewer about what excites you and keeps you happy at work.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I have a healthy competitive edge, even if its a personal competition. For me, I am excited and motivated by winning, whether that be winning over a new client, exceeding my KPIs or being recognized for a job well done. I am also motivated and energized by a strong team that supports and challenges one another. I believe that the work culture at P&G in and of itself will be a strong motivator for me; I love the idea of being surrounded by team members all working toward mastery with strategic focus, seeking to be the very best and working with interdependency. That sounds energizing!"

Michelle's Answer #2

"I get excited when new challenges are presented in the workplace. This could include a new program, a new customer initiative, a sales contest, or even the training of a new employee. A fresh problem to solve or a fresh obstacle to conquer is highly motivating and exciting for me, which fits well with the Procter and Gamble team environment of challenging convention and reinventing the way you do business to better win in the marketplace."

13.

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

Even the most well-meaning coworkers can distract you from getting things done at work from time to time. The funny and entertaining coworkers who like to chat online and send YouTube videos are often the ones who can get in the way of your productivity if you let them. How do you respond? Show off your ability to set professional boundaries, when needed.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I typically just set a kind, but clear, boundary and tell my coworker that I need to focus at the moment. I will offer an alternate time for a catch-up, over lunch for example. It is important for the sake of workplace culture to set aside time to be social with coworkers, so I usually just let them know when I'll be available for a quick break in the day."

Michelle's Answer #2

"If I have a distracting co-worker, I will highlight the distraction right away while remaining kind. I feel it's always best to nip issues in the bud before they get out of control. Overall, I'm very good at setting personal and professional boundaries, so this has never been much of an issue for me. I've found that if I'm clear that my time is currently allocated to another task, people respect that and are happy to catch up and be social at another specified time."

14.

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.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"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 #2

"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."

15.

What are your salary expectations?

The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or gain a slight increase. According to my research, this seems consistent with the market."

Michelle's Answer #2

"I would like to earn slightly above where I am now. I am currently making $100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth. If that is out-of-range for this position, I would hope we could discuss alternative benefits and/or a path to reach that salary goal."

Anonymous Answer

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $30,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. I want to stay in the same range or gain a slight increase. I was not able to find out the current range of salary for this position, can you please put some light on it?"

Rachelle's Answer

This is a great answer because you are specific yet offer room for feedback/conversation. Well done!

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16.