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.

Rachelle'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.

Rachelle'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.

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

Perhaps you have led a club at work, been a coach for a youth sports team, or were on the advisory board for a non-profit organization. You should always be prepared to show the interviewer that you have a natural ability to lead others. Whether you have led a group of 500 or a team of 2, you must display to the interviewer that you are capable of handling the responsibility that comes with being a leader and mentor.

Talk about your desire to be a leader. Share with the interviewer that you strive to be a role model for others. Explain that you jump at the opportunity to lead groups, encourage your counterparts, and be a face of the organization when challenges arise.

Rachelle's Answer

"In my current position, I am the president of the social committee. I love that I have the opportunity to encourage employee engagement while being a positive influence on the workplace culture. I am a natural leader because I start with leading by example. As a leader, I make myself available to others who need mentorship, a bit of assistance in adjusting to their role, or just a listening ear when they've had a tough day. I am confident in my leadership abilities and look forward to joining your team in a leadership role."

Michelle's Answer

"I definitely see myself as a leader. Not only have I managed a team in two prior roles, but also I believe that leadership does not always equate to management. Leadership is more of a mindset than a title or specific position. I am sure to lead at all times by providing the best model, enthusiasm and work ethic of the organization. I am open to new ideas and love to tackle a new project which, to me, embodies leadership."

4.

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

Others don't always communicate with you in the style that you would prefer. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have handled a supervisor who does not interact with you in a way that you like or that is clear to you.

Rachelle's Answer

"Whenever I have had a supervisor who does not properly communicate with me, I first try to learn their style of communication and emulate it. I also try to ask a lot of questions and document instructions in writing as much as possible in order to make sure I'm understanding."

Michelle's Answer

"I try to be independent and find as many answers as possible on my own. As much as I would love to always work with supervisors who are great communicators, that is not always a realistic ask. I also try to repeat instructions just to verify that I'm hearing and interpreting what the supervisor really wants."

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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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.

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

"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

"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."

9.

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

Talk to the interviewer about your post-secondary education, being sure to highlight the best parts of your performance. If you do not have the formal post-secondary education, you will need to sell the interviewer on the idea that you have gained the knowledge required to succeed with Procter and Gamble.

Rachelle's Answer

"I value post-secondary education as well. Although I do not have a completed degree, I do bring a plethora of related experience from Company ABC and XYZ. Both organizations provided me with exceptional training. In addition to this formal on the job training, I have also read numerous business books and attended a variety of industry related workshops."

Michelle's Answer

"I have a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Concordia University. I am proud to say that I graduated top of my class. I have a lot to offer Procter and Gamble when it comes to my knowledge of consumer products, marketing, and advertising."

10.

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

"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

"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."

11.

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

Public speaking can be intimidating, so assure the interviewer that you are capable of communicating well in front of large groups. Have you taken any courses or training in public speaking? Perhaps you have so much experience that it comes second nature. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of giving presentations should it be required in your role with Procter and Gamble.

Rachelle's Answer

"In my last two roles I have been responsible for regularly presenting to my team of 43 staff as well as to our entire warehouse team of more than 200. I have also been part of my local Toastmasters group, which helped a great deal. Overall, I feel that I am a confident public speaker."

Michelle's Answer

"I do not have a lot of experience in presenting to large groups, but I do present regularly to groups averaging around 4 to 6 people. I am a confident speaker in that setting and am sure that I could present in front of many people - I'd be happy to take on that challenge."

12.

What type of work environment do you dislike working in?

The interviewer wants to know that you are pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments. Have you experienced a position where the environment wasn't conducive to your productivity? Be sure to understand the type of environment that is offered in this position before the interview.

Rachelle's Answer

"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the mentality is positive and teamwork is encouraged. I feel challenged in an environment that is negative or toxic. From what I understand, Procter and Gamble focuses a great deal on interdependency and working together with confidence and trust across business units, functions, categories and geographies. This seems like an environment that sets your team members up for success."

Michelle's Answer

"Really the only kind of environment I dislike is one of apathy or negativity. I crave being part of a team of A players consistently bringing their A game. From what I've researched about Procter and Gamble, I believe I can be very successful within your team environment - I appreciate the clearly articulated focus on respect, interdependency and putting the needs of the company above the individual needs of self. I believe I can thrive and be a strongly and consistently contributing team member in this kind of culture."

13.

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.

Rachelle'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."

14.

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

"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

"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."

15.

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

"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

"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."

16.

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

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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?

1000s of Interview Questions

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?

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

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?

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

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

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?

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

As a manager, what is your greatest weakness?

What are your salary expectations?

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?

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