31 Texas Instruments Interview Questions & Answers
1. At Texas Instruments we want to hire those with at least a basic understanding of semiconductors. Why are some semiconductors made of silicon?
How to Answer
The interviewer is testing your basic industry knowledge. The better you understand a topic, the more clearly you should be able to answer a question like this. Keep your answer concise. 'I don't know' is never an acceptable answer. You should be transparent with the interviewer that you are unsure of the solution but offer any piece of knowledge that you may have.
If you know the answer: "From my understanding, some semiconductors are made of silicon because the semiconductor can then be used at much higher temperatures; for electronics, for example."
1st Answer Example
"From my understanding, some semiconductors are made of silicon because the semiconductor can then be used at much higher temperatures; for electronics, for example."
2nd Answer Example
"If you do not know the answer: "I am not confident on why some semiconductors are made of silicon; however, I do believe that silicon is good for higher heat so perhaps that is why? I would love to learn more if you would give me the opportunity."
2. Texas Instruments uses some well-known software programs. Which automation software solutions you are accustomed to using?
How to Answer
There are many automation software solution options. Some are for the masses, and other organizations may have proprietary software.
When asked about your exposure to these types of programs it is important to remember that most of them function the same because the desired outcome is always similar. If you know one, you should be able to understand another more easily.
Avoid focusing on what you don't know and focus on what you do. Assure the interviewer that you can learn their system quickly.
1st Answer Example
"You mention in your job posting that you are looking for someone with experience in Software ABC. I have worked with Software XYZ which is very similar. The functions are essentially the same, and since I am an expert level user in XYZ, I am confident that I will be a fast learner when it comes to ABC and your other internal programs."
2nd Answer Example
"I am most accustomed to using Applied Materials automation software. Primarily, it's function is to coordinate process and people so that we can optimize our resources. I am a fast learner and am confident that I will learn your internal solutions very quickly."
3. Explain Statistical Process Control (SPC) to me.
How to Answer
The interviewer is testing your basic industry knowledge. The better you understand a topic, the more clearly you should be able to answer a question like this. Keep your answer concise. 'I don't know' is never an appropriate answer. You should be transparent with the interviewer that you are unsure of the solution but offer any piece of knowledge that you may have.
If you know the answer: "From my understanding, SPC is an industry-wide standard for measuring and controlling the quality during the manufacturing process."
1st Answer Example
"From my understanding, SPC is an industry-wide standard for measuring and controlling the quality during the manufacturing process."
2nd Answer Example
"If you do not know the answer: "I am not confident on the exact purpose of SPC; however I believe it may be a way of controlling industry standards? I would love to learn more if you would give me the opportunity."
4. We want to ensure that Texas Instruments has the best inventory over our competitors. Have you ever made a suggestion on a product line or item?
How to Answer
An engaged employee will notice when changes are required. They make recommendations and suggestions they feel will benefit the organization. Have you ever taken the lead by making a recommendation to your employer? Talk to the interviewer about a time when you suggested the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"I made a recommendation last month that we try a new line of parts after one of our particular vendors shorted us on inventory. The vendor that I suggested was newer to the industry. With that said, their customer service was impressive. Their pricing was competitive as well. We gave them a shot, and it worked out well for us, resulting in cost savings, a better product, and happier customers."
2nd Answer Example
"I consistently make well-researched and well-backed suggestions to my current employer. They have a great open door policy which I like to utilize as often as possible. If I can be a help when it comes to process and product suggestions, then I feel that I am helping my company to be more profitable as well."
5. Do you have any formal education or training in the semiconductor field? How does that training relate to what we do at Texas Instruments?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how your post-secondary education and training relates to a career with Texas Instruments. Assure the interviewer that you have a keen interest in the semiconductor industry by mentioning any formal, or informal, training you have completed. You can also include any self-training as well! Give an answer that will show off your drive to learn more about this industry.
1st Answer Example
"
2nd Answer Example
"Although I do not have formal post-secondary training in the semiconductor industry, I do bring ten years' experience in the field, with hands-on training. Is there any particular formal training that you would like me to take before starting with Texas Instruments?"
6. We strive to be the best in our industry. What do you think Texas Instruments could improve on?
How to Answer
A great organization will always be open to improvement and innovation. The interviewer would like to know if you have suggestions for improvement; however, they are indeed not asking you to reinvent their wheel.
The worst thing you could do here is to speak negatively about the company without any constructive feedback or recommended solution. If you do have a suggestion, keep it light and be sure to end your remark with a positive comment.
1st Answer Example
"I think that you are doing an impressive job at Texas Instruments and I look forward to coming to work with you. If I could make any suggestion, I would suggest more updates on the company blog. I believe your vendors and distributors are interested in what Texas Instruments has to say and where you are taking the company in the future!"
2nd Answer Example
"I enjoy what you do at Texas Instruments, and how you do it. If anything, I would suggest a bit more advertising on more modern platforms such as social media and through collaborative endorsements."
7. At Texas Instruments we like to hire those who are natural leaders. When have you taken on a leadership task in the workplace without being asked?
How to Answer
Most companies want to know that they are hiring someone who can grow with their company, show initiative, and be an excellent example to others. Talk to the interviewer about a time, big or small, when you took the initiative to go above your regular duties and set an example of leadership for your co-workers.
1st Answer Example
"Last month when our supervisor was out unexpectedly we had a couple of temporary employees not show up for their assignment. We were short-handed, and volumes were high. I decided to step up for the team, like a leader would do, and offered to work a double shift so that last-minute overtime was not expected of my team members. I enjoy setting an example of teamwork while maintaining a positive mindset."
2nd Answer Example
"I will often take new hires under my wing, unasked. I believe that it helps with retention when new employees feel like others are interested in their success."
8. The product standards at Texas Instruments are highly regulated. Do you consider yourself meticulous and detail-oriented?
How to Answer
Product standards should be high! Be sure to address with the interviewer how important the small details are to you. The interviewer would like to see that you have a keen interest in the details. Give an example of a time when your attention to detail saved the company from an expensive error or a safety issue.
1st Answer Example
"After researching Texas Instruments I could see that your organization has a keen eye for the details. I, too, am a detail-oriented person. Two months ago, during our quarterly audit, I noticed a couple of discrepancies that ended up saving my company $45,000. My supervisor was very thankful for my keen eye and ended up making me the inventory lead for future audits."
2nd Answer Example
"Yes, at this point in my career, I do consider myself detail-oriented. My attention to detail is a point that I have been working on a lot this past year. I am meticulous but, in the past, have pushed my documentation back a little bit. It's something I am conscious of and continually working on."
9. We try to hire people who want to stay with Texas Instruments long term. What are your long term career plans and how do we fit into your plans?
How to Answer
Discuss with the interviewer your longer-term career plans and how they fit into the career path being offered by Texas Instruments. Assure the interviewer that you are looking for a longer term fit.
1st Answer Example
"I am looking for a long-term career path which is one of the reasons I applied to work with Texas Instruments. I like that you have opportunities for advancement within your team and that you offer professional development coursework. If hired, I would seek to work my way into a leadership role with Texas Instruments."
2nd Answer Example
"This position aligns nicely with my career goal of continued growth in the semiconductor industry. The role is in my comfort zone, but a new enough approach that will intrigue me, and the company size is adequate to support growth. I would love to, in the longer term, find myself working in a leadership position at Texas Instruments."
10. What is the biggest difference between Intrinsic and Extrinsic semiconductors?
How to Answer
The interviewer is testing your basic industry knowledge. The better you understand a topic, the more clearly you should be able to answer a question like this. Keep your answer concise.
If you do not know the answer, it is essential that you make an educated guess. "I don't know" is never the right answer. You should be transparent with the interviewer that you are unsure of the solution but offer any piece of knowledge that you may have.
If you know the answer: "From my understanding, Intrinsic semiconductors are made from very pure materials where Extrinsic semiconductors are made with trace impurities."
1st Answer Example
"I don't know"
2nd Answer Example
"I am not confident on the difference between Intrinsic and Extrinsic semiconductors. I have worked with Extrinsic semiconductors which I know contain some impurities so perhaps Intrinsic semiconductors are made with only pure materials? I would love to learn more if you would give me the opportunity."
11. Time management is the key to productivity at Texas Instruments. How do you manage your time?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know more about the types of tools you use to stay on task and meet deadlines. Discuss how you prioritize when everything demands your attention at once. Think about the ways you manage your projects and daily tasks.
1st Answer Example
"I manage my time by exercising the idea of 'time-blocking.' This process means that I won't incessantly check my email; instead, I will allow myself to return emails in 30-minute time blocks, four times per day. Setting calendar alerts and personal deadlines for myself has also helped a lot."
2nd Answer Example
"I manage my time best by using a select few programs dedicated to project and time management. My favorites are Freedcamp and Trello. Because I am technically savvy, I also utilize Google calendar every day."
12. If Texas Instruments offered you the position, when would you be available to start?
How to Answer
Make sure before an interview; you have a start date in mind for the new employer. Come prepared to answer this question affirmatively, whether you need to give two weeks to your previous position or can start right away.
1st Answer Example
"As a professional courtesy, I would like to give my current employer two weeks' notice. I could start anytime after that."
2nd Answer Example
"I am currently unemployed; however, I have a long weekend trip planned from the 12th to the 15th. I would be thrilled to start the Tuesday after that."
13. How have you had to adapt your work style to fit the team's objectives?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you are open to change and are adaptable. Think about the times when you have had to learn a new computer system, change your email organization approach, change how you update your calendar, re-worked your daily routine, or times when you have had to change your approach to meeting a goal. These are all great examples for this question!
Start off by telling the interviewer your usual work style in this area, and share how you changed this work style to meet the team's objectives. Be sure to mention that you didn't mind the change, and you were happy to accommodate this change to help the team reach its goal.
1st Answer Example
"Typically, I like to begin my day by listening to voicemail, checking emails, and making a to-do list for the day. The goal of this particular team was to increase staff communication, so we decided to start each morning with a team huddle instead. This meant that I was unable to kick-off my day with my usual morning routine. I was happy to meet for the team huddles because I understood that they were helping us meet our goal of improving communication."
2nd Answer Example
"My current team is more junior, and they require constant communication - more than I am naturally inclined to provide. For this reason, I have had to adapt my communication style to include more touch-points in the day. I have learned a lot from having a greener team, and appreciate the opportunity to expand my working style."
14. We value strong tenure at Texas Instruments. Why were you fired or let go from your last job?
How to Answer
Being terminated does not have to be an embarrassing or shameful thing. Be open and honest with the interviewer regarding your dismissal. Be sure to let the interviewer know that you can provide positive references despite a previous termination.
1st Answer Example
"I was terminated from my last position due to my inability to relocate to the new plant that my company was opening. It was unfortunate, but I am confident that I will find the right fit again shortly. Despite my termination, I can provide you with strong work references."
2nd Answer Example
"I lost my position due to the company being acquired by a larger competitor. It was disappointing because I was hoping to stay with that company for a long time. With that said, everything happens for a reason, and I am excited for a fresh start with Texas Instruments."
15. Tell me about a time that you were asked to collaborate on a project with a colleague whom you did not necessarily see eye-to-eye with. How did you ensure that you got along well and met your deadline?
How to Answer
Getting along with different personalities is especially vital in the workplace. Explain that you can be flexible and hear someone out even if you don't agree with them. Showcase your ability to learn from others when you may not wholeheartedly agree with their perspective or approach.
1st Answer Example
"Recently we received a project from a client that required my department to collaborate with a rival department within marketing. It was up to me to ensure that everyone worked smoothly together. The other departments' manager and I decided to start with a team building night out, and that helped a lot. Once everyone was able to find common ground, we could focus on the task at hand."
2nd Answer Example
"I had an issue with my manager a few years ago because we disagreed on the course of action to take on a project that was going sideways. The discussion started to heat up, so I quickly let her know that I thought it was best we think about our course of action overnight, and book a formal meeting to discuss the challenges. We scheduled a meeting for the following day and were able to resolve the issue. In the end, she told me she appreciated my conflict management skills, my professional awareness and personal maturity surrounding the situation."
16. What is your current salary?
How to Answer
A potential employer will often base their offer on your current salary. You should be transparent about your most recent earnings and be prepared to back up any salary requests.
1st Answer Example
"I am currently earning a base salary of $78,000 plus a car allowance of $900/month and health benefits. I am looking for a competitive salary in my next position."
2nd Answer Example
"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."
17. Sometimes we come across unique problems at Texas Instruments. What makes you a great problem solver?
How to Answer
Employers want to that you have a methodical approach to problem-solving. Consider the skills and qualities that help you successfully face problems. Perhaps you have a keen eye for detail. Maybe you can see opportunity when others can only focus on the issue. Share your strengths as a problem solver, and your ability to come up with innovative solutions.
1st Answer Example
"I am a great problem solver because I do not allow stress to cloud my judgment and mute my creative side. I am a keen observer with a great memory which allows me to recall unique solutions or ideas."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe I am a great problem solver because I am sure to gather as many facts as possible, I look at the problem and its potential solutions from multiple angles, and I am not afraid to make a creative decision, that might seem off the beaten path."
18. What is your definition of hard work?
How to Answer
Hard work and dedication can be interpreted differently by everyone. To one person, another person's hard work could seem like slacking. Talk to the interviewer about how you interpret a hard day's work.
1st Answer Example
"For me, hard work means that I did what I could that day to exceed expectations. I come to work early and stay late if needed and I go over and above the requirements without hesitation."
2nd Answer Example
"I know that I am working hard when I can be proud of my accomplishments at the end of each shift. Would I be proud to show my supervisor the work that I completed for the day? If the answer is 'yes,' then I know I gave my all that day."
19. We want to hire motivated leaders at Texas Instruments. What do you find to be the most difficult aspect of leading your current team?
How to Answer
The interviewer is trying to learn more about the challenges you currently face, as a leader. If hired, this information will help the company to know where you could use additional training, encouragement, or education.
Every leader has an aspect that is challenging for them. Share your most challenging aspect of leadership but also highlight the steps that you take to alleviate or overcome that challenge.
One common challenge for leaders is the need to terminate an employee. Another problem could be continually motivating unengaged employees. A big challenge could also be sourcing and utilize the best hiring resources to shave down your time spent on reading resumes.
1st Answer Example
"One challenge that I face as a leader is to avoid frustration when employees show continued disinterest in our company's education opportunities. My current company has an amazing program available for continued education, yet only about 32% of our employees take advantage. To alleviate this frustration, I am starting a company-wide recognition program for all employees who explore this option with our company."
2nd Answer Example
"I find the most difficult part of leading my current team is to maintain a positive mentality throughout the entire group. We have a couple of individuals who try to drag the team down when it comes to morale. It's always hard to combat that, but I do my best by reinforcing all positive behaviors."
20. It is important to us that Texas Instruments maintains a healthy and collaborative work environment. What kind of people do you enjoy working with?
How to Answer
Culture fit is a critical factor when looking for a new position. Talk to the interviewer about the types of personalities that you best work with. Be sure to remain positive and avoid using this as an opportunity to speak poorly of previous colleagues.
1st Answer Example
"I best enjoy working with individuals who are driven, positive, energetic, and take accountability for their work. I do have the ability to work with a large variety of individuals; however, these are the ideal traits I would see in future colleagues."
2nd Answer Example
"My favorite people to work with are individuals who are passionate about their trade and want to make a difference for their company on a daily basis. Those who take pride in their work always have my utmost respect."
21. Do you think honesty is always the best policy?
How to Answer
Is honesty always the best policy? Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on honesty in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"Sometimes full disclosure can damage someone's self-esteem, and reality isn't always best expressed in full and can be self-indulgent based on the person's intention. In those instances, honesty isn't always the best policy."
2nd Answer Example
"Honesty is always the best policy. Often, it is just a matter of how you communicate and deliver your message so managing this with each situation is critical to building honest and trustworthy relationships."
22. We are asking for 8 years of industry experience and you have just 5. Why do you think you are qualified for this position with Texas Instruments?
How to Answer
To many employers, the number of years' experience is flexible - so long as you have the results to show for the years that you do have. Talk to the interviewer about your major career successes. This question is the time to sell yourself. Make no apologies for your lack of years!
1st Answer Example
"Although I have five years' experience vs. eight years' experience I can do this job well. In my previous role, I was outperforming colleagues who had 12 years of experience. To me, it's all about drive and ability to be a quick study. I have all of these qualities and more."
2nd Answer Example
"Along with my five years working in this industry, I have worked in related industries my entire career. Also, I hope that my graduate degree gives me a little boost in experience over the required undergraduate degree."
23. What do you think you will like about this role with Texas Instruments?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you are looking forward to learning and growing in this new position. Talk about what excites you! Share how this position will challenge you and help you to grow. New opportunities are a chance for you to demonstrate your transferable skills.
1st Answer Example
"I am looking forward to gaining more experience in the semiconductor industry, and I look forward to applying my engineering education in a more structured corporate environment. I believe that Texas Instruments is an industry leader where I can successfully grow my career."
2nd Answer Example
"You deliver a product/service that makes a difference in the lives of your clients. (Insert organization mission statement or values). This is that type of organization I admire and want to be a part of."
24. Give me an example of a time when you had to be extra diligent in order to meet a deadline.
How to Answer
Are you determined to complete your tasks on time or do you frequently miss deadlines? Talk to the interviewer about your ability to act diligently on the job.
1st Answer Example
"Last month I had a client who made a lot of additional and last minute changes to our project. Despite the changes, our deadline remained the same. Our project lead was becoming increasingly stressed that we would not meet our deadline so I agreed to stay late three nights that week to ensure that all expectations were met."
2nd Answer Example
"I am always diligent when it comes to deadlines. However, once I remember having an abnormally large order from a regular client once. I was a little stressed about making sure it was perfect, but I was confident, and we met our deadline with no issue."
25. When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level?
How to Answer
If you have an expense account or resource allowance, it is very respectful to the company to be as thoughtful with that allowance as possible. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have been able to stretch company resources.
1st Answer Example
"I have recently implemented a schedule that allows for ride-sharing rewards which have cut down on our company's fuel expense by $9000 per month. I am quite proud of this initiative because it is not only financially responsible but also environmentally friendly."
2nd Answer Example
"I am always looking for ways to reuse resources and cut back on spending. Most recently, I introduced a recycling program that rewarded our employees for making choices that re-purposed extra materials."
26. What skills did you learn in your last position that will help you in this new role with Texas Instruments?
How to Answer
Before answering this question, you need to know which fundamental skills are required in this role. Review the job description, compare it to your most recent job, and give examples that demonstrate your competency in these skills.
For instance, if Texas Instruments is looking for someone with experience in a particular technology, talk about how you learned the ins and outs of this technology in your past job. If the company is looking for someone with excellent customer service skills, give an example of how you learned to meet the needs of customers in your last role by listening and positively communicating with them.
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example
"Here are some transferable skills that may apply to you:
- Effective leadership
- Presentations and public speaking
- Specific software or technology
- Research and data analysis"
27. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?
How to Answer
Are you pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments? Have you experienced a position where the atmosphere wasn't conducive to your productivity? Be sure to know the type of situation offered in this position before the interview.
1st Answer Example
"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the mentality is positive and teamwork is encouraged. I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic."
2nd Answer Example
"I have enjoyed my previous positions for the most part. I would say that if I were to feel dissatisfied with the job it would likely be due to lack of progress or working with a team that was uncommitted to success."
28. Tell me about an error or mistake you made because of a breakdown in communication from you or one of your team members.
How to Answer
On occasion, mistakes will happen, and communication will be broken. Talk to the interviewer about a time that this occurred in the workplace. How did you resolve the situation?
1st Answer Example
"I recall one instance where I misread an email from one of my subordinates. The punctuation was incorrect, and I read it in in a dire tone rather than in a positive one, as it was intended. After a tense conversation, the employee clarified her intention, and it seems I was mistaken. She and I agreed to exercise verbal communication on a regular basis to avoid a similar situation from happening again."
2nd Answer Example
"We recently had a missing link in communications to one of our vendors, who we signed on to provide a large service. They were not aware of a change in the agreement which cost the company wasted time, resources and money. We were able to identify the breakdown in communication and change the process to ensure it does not happen again."
29. What are your strengths?
How to Answer
Which personal advantages make you excellent at your job? Strengths can be skills or qualities that help you overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks.
In a work context, your strengths will help you to complete your to-do list, understand client needs, and help you to apply what you have learned in your training. Talk to the interviewer about a couple of your strengths and why those will help you to be successful in this role.
1st Answer Example
"I think my strengths are in my perceptiveness and ability to be observant of the needs of others. These strengths are part of what makes me an excellent performer in a client facing role."
2nd Answer Example
"Here is a list of strengths that you may have:
- Strong enthusiasm in the workplace
- Trustworthiness and honesty
- Adaptability and versatility
- Patience
- Determination and diligence
- Leadership and teamwork"
30. What are your weaknesses?
How to Answer
This question is a pervasive one, but it continues to throw people off. This question is not the best time to talk about your communication challenges with your partner or how you need to work on your golf game. Instead, focus on your professional life.
What is a skill or quality that you are proactively working to improve? Whatever example you give, be sure that it is not a critical skill that will raise red flags to the employer. It's best to focus on a non-core skill when discussing your weaknesses.
1st Answer Example
"Although I am an Intermediate level user in Excel, I found that I was not up to date on some of the great functions offered by the program. I decided to enroll myself in an advanced Excel course. That course starts next week! I look forward to being an expert user soon."
2nd Answer Example
"This is super cliche, but it's also true. I am not good at delegating to others. When I become submerged in a project, I don't like to give away any of the control. While this can be good, it can also definitely inhibit the outcome of the project and my growth as a team player and individual. I am currently working on this, as I know it is a deficit."
31. Tell me about a project you worked on where a conventional approach was not suitable.
How to Answer
How have you implemented creativity in the workplace when a conventional approach was not suitable? Display for the hiring manager how you can think outside of the box when necessary.
1st Answer Example
"In 2009 our economy suffered, and a lot of businesses were struggling to keep their doors open. At that time, a conventional approach was to take out additional ads on the radio or TV. Social media was starting to become a major advertising outlet - and it was free. I launched a social media campaign that was very successful. We were able to generate new and repeat business while coming in under our advertising budget."
2nd Answer Example
"I recently worked on a project that was ahead of its time and federal guidelines. If you want to achieve something you never have before, you have to do something you have never done. We took an unconventional approach to federal research and licensing technology through the Office of Technology Transfer in a way never done before. It was a necessary step to achieve the bigger picture."