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1.
What roles are you comfortable assuming in working as part of a larger team?
Coming to work for a consulting business requires the ability to work as part of a larger team on the projects you will be heading. Teamwork in this setting requires versatility and your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have that versatility in your answer to this question. Many times, you will be taking the bull by the horns and leading the way. Other times, you will be the worker bee researching behind the scenes. You may be tasked with being the organizer of projects behind the scenes as well. Make sure that you highlight your ability to be flexible when working as part of a team here.
Ryan's Answer #1
"I am really comfortable working in any role within a team and I think my experiences throughout my career demonstrate this well. At many times in my career, I've been the legwork of team operations and have easily taken direction on projects and been able to hit pre-established deadlines. As well, I've lead many projects and have shown my ability to lead others in a team effort and the ability to delegate tasks and set milestones for projects. If hired for this position, you can be rest assured that I have the ability to be a key team players with your clients in helping better their business."
Ryan's Answer #2
"From a very young age in my career, I've always been a natural leader in a team based environment. My excellent communication skills, honesty, critical thinking and decision making skills have proven time and time again that I can lead others in the most effective way possible. And while being a leader comes naturally to me, I can easily let others take the lead on projects."
2.
We value accountability at Waste Management. If a customer sent a formal complaint about an interaction with you, how would you handle it?
Assure the interviewer that you are a person of integrity who will take responsibility for any shortcomings in the workplace. Briefly explain to the interviewer that you will handle Waste Management customers with great care.
Ryan's Answer #1
"I understand that Waste Management has put a lot of work into building these long-term client relationships. If one of your clients complained about my communication with them, I would take full responsibility for my actions and issue an apology. I would also be open to feedback to avoid future incidences. Rest assured, in my 15 years of employment, I have not had any clients complain to my employer about my work ethic or delivery of service."
Ryan's Answer #2
"Constructive feedback is difficult to swallow at times, but it's helpful for me to remember that everyone receives constructive feedback from time to time. I will always do what is required of me to renew a client relationship."
3.
At Waste Management, we look to hire those who will be a long term fit. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
It's impossible to know where you will be in 5 years but you need to assure the interviewer that, given all possible circumstances, you could see yourself as a long-term fit for the position at Waste Management.
Ryan's Answer #1
"Ideally, 5 years from now, I would love to see myself growing into a more prominent leadership role within your organization. My career interests align very nicely with your company's goals which helps me to see a great long-term fit here."
Ryan's Answer #2
"5 years from now, I would like to supervise or manage a team of my own with Waste Management. I feel like I am progressing in my career at a rate that will make this a possibility."
4.
How did you maintain a good relationship with your most recent boss?
The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of maintaining a harmonious relationship with those who are considered your leaders.
If your relationship with your boss wasn't fantastic, what efforts did you take to make it better? Here are some suggestions:
- Try to understand what your boss values the most
- Keep your cool, even when you want to lose it
- Anticipate their needs and stay one step ahead
- Take leadership opportunities to show your worth
- Adapt to their preferences
Some basic ground rules for a stable working relationship with your boss are open communication, proactive listening, and not taking things personally. Discuss the ways that you cultivated a healthy relationship with your boss.
If your relationship with your boss wasn't fantastic, what efforts did you take to make it better? Here are some suggestions:
- Try to understand what your boss values the most
- Keep your cool, even when you want to lose it
- Anticipate their needs and stay one step ahead
- Take leadership opportunities to show your worth
- Adapt to their preferences
Some basic ground rules for a stable working relationship with your boss are open communication, proactive listening, and not taking things personally. Discuss the ways that you cultivated a healthy relationship with your boss.
Ryan's Answer #1
"My current boss is a very particular individual. Over the years I have taken the time to understand her preferences, her stress triggers, and what she enjoys seeing in my work. I find that if I stay one step ahead and maintain a positive attitude, we can work productively together."
Ryan's Answer #2
"I value having a strong working relationship with my boss. I want to learn what they do and take on as much work to help our team as possible. I scheduled regular update meetings with my boss and went the extra mile wherever I could."
5.
A long-lasting career with Waste Management requires an ability to work on your feet for long periods of time. Do you see this as an issue for yourself as you pursue this position?
Whether you are interviewing for a driver, equipment operator, mechanic, sales or other administrative position with Waste Management, a majority of your business will be conducting on your feet and on the move. The ability to be mobile and function well in doing so is vital to your success in a career with Waste Management. For this question, talk about your past jobs that have involved a lot of manual work on your feet and your ability to do this with ease. As well, don't hesitate to point out your own physical fitness and making it a priority in your personal life.
Ryan's Answer #1
"Outside of work, I am a very active person that mountain bikes, hikes and takes daily walks with our golden retrievers. Being active keeps me in shape and able to perform a job like a route delivery driver here at Waste Management on a daily basis."
Ryan's Answer #2
"As you can see from my experience, I have a lot of route sales experience. I would say that 50% of my days were spent in a vehicle and the other 50% on my feet over the past nine years of my career. I do not see being on my feet all day as any issue as I am a very active person that plays recreational sports throughout all of the seasons. I try to stay in shape as much as possible to keep me going during the work days."
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Explore expert tips and resources to be more confident in your next interview.
Behavioral
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Leadership
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