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Workday, Inc. Interview Questions and Answers

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Practice for your upcoming Workday, Inc. job interview by using our mock interview. Click 'First Question' below to get started.

First Question

34 Workday, Inc. Interview Questions

8 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   Tell me about your greatest work-related accomplishment.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Workday wants to know what you'll bring from your previous experience. As they state on their careers page, "Everyone, regardless of their career journey or background, belongs at Workday. Bring all your skills to work. Put the unique skills and perspective you've developed to work. Our individual experiences enable us to better drive innovation and shape the future." Interviewers want to know more about your personality, how you are motivated, and how to coach you in the future. Talking about your most significant accomplishment will give the interviewer a firm idea of where you place your values. Do this by sharing those experiences where you felt accomplished in your work, 'drove innovation,' and shaped your future.

Written by Rachelle Enns

How to Answer

This is the perfect opportunity to talk about your most impressive achievements. Prepare in advance so that you will feel comfortable talking about yourself and your work in a positive, natural way that conveys confidence but not cockiness. It's okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your career accomplishments!

Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 27th, 2022

1st Entry Level Example

"My most recent and proudest accomplishment was the first time I led a team. The project was a total success. We came in ahead of the deadline, and every member of my team said under my lead, it was the most fun they'd ever had at work. My management team congratulated me on my work ethic and great attitude and said I was one of their rising stars."

Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2023

1st Answer Example

"The greatest accomplishment in my career was graduating from University as an honors student while working full-time in a related field. I was at the top of my class and working full-time. This accomplishment 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 be recognized for my dedication."

Written by Rachelle Enns

2nd Answer Example

"My greatest work-related accomplishment was the management promotion I received at Oracle after just one year. I worked hard for that promotion and was so happy when the company rewarded my work and dedication. It kick-started my career."

Written by Rachelle Enns

2.   What questions do you have for me?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Workday wants to know that you are well prepared. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of questions you could have answered by merely watching a video on their company site!

Written by Rachelle Enns

How to Answer

It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the company website and other online resources to ensure your queries are not mundane or redundant. Even if you don't have any burning questions, use this prompt as a chance to show the interviewer what you can bring to the team. Reiterate your interest in and curiosity about the position and the organization. Here are some sample questions:

- When would you like to have this position filled
- How long has this role been vacant
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role
- What is your favorite part about working here
- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you
- What do you see as the most significant change in this industry over the past three years
- Is there any reason why you would not hire me

Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 27th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"I was intrigued by your global locations. You list your featured locations on your website. Are there opportunities to travel for work or be promoted into positions in other global destinations?"

Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2023

Experienced Example

"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? Also, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates also interviewing for this position?"

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I would like to ask if you need clarification on anything in my background. Also, after discussing everything today, is there any reason I would not be the best fit for this iOS developer role with Workday?"

Written by Rachelle Enns

3.   What is the riskiest decision you have ever made in the workplace?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Being a top company in tech sometimes requires calculated risks, and your interviewer wants to know how you approach risky decisions. Workday didn't get to the top by doing what everyone expected. They pride themselves on being pioneers and disruptors in the cloud services industry. A blog on the Workday website, written by Workday Co-President and CFO Robynne Sisco, says, "If you're not willing to take some risks and try new things as a company, you face the potentially greater risk of falling behind competitors who will. Innovation requires companies to step outside of their comfort zone. But some business leaders struggle to find the right balance between risk-taking and innovation so they delay decisions, ultimately leading their organizations into stagnation." Later in the article, she advises, "Measure and move on, if necessary."

Written by Rachelle Enns

How to Answer

As a successful professional, you know to calculate risk in your industry. Tell the interviewer about a work-related risk you have taken and what the outcome was. Before preparing your response, research Workday and its values to understand their approach to risk assessment. For instance, a tech company may pride itself on being innovators in their particular product.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 27th, 2022

1st Entry Level Example

"I've made a habit of making my comfort zone stepping outside of my comfort zone. I find I perform at my best when placed in a slightly uncomfortable situation where I am working under pressure. Task procrastination is the killer of productivity. But, you have to think fast, quickly assess everything you have at your disposal, and take account and take advantage of every advantage you've got. So, think fast. Move fast. Measure what you have at your disposal. Waste no opportunity and make a plan."

Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2023

1st Experienced Example

"The riskiest career choice I have made was asking for a reduction in hours, from full-time to part-time employment, to pursue my degree in computer science. My boss could have let me go, but he didn't. He openly supported my pursuit of higher education."

Written by Rachelle Enns

2nd Experienced Example

"One of the riskiest decisions I made was to leave corporate America and join a startup with an innovative idea. The company sought to provide a product/service that would pioneer a new industry. We worked harder and smarter to launch and create a new space in the nutraceutical marketplace. We failed a lot along the way, but we learned to fail fast, and it made us better professionals."

Written by Rachelle Enns

4.   What is your personal mission statement?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This is another way for your interviewer to determine if you have a personal motto or mantra, and if so, how well it aligns with their culture and what they stand for. Anyone they hire will then be a representative of their company, so they need to make sure whoever they bring on feels like they'll be a good fit. Do your research and familiarize yourself with the language and messaging of their mission statements and the commitments they offer in their core values. "From our employees to our products, we're working to align everything with our mission to change the way the world works. We believe in doing good for the greater good, because that's just who we are." Their core value of innovation, which also feels like a mission statement, says, "We aim for innovation not only in our development organization but also in the way we approach all aspects of our business."

Written by Rachelle Enns

How to Answer

Not everyone has a mission statement or personal mantra off the cuff. This is an important question to consider in business, especially when entering leadership. It describes your convictions, what you stand for, and how you plan to create a life that embodies your values. In other words, it becomes your definition of success. Consider a quote that inspires you or a saying that you grew up with that resonates with you. It's like a compass that helps you stay on track, heading in the direction you want to go. So if you don't already have a mission statement, come up with one, a sentence or two that points in the direction you intend your life to move, and revise it a couple of times before your interview.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 27th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"My model for success is when everyone I am working with is not only successful in doing the work we do but is having a great time doing it. When everyone enjoys the energy and collaboration, they leave for home, looking forward to returning to work the next day. That's my everyday attitude and what I aim to bring wherever I go."

Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2023

Answer Example

"My mantra is that 'people who shine from within do not need the spotlight.' I feel it is necessary to be a humble leader, and I take this mission statement very seriously. I want my team to be in the spotlight rather than being the kind of leader who the credit for good work."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Experienced Example

"I live to serve others. That is my mission. I want my customers to know that I care about the success of their business and will do what it takes to ensure they are lucrative. After reading Workday's mission statement, which included the fact that you will pull out all stops to deliver paramount customer service levels, I feel these are qualities you seek in new employees."

Written by Rachelle Enns

5.   Culture fit is important to us at Workday. How would you describe your personality?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

How the interviewer perceives your personality during and after the interview can make a difference in getting the job. They are looking for a candidate who will complement their culture and build strong relationships with their teams. As they state on their site, "We put fun, innovation, and integrity at the center of everything we do. Experience life at a company with soul." Also, three of their core values are Employees, Integrity, and fun. "Most fundamentally, people are the core of our business. Without them, we would not have a business. We hire the best and expect great accomplishments. We say what we mean, and mean what we say. We stick to our commitments, treat everyone equitably, and communicate openly and honestly. We also feel it's important to have a sense of humor. We like to laugh--it makes our work that much more enjoyable. We also invest in community and company events that help our employees and their families feel a connection to Workday beyond business as usual."

Written by Rachelle Enns

How to Answer

Discuss the ways you believe your character will complement the existing culture at Workday. When answering personality questions, it's better to focus on your strengths and downplay weaknesses. Doing this requires having an in-depth understanding of your personality and its relevance to the job requirements and workplace culture. Focus on the core attributes that can help you perform effectively if hired.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 27th, 2022

1st Entry Level Example

"I'd say one of my defining characteristics is my positive attitude and sense of humor. I'm always quick to laugh and am pretty happy-go-lucky. I also genuinely care about others and build solid relationships wherever I go. I am a people person, and people naturally gravitate toward me. I'm honest and transparent, and when I say I will do something, I do it fast and with a smile."

Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2023

1st Answer Example

"I would describe my personality as approachable, light-hearted, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me."

Written by Rachelle Enns

2nd Answer Example

Try to include a variety of words that the interviewer does not hear all the time. Be unique! Here are some ideas:

- Adaptable
- Considerate
- Diligent
- Intuitive
- Persistent
- Resourceful
- Sincere
- Witty

Written by Rachelle Enns

6.   Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer would like your thoughts on being paid based on work performance versus being compensated solely on years of experience. This could pertain to how you feel you should be compensated, and they will use your answer to gauge what kind of performance you may deliver. It could also pertain to what you value in your employees from a leadership perspective. Regardless, you always want to be as informed on Workday's value rather than risking expressing views that are in stark contrast to theirs. They are looking for a good fit, after all.

Written by Rachelle Enns

How to Answer

Workday was named one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials according to Great Place to Work and FORTUNE. As millennial employees continue to dominate the work scene, more and more employees are requesting compensation based on delivered results. Workday may not always require a degree, as they place great value on job experience, displays of expertise, and even self-taught knowledge. Also, when you spend time reading through their Code of conduct, you'll find it says, "We compensate our employees fairly to help ensure that basic needs may be met and provide our employees with opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities. We hire, compensate, promote, discipline, and provide other conditions of employment based solely on an individual's qualifications and performance. We do not discriminate, at any level of Workday, on the basis of protected characteristics."

Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 27th, 2022

1st Entry Level Example

"I don't believe someone who puts in the bare minimum should be compensated equally simply due to tenure. I believe in a meritocracy as long as it is balanced. Everyone is in charge of their own development, so long as they're being developed to their full potential and given guidance and feedback on the skills they should focus on developing. If a member of the team has been given every opportunity to grow, I believe they should be compensated based on their performance."

Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2023

1st Experienced Example

"I feel that employees should be paid and rewarded based on their performance. A new employee will find motivation in being rewarded for performance, and it encourages healthy competition with tenured employees."

Written by Rachelle Enns

2nd Experienced Example

"As a manager of people myself, I feel that performance and experience should be weighted when deciding compensation, pay increases, and promotions. You want to ensure that you compensate your highest performers appropriately but that their growth is stable and manageable in the long term."

Written by Rachelle Enns

7.   Why do you want to work for Workday?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Your interviewer is interested in learning more about your career goals, and how Workday fits into your long or short-term career plans. They place a great deal of focus on not only retaining their talent but on building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with all of their employees, with employee retention as a primary goal. They do this by understanding their people's career goals, engaging them all, and fostering a culture of growth. This helps them with their goal of growing a strong "diverse bench of leaders, opportunities for growth," while empowering their staff to "take the next step in their careers" by showing them "how to achieve their career goals."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 2nd, 2024

How to Answer

If you haven't already, customize your five-year career plan just as you would customize your resume and cover letter to this job opportunity. After thoroughly researching the company online, explore other job opportunities they've posted that might appeal to you yet which you may not yet be qualified for. Create a realistic time frame you'd imagine you could reach those goals, and try to envision a career path moving forward at Workday.

If you'd be happier in your current position, but feel there is room to grow and develop professionally, in ways that Workday could help facilitate, whether through mentorships, training, or further educational opportunities, take note of it. Whatever feels right about the idea of working at Workday, volunteer it.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 2nd, 2024

What to Avoid

Avoid mentioning the pay or benefits, as that will only send the message that you are only in it for the money. This will lead them to assume you'd be up for the highest bidder, and will likely salary springboard to another job elsewhere, given the opportunity. This type of employee attrition is exactly what they are trying to avoid.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 2nd, 2024

Answer Example

"I want to work for a company that encourages innovation through trusting their teams to be self-managed in their work, giving the freedom to do what they do best. I want to work in an environment where everyone is happy and excited to be there, and has fun working together. I want to have the opportunity to grow in my career at the pace I am capable of, knowing that I will achieve the goals I am setting out to achieve. After reading everything I have online, from connecting with everything the company has to say on their website, to checking out Workday's Glassdoor reviews, I feel like Workday has to offer everything I am looking for in an employer."

Written by Kevin Downey on January 3rd, 2024

8.   We seek to hire highly ambitious people. Where would you like your career with Workday take you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Aneel Bhusri, the co-founder of Workday, once said, "We invest very heavily in the employees. We get the return, and the employee gets the return if they stay with us for a while. So, we focus on people that will commit to us for the long run." When an interviewer asks about your long-term ambitions and career path, they want to know whether you are a good fit for their culture, team, and values. They are curious if you see them as a good fit for what you are looking for and if you are interested in committing to a long-term professional relationship. They also want to learn about your work ethic and initiative, where you ultimately want to take your career, and how you plan to get there.

Written by Rachelle Enns

How to Answer

Take time to research Workday to learn how their internal hierarchy works. They have a variety of departments and management levels, offering you choices when it comes to carving out your career path. Some of their departments include:

- Product Development

- Information Systems

- Program Management

- Strategy

- Executive Management

Write down your short- and long-term goals ahead of time so you know how you want to respond. Also, discuss your career ambitions related to this role and their organization.

Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 27th, 2022

1st Entry Level Example

"I am interested in working for Workday long-term and advancing from within. Preferably, I would like to eventually experience life in multiple global Workday locations if there is room to grow and be promoted internationally. I speak several languages, including German and French."

Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2023

1st Experienced Example

"One of the reasons I was so excited to interview with Workday is the endless growth opportunities you appear to offer your high-performing employees. My biggest ambition is to be awarded an executive management role in the next 2-5 years. I was reading your job posting for a Sr. Global Mobility Specialist and would love to work in a similar role."

Written by Rachelle Enns

2nd Experienced Example

"What interests me most about your company is that there are so many options when it comes to career growth. Ideally, I would like to earn my way into a program management role; once my PMP is completed. Eventually, a Program Manager role within Risk & Compliance would be ideal. Of course, I understand that this will take many years of dedication and hard work."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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