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15 ZF Steering Gear (India) Ltd. Answer Examples
1.
At ZF Steering Gear (India) we put a lot of focus on having the best inventory over our competitors. Have you ever made a suggestion on a product line or item?
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?
Ryan's Answer #1
"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 but their customer service was impressive and their pricing was more competitive. We gave them a shot and it worked out really well for us, resulting in cost savings and happier customers."
Ryan's Answer #2
"I often make small suggestions in the workplace. Minor tweaks here and there that will improve productivity. I prefer working in an environment where employee suggestions are welcomed."
2.
Proper inventory management is very important for the success of our business. Do you have any inventory management experience?
Talk to the interviewer about any exposure, big or small, that you have had with managing inventory. It is preferable that you talk about inventory experience in the auto parts industry but not necessarily a deal breaker if you don't have any. Have you ever caught an inventory error that saved the company money? Talk about any inventory wins you may have.
Ryan's Answer #1
"In my current position I was trained on their proprietary inventory management software. My manager wanted me to learn how to forecast trends in inventory needs for the shop. I am not at the level where I can make decisions yet but I am definitely getting there."
Ryan's Answer #2
"I understand that inventory management is important to the success of ZF Steering Gear (India) Ltd. which is why I am willing to do what it takes to learn your inventory management system. Although I don't have experience working with inventory management programs, I am confident in my abilities to manage inventory because I am well organized and pay attention to the small details."
3.
At ZF Steering Gear (India) we prefer to hire individuals with a true interest in our industry. Do you have any formal education or training in an automotive related field?
Discuss any post-secondary education and training that you may have. How does it relate to a career with ZF Steering Gear (India) Ltd.? Assure the interviewer that you have a keen interest in the auto parts industry.
Ryan's Answer #1
"I have always had a very strong interest in the automotive industry. My grandfather had an auto parts shop where I spent most of my summers working and training under him. I went on to business school so that I could eventually help him with some of the finer aspects of his business."
Ryan's Answer #2
"I have some educational background in the automotive and mechanics industry. This is definitely a focus for me in my career and I look forward to expanding my knowledge through my time with ZF Steering Gear (India) Ltd.."
4.
If you could choose, would you prefer working in auto parts and service or in auto part sales?
When it comes to a career in the auto parts industry, there are many different avenues you can choose. Do you consider yourself more of a salesman and people person, or are you more technical / analytical with a preference for the parts and service side? It's great to express a preference, if you have one, but you also want to show the interviewer that you are multi-faceted and able to work in most areas of their business.
Ryan's Answer #1
"I have always had a strong lean towards sales and service; however, I am also very knowledgeable when it comes to mechanics and parts. I feel that my mechanical knowledge is key to my success in auto part sales. This makes me a very well rounded candidate for you since I can work successfully in most functions."
Ryan's Answer #2
"I have always had a preference for sales so I do feel that I would prefer to land in a sales driven role. I am very knowledgeable with a variety of parts and would be a valuable member of your auto parts sales team."
5.
At ZF Steering Gear (India) we prefer to promote our staff internally. Do you have interest in a leadership or management role in the future?
Talk to the interviewer about any ambitions you may have when it comes to career growth with ZF Steering Gear (India) Ltd.. Why do you feel this is a long term fit for you? Do you have plans of being promoted into a new position in a short amount of time?
Ryan's Answer #1
"I really like that you choose to promote your current staff before you go outside of the company to hire. I have some leadership experience in my current role and plan to prove my skills very quickly after being hired on here."
Ryan's Answer #2
"I am newer to my career so I haven't really given leadership and management a lot of thought but yes, I have to say that I would like to be further trained in a leadership role one day."
6.
Do you have experience with stock control software or programs related to the analysis of parts sales and movement?
There are many options when it comes to stock and inventory control systems. 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 more easily understand another. Avoid focusing on what you don't know and focus on what you DO know. Assure the interviewer that you can learn their system quickly.
Ryan's Answer #1
"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."
Ryan's Answer #2
"I am a quick study when it comes to software and other technical requirements in the workplace. I may not have experience with your exact program but I am very confident in my ability to learn."
7.
Do you have experience working directly with parts manufacturers and vendors?
Have you ever been asked to call a manufacturer or vendor directly? Talk to the interviewer about your ability to clearly communicate parts and inventory needs to the appropriate vendors. If you do not have experience in dealing directly with vendors or manufacturers, be sure to speak highly about your communication skills - be that over email or phone.
If you have experience working directly with parts manufacturers and vendors:
"Yes, I was the primary point of contact with many vendors in my most recent position. I have strong relationships established with A, B, and C (list the vendors that ZF Steering Gear (India) Ltd. may have current relationships with) and I am happy to bring that rapport with me, should I be the candidate that you choose. "
If you have experience working directly with parts manufacturers and vendors:
"Yes, I was the primary point of contact with many vendors in my most recent position. I have strong relationships established with A, B, and C (list the vendors that ZF Steering Gear (India) Ltd. may have current relationships with) and I am happy to bring that rapport with me, should I be the candidate that you choose. "
Ryan's Answer #1
"Yes, I was the primary point of contact with many vendors in my most recent position. I have strong relationships established with A, B, and C (list the vendors that ZF Steering Gear (India) Ltd. may have current relationships with) and I am happy to bring that rapport with me, should I be the candidate that you choose. "
Ryan's Answer #2
"If you do not have experience working directly with parts manufacturers and vendors:
"My experience with vendors is limited; however, I am confident in my communication skills and know that I could take that task on effectively."
"My experience with vendors is limited; however, I am confident in my communication skills and know that I could take that task on effectively."
8.
At ZF Steering Gear (India) we try very hard to get the best price on parts so that we can pass those savings on to our customers. Do you have strong negotiation skills? Have you ever negotiated price with a vendor?
Negotiating the price of a part, or even the cost of shipping, can have a very positive impact on an organizations' bottom line. Display to the interviewer that you have an awareness of this practice and that you are comfortable in negotiations.
Ryan's Answer #1
"In my current position I will negotiate price and breaks on shipping all of the time. A few dollars here and there can make a huge difference in the end. The majority of negotiations that I have successfully completed were for bulk orders where the price per part was reduced by a small amount and free shipping was included."
Ryan's Answer #2
"I understand that negotiations are an important part of running a successful auto parts business. I am comfortable working in a client facing role where negotiations are required."
9.
At ZF Steering Gear (India) we do our best to satisfy every customer. How do you go above and beyond for your customers?
Great customer service is the backbone of any company's success. Talk to the interviewer about your customer service philosophy. In which ways do you go above and beyond for your customers? Be specific.
Ryan's Answer #1
"In my current position I will go above and beyond by making customer service follow up calls. I want to know how our customers feel about the service they receive and if they would be a returning customer. Knowing how we can improve our service and product offerings always gives a competitive edge."
Ryan's Answer #2
"I go above and beyond for the customers that I work with by actively listening to them and working with them on their needs. I am very happy to dedicate myself to your customers and their needs."
10.
Have you ever been in charge of sales and promotions during periods of overstock?
Time to put on your sales and marketing hat! Talk to the interviewer about any exposure you have had to promoting a sale or particular service. What steps did you take to make the promotion successful? Was it a success in the end?
Ryan's Answer #1
"Every year our company has a year-end promotion where we offer a free service with another booked service. For instance; we will offer free tire rotation with an oil change. Or, we will offer BOGO on our overstocked parts. It's always been a great success; however, this year I recommended that we promote the event on our business Facebook page. Taking the promotion to social media created so much more awareness that we actually sold 28% more than we did last year!"
Ryan's Answer #2
"I have actively participated in sales and promotions, in my previous positions. Even though I was not considered an official leader, I did take some initiative when it came to planning our last inventory blowout event."
11.
What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
Some great qualities of a manager are:
- Being someone who people naturally want to follow
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Strong relationship building skills
- Taking ownership of the team's errors and mistakes
- Excelling at motivating others
- Providing kudos/recognition to your team
- Knowing how to select and hire the right people to join the team
- Having a vision for the future
These are just a few to get started!
- Being someone who people naturally want to follow
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Strong relationship building skills
- Taking ownership of the team's errors and mistakes
- Excelling at motivating others
- Providing kudos/recognition to your team
- Knowing how to select and hire the right people to join the team
- Having a vision for the future
These are just a few to get started!
Ryan's Answer #1
"Leading by example is the number one characteristic a great manager should have. Followed by, listening and being stern with employees when needed. Having great customer and product awareness are great characteristics as well."
Ryan's Answer #2
"I feel that a successful manager should be someone who is observant, knows how to coach others, and leads by example. I strive to be all of these things so that I can jump into a management role in the future."
12.
Where did you come across our job posting?
The employer would like to know what methods you are using in your job search, and which job posting methods are working for them.
You can expand your answer to include any other exposure you have had to the company.
You can expand your answer to include any other exposure you have had to the company.
Ryan's Answer #1
"I initially saw your job posting on LinkedIn, however; I have been exposed to your organization many times before through your radio commercials and advertisements on Facebook."
Ryan's Answer #2
"I have had an eye on your company website for some time now. A friend of mine has worked for your organization and she said it was the best place to work. So, I've had an ear to the ground for new openings at ZF Steering Gear (India) Ltd.. When I saw the posting on your website, I was so excited to apply!"
13.
Tell me about one of the most rewarding experiences you had working on a team.
The interviewer wants to hear that you feel accomplished through teamwork. Get excited to share about a time when you really felt fulfilled through a team effort!
This might have been a college team project, a recent experience at work, or possibly coaching a little league team.
Start off by giving the interviewer an overview of the purpose of the team. Next, dive into the results of the team and how you attained a positive outcome as a group.
Be sure to mention why the experience was so rewarding!
This might have been a college team project, a recent experience at work, or possibly coaching a little league team.
Start off by giving the interviewer an overview of the purpose of the team. Next, dive into the results of the team and how you attained a positive outcome as a group.
Be sure to mention why the experience was so rewarding!
Ryan's Answer #1
"Most of my jobs in manufacturing have been rather isolated experiences, but my last company, challenged all of the employees to have zero workplace injuries for the year. Before we began the year, we set out and looked over all the equipment and where most injuries occur and tried to place safety practices or protocols for those areas. We ended up having one injury throughout the year, but it was still a very fun and engaging experience."
Ryan's Answer #2
"My favorite team project was a large group project I completed in my final semester of business school. The project was an important part of our grade and we had to re-create a business marketing strategy for an auto related company of our choice. I learned a lot of great habits from my teammates, primarily related to multitasking and time management."
14.
Are you applying for any other jobs?
It always puts a little bit of fire under the hiring manager if they are aware that you are actively looking for a new position. Briefly tell the interviewer about your search so far.
Ryan's Answer #1
"I am keeping an eye out for suitable positions. Although I am not in final stages with any other company, I am actively seeking a new position."
Ryan's Answer #2
"Although I am being selective, I am actively pursuing other similar opportunities. Do you have a time frame for when you would like to have this position filled?"
15.
What part of this career brings you the most stress?
Stress can often be a regular part of the day to day work experience. Talk to the interviewer about which areas of your career are the most stressful. Ensure that your answer does not include a factor that would make you appear unfit for the position. (IE: a bus driver should not find driving to be the most stressful part of the job).
Ryan's Answer #1
"The part of my career that brings me the most stress is when the schedule is running behind due to lack of hustle on my teams part. I really like to be on time with my schedule to ensure that my clients are assisted properly."
Ryan's Answer #2
"If I had to say that one area of my career in auto parts was more stressful than another, I would say that it takes a lot of work and dedication to keep up with the changes in the industry. For instance, the new parts, and all of the SKU's. I am up for the challenge though!"
View All 26 ZF Steering Gear (India) Questions and Answers
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Explore expert tips and resources to be more confident in your next interview.
Behavioral
Common
Phone
Tough
Leadership
All Interview Topics
All Career Q&As
Suggested Career
Interview Q&As
Interview Q&As
Continue practicing by visiting these similar question sets
Auto Parts Salesperson
Auto Mechanic
Machine Operator
Machinist
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