30 Alcoholic Beverages Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Alcoholic Beverages interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Company ABC has a very competitive employment offer. What do you know about our offering?
How to Answer
Before attending an interview, you must research and understand what Company ABC offers in the way of benefits, employee perks, and more. You may not have every detail; however, most companies will give you some information on their careers page. Show that you have done your homework before the interview and come prepared to discuss what excites you the most.
1st Answer Example
"In addition to advertising your competitive salaries, I see that Company ABC also offers holiday bonus', a 401k savings plan, medical and dental, and more. Your compensation packages sound very generous, and I especially look forward to hearing more about your tuition reimbursement program."
2nd Answer Example
"I researched your careers site quite extensively and understand that you offer reward and recognition programs, quarterly bonus opportunities, holiday bonus' and more. I am thrilled to see that there are so many opportunities present at Company ABC to prove myself and be eligible for payment based on a stellar performance."
2. Tell me about the products available from Company ABC. How familiar are you with our products?
How to Answer
You must have a firm understanding of the products you will be representing before your interview. Company ABC offers a range of products and you should be able to list off quite a few of them. The more you know, the more you are showing engagement and interest in the role.
Talk to the interviewer about the products that you have tried, the ones you like the most, and the ones that you look forward to trying. Confirm your ability and interest in learning new products.
1st Answer Example
"I have tried many Company ABC products, including (A), (B), and (C). I find your products to be premium to anything else on the market. I believe your products to be superior in many ways and will have no trouble selling in the (D) and (E) markets. I see that you launch new products every year, which is exciting! I look forward to seeing the innovative products that come from Company ABC next."
2nd Answer Example
"I have gone to Company ABC products as my top beverage brand choice for many years! Your products are versatile; especially (A), and (B). I will quickly learn your range of products and will proudly represent them!"
3. Are you comfortable selling products that come with health-related warning labels?
How to Answer
Company ABC does it's best to ensure its products are premium, and available only to those of legal drinking age. Regardless, the truth is that alcohol comes with a warning label in most regions. These warnings include not to drink during pregnancy, that drinking impairs your driving, and heavy drinking can cause health problems. Talk to the interviewer about your level of comfortability in selling products that come with a health warning.
1st Answer Example
"I believe that most things are fine to be enjoyed, in moderation. Alcohol can be terrible for you if you misuse it. I will ensure that my customers are knowledgable in how Company ABC products are best enjoyed."
2nd Answer Example
"I have researched Company ABC products, your company's demographic, and also your marketing approaches. Many industries have products that come with health-related warning labels, so this is a non-issue for me. So long as people drink responsibly, and do not drive after drinking, I see no issue."
4. If you could change one thing about Company ABC marketing, what would it be?
How to Answer
It's time to take a look at the marketing efforts of Company ABC with a critical yet open eye. Of course, you don't want to answer this question by completely knocking down their marketing efforts, and offering a thousand ways they could change.
What the interviewer is looking for is an insightful suggestion on how they could boost their marketing efforts in one specific area. Perhaps you think they could be more active on social media, or you know of a new advertising avenue Company ABC could benefit from.
1st Answer Example
"I have seen a lot of popular brands advertising on Spotify. I think Spotify could be a fascinating new avenue to look into when it comes to Company ABC marketing efforts. I like the commercials that I see and hear on television and radio; however, I believe that other digital approaches could be more lucrative and less expensive for Company ABC."
2nd Answer Example
"I enjoy the advertising efforts of Company ABC and find the messaging to be consistent and well thought out. If I could add to your marketing efforts I would suggest adding more drink recipes onto IGTV, showing bartenders making fun cocktails with your products."
5. This position aside, which department of Company ABC are you most interested in gaining experience?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know where your interest is, aside from the position for which you are currently interviewing. The best employees are often the ones who understand the ins and outs of more than just their job function.
Perhaps you want to learn more about research and development, marketing, human resources, data and analytics, talent acquisition, or even finance. Express to the interviewer that you have an interest in getting to know Company ABC and their overall operation.
1st Answer Example
"Aside from this sales-based position, I would love to have a peek inside how product research and development work with Company ABC. I have a curiosity and keen interest in the process that goes into deciding which products make it to market, and which ones are scrapped."
2nd Answer Example
"My educational background is in Marketing. I would love to get to know more about the marketing process at Company ABC. It would be exciting to learn how product launches are born and executed."
6. Company ABC promotes the choice to drink responsibly. What does this mean to you?
How to Answer
In most regions, alcoholic beverages come with health warnings, and messages to 'drink responsibly.' You will likely see this statement on Company ABC website, and much of their advertising. Responsible drinking is much more than merely not drinking and driving. Show the interviewer that you have the insight required to sell their products in a responsible manner.
1st Answer Example
"The choice to drink responsibly goes far beyond drinking and driving. Responsible drinking means limiting yourself to a certain number of drinks. It means always remaining in control while under the influence, not binging, and not allowing alcohol to ruin relationships important to you. Responsible drinking also means ensuring that you listen to medication labels if you take prescription meds."
2nd Answer Example
"Responsible drinking means only consuming alcohol when you are of legal age. It means having a designated driver or taking a cab when you are drinking. This phrase also refers to binge drinking or mixing alcohol with illegal or prescription drugs."
7. Are you aware of some of the awards won by Company ABC recently?
How to Answer
Any awards and accolades by Company ABC will likely be listed on their corporate or careers website. You can do an online search, or take a look at their social media for any recent bragging points. If Company ABC has a blog or news section on their website, you may find helpful information there.
Discuss a recent accomplishment by Company ABC, showing that you have researched their organization before your interview. You can express how their stellar reputation adds to your desire to work for their organization.
1st Answer Example
"I saw many badges on your website, which included accolades such as 'Best Place to Work,' 'Best New Product,' and other forms of recognition related to diversity and inclusion in your talent acquisition plan. It seems that Company ABC is very involved in community efforts. You have earned credit for building teams of people who care about your corporate success because you care about their career growth."
2nd Answer Example
"I have read through your corporate website and have looked at other sources such as Glassdoor and Best Place to Work. It seems that Company ABC has consistently earned recognition for being the best place to work! Seeing all of your awards in this category makes me even more excited to join your organization."
8. How do you plan to drive the performance of Company ABC brands over your first 90 days?
How to Answer
The performance of Company ABC products should be one of the most critical concerns for you. Discuss how you will contribute to the performance of their brands and products during the first three months of your employment. Chances are, you will be on a 90-day probationary period, so it's especially critical that you have a plan for success.
1st Answer Example
"In the first 90 days of employment at Company ABC I plan to call on every existing account given to me and book a time to meet with the client. I will take the time to discover what I could do to improve their service and gain more of their business. I will reach out to my existing network and drum up at least five new accounts, ensuring that I exceed my sales targets as soon as possible."
2nd Answer Example
"Besides cold calling and spending a fair amount of my time prospecting new business, I will also dedicate myself to fast-track my training. My success will depend greatly on my product knowledge, so I plan to take additional time studying and learning every SKU under the Company ABC brand."
9. How can a liquor brand best influence a customer at the point of purchase?
How to Answer
You probably know that great merchandising is critical to the success of a product when placed in a retail setting. If you fail to merchandise effectively, your products may not sell as fast as expected. Assure the interviewer that you understand the importance of on-point merchandising. Discuss some of the strategies that you would implement to ensure that your product moves, should you become a new team member at Company ABC.
1st Answer Example
"The checkout area is critical when it comes to upselling opportunities. I like to teach my customers about the value of impulse buys at the point of sale and how much they can increase their profitability. Customers waiting in the line need something to look at, so why not put fun promotional products around the checkout, with graphics and catchy signage? As a rep, I put a great amount of focus on displays and promotions seen from the counter or the checkout."
2nd Answer Example
"When it comes to overall influence, a liquor brand can have window signage, neon signs, competitive placement inside coolers, and eye-catching signage for 'grab' items at checkout to encourage impulse buys. I look forward to learning more about your merchandising standards at Company ABC."
10. This position requires extensive travel. Are you able to travel at least 60% of the time?
How to Answer
Depending on your role with Company ABC, you may be required to travel. Much of this travel will be within work hours and may require overnights. It's essential that you have a solid idea of the expectations in this role, and whether or not you can meet them. If you are not clear on the travel expectations, be sure to ask for clarification.
1st Answer Example
"I can travel 60% of the time, including overnight travel out of town. I have a reliable new vehicle, and currently, do not have restrictions when it comes to my schedule. I love to get out and meet my clients and introduce myself to potential new customers as well. Could you share with me more on the travel expectations for this position?"
2nd Answer Example
"At this time, I can travel wherever it is required of me between 7am-6pm Monday to Friday. I have a commitment to my family on evenings and weekends; however. Do you have a travel schedule that you could share with me? I certainly want to meet your expectations in every way."
11. What are POS materials, and how can you best leverage them to boost sales?
How to Answer
POS materials, or Point of Sale materials, are highly essential marketing tools that showcase and present products, generally at checkout. POS materials attract consumer attention and promote the brand or product.
POS materials are usually informative and eye-catching to encourage impulse purchases. Show the interviewer that you know how to leverage POS materials, ensuring Company ABC product always performs to its highest potential.
1st Answer Example
"I have a great deal of experience with POS materials. I visit my accounts frequently and place my products in the best position possible, to optimize sales potential. Some tools that I have used include shelf-talkers, brightly colored price tags, promotional stands, and wrap-around banners. In my current role, these POS materials, when placed strategically, have increased sales by up to 22% in some months."
2nd Answer Example
"I understand POS materials to be the tools used at checkout, or the point of sale, to attract buyers to make impulse purchases. The POS materials that catch my attention the most are informative or humorous and brightly colored. Could you share with me the types of POS materials that perform the best for Company ABC?"
12. How did you develop your largest existing account, in your current position?
How to Answer
Think about a time when you made a significant difference to your current employer by nurturing and growing a critical client account. In sales, your existing accounts offer considerable opportunities, so you must be able to maximize the relationships that you currently have. Share a success story from your current position, being sure to share numbers and percentages when available and appropriate.
1st Answer Example
"With my largest account, the majority of my success has come from getting to know their needs, and being available to them when they need me. I am genuine and take the time to get to know their business. I understand what their biggest pain points are and how my products can offer them higher profit margins than competing brands. My largest account has grown by 40% this year simply due to my personal approach and ability to help them make sense of the numbers."
2nd Answer Example
"I want to learn everything that I can when it comes to winning and growing large accounts. As a retail sales professional, I have clients who spend a lot of money, sometimes upwards of $5,000 per transaction, but they are rarely returning customers. I look forward to changing industries where I can learn more about customer relationships and nurturing accounts."
13. How can Company ABC motivate you on the job?
How to Answer
Many people find motivation through financial perks, bonus opportunities, words of encouragement, or the chance for promotion and career growth. The interviewer wants to know how to keep your motivational levels high, ensuring that you are productive on the job. Discuss what keeps you motivated, even on days that do not offer a ton of excitement or activity.
1st Answer Example
"Friendly competition is always a great motivator for me, even if its competition against myself such as beating my best weeks' sales numbers. A friendly yet competitive environment allows me to have a fun and new goal to look forward to even on days that may not be as action-packed."
2nd Answer Example
"I live for new opportunities and chances to gain promotion or career growth. I am newer to my career, and I want to grow and prove what I can do, so any opportunities related to career growth are highly motivating for me."
14. Walk me through your sales experience and training.
How to Answer
Your answer to this question should go beyond the information provided on your resume. Discuss the highlights of your sales experience, with a spotlight on your brightest accomplishments.
Knowing your career highlight reel is especially important if your resume doesn't give a full picture of your accomplishments, and is more task-based. This question is your time to show off just a bit; discussing your training, education, and experience.
1st Answer Example
"I have been in sales for over six years with my first role being a door-to-door alarm sales position. In that job, I worked my way into a team-lead position where I would train new reps on sales and closing techniques. Over the years, I have put a lot of emphasis on professional development. I recently completed 'The Future of Selling,' a Dale Carnegie program. I keep myself up to date on new sales processes, and utilize my CRM to ensure my pipeline of business is always full."
2nd Answer Example
"I currently work as a business development researcher, which means that I spend most of my day prospecting and cold calling, up to 150 calls per week. I am the top researcher in my company, and I account a lot of this success for the business reading that I do on sales, account development, closing deals, and asking for the sale. I know I am ready to take the next leap to become an account manager with Company ABC."
15. What are some challenges the liquor industry will face in the next three years?
How to Answer
When you are in-the-know of industry challenges, you show the interviewer that you are engaged in the interview process. The more you know, the keener you will appear to Company ABC, increasing your chances of being hired.
Traditionally, the biggest obstacles in the liquor industry include regulation, taxation, tight profit margins, and social issues related to drinking and responsible consumption. Talk about an article you recently read or statistics that you found interesting. Show that you have done your research!
1st Answer Example
"I believe that one hot topic impacting the liquor industry now, and in the next few years is the rising popularity of cannabis-based beverages. Cannabis is a shining star at the moment and is competing heavily with the alcoholic beverage industry in many regions as of late. We will see some changes coming up, I believe, as these product gain popularity."
2nd Answer Example
"Government and policy change will be a continued challenge in the liquor industry. As we begin to see trade laws change, we may see less product exported globally. I recently read an article on the liquor industry and trade agreements. The idea was that the alcohol industry is becoming more aggressive in trade agreements and other agreements related to the reduction of tariffs."
16. How would you go about developing and nurturing a new client account?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to understand your sales process, how you build rapport with your clients, and how you ensure a great relationship with all of your accounts. Talk about the way that you approach new clients, how you get to know their needs before making product suggestions or asking for a sale.
1st Answer Example
"I must understand their business, customer demographics, and existing products before ever making recommendations or asking for a sale. I go in person when approaching a new client account. I introduce myself, offer free samples of my product, and ask them about their business and customers. Being inquisitive and allowing the business owner to do most of the talking is a significant factor in rapport building."
2nd Answer Example
"When approaching a new prospect, I would be sure to show them that I have done my research on their business. I look at who the owners are and if they own other businesses, what the demographics are within a 3-mile radius, and more. I will visit the store as a customer and take note of the stock they give priority placement to in their store. Once I am ready with an idea of how my product can benefit them, then I will approach with my sales pitch."
17. What is the difference between on-premise and off-premise sales?
How to Answer
On-premise and off-premise sales are terms that you will come across often in the alcoholic beverages industry. On-premise sales mean direct to consumer sales for consumption. On-premise establishments would be bars and restaurants, for instance. Off-premise sales would be if you sold to liquor stores and other retailers. Take a couple of minutes to show the interviewer that you understand the difference between the two and that you know basic industry lingo.
1st Answer Example
"I have sold in the alcoholic beverage industry for a few years; in both on-premise and off-premise sales. For on-premise sales, I sold craft beer for a local brewery, direct to bars and restaurants. When working off-premise, I sold various liquor products to independently owned retail liquor stores."
2nd Answer Example
"My experience in the industry has been strictly off-premise sales, meaning that I have sold to retailers such as liquor stores. I am eager to learn more about on-premise sales as I feel it would be an even greater challenge to sell directly to restaurants and bars."
18. The liquor industry is highly regulated. How will you stay up to date on the rules and regulations of our industry?
How to Answer
Depending on the region where you are interviewing, you will have to learn different rules and regulations related to the sale of alcohol. Do some research on the governing bodies in your area, and to which you believe you'll have to comply should you be the successful candidate.
Keep your answer straightforward by discussing how you plan to keep up to date on rules and regulations. Show the interviewer that you are interested in remaining in-the-know and well-educated in the alcoholic beverage industry.
1st Answer Example
"I believe that in this region the most important governing bodies would be the FDA, the FAA, and the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration. Is this correct? I believe the best ways to stay up to date on rules and regulations would be to subscribe to their newsletters and alerts."
2nd Answer Example
"From my research, I know that the regulation of wine, spirits, and malt beverages is by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Sometimes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has jurisdiction and also the FAA, the Federal Alcohol Administration Act. To remain in-the-know on important topics related to the regulation of alcohol, I will set up news alerts for these governing bodies as well as subscribe to their email and updates."
19. Tell me about a time when you retained a customer who wanted to cancel their order.
How to Answer
This customer-service based question will show the interviewer how you handle challenging customer issues. Now is the time for you to showcase your approach when it comes to retaining customers and meeting your sales goals. It's essential to be able to save a sale! Show the interviewer that you can represent the company while ensuring that your clients get what they need.
1st Answer Example
"I was able to gain a lot of training and experience early in my career, related to saving a sale before the customer churns. I understand that losing a customer is not just a one-time financial hit, but a loss of recurring revenue. I had a customer who wanted to cancel 50% of their product order. They believed the product did not move fast enough, and their profit margin was too low. I spent time in their business to see how product moved and was able to customize a plan for them. This customization included the same spend but different products I believed their customers would enjoy. I kept close follow up with the customer over the three months following the change, and they were thrilled with the results. They were profiting more, and I was able to increase their spend over the following months."
2nd Answer Example
"In my first retail-based job, I had a customer who had buyers' remorse the following day and wanted to return their entire purchase. I asked a couple of questions regarding why they no longer wanted the product. After asking questions, I realized that it was a financial issue for the customer. I asked them if they were aware of our layaway program. I walked the customer through the layaway process and was able to save the sale. It felt great to accomplish this goal while also ensuring that my customer was happy with their purchase at the end of the day."
20. What stage of the sales cycle do you find most challenging?
How to Answer
In the sales cycle, there are a variety of stages, including:
- Prospect
- Approach
- Present
- Overcome Objections
- Close
- Follow Up
The interviewer would like to know if there is one particular area where you will need additional training. When it comes to your current position, discuss any areas that you could improve on, and talk about what you are doing to overcome the challenge.
1st Answer Example
"I can always become better at overcoming objections. When I know my product very well, and I believe in it, I have no problem selling. However; the product that I currently represent is in an oversaturated market, and our pricing is not as competitive as it could be. For that reason, right now, I find overcoming pricing related objections to be the most difficult. I have been reading 'Sales EQ' by Jeb Blount, which is very helpful, as well as listening to a variety of sales-based podcasts."
2nd Answer Example
"I find prospecting to be the most challenging since the majority of my work experience has been customer service and existing account management. To work on this shortcoming, I have been reading many resources and blog posts on the Salesforce website. I also have been reading 'High-Profit Prospecting' by Mark Hunter. There is a lot to learn, but I am ready!"
21. Walk me through your experience with CRM software. With which programs are you most experienced?
How to Answer
A CRM is a Customer Relationship Management tool that helps you to organize your customer data and track the actions that you need to take, to nurture accounts. Think of the names of all software and programs that you have used in your current or previous positions. Think about the features that you used and how the system helped you to better perform at work.
Some of the most popular CRMs in North America include Oracle, HubSpot, Zoho, Salesforce, NetSuite, and Microsoft Dynamics. If you are not sure of the system used at Company ABC you can certainly ask!
1st Answer Example
"I understand two different CRM programs which include Oracle and Salesforce. My previous companies were enterprise-level organizations, requiring strong CRM support and options. I would rank my skills in these systems as an 8 out of 10. Could you share with me the CRM you use at Company ABC?"
2nd Answer Example
"Being new to my career, my exposure to a CRM is limited; however, I would be happy to get a head-start on my learning if you would like to share with me which CRM you use. I pick up on new tech and systems very quickly."
22. How do you balance managing your existing liquor accounts while also searching for new business opportunities?
How to Answer
Working for Company ABC, you will have many tasks to juggle at one time, and the interviewer wants to see that you can handle the volume of work. If you are applying to an account manager position or any sales role within the organization, this question will be especially crucial for you.
Think of a time you expertly balanced your work, ensuring that you kept the momentum going with existing accounts while never forgetting the importance of bringing in new business.
1st Answer Example
"In my current role I have a 60/40 split of existing business versus new business. To ensure that these streams of business get the attention they need from me, I time block my business development activities such as site visits, cold calls, and prospecting. If hired at Company ABC, I will do the same; ensuring that I exceed my targets and goals."
2nd Answer Example
"To manage my existing accounts and still have time to look for new business, I will set aside specific times of day to prospect and cold call. I believe it's important to have a good balance so that my new business pipeline never runs dry. I will lean on my CRM and properly document; ensuring that everyone is in the loop as far as my activities every day."
23. What is the most significant contribution you have made to your current company?
How to Answer
The interviewer at Company ABC wants to see that you are a team player who strives to meet and exceed corporate goals. Think about a time when you took an action that improved a process, helped out your teammates, or helped to grow your company's bottom line. Keep your story to the point and be sure to include actual numbers and results that the interviewer will be able to remember.
1st Answer Example
"In my current team, I had the pleasure of introducing some new cold calling techniques. I now teach these techniques to every new salesperson that we hire. I teach a 'questioning' approach where the conversation focuses' on how our product can help the end-user, encourage more profitability for the prospect, and enable them to succeed. This approach is very different from the pushy sell we see typically see in cold-calling. Since introducing this technique, our cold-call-to-conversion rate has increased a whopping 33%."
2nd Answer Example
"In my spirits department, I am the only one with food and beverage experience. I have made it my mission to create educational materials to help our team better understand the benefits and features of our products. Being armed with this information ensures that everyone feels more confident when discussing new product launches or selling our existing product line. Our sales have increased by 12% this year. Much of this success is due to our team possessing greater product knowledge and enthusiasm for what they are selling."
24. Being an account rep for Company ABC is a very independent role. How well do you work with little supervision?
How to Answer
Depending on your role with Company ABC you could be on the road a lot, driving to visit clients which could include liquor stores, restaurants, hotels, or corporate accounts. This independence means that you need to be very communicative and organized.
If you have worked in an environment that offers little supervision in the past, this question is an excellent opportunity to mention this experience. The interviewer wants to see that you can be productive and accountable for your time.
1st Answer Example
"As a territory account manager, I am accustomed to very little supervision. I spend Mondays in the office and most other days on the road, on the phone, and making site visits. To keep myself accountable for my work and performance, I am sure to be highly communicative and keep up-to-date documentation in our shared CRM. I set goals and mark myself against those goals at the end of every single day."
2nd Answer Example
"I currently work in a close-knit office. There is a lot of supervision, as my desk is just feet away from my direct manager. With that said, I am very diligent and have never had an issue with being self-led and independent. Regardless of the level of supervision, I always exceed expectations."
25. How do you prefer to be managed?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see your dedication to delivering quality work, which means understanding the type of management to which you best respond. Show that you are self-aware and that you know the kind of management style that brings out the best in you.
Some people enjoy a close working relationship with a lot of accountability, while others prefer space and autonomy. This question offers an excellent opportunity for you to ask Company ABC about their management approach, or the approach of the person to whom you will be reporting.
1st Answer Example
"I prefer management where I am assigned my tasks and goals, and then allowed to run with it for the most part. Collaborative team environments where trust is present, but I am still held accountable for my goals and targets best suits me. Could you describe the management style at Company ABC?"
2nd Answer Example
"I find that I am most successful when given the space to explore sales approaches and build customer relationships the way that I know best. I have had roles where I needed to follow a sales script verbatim, which felt unnatural and uncomfortable for me. I look for mentorship and coaching qualities in the people whom I report to, and in return, am highly accountable for my goals and targets. Would you say this describes the management style at Company ABC?"
26. How important is it to be persuasive when working in a retail sales-based industry?
How to Answer
Being a persuasive person is not a negative factor; in fact, many esteemed sales organizations train their front-line employees and management on the art of persuasion.
Good communicators are often persuasive and can influence others to see their point of view without being pushy, demanding, or aggressive. It is essential to have the power of persuasion when you are selling any product or service.
1st Answer Example
"I see persuasion everywhere; in marketing, advertising, most business conversation, and even casual communication outside of work. I do consider myself persuasive but not pushy. I can convey my goals, and the reasoning behind them, very clearly. I build rapport with my clients and get to know their needs. When the time comes to ask for a sale, I can express to them how they will benefit. So, in sales, product sales, and retail sales, the power of persuasion is critical."
2nd Answer Example
"As an account manager, persuasion is critical. I need to gain buy-in from my clients, and prospects when it comes to the belief and understanding that the product I represent is superior. I have trained on persuasive techniques such as 'Appeal to Reason,' 'Appeal to Trust,' and 'Appeal to Emotion.'"
27. Describe your personality to me. Will your references agree when I call them?
How to Answer
The liquor, alcoholic beverages, and wine industries all look for team members who are confident, dynamic, persuasive, and energetic. You will be representing the Company ABC name and their brands/products, so it's essential that your personality be a fit for the overall culture of the organization. Speak briefly about what your references would say about you; describing your personality in a sentence or two.
Answer Example
"My personality is energetic, positive, intuitive, and inventive. I take the time to understand my clients' needs, and I bring energy to every meeting that I attend. When people have a good time around you, they are much more likely to buy your product or agree to carry your brand. My references will agree that I bring a great amount of energy and positivity to my work."
28. Company ABC has a healthy diversity plan in place. In which ways do you embrace diversity and inclusion?
How to Answer
The conversation on diversity and inclusion has become an important one. Companies are making significant efforts to broaden their talent acquisition efforts to attract a broader range of candidates. Recruitment processes are beginning to eliminate unconscious bias due to AI tools, and many companies believe that diversity is a core competency versus a 'nice to have.' Discuss with the interviewer what diversity and inclusion mean to you, and how you will uphold their efforts as an employee of Company ABC.
1st Answer Example
"For a company to operate sustainably, I believe they must have a long-term diversity plan. I was thrilled to see in my research that Company ABC is so forward-thinking when it comes to your multicultural workforce and global markets. I support diversity and inclusion by helping my co-workers to leverage their unique abilities and engage in a variety of activities and conversations within the workplace."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that when a company has a sense of community, it only enhances performance and competitive business advantage. I was pleased to see that Company ABC offers employee resource groups, personal and professional growth opportunities, and other collective ways for coworkers to collaborate and cross backgrounds and experiences. I look forward to becoming involved in any way that I can."
29. What does exceptional client service mean to you?
How to Answer
Company ABC is a well-known brand with popular products and an excellent reputation to uphold. Your part, as an employee of the company, will be to deliver exceptional experiences to everyone that you encounter during your workday.
By delivering excellent customer service, you are one to look for opportunities to go above expectations. You listen to your customers and sell from a perspective of their needs versus your wants. You offer support to your customers, even when you feel too busy to pick up the phone or pop in to see how they are doing.
1st Answer Example
"The basics of customer service is to be of service; meaning I make myself available to help when my client needs me. Exceptional customer service means being reliable and friendly, knowledgable in my own business, but in that of my customer as well. I was proud to win 'rep of the year' last year, with votes coming from my actual customers. It was an honor, and it felt great to know that my customers feel that my added efforts make a difference in their business."
2nd Answer Example
"When my customers are thrilled with every one of our encounters, to me that is exceptional customer service. I deliver what my customers need, even when it means inconveniencing myself. I take the time to get to know their business and what keeps them up at night. Then, I ensure that my product recommendations are helpful and will ease their pain points as much as possible. My customers can lean on me, and they can trust that I will only recommend a product that they can move and profit from."
30. To which Company ABC competitors are you applying?
How to Answer
The hiring authority wants to know if you are applying to any competitors, for a variety of reasons. First, they want to see which brands you have an interest in. Second, it's relevant data for a company to gather when it comes to competitive talent acquisition. Third, the interviewer would like to know what kind of time-frame they are operating in when it comes to your interview process and a potential job offer. You are under no obligation to disclose every detail of your job search. With that said, it is a professional courtesy to let Company ABC know if you are in final stages with other organizations.
1st Answer Example
"I have applied to Company ABC and Company XYZ around the same time that I applied with Company ABC. I have had a prescreen interview via telephone with Company ABC and a first interview booked with Company XYZ next week. My first impressions tell me that Company ABC is more organized and thoughtful in your interview process, which I like. I have felt very comfortable here from the start. Could you share with me the next steps in your interview process?"
2nd Answer Example
"I am active in my job search, although I have not applied to any of your direct competitors. I want to start my career off right by joining an organization where I can be trained very thoroughly, and grow with a supportive team."