If a customer requests that you share data that you feel may be damaging to your company, how do you react?

How to Answer
Answer Example
Experienced Example

Direct customer communication will probably not be a primary responsibility of a manufacturing engineer, but they will almost certainly find themselves communicating with customers intermittently. It is important that an engineer be truthful and accurate when communicating with customers, but they should also be cognizant of the information they are sharing and its intended purpose. When in a customer-facing role, it is important that all employees represent the company well and put the company's best foot forward. If the engineer feels that they are being asked to share sensitive information or something that may cast the company in a negative light, they should always consult with management before sharing. In your answer, be sure to demonstrate emotional intelligence and communication skills, which are often perceived to be lacking in engineers.

"I am used to having direct communication with the customer and sharing important technical information about the performance of processes that I am assigned to. I make sure to always be professional, accurate, and timely in my communication. I realize that when communicating with the customer, I am the face of the company and I am serving in a de-facto customer service role. If the customer requests information that I feel is sensitive, or information which I do not think they are entitled to receive, I will consult with my direct manager before sharing. If the information the customer requested ends up being something they are not privy to, I will respond politely. In this case, I will include my manager in any correspondence, so the customer has an ability to inquire further if they disagree with the decision."

"I would request to follow up at a later time. Then, I would evaluate and consider the consequences, the trust level associated with the customer, and the sensitivity level of the data. If it seems unsafe, I would verify according to policy, then my higher-ups and coworkers are more experienced in the matter."

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How to Answer: If a customer requests that you share data that you feel may be damaging to your company, how do you react?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Manufacturing Engineer job interview.

6. If a customer requests that you share data that you feel may be damaging to your company, how do you react?

How to Answer

Direct customer communication will probably not be a primary responsibility of a manufacturing engineer, but they will almost certainly find themselves communicating with customers intermittently. It is important that an engineer be truthful and accurate when communicating with customers, but they should also be cognizant of the information they are sharing and its intended purpose. When in a customer-facing role, it is important that all employees represent the company well and put the company's best foot forward. If the engineer feels that they are being asked to share sensitive information or something that may cast the company in a negative light, they should always consult with management before sharing. In your answer, be sure to demonstrate emotional intelligence and communication skills, which are often perceived to be lacking in engineers.

Written by Jon Dale on January 31st, 2021

Answer Example

"I am used to having direct communication with the customer and sharing important technical information about the performance of processes that I am assigned to. I make sure to always be professional, accurate, and timely in my communication. I realize that when communicating with the customer, I am the face of the company and I am serving in a de-facto customer service role. If the customer requests information that I feel is sensitive, or information which I do not think they are entitled to receive, I will consult with my direct manager before sharing. If the information the customer requested ends up being something they are not privy to, I will respond politely. In this case, I will include my manager in any correspondence, so the customer has an ability to inquire further if they disagree with the decision."

Written by Jon Dale on January 31st, 2021

Experienced Example

"I would request to follow up at a later time. Then, I would evaluate and consider the consequences, the trust level associated with the customer, and the sensitivity level of the data. If it seems unsafe, I would verify according to policy, then my higher-ups and coworkers are more experienced in the matter."

Written by Daniel Neuhaus on November 4th, 2022

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