Question Overview: Material handling requires a strong, healthy individual who can lift and carry heavy loads throughout the day. This question will give you a good idea of how much weight the applicant can carry and lift.
Sample Answer: I'm able to lift up to 50 pounds over my head, and I can carry up to 70 pounds unaided. I've been doing this type of work for years now and know I have the stamina required to succeed in this job.
Question Overview: A material handler is responsible for a lot of different tasks throughout the day, and a qualified applicant should be able to keep up with the pace of work. This question will test an applicant's ability to handle a fast-paced environment and how they handle stress.
Sample Answer: I'm used to working in a fast-paced environment and I'm able to keep up with the pace of work. I'm also able to handle stress well and can work quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality.
Question Overview: A warehouse is a busy place, and it's easy for employees to get distracted and forget to follow safety procedures. A good material handler will be able to recognize when a fellow employee is doing something unsafe and will be able to correct them without hesitation.
Sample Answer: I'm very safety conscious and would never hesitate to correct a fellow employee if they were doing something unsafe. I know that safety is everyone's responsibility and that it's important for everyone to follow the rules.
Question Overview: A good answer to this question will show the applicant's interest in your company and their desire to work for you. It will also show that they've done their research and know about your company.
Sample Answer: I've been looking for a job in this industry for a while now and I've heard great things about your company. I know you're a leader in the industry and I'd love to be a part of that.
Question Overview: A warehouse is a 24/7 operation, and the shift you work will depend on the needs of your company. A qualified applicant should be willing to work any shift, and should have previous experience working the hours required for the position.
Sample Answer: I'm available to work any shift, and I have previous experience working the overnight shift. I'm also able to work a full day without needing a break.
Question Overview: Warehouse environments are often high-stress and high-pressure, and it's not uncommon for employees to get into arguments. A material handler should be able to diffuse these situations before they escalate into something more serious. This question will test the applicant's ability to handle a potentially volatile situation.
Sample Answer: I would try to calm the situation down by talking to both parties separately and getting their sides of the story. If I was unable to resolve the issue, I would report it to my supervisor and let him handle it.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to get an idea of how your potential employee is perceived by their coworkers and supervisors. The answer will give you insight into their personality and work ethic, and will also give you an idea of how they will fit into your company's culture.
Sample Answer: My supervisor would probably describe me as a hard worker who is always willing to help out. I'm a friendly person who likes to get along with everyone and I'm always looking for ways to improve myself.
Question Overview: This question is designed to get a sense of how your applicant's previous employer feels about them and their work. If you're hiring from a competitor, this question will give you an idea of how they feel about the applicant and if they would be willing to give a good reference.
Sample Answer: My last employer said I was one of the best workers they had. I was always on time, never called in sick and always did my job to the best of my ability.
Question Overview: A warehouse is a busy place with a lot of activity, and it's easy for an employee to get confused about where they are supposed to be or what they're supposed to be doing. A good material handler will be able to quickly assess the situation and ask for help if they need it. This question will test the applicant's ability to handle a confusing situation.
Sample Answer: If I ever found myself confused about something, I would ask my supervisor for clarification. I'm very confident in my ability to do this job, but I also know that there's always room for improvement.
Question Overview: This is a standard question that's asked in almost every interview. It gives the interviewer a chance to get to know the candidate on a more personal level and learn more about their personality. It's also a good opportunity for the candidate to show their enthusiasm for the job and why they're the best person for it.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who's always looking to improve myself and my skills. I'm very dedicated to my job and always strive to do my best. I'm very familiar with warehouse operations and have worked in a variety of different positions, so I know I'll be able to succeed in this position.
Question Overview: Quality assurance is a very important part of the warehouse industry, and a qualified applicant should be familiar with the procedures and practices used to ensure the quality of the products they handle. This question will test an applicant's knowledge of quality assurance and how it fits into the warehouse environment.
Sample Answer: Quality assurance is a set of procedures used to ensure the quality of products being handled. It includes things like checking for damage and defects, verifying product specifications and ensuring that all products are handled properly.
Question Overview: This question is designed to get an idea of what the applicant considers their strengths to be. You want to hire someone who is confident in their abilities and will be able to succeed in your company.
Sample Answer: I'm very confident in my ability to learn new skills and adapt to new situations. I'm also very good at working with others and have a lot of experience working in a team environment.
Question Overview: Warehouse work can be physically demanding and require a lot of stamina. A qualified material handler will be able to work the hours required to get the job done, which is usually between 8 and 12 hours a day, Monday through Friday.
Sample Answer: I'm available to work any hours you need me. I'm a hard worker and am willing to put in the extra time if it means getting the job done. I can also work weekends if needed.
Question Overview: A good employee will have goals they are working towards, and a material handler should have goals that are both short term and long term. This question will help you determine if the applicant has a plan for their career and is willing to work hard to achieve it.
Sample Answer: My short term goal is to gain the experience I need to become a supervisor. My long term goal is to become a manager in this industry.
Question Overview: Warehouse experience is a must for a material handler. This question will give you a good idea of how much experience the applicant has and how they feel about it.
Sample Answer: I've been working in warehouses for over 10 years now. I started out as a forklift operator and worked my way up to material handler. I've been handling materials for the last 5 years and I love it.
Question Overview: Tesla is a great company to work for, and the job of a material handler is a great fit for many people. This question will let you know if the applicant has researched your company and understands what it's all about.
Sample Answer: I've heard great things about Tesla and its mission to make electric vehicles more accessible to the public. I'm also very interested in the job of a material handler and think it would be a great fit for me.
Question Overview: A material handler is often in charge of a team of other material handlers, and must be able to handle pressure from their team leads. This question will test the applicant's ability to handle pressure and work well with others.
Sample Answer: I'm a very easygoing person and I get along with everyone. I'm sure I'll be able to work well with my team leads and I'm confident that we'll be able to work together to get the job done.
Question Overview: Warehouse work is a team effort, and conflicts between workers are bound to happen. A qualified applicant should be able to handle conflicts professionally and in a way that doesn't disrupt the workplace. This question will give you an idea of how a candidate handles conflict and whether they would be a good fit for your team.
Sample Answer: I had a conflict with one of my coworkers at my last job that ended up turning into a heated argument. I was upset about the situation and took it out on him, but I realized afterwards that I needed to keep my cool and resolve the issue in a professional manner. I apologized to him for my behavior and we were able to move past it.
Question Overview: This question is a bit of a trick question. A material handler is a job that requires a lot of physical labor, and therefore the applicant should not see themselves as being in the same position in five years. This question is really asking what the applicant's long-term career goals are.
Sample Answer: I see myself as a warehouse manager in five years. I have a lot of ambition and desire to move up in the company, and I think I have the skills and experience to make that happen.