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: A material handler's job involves moving materials from one place to another, and that usually involves a trailer. This question will test the applicant's knowledge of how to load and unload a trailer safely and efficiently.
Sample Answer: I would first make sure the trailer was parked on a level surface, then I would use a forklift to load the trailer with pallets of materials. Once the trailer was loaded, I would tie it down and make sure it was secure before driving it to its destination.
Question Overview: A warehouse is a customer service-oriented business, so it's important that a material handler be able to interact with customers in a professional and helpful manner. This question will give you an idea of how well an applicant handles customer service situations and if they have the personality to do so.
Sample Answer: I had a customer who was having trouble finding a specific part. I was able to locate it for him and get it shipped out the same day. He was very grateful and sent me a thank you card.
Question Overview: Math is an important part of the job of a material handler. The ability to calculate measurements, weights and amounts of materials is crucial to the success of the job. This question will give you a good idea about the math skills of a candidate and if they are qualified for the position.
Sample Answer: I'm very comfortable with basic math skills. I'm able to add, subtract, multiply and divide with ease. I also have a good grasp on fractions and decimals.
Question Overview: A material handler must be computer literate in order to effectively use the software required to complete their job. This question will give you an idea of how comfortable the applicant is with computers and how quickly they can learn new programs.
Sample Answer: I'm very comfortable using computers and have been for years. I'm familiar with most of the programs in the Microsoft Office suite, and I'm a quick learner. I'm also familiar with warehouse management software Fourth Shift and am sure I'll be able to learn whichever program you use.
Question Overview: A good material handler will be able to work in any department of a warehouse. This question will help you determine if the applicant is willing to work in all areas of the warehouse or if they have a specific preference.
Sample Answer: I'm willing to work in any department of the warehouse, but I've had the most experience working in receiving and shipping.
Question Overview: A material handler is a job title that can be used in a variety of industries, so this question will help you understand what kind of experience the applicant has had in the past.
Sample Answer: I was a material handler for a construction company for three years.
Question Overview: A warehouse is a busy place with a lot of people and equipment moving around. It's important that the warehouse is kept clean and organized, but it's also important that safety is a priority. This question will test the applicant's knowledge of the importance of safety over cleanliness.
Sample Answer: Safety is more important to me than cleanliness. I understand that a clean warehouse is safer for everyone, but if I have to choose between the two, I'll always choose safety.
Question Overview: A warehouse job is physically demanding, and the ability to stay on the job is important to the company. This question will give you an idea of how reliable a candidate is and if they are likely to miss work due to illness or injury.
Sample Answer: I've never missed a day of work in my life, and I've only been late a handful of times. I'm very dedicated to my job and always make sure I'm there on time.
Question Overview: Customer service is the backbone of any business, and a good warehouse employee will know how to provide it. This question will test an applicant's understanding of what customer service is and how it applies to the warehouse environment.
Sample Answer: Customer service is the act of making sure the customer is satisfied with their experience with your company. In a warehouse, this means making sure the customer receives their order as quickly as possible and that it's in good condition.
Question Overview: This question is designed to get an idea of the candidate's personality and interests outside of work. It will also give you an idea of what kind of person they are and if they will fit in with the rest of your team.
Sample Answer: I enjoy spending time with my family, whether it's going out to dinner or just hanging out at home. I also like to read and play video games in my spare time.