15 Essential Priorities to Showcase in Your Next Food & Beverage Industry Interview
If you didn’t join us for our recent Job Seeker webinar on Kinsa CareerEdge, be sure to take note of these 15 priorities that need to be showcased in your next food and beverage industry interview—whether you are interviewing for an executive C-Suite level role, or an entry-level Food Technologist or Quality Control Technician position.
When you have time, be sure to check out the webinar recording on Kinsa CareerEdge for expansion on these points. The key webinar content takes only 15 minutes and the Q&A only an additional 5 minutes! It’s well worth the time invested in your job search and career success.
Every interview is a decision-making moment.
Present yourself as the person who not only fits the job but who understands what matters most to the hiring team.
A survey of over 500 employers provided these 15 priorities to showcase:
1. Are you genuinely interested in THIS job with THIS company?
- Did you do your research? Beyond the “About Us” page on their website?
2. Can you solve their problems or make their business better?
- How quickly can you become a contributor? When will they see an ROI [return on investment] for your hire?
3. Are you prepared and professional?
- Do you know WHO you’re speaking with and what their role is in hiring for the open position?
- Are you on time and well dressed, even if the interview is virtual? This is me, at my best!
4. Can you communicate clearly and concisely?
- Did you answer the question that was asked?
- If you don’t understand the question, ask them to clarify, or state the question back to them to make sure it’s clear.
- Use the STAR method to provide examples—Situation experienced, Task defined, Action taken, Result achieved.
- Both your verbal and written communications are being evaluated.
5. Do you have the skills and qualifications to succeed?
- Quantify your skills—years of required industry experience, scores on previous audits, amount of revenue generated, number/names of customers developed, amount of savings realized, etc.
6. Are you adaptable and open to learn?
- Technology is changing jobs. How quick are you to learn new technology?
- Are you set in your ways? Do you look at work functions in a silo?
7. How well do you fit into the company culture?
- They want to meet YOU during this interview.
- Ask them questions about themselves to generate common ground. Find out why they like working here.
8. Do you take initiative?
- Demonstrate by sharing an example that you do not need to be told step-by-step what to do in this role.
9. Are you dependable and consistent?
- Demonstrate that you are reliable and have a passion for your employer’s mission.
- Do not complain about former jobs, employers, customers, etc.
10. How do you handle conflict or setbacks?
- Provide examples of navigating prior difficulties with maturity and emotional intelligence.
11. What motivates you?
- Consider your motivations in advance. This should not be “my boss”, nor should it be “money” (except perhaps when you’re in a commissioned sales role).
12. Can you work independently AND with a team?
- Trust and reliability are key if you work virtually.
- Share examples of your involvement in team collaboration to accomplish key business objectives.
13. Do you ask good questions?
- What do I have to do to be seen as a successful hire at 6 and 12 months in?
- What are the current challenges for the company—and for this role?
14. Are you aligned on salary expectations?
- Many cities and states require a salary range to be posted by employers. These employers assume you are within the range if you apply.
- If an employer is seeking 5 to 10 years of experience, it’s not necessarily ageism—they may simply be budgeting for the level of knowledge that they can afford.
- Be specific about your compensation expectations. Let them know if you are flexible on base salary.
- It’s okay to clarify expected hours, additional duties, benefits provided, etc.
15. Will you accept the offer if it is extended?
- Convey your interest level at the end of the interview—On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m a 12! Ask for the job!
- The company you are interviewing with has a critical opening and if you’re uncertain about making a job change, they need to know.
The best interviews happen when both sides are prepared, but the edge always goes to the candidate who understands what employers really care about.
Implement these tips in your next interview and let Kinsa Group know about the result.
We’re here to support you throughout your food industry career, whether you’re seeking a new role, or hiring key team members.
Related Posts: