Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge and how you overcame it.
2. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult colleague or client. How did you handle it?
3. Give me an example of a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and how you managed them.
4. Talk about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. How did you approach it and what was the outcome?
5. Share an experience where you had to persuade or influence others to see your point of view. How did you do it?
6. Describe a time when you failed at something. How did you learn from it and what steps did you take to improve?
7. Why are you interested in working at Sonoco Products?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured way of answering behavioral interview questions by providing specific examples from your experiences. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

* Situation: Briefly describe the context or situation in which the event or challenge occurred.
* Task: Explain the specific task or responsibility you had in that situation.
* Action: Describe the actions you took to address the challenge or achieve the task.
* Result: Share the positive outcome or result of your actions.

Using the STAR framework ensures your answers are clear, concise, and focused on demonstrating your skills and abilities.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge and how you overcame it.

Answer:

* Situation: During a busy season at my previous job, I was tasked with managing a complex project with multiple deliverables.
* Task: My responsibility was to coordinate with various teams, gather data, and ensure timely completion of all project milestones.
* Action: I created a detailed project plan, assigned tasks to team members, and held regular progress meetings to monitor the project’s progress. I also communicated frequently with stakeholders to keep them updated and address any concerns.
* Result: The project was completed successfully and on time, meeting all client expectations. My proactive approach and effective communication skills were recognized and appreciated by my team and the project stakeholders.

2. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult colleague or client. How did you handle it?

Answer:

* Situation: In a previous role, I had to collaborate with a colleague who was known for being abrasive and uncooperative.
* Task: My responsibility was to work together on a critical project that required effective teamwork and communication.
* Action: I took the initiative to approach the colleague, expressed my willingness to work collaboratively, and sought to understand their perspective. I also focused on common goals and maintained a positive attitude throughout our interactions.
* Result: Despite the initial challenges, we were able to work together effectively and successfully completed the project. Our improved communication and understanding led to a more productive and positive working relationship.

3. Give me an example of a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and how you managed them.

Answer:

* Situation: As a project manager, I was responsible for overseeing several projects simultaneously, each with varying deadlines and requirements.
* Task: My responsibility was to ensure that all projects were completed on time and within budget while maintaining high-quality standards.
* Action: I used a prioritization matrix to evaluate the importance and urgency of each task. I then created a detailed schedule, allocated resources efficiently, and delegated tasks to team members based on their skills and expertise.
* Result: Through effective prioritization and time management, I was able to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting all deadlines and exceeding client expectations. My ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and deliver results under pressure was recognized and appreciated by my team and management.

4. Talk about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. How did you approach it and what was the outcome?

Answer:

* Situation: During my time as a marketing manager, I faced a challenging decision regarding a new product launch. There were two viable options with different potential outcomes.
* Task: My responsibility was to evaluate the options, assess potential risks and benefits, and make a recommendation to the executive team.
* Action: I gathered data, conducted market research, and consulted with industry experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation. I also considered the long-term implications of each option and its alignment with the company’s goals.
* Result: After careful consideration, I presented my recommendation to the executive team, explaining the rationale behind my decision and the potential impact on the company. The team approved my recommendation, and the product launch was a success, exceeding sales targets and receiving positive feedback from customers.

5. Share an experience where you had to persuade or influence others to see your point of view. How did you do it?

Answer:

* Situation: In a previous role, I had to convince my team to adopt a new process that required a change in their daily routine.
* Task: My responsibility was to gain their buy-in and support for the new process, which would streamline operations and improve efficiency.
* Action: I started by listening to their concerns and understanding their resistance to change. I then presented a clear and compelling case for the benefits of the new process, providing data and evidence to support my points. I also involved them in the planning and implementation stages, valuing their input and feedback.
* Result: Through effective communication, empathy, and collaboration, I was able to persuade my team to embrace the new process. The transition was smooth, and the team quickly recognized the benefits of the new system, leading to increased productivity and improved team morale.

6. Describe a time when you failed at something. How did you learn from it and what steps did you take to improve?

Answer:

* Situation: During a project rollout, I underestimated the complexity of a particular task, leading to a delay in the project timeline.
* Task: My responsibility was to identify the root cause of the delay and take corrective actions to get the project back on track.
* Action: I conducted a thorough analysis to understand where the breakdown occurred. I then developed a revised project plan, adjusted resource allocation, and implemented additional quality control measures to prevent similar issues from happening again.
* Result: The project was successfully completed within the revised timeline, and the client was satisfied with the outcome. I learned the importance of thorough planning, risk assessment, and effective communication in project management. I also realized the value of taking ownership of mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

7. Why are you interested in working at Sonoco Products?

Answer:

* Situation: I have been following Sonoco Products’ journey and am impressed by the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
* Task: My goal is to contribute my skills and experience to a company that values environmental responsibility and is at the forefront of industry advancements.
* Action: I believe my background in sustainable packaging and my passion for driving positive change align perfectly with Sonoco Products’ mission and values.
* Result: I am confident that my expertise and enthusiasm would make me a valuable asset to the team, helping Sonoco Products continue its trajectory of growth and success.