Top interview questions to expect

1. Why are you interested in working at Republic Services?
2. Describe a time you faced a difficult customer or client. How did you handle it?
3. Have you ever had to deal with a coworker who was not pulling their weight? What did you do?
4. Tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team to solve a problem. What was the outcome?
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses as an employee?
6. Why should we hire you over other candidates?
7. Can you give me a specific example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured method for answering interview questions that helps you provide clear and concise responses. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Here’s how to apply the STAR framework:
1. Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context in which the event occurred.
2. Task: Explain the task or challenge you were faced with.
3. Action: Describe the specific actions you took to address the situation or overcome the challenge.
4. Result: Explain the positive outcome or result of your actions.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Why are you interested in working at Republic Services?

A strong answer should demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s values, mission, and sustainability initiatives. Explain how your skills and experience align with Republic Services’ goals, and why you are excited about the opportunity to contribute to their team.

*Example:*
“I’ve been following Republic Services for several years and am impressed by the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. My background in waste management aligns with your goals, and I believe my skills in process optimization can help Republic Services achieve even greater efficiency and waste reduction. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a company that is making a positive impact on the environment.”

2. Describe a time you faced a difficult customer or client. How did you handle it?

A strong answer should demonstrate your ability to remain calm and professional under pressure, as well as your problem-solving skills. Explain the situation, the steps you took to address the customer’s concerns, and the positive outcome.

*Example:*
“In my previous role, I encountered a customer who was extremely upset about a billing issue. I listened actively to their concerns, empathized with their situation, and took immediate steps to resolve the problem. I explained the billing process in detail, identified the error, and offered a solution to rectify the situation promptly. The customer was appreciative of my responsiveness and understanding, and we were able to resolve the issue to their satisfaction.”

3. Have you ever had to deal with a coworker who was not pulling their weight? What did you do?

A strong answer should demonstrate your ability to address interpersonal challenges and maintain a positive work environment. Explain the situation, the steps you took to address the issue, and the positive outcome.

*Example:*
“In a previous team project, I had a coworker who consistently failed to meet deadlines and did not contribute their fair share of work. I approached them directly, expressed my concerns, and offered to help them with their tasks. When that didn’t resolve the issue, I discussed the situation with my supervisor. Together, we developed a plan to address the coworker’s performance and provide them with additional support. Ultimately, the coworker’s performance improved, and we were able to complete the project successfully.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team to solve a problem. What was the outcome?

A strong answer should demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively, communicate your ideas clearly, and contribute to a successful team effort. Explain the situation, your role in the team, and the positive outcome.

*Example:*
“In my previous role, I was part of a team tasked with developing a new marketing campaign. I took the initiative to gather data on our target audience, conduct market research, and brainstorm creative ideas. I collaborated closely with my teammates to refine our strategy and create compelling content. The campaign was a huge success, resulting in a significant increase in sales and brand awareness.”

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses as an employee?

A strong answer should demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to identify both your strengths and areas for improvement. Be honest about your weaknesses, but focus on how you are working to overcome them.

*Example:*
“One of my strengths is my ability to quickly grasp new concepts and apply them to my work. I am a fast learner and always eager to take on new challenges. However, I recognize that I can sometimes be too detail-oriented, which can slow down my progress. To address this, I have been practicing delegating tasks and focusing on the big picture, and I have found that this has helped me become more efficient and effective in my work.”

6. Why should we hire you over other candidates?

A strong answer should highlight your unique skills, experience, and qualifications that make you the best person for the job. Explain why you are the best fit for the position and how you can add value to the company.

*Example:*
“I believe I am the best candidate for this position because of my extensive experience in the waste management industry, my strong problem-solving skills, and my commitment to customer service. In my previous role, I successfully led a team of waste management professionals and consistently exceeded sales goals. I am confident that I can bring the same level of success to Republic Services and help the company achieve its goals.”

7. Can you give me a specific example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer?

A strong answer should demonstrate your willingness to go the extra mile for customers and your commitment to providing exceptional service. Explain the situation, the steps you took to exceed the customer’s expectations, and the positive outcome.

*Example:*
“In my previous role, I had a customer who was having trouble with their recycling bin. They had called customer service several times, but the issue was not resolved. I took the initiative to personally visit the customer’s home and inspect the bin. I discovered that the bin was damaged and needed to be replaced. I arranged for a new bin to be delivered the very next day, and I also provided the customer with information on how to properly recycle their waste. The customer was extremely grateful for my help and praised my commitment to customer service.”