INTERVIEWER

HANDBOOK
UNLOCKING EXCELLENCE: GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR VALUES-CENTERED
INTERVIEWS

A Comprehensive Handbook
of Thoughtful Questions and
Key Indicators for Assessing
Candidates' Alignment with
Our Core Values
 INTRODUCTION
IN TODAY'S COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE, IDENTIFYING CANDIDATES WHO NOT ONLY
POSSESS THE RIGHT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE BUT ALSO RESONATE WITH OUR
ORGANIZATION'S CORE VALUES IS PARAMOUNT. THIS HANDBOOK HAS BEEN CRAFTED
TO EMPOWER OUR INTERVIEW PANELISTS WITH A POWERFUL TOOLSET DESIGNED TO
UNEARTH CANDIDATES' VALUES ALIGNMENT, ENABLING US TO MAKE WELL-INFORMED
HIRING DECISIONS AND CULTIVATE A THRIVING VALUES-DRIVEN CULTURE.

WITHIN THESE PAGES, YOU WILL FIND A CURATED COLLECTION OF PROBING

QUESTIONS, EACH TAILORED TO ILLUMINATE A SPECIFIC FACET OF A CANDIDATE'S
VALUES, MINDSET, AND POTENTIAL FIT WITHIN OUR ORGANIZATION. THESE
QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY DESIGNED TO DELVE BEYOND THE SURFACE,
INVITING CANDIDATES TO SHARE AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES AND INSIGHTS THAT
DEMONSTRATE THEIR ALIGNMENT WITH OUR VALUES.

ACCOMPANIED BY INDICATIVE ANSWERS TO LOOK FOR AND INTERPRETIVE CUES, THIS

HANDBOOK SERVES AS YOUR COMPASS, NAVIGATING YOU THROUGH THE OFTEN
COMPLEX TERRAIN OF VALUES-CENTERED INTERVIEWS. AS INTERVIEW PANEL
MEMBERS, YOUR ROLE BECOMES EVEN MORE PIVOTAL AS YOU GUIDE OUR
RECRUITMENT PROCESS TOWARDS CANDIDATES WHO NOT ONLY POSSESS THE RIGHT
SKILLS BUT ARE ALSO COMMITTED TO UPHOLDING THE PRINCIPLES THAT DEFINE US.

WE INVITE YOU TO EMBRACE THIS HANDBOOK AS A TRUSTED RESOURCE, AS YOU

EMBARK ON THE JOURNEY OF DISCOVERING CANDIDATES WHOSE VALUES RESONATE
WITH OURS. BY UTILIZING THESE QUESTIONS AND INSIGHTS, YOU CONTRIBUTE TO
OUR ONGOING COMMITMENT TO BUILDING A TEAM UNITED BY SHARED VALUES AND
DRIVEN BY A COLLECTIVE PURPOSE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO FOSTERING A VALUES-DRIVEN ORGANIZATION,

AND WE HOPE YOU FIND THIS HANDBOOK INVALUABLE IN YOUR PURSUIT OF
EXCELLENCE.
 INTEGRITY
Interview Question
Can you provide an example of a situation where
you had to make an ethical decision?
How do you handle situations where your
personal values may differ from the company's
policies?
Describe a time when you took responsibility for
a mistake or error, even if it wasn't directly your
fault.
How do you ensure accuracy and transparency in
reporting data or information?
Tell us about a situation where you had to deliver
difficult news or feedback with integrity.
How do you handle situations where there's a
potential conflict of interest?
Describe a time when you observed a colleague
engaging in behavior that was not aligned with
company values.
How do you maintain confidentiality when
dealing with sensitive information or projects?
Tell us about a time when you had to choose
between short-term gains and long-term ethical
considerations.
How do you ensure your actions and decisions
reflect honesty and integrity in your interactions
with colleagues, superiors, and external partners?
Indicative Answer to Look For Aspects Assessed
Look for candidates who describe a scenario where
Ethical decision-making, integrity under
they upheld ethical principles, even when faced with
pressure.
challenges or pressure to compromise.
Candidates should discuss aligning personal values
with company values, seeking guidance when unsure,
Ethical alignment, adherence to policies.
and complying with company policies even when
personal beliefs differ.
Look for instances where the candidate demonstrated
accountability, took ownership, and worked towards Accountability, honesty, willingness to admit
rectifying the situation, even if they were not solely mistakes.
responsible.
Candidates should discuss double-checking data,
ensuring accuracy, and providing complete and Accuracy, transparency, honesty.
transparent information without misrepresentation.
Look for examples of delivering challenging
information truthfully, sensitively, and professionally, Communication integrity, empathy,
maintaining honesty while considering the impact on professionalism.
others.
Candidates should discuss recognizing conflicts of
interest, disclosing them appropriately, and avoiding Conflict of interest management, ethical
situations where personal interests could compromise awareness.
professional duties.
Look for instances where the candidate took
appropriate action, such as addressing the colleague Ethical courage, standing up for values,
privately, reporting the behavior, or seeking guidance accountability.
from a supervisor.
Candidates should mention respecting privacy,
adhering to confidentiality agreements, and only Confidentiality, trustworthiness, professional
sharing information with authorized individuals as ethics.
required.
Look for instances where the candidate prioritized
long-term ethical considerations over immediate
Ethical decision-making, long-term thinking.
benefits or gains, demonstrating a commitment to
ethical values.
Candidates should discuss consistent behavior, open
Consistency in integrity, ethical conduct in
communication, and treating others with respect and
relationships.
honesty in all interactions, both internal and external.
 PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE
Interview Question
Can you share a project where you went above
and beyond to ensure exceptional quality?
How do you ensure that your work consistently
meets or exceeds established standards?
Describe a time when you identified an
inefficiency in a process and took initiative to
improve it.
How do you handle setbacks or challenges when
striving for excellence?
Tell us about a time when you received feedback
and used it to enhance your performance.
How do you ensure that your work contributes to
the overall success of the team and organization?
Describe a situation where you demonstrated
exceptional attention to detail in your work.
How do you stay updated with industry best
practices and new technologies to enhance your
skills?
Tell us about a time when you took the initiative
to develop a new skill or competency.
How do you handle completing tasks when faced
with time constraints without compromising
quality?
Indicative Answer to Look For Aspects Assessed
Look for candidates who describe a situation where
they took extra steps, paid attention to details, and
Commitment to quality, going the extra mile.
exhibited a strong drive for delivering high-quality
work.
Candidates should discuss setting personal
benchmarks, continuous self-assessment, and taking
Self-motivation, quality consciousness.
corrective actions to maintain a high level of
performance.
Look for instances where the candidate proactively
Proactiveness, process improvement, attention to
identified and addressed process inefficiencies,
detail.
leading to enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
Candidates should discuss resilience, learning from
setbacks, and using challenges as opportunities to Resilience, problem-solving, growth mindset.
learn and grow.
Look for candidates who describe how they embraced
feedback, recognized areas for improvement, and Openness to feedback, continuous improvement.
translated feedback into actionable improvements.
Candidates should discuss aligning individual goals
with team and organizational objectives, actively Goal alignment, accountability, contribution to
seeking opportunities to contribute, and taking success.
ownership of results.
Look for specific examples of meticulous work, such as
Attention to detail, thoroughness,
conducting thorough inspections, double-checking
meticulousness.
accuracy, and ensuring precision.
Candidates should mention ongoing learning,
Willingness to learn, staying current, self-
attending workshops, reading industry publications,
improvement.
and staying informed about the latest advancements.
Look for candidates who describe instances where they
proactively acquired new skills or knowledge, even if
Initiative, adaptability, continuous learning.
not directly related to their role, to enhance their
capabilities.
Candidates should discuss time management,
prioritization, and finding efficient ways to deliver Time management, quality focus, efficiency.
quality work within deadlines.
 TEAMWORK
Interview Question Indicative Answer to Look For Aspects Assessed

Look for candidates who mention collaborating,

How do you contribute to team projects and
sharing ideas, and working together to achieve Collaboration, willingness to contribute.
goals?
common objectives.

Look for a specific example of conflict resolution,

Describe a time when you successfully resolved Conflict resolution, communication, problem-
highlighting effective communication and finding a
a conflict within a team. solving.
win-win solution.

Candidates should discuss active listening, sharing

How do you ensure effective communication Communication, openness, information
information, and promoting open dialogue to ensure
within a team? sharing.
everyone is on the same page.

Look for instances where the candidate took initiative,

Tell us about a situation where you played a
motivated team members, and facilitated the Leadership, motivation, team coordination.
leadership role in a team project.
achievement of project goals.

Candidates should mention valuing diverse

How do you handle differing opinions or Respect for diversity, conflict resolution,
perspectives, promoting constructive discussions, and
viewpoints within a team? collaboration.
seeking common ground for decision-making.

Look for instances where the candidate embraced a

Describe a time when you supported a
colleague's suggestion, contributed positively, and Supportiveness, openness to ideas, teamwork.
colleague's idea to improve a process.
helped implement the improvement.

Candidates should mention promoting inclusivity,

How do you ensure that all team members are
assigning tasks based on strengths, and addressing Inclusivity, task allocation, team engagement.
engaged and contributing effectively?
any challenges to maintain team dynamics.

Look for an example of adapting communication and

Tell us about a time when you had to adjust your
work style to accommodate cultural or personality Adaptability, cultural awareness, collaboration.
approach to work effectively with a diverse team.
differences within the team.

Candidates should discuss offering assistance,

How do you handle a situation when a team
providing guidance, and ensuring the struggling Supportiveness, teamwork, empathy.
member is struggling or falling behind?
team member is supported in catching up.

Describe an experience where you achieved a Look for examples of working closely with team
challenging team goal through effective members, leveraging individual strengths, and Collaboration, goal achievement, teamwork.
collaboration. overcoming obstacles to achieve a shared objective.
 RESPECT & CARE
Interview Question Indicative Answer to Look For Aspects Assessed

"I actively listen, value diverse perspectives, and give

How do you demonstrate respect for your
credit where it's due, fostering a collaborative and Respect for colleagues, teamwork, inclusivity.
colleagues?
inclusive environment."

"When two team members disagreed, I facilitated

Can you share an example of how you resolved a Conflict resolution, empathy, communication
open dialogue, acknowledged both viewpoints, and
workplace conflict? skills.
helped them find a compromise."

"I promote diversity, encourage open communication,

How do you ensure a positive and inclusive
and address any incidents of bias or exclusion Inclusivity, awareness of workplace dynamics.
workplace environment?
promptly and sensitively."

"A team member was overwhelmed, so I offered

Describe a time when you went above and
assistance, shared workload, and ensured they felt Empathy, teamwork, willingness to help.
beyond to support a colleague.
supported during a challenging project."

"I encourage healthy debates, seek common ground,

How do you handle disagreements or differing
and ensure that every team member's viewpoint is Communication, teamwork, conflict resolution.
opinions within a team?
heard and respected."

"I check in regularly, offer assistance when needed,

How do you show care for the well-being of your Empathy, teamwork, consideration for well-
and actively promote work-life balance to ensure the
colleagues? being.
team's overall well-being."

"When a colleague excelled, I publicly acknowledged

Tell us about a time you recognized a colleague's
their contribution during a team meeting, boosting Recognition, teamwork, positive reinforcement.
achievement.
morale and motivation."

"I focus on specific behaviors, provide examples, and

How do you ensure your feedback is constructive Communication, empathy, giving and receiving
offer suggestions for improvement in a respectful and
and well-received? feedback.
supportive manner."

Describe a situation where you had to "A colleague needed flexibility due to personal
accommodate a colleague's needs or reasons, so I adjusted schedules and ensured they felt Adaptability, empathy, teamwork.
preferences. supported while maintaining team productivity."

"I treat confidential information with the utmost care,

How do you handle confidential information Confidentiality, professionalism, respect for
maintaining trust and respecting privacy, while
about colleagues or the company? privacy.
adhering to company policies and ethical standards."
 CUSTOMER FOCUS
Interview Question
How do you ensure the quality of products
meets customer expectations?
Can you share an example of a situation where
you went the extra mile to address a customer's
specific requirement?
How do you gather customer feedback to
improve products or processes?
Describe a time when you successfully resolved
a customer complaint.
How do you prioritize orders to ensure timely
delivery for customers with urgent
requirements?
Tell us about a situation where you collaborated
with other teams to fulfill a unique customer
request.
How do you ensure consistent communication
with customers during the manufacturing
process?
Describe a time when you suggested a process
improvement based on customer feedback.
How do you handle situations where customer
requirements conflict with production
constraints?
How do you contribute to fostering long-term
relationships with customers?
Indicative Answer to Look For Aspects Assessed
"I rigorously follow quality standards, conduct
thorough inspections, and continuously monitor Attention to quality, commitment to meeting
production processes to ensure consistent product customer needs.
quality."
"A customer needed customized packaging, so I
Customer-centric approach, attention to detail,
coordinated with the packaging team, met the
problem-solving.
request, and ensured timely delivery."
"I actively engage with customer feedback, conduct
Proactive approach to feedback, data-driven
surveys, and analyze data to identify areas for
decision-making.
improvement and enhance customer satisfaction."
"A customer reported a defect, I promptly
investigated, replaced the faulty product, and ensured Problem-solving, effective communication,
continuous communication to restore their customer retention.
confidence."
"I utilize an order prioritization system based on
delivery deadlines and customer needs, ensuring Time management, meeting deadlines,
urgent orders are expedited without compromising customer satisfaction.
quality."
"A customer needed a specific component that was
Cross-functional collaboration, adaptability,
not standard, so I collaborated with design and
customer-focused problem-solving.
production teams to create a tailored solution."
"I provide regular updates, share production
Communication skills, customer engagement,
milestones, and promptly address any changes or
transparency.
concerns to keep customers informed and engaged."
"A customer highlighted a packaging issue, and I
Listening to feedback, process improvement,
suggested a modification that not only resolved the
customer-oriented thinking.
issue but also streamlined the packaging process."
"I analyze both customer needs and production
limitations, explore viable solutions, and Problem-solving, conflict resolution, customer-
communicate transparently with the customer to find centric decision-making.
a balanced resolution."
"I consistently provide exceptional service, exceed
Relationship-building, customer retention,
expectations, and proactively anticipate customer
exceeding expectations.
needs, ultimately building trust and loyalty."
 CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Interview Question Indicative Answer to Look For Aspects Assessed

How do you stay updated with industry trends "I subscribe to industry newsletters, attend webinars, Proactive learning behavior, willingness to invest
and changes? and follow thought leaders on social media." time in self-improvement.

"I recently completed an online course in data

Can you provide an example of a recent skill you Adaptability, willingness to learn new skills, self-
analysis, which improved my ability to extract insights
acquired? motivation.
from data."

"I analyze what went wrong, identify areas for

How do you approach learning from failure or
improvement, and take corrective actions to avoid Resilience, growth mindset.
mistakes?
similar mistakes in the future."

"I regularly request feedback from colleagues and

Describe a situation where you sought feedback Openness to feedback, ability to learn from
supervisors, and I recently adjusted my presentation
to improve. others.
style based on constructive input."

"I set SMART goals for skill development, allocate time

Goal-setting ability, time management,
How do you set and prioritize learning goals? weekly, and track progress to ensure consistent
dedication to improvement.
growth."

"I found 'Leaders Eat Last' by Simon Sinek insightful in

Are there any online courses or books you've Enthusiasm for learning, self-directed learning
understanding leadership dynamics and fostering
recently enjoyed? ability.
collaboration."

"When tasked with a new software, I spent evenings

Tell us about a time you had to quickly learn a Quick learning ability, adaptability under
researching tutorials, asking for guidance, and
new concept for work. pressure.
became proficient in a week."

"I attend workshops, engage in industry webinars, and

How do you ensure your knowledge remains Awareness of the importance of staying current,
participate in online forums to engage in discussions
current in a rapidly changing field? proactive strategies.
and learn from peers."

"I listen actively to feedback, reflect on it, and

What steps do you take to incorporate feedback
implement changes to enhance my skills and Openness to feedback, willingness to improve.
into your personal development?
performance."

"During a complex project, I learned automation tools

Describe a challenging project where you Initiative, self-motivation, commitment to
to automate tasks, enhancing project efficiency and
proactively sought to expand your skill set. continuous improvement.
my technical skills."
 LOYALTY
Interview Question
Can you share an example of a situation where
you demonstrated loyalty to your team or
organization?
How do you prioritize the interests of the team or
company over personal preferences?
Describe a time when you actively contributed to
fostering a positive work environment and team
cohesion.
How do you handle situations where you disagree
with a decision made by your team or
organization?
Tell us about a time when you provided
constructive feedback to improve a process or
operation.
How do you ensure you represent your team and
organization positively when interacting with
external partners or stakeholders?
Describe a situation where you demonstrated
commitment to a long-term project or goal, even
in the face of challenges.
How do you handle job-related offers or
opportunities from other organizations while
being committed to your current team or
company?
Tell us about a time when you actively supported
a change or transition within your team or
organization.
How do you contribute to maintaining a sense of
unity and shared purpose within your team or
organization?
Indicative Answer to Look For Aspects Assessed
Look for candidates who describe instances where they
supported team members, advocated for the
Loyalty to team and organization.
organization's interests, or stayed committed during
challenging times.
Candidates should discuss making decisions that
benefit the team or company, even if it means
Team and company focus, selflessness.
personal sacrifices or putting aside personal
preferences.
Look for examples of candidates building positive
relationships, promoting collaboration, and Team collaboration, positive work environment.
contributing to a harmonious workplace atmosphere.
Candidates should mention voicing concerns privately,
respecting the decision once made, and continuing to Constructive disagreement, alignment with
work towards the common goals of the team or decisions.
organization.
Look for instances where the candidate offered
feedback with the intention of enhancing the team's or Dedication to improvement, constructive input.
organization's performance and success.
Candidates should discuss professionalism, being an
advocate for the organization's values, and Positive representation, alignment with
maintaining a positive image during external organizational values.
interactions.
Look for examples of candidates staying dedicated and
resilient, working through difficulties, and remaining Commitment, resilience, long-term focus.
loyal to the project's success.
Candidates should mention considering the best
interests of the team or organization, weighing
Job loyalty, consideration of team's interests.
opportunities thoughtfully, and valuing their current
commitments.
Look for instances where candidates embraced
changes, communicated openly, and contributed
Adaptability, support for change, team cohesion.
positively to a smooth transition for the team or
organization.
Candidates should discuss promoting collaboration,
Team unity, shared purpose, positive
fostering a positive atmosphere, and consistently
contribution.
working towards common goals to strengthen unity.
LET'S GROW
TOGETHER