Question Overview: The weight of a material handler is important for a few reasons. The first is that the weight of the load they are carrying must be within the capacity of the equipment they are using. The second is that the weight of the load can affect the safety of the handler, and if they are too light, they may not be able to lift or carry the load safely.
Sample Answer: I weigh about 180 pounds. I'm strong enough to carry up to 70 pounds unaided and even more with the right tools, and I can lift up to 50 pounds over my head.
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: 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: 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 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: 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, 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: 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: 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 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: The 10 year work history is a common question on warehouse job applications. This question will help you determine if the applicant has any gaps in their work history, which could be a red flag for you. It will also give you a good idea of how they present themselves on paper and if they are able to provide a detailed work history.
Sample Answer: My work history is as follows:
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: A warehouse is a busy place, and there are always things that need to be done. This question will tell you if the applicant is willing to work overtime or on weekends if necessary.
Sample Answer: I'm always willing to work extra hours if it means getting the job done. I know that sometimes things come up and we have to work overtime, and I'm always ready to help out.
Question Overview: A material handler should have at least a year of experience in the field, and this question will give you a good idea of how much experience a candidate has.
Sample Answer: I've been working as a material handler for the past two years. My previous job was in a warehouse that handled steel and asbestos.
Question Overview: Warehouse work can be physically demanding and require a lot of stamina. A qualified material handler will be able to work the hours required to get the job done, which is usually between 8 and 12 hours a day, Monday through Friday.
Sample Answer: I'm available to work any hours you need me. I'm a hard worker and am willing to put in the extra time if it means getting the job done. I can also work weekends if needed.
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.
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: 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: Quality assurance is a very important part of the warehouse industry, and a qualified applicant should be familiar with the procedures and practices used to ensure the quality of the products they handle. This question will test an applicant's knowledge of quality assurance and how it fits into the warehouse environment.
Sample Answer: Quality assurance is a set of procedures used to ensure the quality of products being handled. It includes things like checking for damage and defects, verifying product specifications and ensuring that all products are handled properly.
Question Overview: A material handler is required to travel to different locations to pick up and drop off materials. This question will help you determine if the candidate has the ability to relocate to a new city or state if needed.
Sample Answer: I've lived in the same city for the last 10 years, but I'm open to relocating if it means a better job opportunity.