It is always best to be prepared before an interview and we have compiled a list of example questions to answer and ask in an interview. Some are food industry specific and some are more general.

Here are some common job interview questions to help you prepare. 

General Questions to Answer

- Why are you seeking a new job?
- Describe yourself.
- How do others perceive you?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What are your career goals?
- How will you achieve your career objectives?
- What motivates you more, money or the job?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- How do you handle pressure?
- What do you know about our company?
- Describe a problem you've faced and how you solved it.
- What have you learned from mistakes?
- How do you deal with difficult situations?
- What are your salary expectations?
- How do you stay motivated while working from home?
- How do you maintain or build relationships while working remotely?
- How did you keep your skills up to date during any employment gaps?

These questions aim to assess your fit for the role based on your experience, skills, and personality.

Common Food Production Questions

1. What experience do you have working in a food production environment?

   • Tip: Highlight your previous roles, specific tasks, and any relevant skills. Mention your familiarity with food safety standards and production processes.
   • Example: “I have three years of experience working in a food production environment, where I was responsible for operating machinery, maintaining hygiene standards, and ensuring product quality.”

2. Are you familiar with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and their importance in food production?

   • Tip: Demonstrate your understanding of GMPs and their role in maintaining product safety and quality.
   • Example: “Yes, I am well-versed in GMPs, which are crucial for ensuring consistent quality and safety in food production. They cover hygiene, equipment maintenance, and employee training.”

3. How would you handle a situation where you notice a coworker not following proper hygiene practices?

   • Tip: Show your ability to address issues diplomatically while maintaining a safe work environment.
   • Example: “I would approach my coworker privately to remind them of the importance of hygiene practices. If the issue persists, I would report it to my supervisor to ensure compliance.”
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4. What steps do you take to ensure a clean and safe work environment?

   • Tip: Emphasize your commitment to cleanliness and safety protocols.
   • Example: “I follow all hygiene protocols, regularly clean my workspace, and ensure all equipment is properly sanitized. I also stay updated on safety guidelines and report any hazards immediately.”

Common NPD Interview Questions

1. Can you describe your experience with the NPD process in the food industry?

   • Tip: Highlight your involvement in various stages of NPD, from idea generation to product launch.
   • Example: “I have been involved in the NPD process for over five years, working on projects from initial concept through to market launch. My experience includes conducting market research, developing prototypes, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches.”

2. How do you stay updated on food industry trends and consumer preferences?

   • Tip: Show your proactive approach to staying informed about industry developments.
   • Example: “I regularly attend industry conferences, subscribe to food trend reports, and follow key influencers on social media. Additionally, I conduct consumer surveys and focus groups to gather direct feedback.”

3. Describe a successful product you developed. What was your role and what made it successful?

   • Tip: Provide a specific example, focusing on your contributions and the impact of the product.
   • Example: “I led the development of a new plant-based snack that became a top seller within six months of launch. My role involved market research, ingredient sourcing, and overseeing the production process. The product’s success was due to its unique flavor profile and alignment with the growing demand for healthy, sustainable snacks.”

4. How do you approach the challenge of balancing innovation with regulatory compliance?

   • Tip: Demonstrate your understanding of food regulations and your ability to innovate within those constraints.
   • Example: “I ensure that all new products comply with relevant food safety and labeling regulations by collaborating closely with our regulatory team. I also stay informed about changes in regulations to anticipate and address potential compliance issues early in the development process.”

5. What methods do you use to test and validate new product concepts?

   • Tip: Discuss your approach to testing and gathering feedback to refine products.
   • Example: “I use a combination of sensory evaluations, consumer testing, and pilot production runs to validate new product concepts. This helps ensure that the final product meets both quality standards and consumer expectations.”

6. Can you give an example of a time when a product you were developing faced significant challenges? How did you overcome them?

   • Tip: Highlight your problem-solving skills and resilience.
   • Example: “During the development of a new dairy-free dessert, we encountered issues with texture and shelf stability. I worked with our R&D team to experiment with different stabilizers and conducted extensive testing to find a solution that maintained the desired texture and extended shelf life.”

Common Technical and Quality Questions

1. What experience do you have with HACCP and ISO 22000 standards?

   • Tip: Highlight your familiarity with these standards and your experience in implementing them.
   • Example: “I have extensive experience with HACCP and ISO 22000 standards. In my previous role, I developed and maintained HACCP plans, conducted regular audits, and ensured compliance with ISO 22000 requirements. This involved training staff and continuously monitoring processes to maintain high food safety standards.”

2. How do you ensure the quality of raw materials used in food processing?

   • Tip: Discuss your approach to supplier selection, inspections, and testing.
   • Example: “To ensure the quality of raw materials, I establish strict supplier criteria, conduct regular audits, and perform in-house testing for contaminants and quality parameters. This includes microbiological testing and physical inspections to ensure compliance with our standards.”

3. Describe a time when you identified and resolved a quality issue in food production.

   • Tip: Provide a specific example that demonstrates your problem-solving skills.
   • Example: “In one instance, we noticed an increase in product defects. I led an investigation that identified a malfunctioning piece of equipment as the root cause. We replaced the faulty part and implemented additional quality checks, which significantly reduced the defect rate.”

4. How do you stay updated on food safety regulations and industry trends?

   • Tip: Show your commitment to continuous learning and staying informed.
   • Example: “I stay updated by attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and subscribing to food safety journals. I also network with industry professionals and participate in relevant training programs to ensure I am aware of the latest regulations and best practices.”

5. What steps do you take to ensure a clean and safe work environment in food production?

   • Tip: Emphasize your knowledge of hygiene practices and safety protocols.
   • Example: “I enforce strict hygiene protocols, including regular cleaning schedules, proper sanitation of equipment, and personal hygiene practices for staff. I also conduct regular safety audits and provide ongoing training to ensure compliance with food safety standards.”

6. Can you discuss a time when you had to develop a new food product or improve an existing one?

   • Tip: Highlight your innovation and ability to improve products.
   • Example: “I was tasked with improving the shelf life of a dairy product. By researching and testing various preservatives, we extended the product’s shelf life by 20% without compromising quality. This involved close collaboration with the R&D team and rigorous testing to ensure consumer satisfaction.”

Questions to ask

Asking insightful questions during an interview can demonstrate your interest in the role and help you determine if the company is the right fit for you. Here are some questions you might consider asking:

About the Role

1. Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?
2. What are the key challenges someone in this role might face?
3. How do you measure success in this role?

About the Team

4. Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?
5. How does the team collaborate on projects?
6. What is the team’s biggest achievement in the past year?

About the Company

7. What are the company’s goals for the next five years?
8. How does the company support professional development and career growth?
9. Can you describe the company culture?

About the Industry

10. What trends do you see impacting the food manufacturing industry in the next few years?
11. How does the company stay ahead of industry changes and innovations?

About the Interview Process

12. What are the next steps in the interview process?
13. Is there anything else you need from me to help with your decision?

Specific to Technical and Quality Roles

14. How does the company ensure compliance with food safety regulations?
15. What quality control measures are currently in place?
16. Can you describe a recent project where the technical team made a significant impact?

Specific to NPD Roles

17. How does the company approach new product development?
18. What is the process for bringing a new product from concept to market?
19. Can you share an example of a successful product launch and what made it successful?

General Questions to Ask

- What will my responsibilities be?
- What are the biggest challenges in this role?
- Where do I fit into the organisational structure?
- Who will I report to and who will report to me?
- What skills and experience are you looking for?
- What are the expectations for the first six months?
- Who are your main customers?
- What are the company's short- and long-term plans?
- Why is this position vacant?
- Who are your main competitors and how do you compare?
- What are the chances of advancement in this position?
- What training opportunities are available?
- Why did you join the company?
- What do you enjoy about working here?
- Are there any company benefits?
- Do you have any concerns about my fit for the role?

It's okay to ask questions throughout the interview to show engagement and interest. This helps you assess if the company and role are a good fit for you.

We wish you the best of luck!