Boeing is one of the most prominent players in the aerospace industry. It has several vacancies for programmers, analysts, engineers, and managers. In case you are eyeing a job at this establishment, these are some of the interview questions that you should expect:
1. Why Do You Want to Work for Us?
Why do you want to work for Boeing? This is a common opening question in interviews, especially in big establishments. Try to look for a reason that resonates with you and ensure that you praise the company. Convince the interviewer that this is your first choice. You can also mention any positive association that you have had with Boeing.
Sample Answer
I am in awe of your company given that it is one of the most admired worldwide. I love that you highly value the environmental aspect of work and work hard to improve your designs every year. I would therefore love to be part of something big and make use of all my experiences and expertise.
2. Tell Us about Your Previous Experience
This is yet another common question in interviews. Make sure that you only include relevant experiences in your answer, which should also be specific to the job you are interviewing for. You can talk about your past jobs or experiences. Remember that the interviewer will be interested in more than your answer. Therefore, make sure that you go straight to the point, include your former achievements, and mention some of the things you did for your former employers. Your experience should also prepare you for a role at Boeing.
Sample Answer
This is my seventh year as an aeronautical engineer. I have been in several aircraft and propulsion system design teams, working with different companies. I am extensively experienced in using most software and systems used in aircraft design and can confirm that I will apply everything I have learned in my career when working here. I have also won the best team leader several times in my career, showing just how good I am in this job.
3. Tell Us about When You Disagreed with Your Boss
Boeing appreciates teamwork, meaning that you will mostly be working in team settings. How then do you relate with other employees, including your boss? This is a chance to show the interviewer that you can solve conflicts and handle disagreements professionally in the work setting. Make sure that your disagreement relates to the job and not a personal conflict.
Sample Answer
I highly respect the organization’s hierarchy, but I do not shy away from offering constructive criticism to my superiors. I once disagreed with my boss on a given strategy(mention it) since I considered mine more effective. I managed to convince him while remaining as professional as ever till he saw sense in what I proposed. We ended up picking my strategy.
4. How Would You Define Quality?
Every organization wants an employee who will contribute to value addition. Boeing plays a good salary, thereby expecting the best out of its employees. Your definition of quality will tell if you will bring value to the organization and what standards you will uphold. If possible, find out some of the things Boeing values and craft your answer around them.
Sample Answer
I believe that quality is when something, be it a product or service, exceeds the set expectations. Something of the highest quality has met the most possible standard. (Just give a clear, detailed description of what quality means to you)
5. Tell Us About a Time When You Were Innovative
Boeings’ value and business is founded on innovation. The company expects you to bring new beneficial ideas onboard when working with them. There are lots of things to talk about in your answer when tackling this question. You can talk about a process that you engineered or improved, how you solved a problem or situation through innovation. Make sure that whatever you mention has something to do with the job and talk with enthusiasm.
Sample Answer
When working for my last company, I realized that we would be so engrossed with work that we sometimes forgot some of the assignments we were supposed to handle. I came up with an idea that helped us achieve all we set out to at the beginning of the day. I advised the team to use planners and even looked up the best task management software. We were able to increase our accuracy and improve our operations.
6. How Do You Normally Deliver Bad News to a Team
We mentioned that Boeing appreciates teamwork, which comes with its fair share of demands. You must know your teammates well and understand how to deal with them in different situations. Can you deliver bad news to your team members, or will you shy away? You should be ready to admit if you made a mistake and find how you can inform others of it.
Sample Answer
I have had to deliver bad news a couple of times in my career. I usually ensure that I am truthful and take the blame if it results from my actions. I then suggest some of the ways that we can tackle it that will ensure success. I have realized that the more honest I am when delivering bad news, the better I do it.
7. Have You Ever Struggled to Get Over an Adversity in Your Life?
Life is not as easy as it may seem. You will face difficulties at one point or the other that may make you want to give up. Here, you should pick a challenging situation that you faced in your personal or professional life and narrate it to the interviewer. Make sure that whatever you choose has a happy ending. Also, remember that your attitude during such times matters. The interviewer should get the notion that you do not easily give up even though the struggle may prolong.
Sample Answer
The biggest adversity I have encountered in life was the death of my father. I was struck when I became an orphan while in university. I did not know how to process the shock and move on after the burial. Luckily, I met someone a few weeks later who helped me go through such a difficult time. We are now married.
8. Tell Me About a Time When You Received Difficult Feedback. How Did You Manage It?
Most people do not know how to respond to feedbacks requiring that they improve, especially if they are currently giving their all. All in all, you need to show the interviewer that you are willing to see the constructive side of feedbacks and not take them personally. Your example should show that you accepted whatever you were told and implemented the information which helped you improve.
Sample Answer
I made some mistakes in my paperwork, and my manager told me that I had to be more attentive. It came as a shock since I take great pride in staying organized and proofreading my work. I assured my manager that I would peer review my documents before submission and take additional care to ensure that such an experience never occurred again. I afterward downloaded several programs to help me live up to my promise.
9. What are Your Weaknesses?
Even a company that values excellence such as Boeing knows that you cannot be perfect. However, this question can be pretty difficult to answer. We advise that you stay strategic and think about areas that you can quickly improve on. Do not shy away from sharing a weakness since self-awareness is a huge strength.
Sample Answer
I may at times find it difficult to ask for help, especially when I feel that I can handle everything. Luckily, I have implemented several project management techniques that allow me to connect with other experts and overcome this weakness.
10. Could You Tell Us about a Time that You Reached a Goal with a Tight Deadline
Can you work well under pressure? It doesn’t matter whether your experience was in school or the workplace; they all qualify when tackling this question. Boeing wants to employ people who are determined and motivated. Convince them that you are up to the task.
Sample Answer
I once had a three weeks deadline to hire seven new talents for the organization. We were pretty swamped with work, and I didn’t have much time. I used an online recruiting agent who suggested the best matches, interviewed them, and within two weeks, we had quality employees.
11. How Would You Handle Criticism?
Your ability to handle criticism is important, especially when working with Boeing. It will tell the interviewer your ability to grow and improve. Make sure that you answer this question positively. The best possible answer is that you are always willing to listen to others and take constructive criticism as a chance to grow. You can also offer an example if any.
Sample Answer
I treat criticism positively, especially if it is constructive. Listening to people’s feedback allows me to grow and improve my work, which is essential to stay at my best. I, therefore, appreciate every feedback I get and would never pass a chance to get views on my work from others.
12. Tell Me About a Time When You Made a Mistake At Work
Employees understand that mistakes happen by virtue of us being humans. However, your answer will tell just how good you are at handling them. Own your mistakes and tell the interviewer how they have helped you become better at your job. Be careful not to mention anything catastrophic, or you’ll lose your chance with Boeing.
Sample Answer
I once had an idea for a new blueprint and decided to go to my manager directly and submit a 3D printed model. Even though it was pretty impressive, I was informed of a protocol that I had to follow before submitting, which included only using the printer after getting authorization from him. I apologized to him and promptly followed the procedure.
13. What is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
This is a common question in interviews used to gauge how you view success and also uncover some of the things you have achieved in your career. Talk proudly and enthusiastically about your accomplishments to show that you are proud of them. Also, there is no specific choice since everybody defines achievement differently. Just make sure that you talk about something that relates to the particular role.
Sample Answer
I have had quite a number of achievements in my career as an aeronautical engineer. However, the main one was leading a team of some of the most renowned engineers from all walks of life. The project turned out victorious, and we achieved excellent results.
14. Have You Ever Had to Overcome a Challenge in the Workplace? Give Us an Experience
Every job comes with its challenges, which means that you have to be competent enough. Your experience should be relevant to your prospective hirer or the job position you are interviewing for. You can talk about a safety issue that you handled, software error, or miscommunication with a member of your team. You should also use the STAR method to answer this question.
Sample Answer
I once worked on a project that required several materials. However, I was informed that we were low on materials. The next shipment came a few days before the deadline, meaning I had to put in the extra effort. I arranged a meeting with my supervisor and asked for a few more days. I was given an extension and was able to complete the project within the extended time.
15. What are Our Values?
How much do you know about Boeing? This is a chance to tell the interviewer that you did your homework well or that you have been keeping up with Boeing. Ensure that you get it right. A look at Boeing’s website will reveal everything you need to know regarding its values, missions, and visions.
Sample Answer
Boeing’s main values are integrity, safety, diversity, quality, inclusion, trust, respect, corporate citizenship, and stakeholder success.
16. How Do You Normally Stay Motivated at Work?
This is an important question that you should know how to tackle if you want to work at Boeing. You cannot achieve much if you lack motivation. It is also tough to always stay motivated in a fast-paced environment, which means you need something to keep you going.
Sample Answer
I have great respect for my workmates. I know that I have to be at my best so that they can achieve their potential. I, therefore, always give my best in my work, having them in mind. ( Or you can say that you take great pride in what you do, which motivates you to work harder)
17. Who are Our Biggest Competitors?
Do you understand the market dynamics involving Boeing? Can you tell some of this institution’s greatest competitors? This is a chance to prove to the interviewer that you did your homework well and found out as much information about Boeing. Strive to mention only worthy competitors.
Sample Answer
Airbus, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Company, General Dynamics, and Textron are your most significant competitors. ( You can also mention Cirrus Aircraft, Syber Jet Aircraft, Hawker Beechcraft and Adam Aircraft Industry)
18. What Do We Do at Boeing?
These are general questions asked to determine if you know your prospective employer. Boeing is a large multinational company that offers lots of services. Mention all of them and convince the interviewer that you know your prospective employer.
Sample Answer
You design, manufacture, and sell different types of airplanes. Other products include rotorcraft, satellites, missiles, and telecommunications equipment.
19. Can You Work Under Pressure?
The interviewer wants to know if you can handle huge workloads and the pressure of working at Boeing. Mention some of the skills that help you work under pressure and give an experience if possible.
Sample Answer
I can work well under pressure. I have handled considerable workloads in my career and learned how to multitask whenever I have a lot on my plate. I know how to organize myself and prioritize work, which are essential in the workplace.
20. Does Our Work Environment Suit You?
Do you think that Boeing’s work environment will help you achieve your dreams or long-term goals? This is a chance to tell the interviewer what you think about their workplace. You need to praise it and even convince the interview that this company is your first choice.
Sample Answer
I have always wanted to work at Boeing because of your work environment. You give your employees a chance to advance, thanks to your exceptional training programs and uplifting work environment, which will help me achieve my goals.
Conclusion
These are some of the most common questions in Boeing interviews. I hope that this article will help you get the position you are interviewing for.
