DHL is an internationally acknowledged logistics and shipping company with branches in over 200 countries. This article will look at some of the questions you should expect when interviewing for a position with DHL.
1. What Do You Know About Us?
The interviewer wants you to mention a few facts about the company. Make sure that you conduct proper research ahead of the interview.
Sample Answer
You are an international logistics, courier, package delivery, and shipping company with a presence in over 200 countries worldwide. Fully known as DHL International GmbH, you are a division of the German firm Deutsche Post. DHL delivers over 1.5 billion parcels per year, making it one of the biggest shipping companies in the world. The company, founded in 1969, managed to expand its services across the globe by the late 70s.
2. Why Do You Want to Work For Us?
Why are you interested in working at DHL? You need to mention a few praiseworthy qualities about this entity. You can also say how working here will contribute to your career.
Sample Answer
Working at DHL will furnish me with the skills and expertise I am looking for since it is one of the world’s most prominent logistics and shipping companies. I have also had the chance to interact with some of your current and former employees, who are all proud of your workplace policies and environment. I believe that my experience and skills will be better used here. I am also looking for new challenges, which I know DHL will present. Lastly, I would love to work with a company that has managed to top the charts over the years.
3. Can You Mention Some of Our Products and Services?
Do you know what DHL offers? This question explains why we advise interviewees to research on the company before going for the interview. Please find out about their offerings and any other related information.
Sample Answer
You have a range of products and services, which may explain why you have managed to stay ahead of many logistics and shipping companies. They include Back, DHL Global Forwarding, Rail Freight, Customs, Road Freight, Oven Freight, Warehouse Solutions, Management services, Integrated Solutions, and Transport Solutions.
4. What Will You Bring To Your Team?
The interviewer wants to know if you are a good team worker based on the benefits you will bring to the team. Make sure that you paint yourself as a valuable team member for a chance to work at DHL.
Sample Answer
I am an excellent team member based on my experience over the years. The team will get a passionate, hardworking, and self-motivated member. I take great pride in what I do, an attribute that I usually use to inspire my team members. I can give my all and go out of my way to achieve team goals and milestones. I also know how to motivate those around me to be at their best, and lastly, the team will get a punctual and self-motivated member who will give them an easy time.
5. What is Your Greatest Strength?
This is another common question in interviews. The hiring manager wants to know about your most outstanding quality. Think about what you are needed to do in the workplace and the quality you need most.
Sample Answer
My greatest strength is my ability to adapt to changes. I am highly flexible to adapt to new working styles, policies, software changes, and technological advancements in the workplace. This quality has seen me thrive in my career and handle workplace challenges better. I believe that it will allow me to fit in well in this organization. I am also an excellent communicator. I can pass around information effectively and train others thanks to this quality. It will help me get along with my team members and pass around information.
6. What Do You Love Doing Outside Work?
This is a common question in interviews that tells the interviewer about your hobbies and interests outside work. They ensure that you maintain a healthy life and work balance.
Sample Answer
I have several hobbies and activities that I focus on outside work. I am a gamer, and therefore, I spend some time playing video games when I have nothing to do. I also love traveling, especially during the weekends. I may visit a new place or travel upcountry to see my parents. Other hobbies include cooking, writing, cycling, and fishing. I may also catch up with my brothers or friends when I have nothing to do. I believe that all these hobbies and interests have helped me maintain a good balance over the years.
7. Have You Ever Gone Above and Beyond in Your Work?
Interviewers need workers who are willing to give their all in their jobs. You must therefore convince the hiring manager that you won’t do the bare minimum. Show that you can answer to needs that are beyond your everyday expectations.
Sample Answer
I usually give my all in my work, a quality that I believe is one of my greatest strengths. I dont therefore have a problem going above and beyond for the employer or customer. While working for a restaurant, a customer complained about an order taking longer to be delivered. Instead of just confirming with the rider and giving an estimate since the order had already been dispatched, I apologized, called the rider, made sure that the customer understood why there was a delay, and even called later to confirm that he had received the package. I take great pride in knowing that I went out of my way to satisfy someone or benefit the workplace.
8. How Can We Motivate You?
Employee motivation is important, something that every employer knows. Tell the interviewer how they can motivate you to do your best. If possible, avoid mentioning anything that is material in nature.
Sample Answer
I understand the importance of employee motivation in the workplace. I am generally self-motivated, owing to the love and passion I have for what I do. I don’t rely on any form of external motivation to give my all. However, if you wanted to motivate me, I would advise public recognition or praise and providing an open environment where I can air my views. I also don’t mind a few incentives once in a while since we all love good things as humans.
9. What Would You Do if You Caught a Fellow Worker Stealing?
The interviewer wants to know whether you are honest and can be trusted. Employee theft is one of the leading causes of loss in the workplace. Tell the interviewer how you would help prevent or handle employee theft. Show that you are a person of high integrity.
Sample Answer
I don’t condone any theft in the workplace. As a repeat victim, I understand how draining it can be. Therefore, if I catch an employee stealing, I will report to the supervisor or the guard. I will also prevent the theft first if I can. This will apply regardless of whether the thief is a good friend or not. I believe that every employee must protect the organization’s assets and secrets instead of attempting to steal them. I am therefore willing to turn in anyone that wrongfully acquires the company’s belonging.
10. What’s Your Preferred Shift?
You should have in mind that this organization has several shifts since they operate 24 hours a day. Therefore, mention a timeframe that suits you.
Sample Answer
I believe that I am highly flexible and can therefore work any shift. However, I am recently married and need time to spend with my wife. I may, therefore, not be suitable for night shifts. I prefer to work during the day, be it in the morning or afternoon. However, that doesn’t mean that I won’t occasionally fill in for a colleague working at night. All I need is to be notified in advance. I believe that we will find a way of working things out.
11. We Value Excellent Customer Service Here at DHL. What Would You Do If You Can’t Locate a Shipment and The Customer is Waiting in Line?
Organizations value the customer service they extend to their clients since it is one of the ways of building a loyal customer base. Convince the interviewer that you can handle such sensitive issues professionally.
Sample Answer
Having been in the logistics and shipping industry for a while, I understand that these situations are always likely to happen. In such a scenario, I will apologize to the customer and ask for some time to locate the shipment. I will then ask around or check the supporting records while working fast to locate them. After finding it, I will apologize again to the customer and assure them of faster and better service next time.
12. How Do You Manage a Huge Workload?
DHL is one of the biggest logistics and shipping companies worldwide, meaning that you should expect a huge workload. You need to convince the interviewer that you can handle a heavy workload.
Sample Answer
I understand that I will be required to handle a huge workload, which I am prepared for. My organizational and prioritization skills usually come into play during such times. I will plan myself accordingly and prioritize work whenever I have a lot on my plate. I can also multitask while delivering the right quality of work in all the activities I am mandated with. Lastly, I don’t mind asking for help where necessary.
13. How Do You Handle Stress?
You should have quality stress handling techniques owing to the challenges you will face while working at DHL, ranging from huge workloads to workplace obstacles. Mention some of the ways through which you handle stress.
Sample Answer
I have several stress-handling techniques that come in handy whenever I work. When faced with a stressful situation, I breathe in and take some time to recollect myself and plan accordingly before tackling it. I have also learned not to overthink during stressful situations. Additionally, I practice some yoga and meditation, which helps me handle stress better. I believe that I will do a good job when faced with such situations.
14. How Would You Define Hardwork?
What do you mean when you say that you are a hard worker? Convince the interviewer that you know what hardwork means or entails.
Sample Answer
I believe that hard work is giving one’s all to a job or a given course. It involves going above and beyond to achieve a given result or meet a specific objective. A hardworking person is always ready to do everything possible to succeed in whatever they do. It may also mean putting in the extra effort to a job or course.
15. Can You Mention Some of Our Main Competitors?
You must have come across this question several times in interviews. The correct answer will tell the interviewer that you understand the market dynamics around the company. Mention some of the institutions giving this company a run for its money.
Sample Answer
Given the popularity and importance of shipping and logistics, DHL has several competitors. These include Landmark Global Inc., FedEx, Neovia Logistics, and TNT. All of these offer international express, road and rail transportation, air and ocean freight, warehousing and distribution, contract logistics, and international mail services. Other competitors include XPO Logistics, UPS, USPS, and DASCHER.
16. How Will This Job Help You at This Point in Your Career?
The interviewer wants to know how the role you have applied for will benefit your career. Think through your answer and align it to the company.
Sample Answer
I want to make a change and be exposed to new challenges at this point in my career. DHL being a big multinational company, will present me with the challenges I am looking for. It will also allow me to work with new people and lots of creative minds, which I need in my career. Working here will better me and put me in the direction I need.
17. Do You Know Our Customer Base?
Do you understand the primary customer base of this company? The interviewer expects you to conduct a level of research about the organization that should help you answer such questions.
Sample Answer
DHL’s customer base is people who want to deliver parcels both domestically and internationally. It serves both the domestic and international market thanks to its variety of services made possible by its diversification. It also serves the rural market, which may explain its success over the years. It is suitable for those who want to ship a larger group of packages as it charges lesser than other courier and shipment services.
18. What Do You Understand by LTL Freight Shipping?
The interviewer wants to know if you have some industry knowledge on different aspects. Show that you understand the logistics industry. Remember, the interviewer will know your level of experience based on your answer.
Sample Answer
LTL, which refers to less than truckload freight shipping, is used to transport small freights. It comes in handy when goods don’t require an entire trailer to be transported. It is mainly used to transport goods weighing between 150 and 15000 pounds. The person shipping the item normally pays for the portion of the trailer their goods occupy, whereas other shippers pay for the unoccupied space. There are several advantages of using LTL.
19. Do You Know Our Mission?
You should know the mission statement of the interviewing company if you want to succeed in your interview. This will show that you have done your research well. Make sure that you get it right.
Sample Answer
I have researched a lot about your company and therefore know your mission and vision statements. You intend to make your customers, employees, and investors more successful, contribute to making the world a better place, facilitate and simplify the lives of Custer’s worldwide, and show respect to everyone while performing exceedingly well. This explains how your operations have been structured.
20. Do You Prefer to Work Alone or in Team Settings?
The interviewer wants to know your preferred method of working. Do you prefer working alone or in the company of others? Whereas you should tell the interviewer that you have no problem with both, feel free to pick a preference.
Sample Answer
I can work alone and in team settings. I have done both in my career, and I have to mention that I am pretty good at all of them. However, I prefer working in team settings because it brings out the best in me. I also love collaborative work because it enhances the flow of ideas and ensures that people get along well. It fosters a good relationship between employees needed for the progress of the company.
Conclusion
These are some of the common questions in DHL interviews. Make sure that you prepare well for your interview and give the interviewer a good first impression.
