If your company ships unique goods that require special certifications to handle, such as produce, you might require experience with food safety, which may come from prior roles as chefs or catering staff.  If your company works in food or pharmaceutical packing, you might seek out candidates with a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certificate. However, this certificate isn’t relevant for all Packer roles.  Listen for answers that show:

• Understanding of warehouse equipment and processes 
• Familiarity with Critical Control Points (CCPs) 
• Willingness to obtain necessary certifications 

Packers generally multitask and manage unexpected problems, making task prioritization key to maintaining efficiency. This question can help you assess how the candidate might balance various tasks throughout the day.  Listen for answers that show:

• Accuracy in assessing how long it takes to complete tasks
• Ability to prioritize tasks by level of importance
• Ability to adapt to unplanned challenges

Packers generally load and unload shipments and transport goods throughout a warehouse. This question helps you understand what machinery candidates can operate and how quickly they might adapt to your material handling processes, warehouse systems and safety awareness protocols.  Listen for answers that show:

• Experience with specific handling equipment, such as forklifts 
• Understanding of warehouse machinery safety protocols 
• Valid equipment licenses, such as a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Accuracy can help Packers stay efficient while performing repetitive tasks quickly. To be successful in the role, candidates may develop strategies to fulfill orders accurately throughout their shift. This question reveals how a candidate would approach this challenge if hired, as well as the techniques they may use, such as checklists, barcode scanners or double-verification steps.  Listen for answers that show:

• Critical thinking skills to improve existing systems 
• Creativity in handling complex problems 
• Attention to detail 

This question reveals what management styles a candidate responds to. Their answer may help you determine which leadership styles best support their success and whether your existing team may align with their expectations.  Listen for answers that show:

• Interpersonal skills to support a team-focused environment 
• Awareness of the qualities they prefer in a team leader 
• Communication skills to express ideas clearly 

Some interruptions are unavoidable, but it's important for Packers to adapt quickly to problems to keep the production process moving. This question lets candidates demonstrate how they respond to challenges.  Listen for answers that show:

• Ability to stay calm when faced with a problem 
• Quick-thinking skills suitable for fast-paced environments 
• Ability to adjust plans and processes 

Packing processes may change to incorporate new technology or other adjustments. Being able to adapt quickly to new methods generally supports success in this role.  Listen for answers that show:

• Specific examples of experience adapting to relevant operational changes 
• Ability to maintain efficiency in changing environments 
• Enthusiasm for new technologies or processes that may improve productivity 

Fast-paced, high-volume positions are typically best approached calmly. This question may reveal which interviewees are already equipped to handle such environments.  Listen for answers that show:

• Thoughtful strategies for maintaining progress in fast-moving environments 
• Examples from previous experience in similar environments 
• Strong multitasking and time management skills

Positive interpersonal relationships among Packers can help maintain good communication and day-to-day productivity. This question lets you evaluate how candidates might approach these connections.  Listen for answers that show:

• Proactive strategies for building and maintaining relationships with coworkers 
• Genuine enthusiasm to be a part of a high-performing team
• Active listening skills to build camaraderie and establish respect

Packers are tasked with safely and efficiently handling goods of various shapes, sizes and fragility. This question highlights a candidate's comfort with packing challenging items that require more care.  Listen for answers that show:

• Problem-solving skills to manage challenging items 
• Familiarity with industrial packing techniques, including materials appropriate for temperature and customs compliance 
• Understanding of when to reach out for help