Production Worker Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Production Worker interview questions and answers.

Do you have any past work experience as a production worker where you had to meet challenging physical demands? See answer
Imagine that you repeatedly discover a coworker in the break room during their shift. What would you do? See answer
What is your experience in working with machinery in industrial operations? See answer
What would you do if you noticed that a high volume of the parts you needed to assemble a product had defects? See answer
Describe your past safety training and safety certifications. How would you go about correcting a safety concern in the plant?
Do you have any experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software?
What would you do if you realized you had made a mistake when assembling a batch of products, but they were already packaged up for shipping?
What would you do to become more efficient if you noticed that your production volume was much lower than that of your coworkers?
Do you have any experience operating industrial machinery?
What strategies would you implement to catch up if a quality control issue caused the production line to get backed up?
What would you do if a machine you were operating started to malfunction and you didn’t know how to repair it yourself?
How do you stay motivated to meet quotas and deadlines while performing repetitive tasks?
Are you comfortable using batch production methods to produce goods with similar components?
How would you respond if your production quota was increased to a level that you thought you wouldn’t be able to achieve?
Production workers have to stand on their feet for long periods of time. How do you prevent exhaustion or fatigue on the production floor?

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6 Production Worker Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

Do you have any past work experience as a production worker where you had to meet challenging physical demands?

A:

Production workers typically fulfill roles in busy manufacturing and industrial environments that require sustained attention to detail and demanding physical tasks. Workers must be able to meet all of these tasks that are outlined in the job description. Successful performance as a production worker in a previous job as well as a willingness to use resources to prevent injury are positive signs for employers.

What to look for in an answer:

Ability to perform current role
Awareness and willingness to use tools that prevent injury
Willingness to seek help

Example:

“At my previous job we were required to use safety harnesses and push carts when loads exceeded 50 pounds. We always worked in pairs.”

Q:

“Describe your past safety training and safety certifications: How would you go about correcting a safety concern in the plant?”

A:

Lost time due to on-site work injuries are both costly and stressful for employers. Most lost time injuries can be prevented through proper safety training and the production worker’s willingness to follow established rules and seek help with particularly demanding tasks. This question reveals an applicant’s overall attitude to promote a safety culture and their willingness to proactively improve plant safety and help prevent injuries.

What to look for in an answer:

Evidence of past safety training
Ability to follow established rules
Willingness to be proactive and fix problems

Example:

“In my previous workplace, I had safety certification and trained others in safety practices. If a safety concern arose, we reported all safety concerns directly to the plant supervisor and discussed any relevant safety issues at the monthly safety meeting.”

Q:

Imagine that you repeatedly discover a coworker in the break room during their shift. What would you do?

A:

Production worker jobs are often comprised of workers with little formal education who must perform physically demanding jobs. Worker motivation can sometimes be low, and it is not uncommon for established workers to try to avoid their regular responsibilities. This question reveals an applicant’s understanding of workplace responsibilities as well as their overall willingness to speak up to coworkers and handle workplace conflict.

What to look for in an answer:

Recognition that the coworker’s actions are not following company policies
Proposed method for resolving the conflict
Willingness to report the coworker’s behavior

Example:

“I would ask my coworker to return to the floor and that if they don’t, I will have to report their absence to the supervisor.”

Q:

What is your experience in working with machinery in industrial operations?

A:

Production workers fulfill a wide range of responsibilities, from sorting and packaging to running industrial operations. While many skills can be learned on the job, a strong mechanical aptitude and natural love of manual work are desirable traits for most employers looking to fill production worker positions. Candidates with these kinds of traits are more likely to take initiative and find satisfaction in their position.

What to look for in an answer:

Past experience in job-related tasks
Natural interest in skills needed for the job
Willingness to learn new skills

Example:

“I spent two years at my last place of employment working the frozen meal line. In a few instances, I was able to fix a simple problem with the machinery and continuing working.”

Q:

Do you have any experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.

A:

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is frequently used in production environments to keep track of inventory and production operations. Production workers must be able to use ERP software to document their work and flag errors in work instructions. Past experience with ERP software demonstrates a basic level of computer literacy that is necessary for performing at a high level in a plant.

What to look for in an answer:

Level of technical expertise
Range of experience with different software and tasks
Attention to detail

Example:

“I am familiar with SAP and Oracle and have used them to confirm operations and perform transactions to keep track of inventory and production operations.”

Q:

What would you do if you noticed that a high volume of the parts you needed to assemble a product had defects?

A:

As a direct part of the manufacturing chain, production workers have the opportunity to spot and address quality control issues before they reach the consumer. Strong production worker candidates should take the initiative to communicate with their team about weak spots in the supply chain so they can help prevent costly recalls. This question helps interviewers identify candidates who are proactive about potential manufacturing issues and understand the different circumstances that could lead to poor quality control.

Look for these qualities in a candidate's answer:

Attention to detail
Solution-oriented mindset
Teamwork

Here is one possible response:

Example:

"I understand that not all parts will be perfect, which is why I make sure to to a visual inspection before I start assembly. If I started seeing more issues than usual, I would document the defects to confirm the problem. I'd then have a conversation with the quality assurance inspector or my supervisor. Depending on if the parts were outsourced or produced in-house, I'd help brainstorm ways we could achieve better production quality and eliminate waste from defective parts."

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