Come Ready to Succeed
Want to make the most of your interview with Hormel Foods? Be prepared! By following the three “Rs” of interviewing—Research, Get Ready and Relax—you can put your best foot forward and get the information you need to make a more informed career choice.
What to Expect
Now that you have an interview scheduled with a Hormel Foods representative, what can you expect? The first interview, whether it is on-campus, over the phone or in the Corporate Office, will take approximately 30 minutes. If you are scheduled for a second round of interviews in the Corporate Office, you can expect to have multiple 30-minute interviews throughout the day with Hormel Foods employees from your area of interest, such as Sales, Production, Accounting and so forth. The tips listed below will help you get ready for the big day.
Do Your Homework
Before you meet with a Hormel Foods representative at your college or speak with a Hormel Foods representative over the phone, do a little homework. Look around www.hormelfoods.com and gather information about the company. Look at the job description and learn about what the job entails. Prepare some questions about the company, possible jobs and advancement opportunities. This interview is not just our chance to get to know you; it is also your opportunity to get to know us and see if Hormel Foods is a good fit for you.
Know Your Resume and Skill Set
If you've made changes to your resume, please bring/send us an updated version. Make sure you can describe your strengths and skills, as well as discuss past jobs and other experience that appear on your resume.
In Person - Dress for Success
On campus and at the Corporate Office—you are trying to make your best first impression. One of the easiest ways to make a good first impression is to dress professionally. Professional dress is a step above business casual. It includes a suit or collared shirt with tie for men or a suit and dress blouse for women.
On the Phone - Find the Right Environment
If you are going to have a phone interview, make sure you are in a quiet location where you can easily listen to and answer the interviewer's questions. Have a pen and paper handy to write down information. It is always a good idea to use a landline if you have one available since the sound quality is usually better.
Relax and be Yourself
You've done your homework; now relax into the process and allow yourself to become fully engaged. Natural enthusiasm and a positive attitude will take you a long way in making a positive impression and showing all you can bring to Hormel Foods.
Be Prepared to Think
Hormel Foods uses behavior-based interviewing techniques. Behavior-based interviewing is based on the premise that past behavior is a predictor of future behavior. Thus, how you have acted or responded in the past is probably how you will handle yourself in the future. During a behavioral interview, you can expect the following:
- Instead of asking theoretical or hypothetical questions, the interviewer will ask for specific examples of how you did behave in past situations
- The interviewer will probe for specific examples, and you will be asked for details surrounding the situation
- The interviewer may take notes
When answering a behavior-based interview question, you should explain the problem or Situation, describe the Behavior you personally exhibited and describe the Outcome or result. To prepare for this type of interview at Hormel Foods, you should think of examples from past experiences where leadership, work ethic, initiative, attention-to-detail, communication and persuasive skills were demonstrated. The examples can come from class projects, work experiences, student activities or living situations. Tell the interviewer your story keeping in mind that the person will be looking for the Situation, Behavior and Outcome.
Ask Away
Ask plenty of questions, especially if you don't understand a question that you've been asked. Don't be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase a question for clarification. If the interviewer asks you to walk through the steps you took to solve a specific problem, realize that in the interview process, we are not always looking for just the end result, but the way you got there, as well as your ability to explain the steps clearly and succinctly. Also, if you still have questions about anything after meeting with your interviewers, contact your recruiter; he or she will be happy to help you with the answers you need.
Understand the Position
Don't be afraid to ask questions about the position. An interview is a chance for you to learn more about the job and the company. Make sure that you understand the responsibilities of the job. Ask about the job expectations. Have the interviewer go over the training program. Knowing more about the job will help you make an informed decision if an offer is made.
Good luck and happy interviewing!