Acing the Unilever Interview: Answers to the Top 10 Questions

Interviewing at Unilever can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. As one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies Unilever receives thousands of applicants every year for coveted roles across their 400+ brands. With so much competition you need to be fully prepared to stand out.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 10 most commonly asked Unilever interview questions. Understanding what the interviewers want to learn and crafting thoughtful responses can help you impress the hiring managers and land the job.

1. Why Do You Want to Work for Unilever?

This question tests your knowledge of and enthusiasm for the company. Interviewers want to gauge your passion and ensure you’re not just blindly applying.

To ace your answer:

• Do your research on Unilever their brands culture, and values. Check their website and news articles.

• Share your genuine interest in the company’s purpose-driven initiatives around sustainability and social impact. Give examples.

• Talk about specific brands or products you love and how you’d be excited to work on them.

• Mention if you know any current employees and have heard great things about the culture

• Convey your alignment with Unilever’s values like integrity, respect, and pioneering spirit.

2. What Would You Do If You Were Juggling Various Projects and You Were in Danger of Missing a Deadline?

Unilever wants to know how you handle stress and prioritize when faced with competing demands. Use this question to demonstrate your:

• Time management abilities – Explain how you track multiple projects simultaneously and rearrange priorities as needed. Discuss using tools to stay organized.

• Communication skills – Highlight how you would keep all stakeholders updated on progress and challenges to set expectations.

• Problem-solving attitude – Share how you brainstorm solutions, such as asking teammates for support or negotiating adjusted timelines with managers.

• Composure under pressure – Emphasize that you don’t panic when challenges arise and focus energy on constructing an action plan.

3. How Would You React if You Were Given Negative Feedback from Your Line Manager?

Hiring managers want to see how receptive you are to feedback, even criticism. Respond by emphasizing you:

• Welcome feedback as an opportunity for growth and believe we must continuously improve.

• Handle criticism objectively by listening without getting defensive and asking clarifying questions.

• Are proactive about soliciting feedback regularly, not just waiting for annual reviews.

• Approach your manager respectfully to understand their perspective and discuss how you can improve.

• Follow up by creating an action plan with specific steps based on the feedback.

4. How Would You Deal with a Difficult Team Member?

Your answer will reveal your people management abilities and patience for interpersonal challenges. Share that you would:

• Initiate a private conversation to understand their challenges and perspective. An open dialogue is key.

• Establish agreed upon guidelines for professional conduct that apply to the entire team.

• Involve other colleagues and ask for feedback if it seems like a recurring issue versus isolated incident.

• Remain calm and focus on resolving conflicts constructively, avoiding emotional reactions.

• Consult a supervisor if problems persist without improvement after sincere attempts.

5. Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?

Use this opportunity to remain positive about your past employer and role. Explain you:

• Gained valuable experience and skills that have prepared you for this next step.

• Are seeking greater challenges, growth opportunities, and impact aligned with your long-term goals.

• Appreciate aspects of your current culture but are drawn to Unilever’s commitment to purpose and sustainability.

• Feel it is the right time for a change after hitting milestones and wrapping up key projects.

6. What Are Your Salary Expectations?

Research typical Unilever salaries on sites like Glassdoor and prepare a reasonable range based on your experience level and location. When asked, share your range then reinforce that:

• You’re flexible on compensation and prioritize finding the perfect role fit and growth opportunities.

• Beyond base pay, you look at the entire package – culture, benefits, bonuses, equity, etc.

• You hope to earn fair market value for your background and are open to negotiating if an offer is extended.

7. Why Do You Want to Work in [Insert Department/Role here]?

Show you understand and feel passionate about the core functions and responsibilities of the specific department or role. Illustrate why it aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals.

If asked about marketing for example, you could mention your proven advertising campaign experience makes you an ideal fit to join Unilever’s world-class marketing department. Or if interviewing for an operations role, spotlight your Six Sigma certification and track record optimizing manufacturing processes.

8. Tell Me About a Time You Led a Successful Team.

Use the STAR interview method to craft your response:

Situation: Briefly explain the situation and team you led.

Task: Describe your objectives and what you needed to achieve.

Action: Share the actions you personally took to lead, direct, motivate, and support your team.

Result: Highlight the positive outcomes and impact of your leadership. Quantify results with metrics.

Conclude by reflecting on key lessons you learned about your strengths and areas for improvement when leading teams.

9. Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

Hiring managers want to gauge your long-term fit and advancement potential. Emphasize you:

• Plan to grow significantly in skills, responsibilities, and impact based on the learning and development opportunities at Unilever.

• Aim to assume greater leadership roles and expand team and budget management abilities.

• Hope to progress into an upper management position leading a function or business unit.

• Aspire to deepen your industry expertise and one day leverage it to mentor newer hires.

• Intend to become a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to senior executives.

10. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?

Always prepare thoughtful questions to show your engagement and curiosity about the company. Here are some examples:

• How would you describe the culture here? What makes it unique?

• What are the top priorities and challenges the team is focused on this year?

• What performance metrics are used to define success for this role?

• What training programs are available for professional development?

• What opportunities are there for rotation across different brands and functions?

• What career trajectories have previous employees in this role taken?

• When can I expect to hear back regarding your hiring decision?

Preparing compelling and authentic answers to these common Unilever interview questions will prove you have the necessary skills, mindset, and motivation to thrive. Show your passion for the company and potential colleagues. With some practice and confidence, you can master the interview and launch an amazing career at this purpose-led organization. Good luck!