Top 15 McLane Company Interview Questions and Answers to Help You Get Hired

With operations across all 50 states, McLane Company is one of the largest supply chain services leaders in the US. Getting a job with this rapidly growing Fortune 50 company provides tremendous opportunities for advancement and career development. However, standing out amongst fierce competition requires thorough preparation.

In this article, I’ll share insider tips and strategies for handling the most common McLane interview questions Master these 15 questions and you’ll walk into your interview with the confidence to impress hiring managers and earn a role at this dynamic industry leader Let’s get started!

Overview of McLane’s Interview Process

Before we dive into specific questions, it’s helpful to understand McLane’s standard interview process:

• Initial phone screen with a recruiter
• 1-3 in-person interviews focused on skills, experience and culture fit
• For leadership roles – panel interviews are common
• Possible pre-employment assessments and drug testing
• Reference and background checks for finalists

While each interview is unique, McLane tends to ask behavioral questions that inquire about your previous work experiences and ability to succeed in the available role. Using the STAR method (Situation – Task – Action – Result) can help craft compelling, thorough responses. Let’s look at how to master the top questions.

15 Common McLane Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Question #1: “Tell me about yourself.”

This open-ended question is frequently used to kick off McLane interviews It allows you to shape the narrative and highlight your top selling points

How to Answer Share a 2-3 minute overview of your background, experience and skills most relevant to the role. Emphasize passion for the industry and align with the company’s values.

Question #2: “Why do you want to work for McLane?”

Hiring managers want to gauge your genuine interest and fit for the company. Ensure your answer demonstrates commitment.

How to Answer: Show enthusiasm for their industry leadership, values, and growth opportunities. Highlight aspects of the role that most appeal to you and match your strengths. Back up with evidence of research.

Question #3: “Describe your experience in supply chain, logistics or a related field.”

This is your chance to showcase your specialized experience and how it has prepared you for success in this role. Focus on relevant achievements.

How to Answer: Share examples that highlight skills needed for the job like relationship building, problem solving, and leadership. Quantify results and impact if possible.

Question #4: “How would you handle an unsatisfied or angry customer?”

McLane prioritizes customer relationships, so expect scenarios on resolving conflicts and delivering service excellence. Demonstrate calmness under pressure.

How to Answer: Explain your process for actively listening, empathizing, and identifying solutions. Share an example of turning an unhappy customer into a satisfied one. Stress patience and a customer-focused mindset.

Question #5: “Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it.”

Don’t be afraid to share examples of failure – how you respond provides insight into your self-awareness, accountability, and growth mindset.

How to Answer: Choose a relevant failure, explain the situation briefly, own the mistake, and highlight lessons learned that benefited you later. Stay positive – framing it as a learning opportunity is key.

Question #6: “How would you respond if your manager assigned you a task you felt unprepared for?”

This scenarios assesses your communication skills, humility, and desire for growth. The right response demonstrates maturity.

How to Answer: Affirm your willingness to take on new challenges and learn. Explain how you would approach the manager, asking for training/resources to set yourself up for success. Offer to partner on pieces within your capabilities first.

Question #7: “Tell me about a time you successfully led a project.”

Leadership and project management abilities are valued across many McLane roles. Share examples with impactful results.

How to Answer: Outline a specific project including scope, challenges, and your approach. Emphasize team collaboration, strong communication, and effective planning. Share quantifiable results achieved.

Question #8: “How do you prioritize tasks when everything is high priority?”

Handling competing demands is key in fast-paced logistics roles. Share your strategies for organization and time management.

How to Answer: Explain techniques like categorizing tasks, tackling harder items first, scheduling focus blocks, lists, etc. Emphasize adjusting based on shifting priorities under tight timelines. Share an example if possible.

Question #9: “Describe a time you successfully persuaded someone to see things your way at work.”

Many McLane roles require influence and negotiation skills. Share examples that demonstrate ability to persuade and compromise.

How to Answer: Explain the scenario briefly e.g. convincing leadership to adopt a new process. Highlight techniques like data-based arguments, identifying mutual goals, and maintaining composure. Share the positive result.

Question #10: “Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker. How was it resolved?”

This assesses your communication style, empathy, and problem-solving abilities in resolving conflicts – all critical skills at McLane.

How to Answer: Briefly summarize a specific conflict. Emphasize listening to their perspective, finding common ground, and compromising on a solution. Share how establishing guidelines prevented future issues.

Question #11: “How would you contribute to McLane’s culture of excellence and integrity?”

McLane prides itself on our values and culture. Share how you align with key tenets like quality, ethics, and teamwork.

How to Answer: Highlight how specific values resonate with you personally and professionally. Give examples that demonstrate those values in action from your work history. Offer ideas to actively uphold and promote the culture.

Question #12: “Where do you see yourself five years from now?”

Hiring managers want to gauge your career ambitions and growth potential. Tailor your response based on the department/role.

How to Answer: Express your hope to grow with McLane, citing opportunities to build skills and take on more responsibility over time. Share goals aligned with the open role e.g. “managing a team of logistics analysts”.

Question #13: “How do you build strong relationships with team members?”

For leadership roles especially, McLane wants leaders who motivate teams and foster collaboration. Share examples.

How to Answer: Discuss techniques like clear communication, leading by example, and offering support. Share stories of helping teammates develop skills. Emphasize results achieved together through trust and rapport.

Question #14: “Why should we hire you over other candidates?”

Summarize your top differentiators like specialized experience, cultural fit, work ethic, and passion for the company’s mission.

How to Answer: Explain what makes you the ideal candidate on paper e.g. your background and skills. Also emphasize intangibles like your genuine interest, leadership abilities, and desire to grow with McLane long-term.

Question #15: “Do you have any questions for me?”

Always bring 2-3 thoughtful questions based on your research to show enthusiasm and strategic thinking.

How to Answer: Ask smart questions about growth plans for the department, training programs, or company culture. Avoid basic questions answered on their website. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and preparation.

5 Tips for Acing Your McLane Interview

With preparation now on these common questions, here are a few final suggestions for interview success:

• Dress professionally – Appearance matters, so dress neatly and conservatively. For in-person roles, business casual is recommended.

• Arrive early – Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to account for any traffic or delays. It shows punctuality is important to you.

• Make eye contact – When responding to questions, maintain natural eye contact. This builds rapport with your interviewer(s).

• Watch your body language – Sit upright, avoid fidgeting, and convey confidence through positive body language. This further makes a strong impression.

• Ask insightful questions – Leverage the end to ask thoughtful questions that show your engagement. This leaves a memorable final impression.

With the right mindset and preparation, you can earn a role with this top company. Use these tips and answers as a guide, highlight the value you bring to the table, and good luck! You’ve got this.