Preparing for Your Oriental Trading Company Interview: Common Questions and How to Ace Your Responses

Interviewing at Oriental Trading Company? As one of the nation’s largest B2B and B2C suppliers of party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties, and more, Oriental Trading Company receives thousands of applications every year for roles ranging from customer service to IT and product development Competition is stiff, but going in prepared and knowing what to expect can help set you apart

In this article, I’ll cover some of the most frequently asked interview questions at Oriental Trading Company based on Glassdoor reports and other insider tips I’ll also provide suggestions on how to craft strong, thoughtful answers that highlight your skills and experience With some prep work, you’ll be ready to impress hiring managers and land the job!

Overview of Oriental Trading Company

First, let’s do a quick rundown of Oriental Trading Company. Founded in 1932, the company offers over 40,000 products across party supplies, arts and crafts, school supplies, toys and novelties, and more. They largely sell wholesale to businesses, nonprofits, churches, and schools. But they also have a thriving retail ecommerce operation at www.orientaltrading.com with over 2 million customers.

Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Oriental Trading Company employs over 2,000 people. Departments range from marketing to IT to operations and warehouse management. It was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2012 and continues steady growth year after year.

Common Interview Questions and How to Answer

Now, let’s get into the interview questions. While every interview is unique, there are some frequent questions that come up. Here are some of the most common Oriental Trading Company interview questions with tips on how to craft a strong response:

Why do you want to work for Oriental Trading Company?

This is a very common opener aimed to gauge your interest and motivation. Be specific by mentioning:

• Details you admire about the company’s history, reputation, leadership, values, and community involvement. Show you’ve done your research.

• Aspects of the role itself that appeal to you, like the job duties, challenges, and ability to grow your skills.

• Ways you believe your background and strengths would allow you to contribute.

What experience do you have in this field or role?

Use this opportunity to connect your past experience and accomplishments directly to the role you’re interviewing for.

• If you lack direct experience, highlight transferable skills gained in past jobs or academics. Emphasize eagerness to learn.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell concise stories that showcase abilities they are looking for. Quantify results when possible.

How would you handle an unhappy customer?

For customer-facing roles, expect behavioral questions like this. The interviewer wants to understand your thought process and service skills.

• Express empathy and a commitment to resolving issues. Avoid blaming the customer.

• Describe your step-by-step approach to listening, understanding, and working to find a satisfactory resolution. Reference policies if needed.

• Share an example of successfully placating an unhappy customer from your past, if possible. Focus on the positive outcome.

Why should we hire you over other candidates?

This is your sales pitch! Share one or two standout qualities or achievements that make you the best choice over other applicants.

• Stay concise and genuine. Now is not the time for arrogance.

• Consider pointing to something unique like specialized skills, passion for the company’s mission, or cultural fit.

• Back up claims with brief examples of how you’ve used these qualities to fuel success in the past.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This helps assess your long-term goals and interest in growing your career at the company.

• Express your hope to still be working, developing, and contributing meaningfully at Oriental Trading Company.

• Share aspirations to take on more responsibility in your area of passion, whether people management, customer success, or something else.

• You can mention an upward title you’d work towards, but avoid sounding entitled or demanding. Stay flexible.

What are your salary requirements?

Do your market research beforehand so you can give a reasonable salary range based on average pay for this role in your location.

• If asked early in the process, say you’re open to discussing salary once you learn more about the role’s responsibilities. You want to wait for a formal offer to negotiate.

• When providing a range, keep the low end near your minimum salary needs to allow room for negotiation.

• Practice discussing pay confidently and without apology. But avoid seeming greedy.

What are your greatest strengths?

This is a chance to sell your top strengths aligned to the role. Choose honest attributes and back each one up with an example.

• Start with strengths mentioned in the job description like “organization” or “communications skills.”

• Choose transferable skills that apply to almost any role like “reliability” and “critical thinking.”

• Share qualities that may be unique to you like “creativity” or “passion for customer success.”

What are your greatest weaknesses?

The key here is to choose a minor weakness not core to the job. Then, describe how you actively work to improve.

• Go with a common standard like “trouble delegating” or “tendency to over-prepare.” Show you’re self-aware.

• After naming your weakness, pivot to steps you’ve taken to get better. Share the progress you’ve made.

• End by reiterating your commitment to continuous improvement. They want to hire someone coachable.

Why are you leaving your current job?

If transitioning from another role, be diplomatic about why you’re moving on. This is not the time to vent or trash talk.

• Give a positive, future-focused answer like seeking new challenges and growth opportunities.

• If there were issues like lack of advancement potential or work/life balance struggles, phrase it carefully.

• Never speak poorly of past managers or colleagues. Express gratitude for the experiences you gained.

Additional Tips to Prepare

• Research the company’s mission, history, products, leadership, culture, and recent news. Being informed shows commitment.

• Practice your interview responses out loud to polish your delivery. But avoid sounding over-rehearsed.

• Prepare smart questions to ask that demonstrate your business acumen and curiosity about the company.

• Dress professionally in appropriate business attire. Arrive 10 minutes early with copies of your resume and references.

• Greet interviewers with a smile and firm handshake. Make steady eye contact and exhibit confident body language.

• Express thanks and follow up within 24 hours with a thank you email reaffirming your interest in the role.

Land Your Dream Job at Oriental Trading Company

With nearly a century of steady growth and success under its belt, Oriental Trading Company remains a thriving Nebraska institution and leading wholesale supplier and retailer. The key is differentiating yourself amidst stiff competition by showcasing how your skills and experience directly match their needs. Preparation and polish will serve you well in landing your next role. Use these common interview questions and insider tips to highlight your top strengths. With some diligent practice, you’ll be ready to put your best foot forward. Here’s to securing the job and joining the Oriental Trading Company team!