20 Arrow Electronics Interview Questions and Answers

Arrow Electronics is a global provider of products, services, and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions.

As a leading technology company, Arrow Electronics is often at the forefront of new and innovative technologies. This means that the company needs to hire employees who are not only knowledgeable about the latest technologies, but who are also able to adapt to new technologies as they are developed.

To find the best candidates for these positions, Arrow Electronics uses a variety of interview questions that are specific to the company. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common Arrow Electronics interview questions.

Arrow Electronics Interview Process

The interview process at Arrow Electronics is relatively lengthy, taking an average of six weeks from start to finish. However, the difficulty level of the interviews themselves is not particularly high, with most candidates reporting that they felt well-prepared for the questions asked. Overall, the experience is generally positive, with many employees finding the staff to be friendly and helpful throughout the process.

1. What do you know about Arrow Electronics?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company. It also allows you to show that you have done some research on Arrow Electronics and are familiar with its history, products and services. When preparing for this question, make sure to read up on Arrow Electronics’ website or any other sources you can find online.

Example: “I know that Arrow Electronics has been in business since 1971. I also know that it’s one of the largest electronics distributors in the world. In fact, it distributes over $50 billion worth of electronic components each year. I am very excited about the opportunity to work for such an established company.”

2. How would you describe yourself as a salesperson?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your sales skills and how you can help their company. Use examples from previous jobs that highlight your strengths as a salesperson, such as communication, problem-solving or teamwork.

Example: “I am a highly motivated individual who enjoys helping customers find solutions to their problems. I have excellent customer service skills and enjoy building relationships with my clients. In my last position, I was responsible for finding new clients and maintaining existing ones. I would call on businesses in my area to introduce myself and offer assistance with any technical questions they had about our products.”

3. Which product or service interests you the most and why?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and its products. It also allows you to share which product or service you would be most excited to work with if hired. When answering this question, make sure to choose something that relates to what you studied in school or your previous experience.

Example: “I am very interested in Arrow’s IoT platform because I have been working on my own IoT project for the past year. My goal was to create an automated system that could monitor the temperature inside a shipping container during transport. Using Arrow’s IoT platform, I was able to complete my project successfully.”

4. Describe your experience with negotiating business deals.

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with negotiating and how you approach it. Use examples from previous work to show that you know how to negotiate effectively.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for negotiating a contract between our company and another business. The other business wanted us to lower our prices on certain products we sold, but I knew that doing so would put us at a loss. Instead of lowering our prices, I offered them a discount if they purchased more products from us. They agreed, and we were able to maintain our profit margins while still meeting their needs.”

5. What is your favorite technology on the market right now?

This question is a great way to see if you are passionate about technology and the industry. It also allows employers to get an idea of what kind of technologies they might be able to sell in their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something that you have experience with or something that you would like to learn more about.

Example: “My favorite technology on the market right now is blockchain. I am fascinated by how secure it is and how it could change the world. I think it’s important for businesses to start implementing blockchain into their operations so we can begin to understand its full potential.”

6. Describe how you would approach the sale of a complex piece of equipment.

This question is an opportunity to show your sales skills and how you can help a customer. It also gives the interviewer insight into how you would approach working with Arrow Electronics customers.

Example: “I would first do my research on the equipment, including its specifications and applications. I would then contact the client to set up a time for a demonstration of the product. During the demonstration, I would explain the benefits of the equipment and answer any questions they may have about it. If the client seems interested in purchasing the equipment, I would provide them with all the necessary information so that they could make their decision.”

7. Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your ability to work in a busy environment. This is because many businesses, including Arrow Electronics, are often under tight deadlines and need employees who can handle the pressure of working quickly. In your answer, explain that you enjoy working in fast-paced environments as long as you have clear instructions on what needs to be done.

Example: “I am comfortable working in a fast-paced environment as long as I know exactly what my tasks are. When there’s a lot going on around me, I find it helpful to have a plan for how I’m going to get everything done. I also like being able to multitask so I can complete several projects at once.”

8. Describe how you would handle a difficult client who was asking for unreasonable discounts.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you have the ability to resolve it. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and customer service orientation.

Example: “I would first try to understand why they are asking for a discount. If I feel that their request is unreasonable, I will explain this to them in a calm and professional manner. I will also let them know that Arrow Electronics offers competitive pricing on all of our products and services. However, if they still insist on receiving a discount, I will offer them a compromise by reducing the price by 10%.”

9. Tell me about a time when you were able to successfully negotiate a deal that initially had no room for negotiation.

This question can allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to negotiate. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention a specific situation where you were able to successfully negotiate with someone who was unwilling to do so at first.

Example: “When I worked as an IT specialist for a small business, the company’s server crashed and we needed a new one immediately. The only server that would work for us was more expensive than what we had budgeted for, but I spoke with the sales representative about our situation and they agreed to lower the price of the server by 10%. This allowed us to purchase the server without having to wait any longer.”

10. Do you think it’s important to be up to date on current technologies? Why?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of interest in technology and how you stay up to date on new developments. Your answer should show that you’re passionate about technology and eager to learn more about the latest innovations.

Example: “I think it’s important for engineers to be aware of current technologies because they can provide valuable insight into what types of projects we may encounter in the future. I subscribe to several engineering newsletters, which keep me informed about the newest advancements in technology. In fact, I recently learned about a new type of battery that charges much faster than traditional batteries. This knowledge could help me design more efficient products in the future.”

11. Have you managed a team before? If yes, what did you enjoy about being a manager?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential manager’s leadership style. If you have worked with managers in the past, consider what they did that was effective and how it helped you succeed. If you haven’t managed a team before, think of other positions where you had responsibility for others’ success.

Example: “I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some amazing leaders throughout my career. One of my favorite things about working under them was their ability to empower me as an individual. They would give us challenging projects and then let us figure out how to solve them on our own. I really enjoyed being able to use my creativity and problem-solving skills to help my team achieve its goals.”

12. In what areas do you feel like you can improve as a salesperson?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your self-awareness and willingness to improve. Use examples from your previous experience where you’ve worked on a skill or behavior that could use improvement.

Example: “I feel like I need to work on my presentation skills. In my last role, I was able to learn how to make more engaging presentations by practicing in front of a mirror. This helped me become more comfortable with public speaking and gave me some new ideas for my sales pitches. Another area I’d like to improve is my cold calling skills. I’m confident in my ability to connect with people over the phone, but I think I could be better at asking questions to get prospects engaged.”

13. Tell me about an instance where you felt under pressure due to project timelines. How did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle pressure and deadlines. Use examples from your experience to show that you are a strong problem solver who is able to meet tight deadlines.

Example: “In my previous role, I was working on a project with a client who needed our services immediately. The company had an urgent need for new equipment because their current equipment was failing. We were already booked up with other projects, but we agreed to work overtime to ensure we could complete this project by the deadline. My team worked hard to get everything done in time so we could deliver it to the client.”

14. Can you recall any instances where you increased revenue from one quarter to another?

This question is a great way to show your ability to increase revenue and help the company grow. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you helped achieve that goal and what steps you took to make it happen.

Example: “In my last position as an IT manager for a small business, I noticed we were spending more money on our technology than other businesses of similar size. After researching why this was happening, I found out we had several outdated computers in use by employees. I presented my findings to upper management and they agreed to purchase new computers for all employees. We purchased enough computers to replace every one currently in use, which saved us thousands of dollars per year.”

15. Is there anything else we should know about you?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are a well-rounded person. You can use this time to talk about any other skills or experiences that may be relevant to the job, such as foreign language abilities, computer programming experience or volunteer work.

Example: “I have been working toward my CPA certification for the past two years and I am hoping to complete it by the end of 2018. I also speak Spanish fluently, which has helped me communicate with our international suppliers.”

16. What are some traits you look for when hiring someone for a sales position?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have similar values to Arrow Electronics. Use your answer to show that you value hard work, dedication and a positive attitude.

Example: “I look for candidates who are highly motivated and goal-oriented. I also want someone who is willing to put in long hours when necessary and has excellent communication skills. In my experience, these traits are essential for success in sales because they allow employees to be more effective at communicating with customers and achieving their goals.”

17. Give us an example of a time you overcame objections from a customer.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle customer service challenges. Use examples from your previous experience to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to overcome obstacles.

Example: “In my last position, I had a customer who was hesitant about purchasing our products because they were more expensive than other brands. However, I explained that we offer high-quality products with warranties and excellent customer service. The customer ended up buying our products after I answered all of their questions and concerns. They returned to us for future purchases because of our quality products and competitive prices.”

18. What is your ideal work environment?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you would be a good fit for Arrow Electronics. Your answer should include details about your ideal work environment and how it relates to Arrow Electronics.

Example: “I thrive in an open office space where I have access to my coworkers, but also have privacy when needed. I find that having a large group of people around me helps me stay motivated and productive throughout the day. However, I also value quiet time at my desk, so I like to have a private area to focus on projects or take phone calls.”

19. Describe a time you worked closely with a colleague to achieve a goal. How did you help them?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your teamwork skills. Use examples from your previous job to show how you helped a colleague and what they contributed to the team.

Example: “At my last job, I worked with a coworker who was new to our department. They were having trouble understanding some of the technical aspects of their job, so I offered to help them after work hours. We met for an hour each day for two weeks until they felt comfortable with their tasks. This allowed me to teach them while also helping myself understand the company’s processes better.”

20. Why do you want to work at Arrow Electronics?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have done your research on Arrow Electronics. They may also want to know what attracted you to this company and whether it aligns with your career goals. When preparing for this interview, read about Arrow Electronics online or in a newspaper. Consider how their values match up with yours and how you could contribute to the company’s success.

Example: “I am drawn to working at Arrow Electronics because of its reputation as an innovative leader in technology. I believe that my background in engineering and computer science would be a great asset to the team. I am excited to work for a company that is dedicated to providing solutions to customers’ needs.”