20 Axalta Interview Questions and Answers

As one of the world’s leading suppliers of liquid and powder coatings, Axalta Coating Systems is always looking for talented and ambitious individuals to join their team. If you’re interested in working for Axalta, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some specific questions about the company and your qualifications during your interview.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common Axalta interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence.

Axalta Interview Process

The interview process at Axalta can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, you may only have a phone interview, while for others you may have multiple rounds of interviews, both in person and over the phone. Overall, the process is generally lengthy, and you may not hear back from the company for weeks or even months after your initial interview. Additionally, travel expenses are often not reimbursed, despite the company’s promises to do so.

1. Tell me about your experience working in the coatings industry.

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how it relates to their company. Use this opportunity to highlight any previous work experience that you have in the coatings industry, but also include any other relevant experience that may be applicable to the position.

Example: “I worked as an assistant manager at a local paint store where I helped customers find the right coating products for their projects. This experience taught me a lot about different types of coatings and how they can help with specific applications. It also gave me valuable customer service skills that I use every day.”

2. Why do you want to work at Axalta Coating Systems?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your interest in their company. Use this opportunity to show that you’ve done some research on Axalta Coating Systems and why you’re excited to work for them.

Example: “I want to work at Axalta because I’m passionate about innovation, and I see how much effort the company puts into developing new products. I also love working with people who are as dedicated to their jobs as they are to making a difference in the world. I think it’s important to work somewhere where everyone is committed to doing what’s best for the company.”

3. We value diversity and inclusion, can you tell us a time where you have used your cultural awareness to help achieve a goal?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to work with people from different backgrounds. Use examples of how you have used your cultural awareness to help others or achieve a goal in the past.

Example: “In my last position, I worked on a team that was made up of many different cultures and nationalities. One day, one of our employees asked me if I knew what the meaning behind a certain symbol was. I told him that I didn’t know but would find out for him. After researching it, I found out that it meant good luck. He thanked me for finding out the meaning and said he felt better knowing its true meaning.”

4. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. When answering this question, think of two or three strengths you have that are relevant to the position and explain how they help you succeed. Then, think of a weakness you have and explain what steps you’ve taken to improve it.

Example: “I am an extremely organized person, which helps me stay on top of my work. I also have excellent communication skills, so I’m able to clearly communicate with others when there are questions. My biggest weakness is that sometimes I get overwhelmed by large projects. To overcome this, I break down large projects into smaller tasks and set deadlines for myself.”

5. How would you handle someone that is upset with their order?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and complaints. Use examples from your previous experience to show that you are able to resolve issues with customers, vendors or other stakeholders in a professional manner.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they didn’t receive their order on time. I listened to them explain what happened and apologized for any inconvenience. Then, I looked up their order history and found out that they had placed this same order twice before. Once I explained this to them, they understood why it took longer than usual to arrive.”

6. What type of paint or coating solution should be used for specific applications?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company’s products and how they can be used. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list several different applications for which you would use Axalta coatings.

Example: “I have extensive experience working with all types of paint and coating solutions. In my previous role as an automotive painter, I was responsible for knowing what type of solution should be used for specific applications. For example, I knew that powder coatings were best for protecting against corrosion while liquid coatings were better for color matching.”

7. Do you have any experience working with customers from different countries?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you adapt to different cultures and personalities. Use examples from your previous experience that highlight your ability to communicate with others, solve problems and work as a team.

Example: “In my last position, I worked with customers from all over the world. One of my favorite parts of this job was learning about new cultures and customs. For example, one customer in China wanted us to create a custom paint color for their business. We had to learn what colors are considered lucky in Chinese culture and translate those into English so we could accurately describe them to our production team.”

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

The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you’re able to adapt to a fast-paced work environment. To answer, consider your previous experience working in a fast-paced environment and how it prepared you for the future.

Example: “I’ve worked in a fast-paced environment throughout my career, so I’m used to adapting to new situations quickly. In my last role as an account manager, I had to learn new software programs every few months, which helped me become more comfortable with change. I also learned how to prioritize tasks effectively when working in a fast-paced environment.”

9. Describe a time when you had to manage multiple projects at once.

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle multiple responsibilities and prioritize your time. Use examples from previous work experience to explain how you manage projects, meet deadlines and communicate with others.

Example: “In my last role as a project manager, I had to oversee several different projects at once. One of the most challenging aspects was managing multiple teams that were working on separate projects. To ensure everyone stayed informed about each project’s progress, I scheduled weekly meetings where I discussed updates and answered questions. This helped me stay organized and ensured all teams met their deadlines.”

10. Give an example of a project you recently worked on and describe how you approached it.

This question is a great way to show the interviewer your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe how you approached the project and what steps you took to complete it.

Example: “At my previous job, I was tasked with creating an annual report for our company’s board of directors. This task required me to gather information from several different departments within the organization. To ensure that all of the information in the report was accurate, I met with each department head to discuss their goals and objectives for the year. After gathering the necessary information, I organized it into a cohesive document that outlined the company’s performance.”

11. Can you tell me about a time when there was conflict between you and another employee, what happened and how did you resolve it?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific example that shows how you resolved the conflict and what steps you took to do so.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a coworker who was always late for our meetings. This made it difficult to get through all of our tasks on time. After talking to them about it, they said they were having trouble getting up in the morning. We decided to meet earlier than usual one day per week to help them adjust their schedule. They appreciated the extra support and we were able to complete our work without any issues.”

12. If you were put in charge of developing a new product line, how would you approach the problem?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to innovate. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to develop a new product line.

Example: “I would first research the current coatings on the market and what customers are looking for in terms of color and durability. I would then create a list of all the different types of coatings that could meet these needs. Next, I would narrow down my list to three or four coatings that I think have the most potential. After testing each coating, I would choose one that best meets customer needs.”

13. Provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your customer service skills and how you handle challenging situations. Use examples from previous jobs or describe a time when you helped someone who wasn’t a customer.

Example: “When I worked at my last job, we had a client that was having issues with their paint’s durability. They were very upset because they thought we didn’t do our job correctly. After talking to them, I learned that they hadn’t followed the instructions on how to apply the paint properly. Once I explained this to them, they understood and apologized for being so upset. We ended up doing another coat of paint for free.”

14. Which languages are you proficient in?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine your ability to communicate with other employees in the company. If you are interviewing for a position that requires frequent communication with others, it can be beneficial to mention any foreign language skills you have.

Example: “I am proficient in Spanish and French. I learned both languages in high school, but I also took classes at my local community college to improve my fluency. My knowledge of these two languages has helped me work more effectively with our international sales team.”

15. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult customer before? How did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and whether or not you have experience working with customers. Use examples from your previous job to show that you are capable of handling customer complaints and requests effectively.

Example: “In my last position, I had a difficult customer who was upset about an order we were unable to fill on time. Instead of getting defensive, I listened to their concerns and apologized for any inconvenience they experienced. Then, I offered them a discount on their next purchase as compensation for our mistake.”

16. Would you be willing to travel around the country if needed?

If the position requires you to travel, employers may ask this question to see if you’re willing to do so. If they do, it’s important to let them know that you are willing to travel as needed for work.

Example: “Yes, I am willing to travel around the country if necessary. In my previous role, I was required to travel every week and I enjoyed it. It allowed me to meet new people and learn more about different parts of the country.”

17. Research has shown that most people don’t read instructions but instead prefer to watch tutorials. Keeping this in mind, what is your take on instructions/tutorials?

This question is a great way to show your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions. When answering, make sure you highlight how important it is for you to read instructions carefully before starting any task.

Example: “I think that most people prefer watching tutorials over reading instructions because they are more engaging. However, I believe that both methods have their pros and cons. While watching tutorials can be easier, reading instructions thoroughly can help me understand the process better. In my previous role as an accountant, I was responsible for creating financial reports. I would always read the client’s instructions very carefully so that I could create accurate reports.”

18. Describe a time when you had to make decisions about a process without consulting your direct manager.

This question can help the interviewer understand your ability to make independent decisions and how you approach problem-solving.

Example: “In my previous role, I was responsible for managing a team of five employees who were in charge of creating new coatings formulas. My manager had recently left the company, so I took on more responsibility for making decisions about our processes. We needed to create a new formula that would be cost-effective but also meet customer needs. After researching several options, we decided to use an existing formula as a base and add additional ingredients to improve its performance.”

19. What type of research do you think needs to be done before introducing a new product into the market?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the coatings industry and how you can contribute to innovation. When answering, it’s important to highlight your ability to research new products and understand their impact on the company.

Example: “I think that before introducing any new product into the market, there should be extensive research done to ensure its success. I would start by researching the current coatings available in the market and what customers are looking for. From there, I would develop prototypes and test them with different types of surfaces to see which ones work best.”

20. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your manager, what did you do?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you communicate with others. Use examples from previous jobs to showcase your communication and conflict resolution skills.

Example: “In my last position, I disagreed with my manager on a few occasions regarding our marketing strategy. Instead of speaking up in front of everyone, I waited until we were alone to discuss my concerns. My manager was receptive to my ideas and together we came up with a plan that worked for both of us.”