20 Barrick Gold Interview Questions and Answers

Barrick Gold is the largest gold mining company in the world, with operations in more than a dozen countries. The Canadian-based company is also one of the largest producers of copper, with mines in the United States, Australia, and Peru.

Barrick Gold is always looking for talented and ambitious employees to join their team. If you’re hoping to land a job at Barrick Gold, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability.

In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Barrick Gold interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Barrick Gold Interview Process

The interview process at Barrick Gold can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone interview and one in-person interview. The interviews are generally fairly relaxed and questions are mostly based on your experience and qualifications. The hiring process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

1. What is your experience with the mining industry?

Barrick Gold is a mining company, so it’s likely they’ll ask this question to see if you have any experience working in the industry. This can be an opportunity for you to share your knowledge of the mining process and how you’ve contributed to a successful operation.

Example: “I worked at a small gold mine before coming here. My role was as a miner, where I dug up ore from deep within the earth. It was challenging work, but I learned a lot about the mining industry and gained valuable skills that helped me get my current position.”

2. Do you have any experience working in a team environment?

Barrick Gold is a large company that requires employees to work together. The hiring manager may ask this question to learn more about your teamwork skills and how you’ve used them in the past. To answer, think of a time when you worked with others on a project or task. Explain what made it successful and highlight any specific skills you used to help make it so.

Example: “In my previous position as an accountant, I was part of a team that helped manage the finances for our department. We met once a week to discuss our progress and resolve any issues we encountered. This experience taught me how important communication is when working in a group setting. It also showed me how valuable teamwork can be when completing projects.”

3. How would you handle an employee that was not performing well on their job?

Barrick Gold is a large company that employs thousands of people. The interviewer may ask this question to see how you would handle an employee who was not performing well on the job and also to learn more about your management style. When answering, it can be helpful to mention steps you would take to help the employee improve their performance or ways you would discipline them if they were not willing to work toward improvement.

Example: “I have worked with employees in the past who did not perform as well as I would have liked. In these situations, I try to first find out why they are struggling. If there is something preventing them from doing their best work, I will do my best to help them overcome those obstacles. If there is nothing I can do to help them, I will let them know that I am going to need to replace them.”

4. Describe your approach to risk management.

Barrick Gold is a large mining company that operates in many countries. As such, it’s important for employees to understand how to manage risk and ensure the safety of their colleagues. Your answer should show your interviewer you can use common risk management techniques and apply them to Barrick Gold’s operations.

Example: “I believe there are two types of risks—systemic and operational. Systemic risks are those that affect an entire industry or region, while operational risks are specific to a company. I would first assess all risks using a five-step process. First, I’d identify the probability of each risk occurring. Then, I’d estimate the impact of each risk on the company. Next, I’d determine if we have any control over the risk. Finally, I’d develop a plan to mitigate the risk.”

5. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing the mining industry today?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how you approach challenges. It also helps them understand your knowledge of the industry. Your answer should include two or three challenges, along with what you would do to overcome them.

Example: “I think one of the biggest challenges facing the mining industry today is finding qualified employees. I have experience in this area, having worked at a mine that was understaffed for several months. We hired more people, but it took time to train them. To solve this problem in the future, I would implement training programs so we could hire new employees sooner.”

6. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision at work and how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you make decisions and whether or not you have experience making tough choices. Use examples from your previous work history to explain how you made a decision, what factors influenced it and how it impacted your work.

Example: “In my last position as an operations manager, I had to decide between hiring two candidates for one open position. One candidate was more experienced than the other but also asked for a higher salary. In this situation, I decided to hire the less experienced employee because they were eager to learn and would be able to grow with the company. This choice ended up being beneficial for both the company and the new employee.”

7. Why should we hire you for this position at Barrick Gold?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your relevant skills and experience while also showing enthusiasm for the position.

Example: “I believe I am an excellent candidate for this position because of my extensive knowledge in accounting software and my ability to work well with others. Throughout my career, I have worked as an accountant at three different companies, each time learning new ways to use accounting software to help my employers save money or make more money. My previous employer even asked me to train other employees on using the software, which I was happy to do.”

8. What is your experience with geology?

Barrick Gold is a mining company that operates in many countries. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with geology and how it relates to the work you’ll do at Barrick Gold. If you have any experience working with geologists, describe what they taught you or how you applied their knowledge to your job.

Example: “I’ve worked with geologists before, but I haven’t studied geology myself. However, my previous employers always encouraged me to speak with geologists when we were having issues finding minerals on our property. In fact, one of the geologists I spoke with helped us discover an entirely new deposit of gold on our land. He explained that there are different types of soil that can affect where minerals appear, which helped me understand why we weren’t finding them.”

9. How would you go about finding new sources of gold?

Barrick Gold is a mining company that focuses on finding new sources of gold. This question helps the interviewer understand your research and analytical skills, as well as how you might apply them to benefit their organization. Use examples from your experience in which you found new sources of minerals or metals.

Example: “I would start by researching geological maps for areas with high concentrations of gold deposits. Then I would contact local residents who live near these locations to see if they have ever noticed any unusual activity in those areas. If there are no reports of strange activity, I would then look at satellite images to see if there are any anomalies in the landscape that could indicate a deposit of gold.”

10. Have you worked with different types of software before?

Barrick Gold uses a variety of software to manage its operations. The company wants employees who can use these programs effectively and efficiently. When answering this question, explain your experience with different types of software. If you have no prior experience, mention that you are willing to learn new systems.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different types of software in my previous positions. I am familiar with Microsoft Office products like Word and Excel. I also know how to use accounting software like QuickBooks. In my last position, I used the Oracle ERP system to track production at the mine site. This was an interesting challenge, but I learned how to navigate it quickly.”

11. What kind of strategy would you use to find potential investors?

Barrick Gold is a large mining company that needs to find investors for its projects. The interviewer may ask you this question to see if you have experience finding and convincing potential investors. Use your answer to show the interviewer that you know how to approach investors and convince them of your ideas.

Example: “I would start by researching which companies are in need of funding. I would then reach out to these companies and try to set up meetings with their executives. During these meetings, I would explain my idea for the project and why it’s beneficial to both our organizations. If they agree to fund us, I would work with them to create an agreement that benefits everyone.”

12. What are your thoughts on the current state of the Canadian dollar?

Barrick Gold is a Canadian company, so the interviewer may ask this question to see if you have any thoughts on how the dollar will affect their business. This can be an opportunity for you to show your knowledge of current events and how they relate to the mining industry.

Example: “I think that the Canadian dollar has been steadily declining over the past few years, which is unfortunate because it makes our exports more expensive in foreign markets. However, I also understand that there are many factors that contribute to currency fluctuations, including global trade agreements and natural disasters. As someone who works in the mining industry, I know that we need to find ways to make up for these losses by finding new customers or increasing efficiency.”

13. What do you know about Barrick Gold’s operations?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of Barrick Gold’s operations and how you might fit into them. Use this opportunity to show that you’ve done some research on the company, its values and what it does.

Example: “I know that Barrick Gold is one of the largest gold mining companies in the world. I also understand that it has mines all over the globe, including in Canada, Chile, Australia, Peru and the United States. The company was founded by Peter Munk in 1983, and he still serves as chairman emeritus today. In 2016, Barrik Gold had revenues of $5.2 billion.”

14. What is your experience with data analysis?

Barrick Gold is a large mining company that needs employees who can analyze data to make important decisions. Your answer should show the interviewer you have experience with analyzing data and using it to improve your work. You can describe a time when you used data analysis to solve a problem or achieve a goal.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for monitoring equipment performance. This involved collecting data from sensors on machines and computers. I analyzed this data weekly to identify trends in machine performance. If there were any issues with equipment, I would use the data to determine which machines needed maintenance. This helped me ensure all of our equipment was functioning properly.”

15. Can you tell us about a project where you were able to successfully complete it under tight deadlines?

Barrick Gold is a large company that requires employees to work under tight deadlines. The interviewer wants to know how you will handle working in this type of environment and if you have experience with it. Use examples from your previous job where you had to meet deadlines or other challenging projects.

Example: “At my last job, I was responsible for managing the entire marketing department’s social media accounts. We were launching a new product line, so we needed to create content on multiple platforms. I created a schedule for each employee to post on their platform at least once per day. This helped us reach our target audience and increased sales.”

16. Which areas of the business are you most interested in?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your interests and how they align with Barrick Gold’s goals. Your answer should include two or three areas of interest, along with why you’re interested in them.

Example: “I’m most interested in the mining side of things because I love working outdoors and using my problem-solving skills to find solutions to challenges that arise on site. I also enjoy the accounting aspect of this business because it’s interesting to see how all the numbers add up at the end of the day. Finally, I am very interested in learning more about environmental sustainability initiatives as well.”

17. What is your experience with managing people?

Barrick Gold is a large company that employs thousands of people. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience managing teams and how you would handle the scale of their organization. Use examples from your previous job or discuss what you hope to do in this role.

Example: “I’ve worked with many different types of personalities, including introverts and extroverts. I find it important to understand each person’s strengths and weaknesses so I can assign them tasks that play to their strengths. For example, I had an employee who was very quiet but always turned in her work on time. I learned she enjoyed writing, so I gave her more opportunities to write for our blog.”

18. Give an example of a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

Barrick Gold is a large company that often has many projects going on at once. The hiring manager may ask this question to see how you handle working with others and resolving conflict. Use your answer to show the interviewer that you can work well with others, even in challenging situations.

Example: “In my last position as an accountant, we had several different departments all working on the same project. One day, one of the marketing managers sent out an email about a new campaign they were launching. I was already busy with other tasks, so I forwarded the email to the rest of the team. Unfortunately, the marketing manager took offense to me not responding personally.

I met with them later that day to explain why I didn’t respond right away. They understood and apologized for their behavior. We then came up with a plan where each department could send us ideas for campaigns and we would decide which ones to implement.”

19. How would you describe your leadership style?

Barrick Gold is a large company with many employees. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership style and how you would fit into the existing team. Describe your leadership style in relation to others, including what motivates you and how you encourage others to succeed.

Example: “I believe that my leadership style is collaborative. I like to work with my team members to find solutions to problems and develop new ideas for projects. I also value transparency, so I make sure everyone on my team knows what’s going on at all times. This helps me build trust with my team and ensures they feel comfortable asking questions or voicing concerns.”

20. What do you think is important to remember when trying to be innovative?

Barrick Gold is a large company that needs to innovate in order to stay competitive. Your answer should show the interviewer you understand what it takes to be innovative and how you can apply your skills to help Barrick Gold succeed.

Example: “I think innovation starts with having an open mind. You need to be willing to try new things, even if they seem risky or unconventional. I’ve seen many companies fail because they were too afraid to take risks. In my last position, we had a lot of ideas for improving our processes, but some people were hesitant to implement them. I helped convince others to give our ideas a chance, and we ended up saving the company money.”