20 Brenntag Interview Questions and Answers

Brenntag is the world’s leading chemical distribution company. With its extensive product and service portfolio, Brenntag covers all major markets. If you’re looking for a job at Brenntag, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some company-specific interview questions.

In this article, we’ll give you an overview of Brenntag and some of the most common interview questions you’ll be asked if you’re applying for a job at the company.

Brenntag Interview Process

The interview process at Brenntag is professional and seamless. The interview panel is very personable and fair. The questions are straight forward and related to the role. There is no trick questions or silly questions. All questions are related to the role and the panel wanting to understand your technical background. The process safety manager interview was one hour long with three participants. Questions about achievements and experience on exact cases, how to approach international and multicultural organization. Knowledge about the company and asset standards. Salary and notice period. The sales representative interview was in two steps. First made through a recruitment company: a phone call. After this, they arranged a 1.30 h meeting in Employer’s office. HR Manager, BU Manager and Purchasing Manager were present. Interesting meeting but unfortunately they never shared feedback. The benefits specialist interview was 30 minutes long and during the interview, I learned about their benefits and perks of joining the organization. The internal account manager interview was in two steps. The first step was a phone screening with a HR personal. After a successful phone screening, there was 2 separate video meetings with a Director and Regional Sales manager, each lasted around 1.5 hours long. The management role interview was positive and detailed. The headhunter resulted in the interview with

1. What is your experience with sales?

Brenntag is a sales-driven company, so the interviewer will want to know about your experience with selling and closing deals. Use examples from previous jobs that show you can sell effectively and close deals.

Example: “I have extensive experience in sales, having worked as a sales representative for five years at my current job. I’ve learned how to identify leads and develop relationships with clients to help them find solutions to their chemical needs. I also understand the importance of following up with customers after they place an order to ensure they are satisfied with our products.”

2. Tell me about a time you had to deal with an angry customer, how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a challenging situation and if you have the ability to diffuse it.

Example: “I once had an angry customer who called me because they were not happy with their order. I listened carefully to what they said, apologized for any inconvenience and asked them to explain in more detail what was wrong. After that, I offered to send another shipment of the same product at no cost. The customer accepted my offer and thanked me for my professionalism.”

3. What do you know about Brenntag?

This question is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you did your research on their company. You can use this question as an introduction to your knowledge of Brenntag and how it operates.

Example: “Brenntag has been in business for over 100 years, which makes it one of the oldest chemical distributors in the world. It’s headquartered in Germany but also has offices in the United States, China, Brazil, Mexico, India and Russia. The company offers products and services in three main areas—industrial chemicals, specialty chemicals and performance materials. I am excited about working for such a large and successful organization.”

4. Describe your experience with preparing and presenting reports.

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to organize and present information in a clear, concise way. Use examples from previous work experience or school projects that highlight your attention to detail and communication skills.

Example: “In my last position as a sales associate at a local hardware store, I was responsible for preparing weekly reports on the company’s inventory levels and customer purchases. These reports helped me identify trends in our sales and inventory levels so we could make adjustments where needed. In addition, I used these reports to help prepare monthly financial statements.”

5. If hired, what would be your approach to managing accounts in the chemical distribution industry?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how you would approach a job that requires extensive customer service. Your answer should include specific examples of how you have managed accounts in the past, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Example: “I believe my ability to communicate effectively with customers will be essential for managing accounts at Brenntag. In my last position as a sales representative, I had several large clients who were looking for new suppliers. My company was able to win over two of these clients by providing excellent customer service and competitive pricing. The third client decided to stay with their current supplier because they felt we did not offer enough discounts.”

6. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses as they relate to this position?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be prepared with an answer. Employers ask this question because they want to know what your strengths are as well as any areas you can improve on. When answering this question, try to focus on your strengths while also being honest about your weaknesses.

Example: “I believe my greatest strength is my attention to detail. I am very organized and always make sure that all of my work is accurate. My weakness would probably be my ability to multitask. While I do my best to complete tasks quickly, sometimes I have trouble focusing on just one thing at a time.”

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

Working in a team environment is an important part of the job at Brenntag. The interviewer will want to know that you are able to work well with others and collaborate on projects. Use examples from your previous experience working in teams to show how you can be successful in this role.

Example: “In my current position, I am part of a small project team where we meet weekly to discuss our progress and any challenges we may be facing. I enjoy collaborating with my teammates because it allows us to share ideas and learn from each other. We also use teamwork when solving problems or completing tasks.”

8. Our customers expect quick responses when placing orders. How would you ensure that their needs were met?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.

Example: “I would make sure that my team members were aware of the importance of responding quickly to customer inquiries, placing orders and processing payments. I would also ensure that we had a system in place for tracking all incoming emails so that our staff could respond to customers as soon as they received their inquiry. This way, we can ensure that customers receive responses within 24 hours.”

9. Can you tell us about one of your most successful sales experiences?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new colleague’s sales experience. It can also help the interviewer get an idea of what kind of person you are and how you might fit in with their company culture.

Example: “I once had a client who was looking for a specific chemical that they couldn’t find anywhere else. I spent hours researching online, calling other companies and talking to my contacts until I found out that one of our suppliers had just gotten a shipment of it. I called them immediately and got the order placed before anyone else could buy it.”

10. What do you think will lead to your success at Brenntag?

This question is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you have done your research on Brenntag and can apply what you’ve learned about the company to your own career goals.

Example: “I think my success at Brenntag will come from my ability to adapt to change, learn new things and work with different types of people. I’m always looking for ways to improve myself and my performance, so I would be excited to take advantage of any training or development opportunities offered by this company.”

11. We want our account managers to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to get an idea of your work ethic and how you would fit into their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific examples of times when you have worked independently in the past.

Example: “I think I would be a good fit for working independently at Brenntag because I am used to having a lot of responsibility on my plate. In my previous role as an account manager, I was responsible for managing multiple accounts and making sure all of our clients were happy with our services. This helped me develop skills that allow me to work independently.”

12. The chemical distribution market is changing quickly. How do you keep up with the latest developments?

Brenntag is looking for candidates who are up-to-date on the latest developments in their industry. Your answer should show that you have a passion for your work and that you’re willing to learn new things.

Example: “I am passionate about my job, so I always try to stay informed about the latest trends in the chemical distribution market. For example, I read several blogs and newsletters from other companies in this field. I also attend conferences and seminars where experts share their knowledge with others.”

13. Give an example of a difficult situation you faced at work and how you handled it.

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills and how you react to challenging situations. Use examples from previous jobs that show you’re capable of handling difficult situations with confidence and professionalism.

Example: “In my last position, I was working on a project when one of my colleagues had to leave for an emergency family matter. I took over her responsibilities while still completing my own work. This situation presented me with a challenge because it required me to manage two projects at once. However, I accepted the challenge and managed both projects successfully.”

14. What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what your greatest professional achievements are. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about a time when you were able to exceed expectations or solve a problem in an innovative way.

Example: “My greatest professional achievement was when I helped my previous employer increase sales by 10% within six months of starting as a sales representative. We had just started selling our products online, so I worked with the marketing team to create a digital advertising campaign that would attract customers to our website. This strategy resulted in us receiving more than $1 million in revenue during the first quarter.”

15. Which area of chemical distribution are you most interested in?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your interests align with Brenntag’s business objectives. Your answer should show that you have done research on the company and its products and services.

Example: “I am most interested in the pharmaceutical distribution sector, as I believe it is an important part of ensuring people get access to the medications they need. In my last role, I worked closely with a pharmaceutical distributor to ensure their inventory was always up-to-date and available for shipment. This helped me develop my skills in managing complex supply chains.”

16. How often do you like to be in contact with your team members when working on a project?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you interact with your team members and whether you prefer to work independently or in collaboration. Your answer should reflect that you value teamwork and enjoy collaborating with others on projects.

Example: “I like to be in contact with my team members as often as possible, especially when working on a project. I find it helpful to check in with my team members throughout the day so we can discuss our progress and any questions we may have for one another. This helps me feel more connected to my team and ensures that everyone is able to complete their tasks efficiently.”

17. Brenntag emphasizes innovation. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when trying to be innovative?

This question is your chance to show the interviewer that you understand what it takes to be innovative and how important innovation is for Brenntag.

Example: “I think the most important thing when trying to be innovative is to always keep an open mind. You never know where inspiration will come from, so I try to make sure I’m ready to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself. For example, if I see a new product or service that could help my company, I’ll do everything in my power to learn more about it and figure out how we can implement it.”

18. How would you describe your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of how you would fit in with their team. Your leadership style is something that can change over time, so it’s important to be honest about your current approach and what you’re willing to work on.

Example: “I believe my leadership style is collaborative. I like to make sure everyone has an opportunity to contribute ideas and opinions when making decisions. However, I also know that sometimes it’s necessary to take charge and make a decision for the group. I’m always open to feedback and suggestions from others.”

19. Why do you think you would be a good choice for the company?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to get an idea of your confidence and self-awareness. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight some of your most relevant skills or experiences that you think would help you succeed in the role.

Example: “I believe I am a good fit for Brenntag because I have extensive experience working with chemical products and solutions. In my previous position as a sales representative, I worked with many different types of chemicals and helped customers find the right solution for their needs. This experience has given me valuable insight into how Brenntag operates and what its customers need.”

20. What can you offer Brenntag that other candidates cannot?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your skills and how they can benefit Brenntag. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your unique qualities that will help you succeed in the role.

Example: “I have extensive experience working with large-scale chemical distribution companies like Brenntag. I know what it takes to work in a fast-paced environment where efficiency is key. My ability to multitask and manage my time well makes me an asset to any company. I am also highly organized and detail-oriented, which are two skills that make me a strong candidate for this position.”