20 Cummins Interview Questions and Answers

Cummins is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems.

As a result, Cummins is always in high demand, and they receive a lot of applications for their open positions. To help narrow down the pool of candidates, they often ask company specific interview questions.

If you’re interviewing for a position at Cummins, it’s important that you’re prepared to answer these questions. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common Cummins interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence.

Cummins Interview Process

The interview process at Cummins can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, like a financial analyst or customer service assistant, you may only have one phone interview. For other positions, like an engineer co-op, you may have multiple interviews, including one that is technical in nature. Overall, the interview process is professional and thorough, and the hiring team is responsive.

1. Tell us about a time where you had to deal with an upset customer.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and challenging situations. Use examples from your previous experience to show that you have the ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively and solve problems.

Example: “In my last position as a customer service representative for an electronics company, I had a customer who was upset because they received their product with a small scratch on it. The customer wanted a full refund or a new product without any scratches. I explained to them that we could not replace the item since it was already shipped out. Instead, I offered to give them a discount on their next purchase. They were satisfied with this solution.”

2. Do you have any experience working in a manufacturing setting?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any experience working in a similar environment to Cummins. If you do, they may ask you more questions about your previous job and how it relates to this one. If you don’t, they might ask you what manufacturing is like or what you think of it.

Example: “I worked as an engineer for a small company that made parts for larger companies. I was responsible for designing new products and testing them to make sure they were safe for use. My work at Cummins would be very similar because we also design and test our products.”

3. What do you know about Cummins products?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its products. It also shows that you have done some research on the company before applying for the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list out all of the Cummins products you know about. You can even include any personal experience with these products if applicable.

Example: “I am familiar with many of the Cummins products. I’ve worked with their engines in the past, so I understand how they work. I also know about their generators and fuel systems. In my last job, I had to repair one of their fuel pumps. The pump was damaged during shipping, but I was able to fix it by replacing the broken parts.”

4. Cummins is focused on serving the needs of customers globally, how would you make sure that your work meets these goals?

This question is an opportunity to show your understanding of the company’s mission and values. Use examples from your experience that demonstrate how you can contribute to Cummins’ success.

Example: “I have a background in customer service, so I understand the importance of providing excellent support for customers. In my last role, I worked with a team of engineers who were developing new products. One of our goals was to make sure we met the needs of our global customers. We did this by conducting research on what customers wanted and then incorporating those findings into our product development process. This helped us create more efficient engines that could be used in different parts of the world.”

5. Cummins values diversity in its workforce, what are some ways that you can help support this value?

Cummins is a global company that values diversity in its workforce. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with diverse groups of people and how you can help support the company’s mission. In your answer, explain what diversity means to you and how you have supported it in previous roles.

Example: “I believe that everyone brings unique skills and experiences to the workplace, which helps us create innovative solutions for our customers. At my last job, I worked on a team where we had employees from many different backgrounds. We used these differences as strengths when solving problems and creating new products. I would encourage others to do the same by being open-minded and respectful of other opinions.”

6. Cummins has a focus on sustainability, what do you think is the company’s biggest challenge when it comes to being sustainable?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the company and its values. It also gives you a chance to explain how you would approach a challenge that may be unique to Cummins.

Example: “I think one of the biggest challenges for any company when it comes to sustainability is finding ways to reduce waste while maintaining quality. I’ve worked in several industries where this was a problem, so I have some ideas on how we can make sure our products are as sustainable as possible without sacrificing quality.”

7. Describe a time when you had to handle difficult or angry customers.

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and stress. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation or the steps you took to resolve the issue.

Example: “In my previous position as an auto mechanic, I had a customer who was upset because they thought their car’s engine light came on due to something we did while repairing it. The customer demanded that we fix the problem for free, but I explained that there were no issues with the repair. After explaining this, the customer agreed to pay for the service.”

8. How do you stay up to date on the latest technology and trends in the industry?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are committed to your professional development. They want to know that you have a passion for the industry and will continue to learn new things about it. In your answer, share how you stay up to date on trends in the industry and what resources you use.

Example: “I am passionate about my career, so I make sure to read trade publications and attend conferences where experts speak about their work. I also subscribe to several online newsletters that provide me with information about the latest technology and innovations in the field.”

9. How do you keep yourself motivated as an engineer?

Engineers often work long hours and may not see the fruits of their labor for some time. Employers ask this question to make sure you have strategies in place to stay motivated during challenging projects. In your answer, explain how you keep yourself inspired and focused on your goals. Share a few tips that help you maintain your motivation throughout your career.

Example: “I find it helpful to set small goals along the way. This helps me feel accomplished as I reach each milestone. For example, when I was working on my master’s thesis, I broke down the project into smaller tasks. Each week, I would complete one task until I finished the entire project. This helped me remain focused and avoid procrastination.”

10. What skillsets do you have that will be useful when working at Cummins?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and qualifications for this role. Use your answer to highlight a few of your strongest skills, such as communication, problem-solving or teamwork.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which are two skills I’ve developed over my career. These skills help me stay on top of all aspects of my job, including meeting deadlines and following company policies. My ability to communicate clearly with others has helped me work well in teams and collaborate with coworkers. It also helps me understand instructions from supervisors and managers.”

11. If hired, what would be your approach to designing software for an assembly line?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how you would apply it in a new role. Your answer should include specific examples from previous projects that demonstrate your ability to work with teams, manage time and prioritize tasks.

Example: “I have experience working on assembly lines for manufacturing companies. In my last position, I worked with a team of developers to create software that monitored production levels and alerted managers when there was a problem. The system also allowed employees to check their performance metrics so they could make adjustments as needed. This helped us reduce downtime by 50%.”

12. What would you say is your greatest strength and weakness?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want to know that you are self-aware, so it’s important to be honest when answering this question. When answering, try to focus on a strength rather than a weakness.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. I am always willing to help someone else out or lend them a hand. My weakness would have to be my attention to detail. While I do my best to proofread everything I write, sometimes I miss small mistakes. I make sure to fix these as soon as possible.”

13. Do you have experience working in a team environment?

Teamwork is an important skill to have when working in a manufacturing environment. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to work well with others and that you’re willing to do so. In your answer, explain what makes teamwork important and share an example of a time you worked well with others.

Example: “I think it’s very important to be able to work as part of a team. I’ve always been someone who can get along with others and collaborate on projects. When I was in school, I took several classes where we had to work together to complete assignments. I find that being able to communicate effectively with my teammates helps me learn more about the people around me.”

14. We want our assembly line workers to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work independently and how you would approach a situation like this. You can use examples from previous jobs or talk about what skills you have that make you feel confident in your ability to work on an assembly line.

Example: “I think I would be a great fit for working on the assembly line at Cummins because of my attention to detail, my problem-solving skills and my ability to work independently. In my last job, I was tasked with assembling engines by myself, and I found it to be quite enjoyable. It’s nice to get into a rhythm when working alone, and I find that I am able to complete tasks more quickly than if I were working with others.”

15. Describe your experience working with mechanical components.

This question is a great way to see how well you understand the mechanical components of an engine. It’s also a good time for employers to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list out each component and describe what its function is.

Example: “The main mechanical components I worked with in my last role were crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshaft, valves and timing gears. The crankshaft is responsible for converting the power from the piston into rotational energy that turns the wheels. Connecting rods transfer the power from the crankshaft to the pistons. Pistons are responsible for compressing fuel and air inside the cylinder. Camshafts control the opening and closing of the valves. Valves open and close to allow fuel and air into the cylinders.”

16. Which area of mechanical engineering are you most interested in?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your interests and how they align with their company’s goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area of mechanical engineering that you are passionate about or have experience in.

Example: “I am most interested in designing new engines and improving existing ones. I find the process of taking something complex and making it simple fascinating. In my last role, I worked on a team that was tasked with creating a new engine design. We had to consider many factors when designing the engine, including fuel efficiency, emissions levels and cost. After several months of research and development, we created a new engine that met all of our client’s needs.”

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

This question can help the interviewer determine how you interact with your team and whether you prefer to work independently or in collaboration. Your answer should show 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 colleagues throughout the day to see if they need any assistance or have questions about their assignments. This helps me learn more about my coworkers’ strengths and interests so I can better collaborate with them on future projects.”

18. General Motors is a company that emphasizes innovation. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when trying to be innovative?

General Motors is a company that has been known for its innovation. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you understand the importance of innovation and how it can help their company grow. In your answer, explain what you think is most important when trying to be innovative and give an example from your experience.

Example: “I believe the most important thing to remember when being innovative is to always keep in mind the customer. If you’re not making something that people want or need, then there’s no point in creating it at all. I worked on a team once where we were tasked with coming up with new ideas for a car manufacturer. We decided to survey customers about what they wanted in a vehicle. After doing some research, we found out that many people didn’t like the current model’s cup holders. So, we designed a new car with more cup holders.”

19. What is your experience with designing and testing mechanical components?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with a specific skill that is important for this role. Use examples from your past to show how you apply this skill and use it in your work.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for designing mechanical components of engines. This included creating 3D models of parts using CAD software and testing them to ensure they were compatible with other engine components. I also worked with engineers on testing new designs and modifications to existing components. These processes helped me understand the importance of testing mechanical components before implementing them into production.”

20. Give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a situation where you had to use critical thinking and creativity to solve the issue at hand.

Example: “At my last job, I was working on a project that required me to create a new system for tracking inventory. The company already had a system in place, but it wasn’t efficient or user-friendly. My team and I decided to start from scratch with our own system. We knew we would have to work quickly to get everything ready before the end of the year.

I approached the problem by breaking it down into smaller tasks. First, I created a list of all the things we needed to do to complete the project. Then, I delegated each task to different members of the team so everyone could focus on their strengths. By doing this, we were able to meet our deadline.”