20 GEP Interview Questions and Answers

GEP is a global provider of procurement and supply chain management software. The company serves more than 500 clients in over 100 countries, including some of the world’s largest companies.

GEP is known for its rigorous interview process, which includes both behavioral and technical questions. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of sample GEP interview questions to help you prepare for your interview.

GEP Interview Process

The interview process at GEP can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two rounds of interviews, one of which is usually a case interview. The case interview may be conducted in person or over video call, and is typically focused on procurement. For some positions, like internships and entry-level jobs, the interview process may be shorter and less difficult. Overall, the interview process is generally quick and efficient, with feedback being given within a week in most cases.

1. How would you describe your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would lead a team of GEP professionals. Your leadership style is an important part of your overall professional identity, so it’s important to be honest about what kind of leader you are.

Example: “I consider myself a democratic leader. I believe that everyone on my team should have a voice and feel comfortable sharing their opinions. At the same time, I also think it’s important for leaders to set clear expectations and hold their teams accountable for meeting those expectations. In this way, I try to balance being open with being decisive.”

2. What do you like to do outside of work?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and see if you would fit in with their company culture. They want employees who are passionate about what they do, so it’s important that you answer honestly. Try to think of something that shows how much you enjoy your work while also showing off your personality.

Example: “I love working on cars, so I spend a lot of my free time tinkering under the hood of my car. It’s relaxing for me to take things apart and put them back together again. I’ve learned quite a bit about engines from doing this, which has helped me understand some of the concepts we covered in class. I’m hoping to get into an automotive engineering program after graduation.”

3. Have you ever worked in a fast-paced environment before?

Employers ask this question to see if you are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. They want employees who can adapt quickly and work well under pressure. When answering, explain that you have worked in a fast-paced environment before and give an example of how you handled it.

Example: “I’ve worked in a fast-paced environment before at my previous job. I was responsible for managing the company’s social media accounts. This required me to post content on multiple platforms throughout the day. I got used to posting several times per hour and learned how to manage my time so I could get everything done. I think I would be able to handle this type of role again.”

4. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with an unhappy customer or client.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and challenges. Use examples from your experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “In my previous role as a customer service representative, I had a client who was upset because they didn’t receive their order on time. The client called me multiple times about this issue, which made it difficult for me to focus on other tasks. Instead of getting defensive or frustrated with the client, I remained calm and explained that we were working hard to resolve the issue. After explaining our process, the client understood why there was a delay and apologized for calling so many times.”

5. How do you ensure that the software you are building is secure?

Security is a major concern for many businesses, and the interviewer may want to know how you would approach this issue. Your answer should include steps you take to ensure that your software is secure from hackers and other threats.

Example: “I always start by making sure I understand the security requirements of the project. Then, I use automated tools to test my code for vulnerabilities before it’s released. I also make sure that all developers are following best practices when writing their code. Finally, I perform regular audits on the system after it has been deployed.”

6. Do you have any experience working with agile methodology?

Agile methodology is a software development process that focuses on creating and implementing solutions quickly. It’s important to have experience with this method because it allows you to work more efficiently, which can help your employer save time and money. If you’ve worked with agile in the past, explain how you used it to complete projects successfully. If you haven’t worked with it before, consider asking what exactly it entails so you’re prepared for future questions about it.

Example: “I’ve worked with agile methodology in my previous role as a GEP engineer. I was responsible for designing and developing new features for our company’s website. My team and I would meet every week to discuss progress and make sure we were all on the same page. We also had daily standup meetings where we discussed any issues or concerns we may have had. This allowed us to stay organized and focused on completing tasks within deadlines.”

7. Why did you choose this career path?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are passionate about this career. It also helps them see if your reasons for pursuing a GEP position align with their company’s mission. When answering, try to be as honest as possible while still being positive.

Example: “I chose this career path because I love working with my hands and solving problems. I enjoy seeing how different pieces of equipment work together to create something that is useful to people. In my last job, I was able to use my skills to repair a broken piece of machinery on a farm. The farmer was so grateful when we fixed his combine harvester, which meant he could harvest his crops before they spoiled.”

8. Describe your experience designing and implementing software systems.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the experience and expertise needed for this role. Use examples from previous projects where you were responsible for designing software systems or developing applications.

Example: “In my last position, I was tasked with creating a new system for our company’s customer service department. The goal of the project was to create a more efficient way for customers to reach us by phone, email or online chat. We started by researching other companies who had similar systems in place. Then, we developed a plan for how we would implement the new system. After testing it out with a small group of users, we rolled it out to all employees.”

9. What kind of programming languages are you familiar with?

This question is a great way to see if the candidate has experience with the programming languages used by your company. It’s also an opportunity for you to learn about their level of expertise and how they might fit into your team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list all of the languages you’re familiar with and then highlight any that are similar to the ones used at the job.

Example: “I’m most experienced in Java, C++ and Python. I’ve also worked with Ruby, JavaScript and PHP on previous projects.”

10. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want to know that you are honest, but also confident in your abilities. When answering this question, be sure to focus on your strengths rather than weaknesses.

Example: “I am a very organized person who is always prepared for meetings or presentations. I have excellent communication skills and can work well with others. My weakness is that sometimes I get so focused on the task at hand that I forget to take breaks. This has led to me feeling overwhelmed at times, which is why I make sure to set realistic goals each day.”

11. Can you tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you make decisions and what your thought process is. This can be a great opportunity to showcase your critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and leadership qualities.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant manager at my previous job, we had a lot of employees calling out sick or taking time off due to illness. We were short on staff members, so I decided to ask some of our part-time employees if they would like to work more hours. They agreed, but it meant that some full-time employees would have to take on additional responsibilities. I spoke with each employee about their new roles and asked them if they could handle the extra workload. Everyone agreed, and we were able to cover all shifts without having to hire any new staff.”

12. If you were managing a team, how would you delegate tasks?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would manage a team and your leadership skills. Use examples from previous experience to show that you know how to delegate tasks effectively.

Example: “I have worked on teams before, so I am familiar with how to delegate tasks. In my last role as an engineer, I was responsible for managing a small team of engineers. When delegating tasks, I first asked what each person’s strengths were. Then, I looked at the project requirements and decided which task each person could do best. This helped me assign tasks in a way that made sense and allowed everyone to use their strengths.”

13. What is your approach to solving problems?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach challenges and solve problems. Your answer should include a specific example of a time when you solved a problem, including what steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “I start by gathering as much information about the issue as possible. I then analyze all available data before coming up with potential solutions. After that, I try each solution until I find one that works. If none of my solutions work, I go back to step two and gather more information on the problem.”

14. What interests you about GEP?

Employers ask this question to see if you have a passion for the job. They want someone who is excited about their work and will do it well. When answering, think of what drew you to this career in the first place. Think about your favorite aspects of GEP and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in computers and technology. I remember when I was younger my dad would take me to his office where he worked as an IT professional. He showed me all the different parts of the computer and explained how everything worked together. Ever since then, I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life. Now, I’m ready to start my own career in GEP.”

15. Give me an example of a time where you had to be very efficient at work.

Efficiency is a key skill for GEPs, so interviewers may ask this question to see if you have the ability to be efficient. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you were able to complete your work in a timely manner and what steps you took to ensure that you were being as efficient as possible.

Example: “In my last role, I was working on a project where we had to create a new website from scratch. We had a tight deadline of two months, which meant that I needed to be very efficient with my time. To help me stay organized, I created a calendar with all of our deadlines listed out. This helped me keep track of when certain tasks needed to be completed by and allowed me to make sure that I was staying on top of everything.”

16. What is your biggest challenge as a consultant?

This question can help the interviewer understand your ability to work through challenges and solve problems. Your answer should highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and willingness to take on challenging projects.

Example: “My biggest challenge as a consultant is finding the right balance between meeting my client’s expectations and delivering quality results within the project timeline. I find that by clearly communicating with my clients about what they can expect from me and how long it will take me to complete their projects helps them understand why some of my recommendations may be different than what they initially expected. This approach has helped me build strong relationships with my clients and maintain positive reputations in the industry.”

17. How do you keep up with the latest trends in technology?

Employers want to know that you are up-to-date on the latest technology trends. They may ask this question to see if you have a passion for learning about new technologies and how often you do so. In your answer, share what resources you use to learn about new tech trends. You can also mention any certifications or training courses you’ve completed recently.

Example: “I am passionate about staying current with the latest in technology. I subscribe to several tech blogs where I read articles about the newest innovations. I also take at least one online course per year to learn more about specific topics. For example, last year I took an AI course to learn more about machine learning.”

18. What are some tools you use for project management?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with project management tools. You can list some of the most important ones you’ve used in previous roles and explain why they’re helpful for managing projects.

Example: “I use a variety of tools to manage my projects, including Trello, Asana and Jira. I find these tools are useful for organizing tasks by team members, setting due dates and creating checklists that keep me on track. In my last role, I also used Microsoft Project, which helped me create timelines and organize resources for each stage of the project.”

19. What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new colleague. It can also be an opportunity for you to share something that makes you proud and shows the interviewer what you’re capable of. When answering this question, it’s important to choose an accomplishment that relates to the job you’re applying for.

Example: “My greatest accomplishment so far was when I helped my team win first place in our regional competition last year. We had been working on our project for months, and we were all very proud of how well we did. My teammates and I are still close friends today, which is another thing I’m really proud of.”

20. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake and learned from it.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you react when faced with a challenge. When answering, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the issue or mistake and what you learned from it.

Example: “When I first started working as an engineer, I was tasked with creating a blueprint for a new building. I worked hard on the project and submitted it to my supervisor, who reviewed it and approved it. A few days later, he called me into his office and told me that there were some issues with the blueprints. He asked me to fix them and resubmit them within two weeks.

I went back to my desk and looked over the blueprints again. I realized that I had forgotten to include one of the structural supports in the original design. I spent another week fixing the blueprints and resubmitted them to my supervisor.”