20 Glencore Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing for a job at Glencore, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience in the commodity industry, as well as your knowledge of the company’s operations. In addition, you may be asked behavioral interview questions that assess your ability to handle various situations you may encounter while working for Glencore. To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions you may be asked, along with tips on how to answer them.

Glencore Interview Process

The interview process at Glencore is quite lengthy, and can take up to a month or more to complete. It consists of multiple rounds of interviews, tests, and simulations, which can be quite difficult for perspective employees. However, the overall experience is generally positive, and the company is known for being very professional.

1. What do you know about Glencore?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of Glencore and its operations. It’s important to show that you’ve done some research on the company before attending the interview. You can answer this question by describing what you know about Glencore, including any information you learned from your research or previous job experience.

Example: “I know that Glencore is one of the largest mining companies in the world. I also understand that it operates in over 50 countries around the globe. In addition, I know that Glencore has been involved in several controversies regarding its business practices.”

2. Can you explain a commodity trade?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company’s operations. When answering, it can be helpful to provide an example of how you would complete a commodity trade in your previous role.

Example: “Commodity trades are transactions where two parties exchange goods for money. In my last position as a commodities trader, I was responsible for buying and selling various types of metals like copper, nickel and zinc. For instance, if a client wanted to buy 100 tons of copper at $3 per pound, I would have to find someone who had that much copper available and willing to sell it at that price. Then, I would purchase the copper from them and deliver it to the client.”

3. How would you rate your computer skills?

This question is a good way to assess your technical skills and how you use them in the workplace. It’s important for employers to know that their employees can perform tasks efficiently, so it’s best to list computer programs or applications you’re familiar with using.

Example: “I have been working on computers since I was 10 years old, so I’m quite comfortable using various software programs. I am proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as Google Drive and Gmail.”

4. Describe a time when you had to solve an issue that was not straightforward, how did you approach it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you can use them in the workplace. When answering this question, it’s important to be specific about what steps you took to solve the issue and what the outcome was.

Example: “In my previous role as an accountant, I had to work with several different accounting software programs that didn’t always communicate well with each other. This made it difficult for me to get accurate information on time. To solve this issue, I started using one program exclusively so I could learn its features and functions. After doing this for a few months, I felt comfortable enough to start using multiple programs again.”

5. Tell me what your favorite and least favorite parts of working in the mining industry are.

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new colleague and how they feel about their current job. It can also help you understand what the candidate’s expectations are for this position, which can be helpful if you’re trying to decide whether or not to hire them.

Example: “My favorite part of working in mining is getting to work with my hands. I love being able to see the fruits of my labor and know that I’m contributing to something bigger than myself. My least favorite part of working in mining is the long hours. I would prefer to have a shorter work week so I could spend more time with my family.”

6. Why should we hire you over one of our other applicants?

This question is a great opportunity to show your confidence and enthusiasm for the position. You can use this time to highlight some of your most relevant skills, experiences or qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for the job.

Example: “I believe I am the best choice for this role because of my extensive experience in commodity industries. My previous employer was also a mining company, so I have firsthand knowledge of how Glencore operates. I know what it takes to succeed in this industry, and I’m confident that I can apply my skills and talents to help your company thrive.”

7. How well can you work under pressure?

Employers ask this question to see if you can handle the pressure of working in a fast-paced environment. They want to know that you’re able to work quickly and efficiently while still maintaining quality results. In your answer, explain how you’ve handled similar situations in the past.

Example: “In my previous position, I was responsible for managing several different projects at once. This meant I had to prioritize which tasks were most important and delegate them accordingly. It also meant I had to manage my time well so I could complete all of my tasks on time. I’m used to handling multiple projects at once and am confident that I can do it again.”

8. How would you handle a difficult customer or client?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and challenging situations. 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 to deal with many upset customers who were having issues with their orders or shipments. One time, a client called me because they hadn’t received their shipment of copper wire that was supposed to arrive two days ago. I apologized for the inconvenience and told them I would look into it right away. After checking our shipping records, I found out that there was an issue with the delivery truck and we needed to reschedule the shipment. The client understood and appreciated that I took the time to explain what happened.”

9. Have you ever worked with multi-cultural teams before?

This question is a great way to determine how well you can work with people from different backgrounds. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others.

Example: “I have worked on multi-cultural teams before, but I’ve also been part of the majority culture in my previous roles. In both situations, I find that communication is key. If everyone understands each other’s background and language, then we’re able to work together more efficiently. For example, when working with a minority culture, I make sure to ask questions if I don’t understand something or need clarification.”

10. Do you have any experience managing a team?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and ability to manage a team of employees. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any experience you have managing a team or group of people.

Example: “I’ve had the opportunity to lead several teams in my previous roles. In my last position as a manager at a local restaurant, I was responsible for hiring new staff members and training them on how to work with customers. I also led a team of servers who were responsible for taking orders from customers and delivering food to tables.”

11. If hired, how could you contribute to our company’s success?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the company and how you can help it succeed. You should highlight any experience or skills that relate to Glencore’s operations.

Example: “I have extensive experience in managing large teams, which I believe will be beneficial to Glencore because of its global reach. My communication skills are also a strength, as they allow me to work with many different people from various backgrounds. These skills make me a valuable asset to Glencore because they allow me to understand the needs of my team members and customers.”

12. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Employers ask this question to see if you have a plan for your career. They want to know that you are ambitious and willing to work hard to achieve your goals. When answering, make sure to show that you are motivated by challenges and eager to learn new skills.

Example: “I hope to be working in the commodities industry five years from now. I am excited about the opportunity to work with Glencore because it is one of the largest companies in the world. I would love to be able to use my skills here to advance my career and help the company grow.”

13. Can you tell me about a time when you disagreed with your manager?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle disagreements and whether or not you’re able to work well with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you disagreed with your manager but were able to resolve the disagreement in a positive way.

Example: “When I first started working at Glencore, my manager asked me to complete a task that I felt was outside of my job description. I politely told him that I would rather focus on my primary responsibilities for the day, which he understood. He then assigned another employee to complete the task.”

14. Are you able to travel on short notice if needed?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re willing and able to travel for work. If you have a family, be honest about how often you would be willing to travel if hired.

Example: “I am happy to travel on short notice as long as I know the dates in advance. My husband is also an employee of Glencore, so we are used to traveling together. We both understand that sometimes it’s necessary to travel for work, so we try to plan ahead as much as possible.”

15. If you were interviewing someone for this position, what traits would you look for?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and its values. It also allows you to demonstrate how you would evaluate potential employees yourself. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what traits you value in others and how they might apply to working at Glencore.

Example: “I would look for someone who has experience with commodity industries, as well as someone who is willing to work hard and learn from their mistakes. I would also want to see that they are honest and trustworthy, as these qualities are important when working in an industry where trust is so vital.”

16. Do you consider yourself to be detail oriented?

Employers ask this question to make sure you can perform the job duties they’re looking for. Detail-oriented employees are more likely to notice mistakes and fix them before customers or clients see them. In your answer, explain that you have a strong attention to detail and will work hard to ensure all of your tasks are done correctly.

Example: “I am definitely someone who is very detail oriented. I always double-check my work to make sure it’s accurate. When working in an office setting, I noticed that many people would often overlook small errors on their reports. I started making it a habit to check other people’s work as well as my own to help prevent any mistakes from happening.”

17. Tell us about a time where you took initiative at your current job.

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and how you can take charge in a work environment. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the steps you took to complete the task or project and what the outcome was.

Example: “At my current job, I noticed that our company had not updated its social media accounts for quite some time. I decided to create a new Facebook page and Twitter account for us so we could reach more customers online. The company loved my idea and gave me permission to update both pages weekly with relevant information about our products.”

18. What is your preferred method of communication when working on a project?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re a good fit for their company culture. They want to know that you can adapt to the way they work and communicate with each other. When answering, try to show that you are flexible and willing to learn new ways of doing things.

Example: “I prefer to use email when working on projects because it’s easy to reference later. However, I am also comfortable using instant messaging or phone calls if needed. I understand that different companies have different methods of communication, so I’m open to learning how Glencore does things.”

19. Have you worked with international clients before?

This question is a great way to see if you have experience working with clients from different countries. If you haven’t, it’s okay to say so and explain that you’re excited to learn about the company’s international clientele.

Example: “I’ve worked with international clients before, but I’m always excited to meet new people and expand my network of contacts. I think Glencore has an excellent reputation for its international business practices, which makes me even more eager to work here.”

20. What interests you most about working for our company?

Employers ask this question to see if you did your research on their company. They want to know that you’re genuinely interested in working for them and not just looking for a job. When preparing for this question, make sure you read through the job description thoroughly. Highlight what aspects of the position most interest you and explain why they appeal to you.

Example: “I’m very passionate about renewable energy, so I was excited to learn that Glencore is one of the largest producers of solar power in the world. I think it’s important to support companies that are environmentally conscious. In my last role, I helped implement an eco-friendly recycling program at our office. I would love to continue doing things like this as part of my career.”