20 Hach Company Interview Questions and Answers

Hach is a leading manufacturer of water quality testing and analytical instruments. With over 50 years of experience, Hach has a global reach with products that are used in a variety of industries, including municipal water, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and more.

If you’re interviewing for a job at Hach, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience, qualifications, and knowledge of the water quality industry. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of sample Hach interview questions and answers.

Hach Company Interview Process

The interview process at Hach Company can be long and drawn out, with multiple phone and in-person interviews. The difficulty of the interviews can vary, but they often focus on behavioral questions. Overall, the experience is generally positive, though some candidates have found the process to be disorganized.

1. What experience do you have with water quality testing?

Hach Company offers a variety of water testing products, including those that test for lead and chlorine levels. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with the company’s products and how you might fit into their organization. In your answer, try to highlight any specific skills or knowledge related to Hach Company’s products.

Example: “I have used several Hach Company products in my previous role as an environmental scientist. I was responsible for monitoring the quality of drinking water at public parks and recreational areas. I also tested private wells for families who were looking to sell their homes. These experiences helped me develop my skills when it comes to using Hach Company products.”

2. How would you go about selling a complex product to someone who does not know much about it?

This question is a great way to test your sales skills. It also allows the interviewer to see how you would approach selling their products and services to clients who are not familiar with them. Use examples from previous experiences where you had to educate customers about what you were selling, or use hypothetical situations to show how you would go about it.

Example: “I would first try to understand what they already know about the product. I would then explain the product in terms that they can relate to. For example, if they were unfamiliar with the term ‘cloud computing,’ I would explain it as using the internet to store information on servers. This helps me make sure that I am explaining things clearly so that they understand.”

3. Explain how you would troubleshoot an issue for a customer’s instrumentation system.

Instrumentation systems are complex, and the interviewer may want to know how you would approach a problem with one. Use your answer to highlight your technical skills and ability to solve problems.

Example: “I would first gather all of the information about the system from the customer. I would then use my knowledge of instrumentation systems to troubleshoot the issue. If it’s an electrical issue, I would check for loose connections or damaged wires. For mechanical issues, I would look for broken parts or worn-out sensors. Once I have identified the cause of the issue, I would repair or replace the part as needed.”

4. How do you handle pressure in the workplace?

Employers ask this question to see how you handle stressful situations. They want to know that you can stay calm and focused when things get hectic. In your answer, share a time when you had to work under pressure. Explain what steps you took to manage the situation effectively.

Example: “I have worked in several high-pressure environments throughout my career. I find that it’s important to remain calm and focused during these times. When I feel overwhelmed, I take a few deep breaths to help me relax. Then, I focus on one task at a time. This helps me complete each assignment without making mistakes. I also make sure to communicate with my team members so we all understand our responsibilities.”

5. Why do you want to work at Hach Company?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of Hach Company that interest you or what drew you to apply for the position.

Example: “I want to work at Hach Company because I am passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability. The mission statement of your company is very inspiring, and I would love to be part of a team that works toward making our planet healthier. I also really like how innovative your products are and how they can make testing easier for scientists.”

6. Do you have any experience working on a team?

Hach Company is a large company that works on many projects at once. They want to know if you have experience working in teams and how well you can collaborate with others. Use your answer to highlight any teamwork skills you possess, such as communication, problem-solving or leadership.

Example: “I’ve worked on several different teams throughout my career. I find it beneficial to work in groups because we can all bring something unique to the table. In my last position, I was part of a team that developed new software for our clients. We had weekly meetings where we discussed what we were doing and how we could improve upon our process. This helped us stay organized and ensured we met deadlines.”

7. Tell us about your sales experience.

Hach Company is a sales-driven company, so it’s likely that you’ll be asked about your experience with selling. This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any previous experience and how well you performed in those situations. Use this opportunity to highlight your best qualities as a salesperson.

Example: “I’ve been working as a freelance writer for several years now, but I also worked part time at a local bookstore when I was in college. While I enjoyed writing, I found that I really loved interacting with customers and helping them find books they would enjoy reading. I learned how to listen to what people were looking for and recommend titles based on their preferences.”

8. Do you have experience managing people?

Hach Company is a large company that employs thousands of people. The hiring manager may ask this question to see if you have experience managing employees and how well you can do it. If you don’t have management experience, consider talking about your leadership skills or any other experiences where you had to manage others.

Example: “I’ve never been in a position where I was the manager, but I have worked with many managers over my career. I find that being a good leader means helping those around you succeed. I am always willing to help anyone who needs it, whether they are an employee or a colleague. In fact, I often go out of my way to help others because I know that doing so will make our department more successful.”

9. What is your experience with operating machinery?

Hach Company uses machinery to test water samples. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience operating machinery and how familiar you are with the specific type of machinery they use at Hach Company. If you have no prior experience, you can talk about any training you’ve received or discuss what you would do if you encountered a problem while using the machinery.

Example: “I have worked with machinery before, but I haven’t used it in my current position. However, I am very comfortable learning new technology and equipment. In my previous role, I was responsible for maintaining our company’s computers. I learned how to troubleshoot problems with the machines by researching solutions online and asking other employees questions when I needed help.”

10. Describe your knowledge of chemistry and physics.

Hach Company uses chemistry and physics in its products, so the interviewer may ask you this question to see if you have any experience with these subjects. If you do, share your knowledge of how it applies to Hach Company’s products. If not, explain that you are willing to learn more about these topics.

Example: “I took a few college courses on chemistry and physics, but I am still learning more about them. However, I find both subjects interesting and would like to continue studying them. In my current role as an environmental scientist, I use some basic principles of chemistry and physics when testing water samples for pollutants.”

11. Are you comfortable traveling often?

Hach is a global company, so employees often travel for work. The interviewer wants to know if you have any concerns about traveling and how you would handle it. If you are not comfortable with frequent travel, be honest and explain why. If you are comfortable with it, emphasize your ability to adapt to new environments and cultures.

Example: “I am very comfortable with frequent travel. I enjoy meeting new people and learning about different places. In my last position, I was responsible for visiting our clients in the field at least once per month. I enjoyed getting out of the office and seeing what our customers needed from us.”

12. How would you approach a client who was unhappy with their results from one of our products?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle customer complaints and concerns. It’s important to be honest about your approach, but also highlight the steps you take to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Example: “I would first apologize for their dissatisfaction with our product. I would then ask them what they didn’t like about it so that I could better understand their expectations. Then, I would offer a refund or replacement of the product. If they were still unhappy, I would find out if there was anything else we could do to make things right.”

13. Would you be able to operate a forklift?

Forklifts are a common piece of equipment in many warehouses, and employers may ask this question to see if you have experience operating one. If you do not have forklift experience, consider asking the interviewer about what other types of equipment they use in their facility.

Example: “I’ve never operated a forklift before, but I am familiar with how they work. I would be happy to learn more about operating them here at Hach Company.”

14. If hired, what would be the first thing you would do when starting this position?

This question is a great way to see how the candidate plans their workday. It also gives you insight into what they consider important and what they would like to accomplish in their first few days on the job. Your answer should include your plan for getting started, including any steps you will take to learn about the company’s processes and procedures.

Example: “I would start by meeting with my manager to get an overview of the position and expectations. I would then meet with each team member to introduce myself and ask them questions about their role within the department. This helps me understand the current workflow and allows me to begin building relationships with my coworkers.”

15. Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with conflict within a group setting?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle interpersonal conflict and your ability to resolve it. Use examples from previous work experiences or personal situations that highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and teamwork abilities.

Example: “At my last job, I was working on a project with two other employees who were both very talented in their own ways. One employee had more experience than me, while the other employee was younger but had a lot of energy and enthusiasm for the project. The older employee would often tell the younger one what to do without asking them first, which made the younger employee feel like they weren’t being heard.

I spoke with the older employee privately about the issue and asked if there was a way we could make sure everyone felt comfortable speaking up when they have an idea. They agreed to try making suggestions instead of giving orders. After that conversation, the team started communicating better and finished the project successfully.”

16. What are some strengths and weaknesses that you think you could bring to this company?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have done some research on the company and are aware of its strengths and weaknesses. It also allows you to highlight any skills or experiences that could be beneficial in this role. When answering, try to focus on positive aspects about the company and how you can help improve it.

Example: “I think one of Hach Company’s greatest strengths is its commitment to innovation. I am always looking for new ways to solve problems and find solutions, so I would love to contribute my ideas to this organization. One weakness I see is that there aren’t many opportunities for advancement within the company. If hired, I hope to use my experience and expertise to grow with the company.”

17. What kind of personal qualities do you think are important for someone in this field?

Hach Company is looking for employees who have a strong work ethic, are detail-oriented and can communicate effectively. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention two or three personal qualities that you possess and how they help you in your job.

Example: “I think the most important quality for someone working in this field is patience. I’ve worked with many customers who were unsure of what test kit they needed or had questions about our products. It’s my job to answer their questions as thoroughly as possible so they feel confident ordering from us. Another important quality is communication. My team members and I often need to collaborate on projects, so we make sure to stay in constant contact.”

18. What skills do you think you can improve upon if hired?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your self-awareness and willingness to improve. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one or two skills you would like to develop in the future. This shows that you are willing to put in effort to grow as an employee.

Example: “I think I could improve upon my time management skills if hired. While I am usually quite organized, I find myself getting distracted by social media at times. If I were hired, I would make sure to set up some sort of digital blocking system so I wouldn’t get distracted during work hours.”

19. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what motivates you. It also helps them determine if your skills match those needed for this position. When answering, think of an accomplishment that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Example: “My greatest professional accomplishment was when I helped my previous employer increase their sales by 20% in one year. We did this by creating a new marketing campaign that targeted our customer base more effectively. This led to us gaining more customers and retaining current ones.”

20. What is your favorite part about being in sales?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your passion for sales and how you enjoy what you do. Your answer should include a few of your favorite aspects about being in sales, such as helping customers find solutions or making money.

Example: “My favorite part about being in sales is getting to meet new people every day. I love learning about my clients’ businesses and finding ways to help them grow their revenue. Another thing I really enjoy is when I can make a sale that helps someone’s business become more profitable. It feels great knowing that I helped someone achieve their goals.”