20 International Paper Interview Questions and Answers

When you go for an interview at International Paper, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience, your skills, and your knowledge of the company. However, you may also be asked some specific questions about International Paper itself.

To help you prepare for your interview, we have compiled a list of sample questions and answers about International Paper. We cover everything from the company’s history and products, to its sustainability initiatives and global reach.

By preparing for these questions, you will be able to show your interviewer that you have a strong understanding of International Paper and what it does. This will put you in a strong position to impress and secure the job you want.

International Paper Interview Process

The interview process at International Paper is lengthy, difficult, and overall not a great experience. It can take weeks or even months to hear back from the company after applying, and the interviews themselves are very challenging. The questions are often technical and specific to the position you’re applying for, and the interviewer can be quite intimidating. Overall, it’s not a great experience, but if you’re able to get through it, the job itself is usually worth it.

1. How would you handle a customer that was upset?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether or not you have experience resolving customer complaints. Use examples from your previous work to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and ability to meet deadlines.

Example: “In my last position as a sales representative for an office supply company, I had a client that was upset because they didn’t receive their order on time. The client called me in a panic, but I remained calm and explained our shipping policy. They were still upset, so I offered them a discount on their next purchase to make up for the inconvenience. They agreed and we ended the call amicably.”

2. What is your experience working in the paper industry?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the paper industry and how you can contribute to International Paper’s success. If you have experience working in a paper mill, describe what your job was and what your responsibilities were. If you don’t have direct experience, consider describing your previous work that relates to the paper industry.

Example: “I worked as a sales representative for a small company that sold recycled paper products. I would visit businesses and explain our product line and help them decide which products would be best for their needs. This helped me understand the different types of paper products available and learn about the benefits of recycling.”

3. Are you comfortable with long hours and heavy lifting?

International Paper is a large company that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The interviewer wants to make sure you’re prepared for the long workdays and heavy lifting required of employees in some positions. If you have experience with these types of jobs, explain how you can handle them. If you don’t have this type of experience, emphasize your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to different situations.

Example: “I’ve worked in construction before, so I’m used to working long hours and doing physical labor. I also understand that it’s important to be flexible when entering a new position. If there are other tasks I can do instead of heavy lifting, I’ll gladly take on those responsibilities.”

4. Tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult decision, what factors did you consider?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your decision-making skills. Use examples from previous jobs to highlight how you used critical thinking and problem solving skills to make decisions that benefited your team or company.

Example: “In my last position, I had to decide whether we should invest in new equipment for our shipping department or hire more employees. After talking with my manager, I learned that we were already operating at maximum capacity during peak hours. We also didn’t have enough space to add more employees, so it made more sense to purchase the new equipment. This helped us reduce wait times for customers and improved our overall efficiency.”

5. What do you think are some of International Papers strongest selling points?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have done some research on the company. It also allows you to highlight what you think are International Papers strengths and how they can benefit from them. When answering this question, make sure to focus on facts rather than opinions.

Example: “International Paper has many strong selling points. One of its biggest strengths is its commitment to sustainability. The company was one of the first in the industry to start using recycled paper, which shows its dedication to protecting the environment. Another strength I see is its customer service. The company has won several awards for its excellent customer service, including being named as one of the top 10 companies for customer satisfaction by Forbes Magazine.”

6. Do you have any experience maintaining machines and equipment?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with machinery and equipment. If you do, share a story about how you fixed or maintained a piece of machinery or equipment to show your skills. If you don’t have any experience maintaining machines and equipment, you can talk about other types of equipment you’ve worked with in the past.

Example: “I have some experience maintaining machinery and equipment. In my last role as an operations manager at a manufacturing plant, I had to fix several pieces of machinery that were malfunctioning. One day, one of our conveyor belts stopped moving products from one part of the factory to another. I went into the warehouse to see what was wrong with it. After inspecting the belt, I realized that one of the pulleys was missing a bolt. I fixed the problem by replacing the missing bolt.”

7. Why do you want to work at International Paper?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand your motivations for applying. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but it can also be helpful to highlight some of the company’s values or what attracted you to this role.

Example: “I want to work at International Paper because I’m passionate about protecting our environment. Your company has a long history of being environmentally friendly, which is something that really resonates with me. I think we could do even more to protect the planet, so I would love to be part of that process.”

8. Describe your maintenance philosophy.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have a proactive maintenance philosophy and are willing to take on additional responsibilities. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe how you would approach the maintenance of equipment or facilities in your current role.

Example: “I believe that preventative maintenance is one of the most important aspects of my job as a production manager. I make sure all employees know they can come to me with any issues they notice before they become major problems. This helps us avoid costly repairs and keeps our facility running smoothly.”

9. What do you know about sap technology?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its products. It also allows you to show that you have an interest in the field. If you are not familiar with sap technology, research it before the interview so you can answer this question confidently.

Example: “I know that International Paper uses sap technology to make paper more environmentally friendly. I am very interested in this process because it reduces waste and saves energy. In my last position, I worked on a project where we used sap technology to create a new type of recycled paper. This was a fun challenge for me as I had never worked with sap technology before.”

10. What is your experience working with customers?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you interact with customers and whether you have experience working in a customer service role. Use your answer to highlight any skills or qualities that make you an effective communicator and problem solver when interacting with customers.

Example: “In my previous position, I worked as a sales representative for a company that sold office supplies online. My job was to respond to customer inquiries about our products and provide them with information on shipping times and payment options. I always made sure to be friendly and helpful while also remaining professional. This helped me build strong relationships with many of my customers, which led to repeat business.”

11. Have you used SAP before, if so what modules?

SAP is an enterprise resource planning software that many companies use to manage their finances and other aspects of business. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using SAP, which can be a valuable skill for the position. If you have used SAP before, explain what modules you’ve worked with in your previous positions.

Example: “I haven’t had any experience working with SAP, but I am familiar with its functionality. In my last role, we used Oracle ERP to manage our financials, supply chain management and human resources. I would love to learn more about SAP and how it compares to Oracle.”

12. Can you describe a project you worked on where you had to work with other departments?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you collaborate with others and your ability to work in a team. Use examples from previous jobs where you worked with other departments or teams to complete projects, solve problems or achieve goals.

Example: “At my current job, I have worked with several different departments on various projects. For example, I recently helped coordinate an event that brought together multiple departments within our company as well as outside vendors. This project required me to communicate with many people at once and manage multiple tasks at once. In this situation, I had to rely on my communication skills and organizational abilities to ensure everyone was aware of their responsibilities and deadlines.”

13. What is your strength when it comes to developing relationships with clients?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and how you can use them to benefit the company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight a skill that you have but also one that will be useful in your new role.

Example: “I believe my strongest relationship-building skill is my ability to listen. I am always willing to take time to hear what my clients are saying and understand their concerns. This helps me develop solutions for them that they feel comfortable with and ensures that they’re happy with our products or services. In my last position, I was able to increase sales by 10% because of my listening skills.”

14. Give an example of a time when you were faced with a problem that required communication skills to solve.

This question is an opportunity to show your communication skills and how you used them to resolve a conflict or problem. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you had to use your communication skills to solve a problem that was important to the company.

Example: “At my previous job, I worked with a team of people who were all in different locations. We would often have conference calls where we discussed our progress on projects and any issues we encountered. One day, one of my coworkers mentioned they were having trouble with their computer. They said they couldn’t access some files because of a virus.

I asked if they could describe what the issue was so I could help them find a solution. After listening to their description, I realized that they didn’t know how to remove the virus from their computer. I explained how to do this and then helped them restore their files.”

15. If there is a machine malfunctioning and it needs to be fixed quickly how would you prioritize fixing it versus finishing your current task?

This question is a great way to see how you prioritize your tasks and whether or not you are able to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of a time when you had to do just that.

Example: “If there was a machine malfunctioning and I needed to fix it quickly, I would first ask my supervisor if they could assign someone else to finish the task I was currently working on so I could focus on fixing the machine. Then, I would immediately begin troubleshooting the problem with the help of other employees who have experience in fixing machines like this one.”

16. Which shift are you available for?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your availability and how flexible you are. It’s important to be honest with your answer, but also consider what type of schedule would work best for you.

Example: “I’m available for any shift that works best for the company. I prefer working during the day because it allows me to get home in time to spend quality time with my family. However, if an evening or night shift is necessary, I am willing to do whatever is best for the team.”

17. What kind of training or certifications would you like to receive during your first year at International Paper?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and how you plan to contribute to the company. When answering this question, think about what skills or certifications you would like to have in one year at International Paper. You can also mention any training programs that are available through the company.

Example: “I am excited to start my career with International Paper because I feel it’s a great place to grow as a professional. In my first year here, I would love to take advantage of the leadership development program. This program teaches employees how to be effective leaders by giving them opportunities to practice their skills. I believe that becoming a better leader will help me achieve my goals and make a positive impact on the company.”

18. We often rely on contractors to help maintain our equipment. How would you go about finding the best contractor for a specific job?

This question can help the interviewer understand your ability to work with others and make decisions. Use examples from past experiences where you’ve worked with contractors or other professionals to complete a project successfully.

Example: “I would first look at the company’s website to see if they have any information about their services, certifications and experience. I’d also ask my colleagues for recommendations of reputable companies that we could hire. Once I had a list of potential contractors, I would call each one to discuss what we’re looking for in a contractor and get an idea of how much it might cost. Then, I would meet with three of the best candidates to discuss our needs further and determine which one is the best fit.”

19. What makes you the best choice for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills you have that relate to this position. Think about what makes you unique as a candidate and highlight these qualities in your answer.

Example: “I think I am the best choice for this position because of my communication skills. Throughout my career, I’ve had many opportunities to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. This has helped me develop strong listening and speaking abilities. I also understand the importance of being able to communicate effectively with others, which is why I always strive to be clear and concise when talking with coworkers.”

20. International Paper values safety. How would you make sure that everyone on your team followed safe operating procedures?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and how you can help others succeed. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the importance of safety in the workplace and explain what steps you would take to ensure that everyone on your team followed safe operating procedures.

Example: “Safety is extremely important at International Paper. I believe that if we all follow safe operating procedures, we can prevent accidents from happening. To make sure my team follows safe operating procedures, I would hold monthly meetings where we discussed any new safety protocols or changes to existing ones. I would also encourage employees to report any unsafe conditions they see so we can address them before they become a problem.”