20 Keyence Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And if you’re interviewing for a position at Keyence, you’ll want to be prepared to answer questions about sensors, barcode readers, and vision systems.

Keyence is a world leader in the development and manufacturing of sensors, barcode readers, and vision systems. And because of that, they tend to ask interview questions that are specific to their products and industry.

So, if you’re interviewing for a position at Keyence, here are some sample questions you might be asked, along with some tips on how to answer them.

Keyence Interview Process

The interview process at Keyence can vary in length depending on the position you are applying for, but typically it is a fairly lengthy process. The interviews themselves are usually quite difficult, with questions that are designed to test your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Overall, the experience of interviewing at Keyence is generally positive, with most people finding the staff to be friendly and helpful.

1. Explain what your role is as a Sales Engineer.

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you understand what your job entails. It also allows you to explain how your role contributes to the company’s success.

Example: “As a Sales Engineer, I am responsible for helping customers find the right sensors and vision systems for their applications. This includes understanding their needs and recommending products that will best meet them. I also provide technical support when needed and assist with installation of new equipment. My goal as a Sales Engineer is to help my clients achieve their goals while supporting Keyence’s sales growth.”

2. Describe why you chose to go into sales engineering.

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s motivations and goals. It can also help you determine if they are a good fit for your company culture. When asking this question, it can be helpful to know what their career path has been so far. This will allow you to understand why they chose sales engineering in particular.

Example: “I chose to go into sales engineering because I love helping people solve problems. I find that many companies have similar issues when it comes to technology. I enjoy finding solutions to these problems and implementing them at my clients’ businesses.”

3. Why do you want to work at Keyence?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. Use your answer to highlight any specific aspects of Keyence that interest you, such as its mission statement or values. You can also use this opportunity to show how your own personal goals align with those of the organization.

Example: “I want to work at Keyence because I am passionate about helping businesses increase efficiency and productivity. In my last role, I helped a client reduce production time by 20% using a vision system from Keyence. This made me realize how much impact I could have on an organization’s bottom line if I worked here.”

4. What are some of the biggest challenges that you have overcome in your career?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how your previous experiences may have prepared you for this role. Use examples from your past that highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure or adaptability in different situations.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for testing vision systems before they were shipped out to customers. One day, we had an influx of orders that needed to be fulfilled by the end of the week. This meant that I would need to test more than twice as many vision systems per day than usual. I knew that if I didn’t find a solution, it could potentially cost the company thousands of dollars in lost revenue. So, I asked some of my colleagues if they could help me with testing so that I could focus on training them. We were able to meet all of our deadlines.”

5. How would you describe your communication style?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you interact with your coworkers and clients. Your communication style is an important part of any job, so it’s helpful to show that you’re willing to adapt to different styles when necessary.

Example: “I pride myself on being very direct in my communication style. I find that this helps me avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications. However, I also know that not everyone prefers this type of communication. In these situations, I try to be more flexible and adjust my approach to fit the other person’s preferences.”

6. When was the last time you had to deal with an upset customer and how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to see how you can handle conflict and stress in the workplace. It’s important that your answer shows you have experience with this type of situation, but also that you know how to resolve it effectively.

Example: “I had an upset customer once when I was working at my previous job as a sales associate. The customer came into the store looking for a specific item, but we didn’t have any left in stock. Instead of offering them a discount or another similar product, I told them we would order more from our supplier and get back to them when they arrived. They were unhappy about this response, so I offered to call them when the new shipment arrived. They agreed and left the store.”

7. Tell me about a time where you were able to find creative solutions for difficult problems or situations.

This question can help the interviewer get a better understanding of your problem-solving skills and how you apply them to your work. Use examples from previous jobs that highlight your ability to think critically, analyze data and use innovative solutions to overcome challenges.

Example: “At my last job, I was working on a project where we needed to scan barcodes in order to track inventory levels for different products. However, there were some products that didn’t have barcodes, so I had to find another way to identify them. After talking with my team members, we decided to use RFID tags instead. This allowed us to still track the inventory levels while also saving time by not having to scan every product.”

8. What makes you stand out against other candidates?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight any unique or specific qualifications you have that make you an ideal candidate.

Example: “I’ve been working in the technology field for over 10 years now, and I’m always eager to learn new things. In my last position, I was able to teach myself how to use Keyence’s newest vision system software, which helped me solve some of our most complex problems. This knowledge has made me more confident in my abilities as a professional engineer.”

9. Give an example of when you used technical knowledge to make a sale.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you can apply your technical knowledge to help a client. Use examples from previous jobs where you helped clients make purchasing decisions based on the features of keyence sensors, barcode readers or vision systems.

Example: “In my last role as a sales representative for a major electronics retailer, I worked with a customer who was looking for a new television. The customer had several questions about the size and resolution of the televisions we carried in our store. I used my technical knowledge of keyence sensors to explain how the sensors could detect objects at different distances and resolutions. This information helped the customer decide which television would best suit their needs.”

10. What kind of experience do you have with machine vision systems?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with keyence systems. If you have no prior experience, it’s important to highlight any relevant skills that could be helpful in this role.

Example: “I’ve worked with machine vision systems for over five years now. I started out as a technician and eventually became an engineer. In my last position, I was responsible for designing and implementing keyence systems into production lines. This included testing the system before implementation and making sure everything ran smoothly once the machines were put into use.”

11. Do you have any experience with PLC programming?

PLC programming is a skill that’s often required for manufacturing positions. If you have experience with PLC programming, explain how it relates to your previous job and what you learned from the process. If you don’t have any experience with PLC programming, consider asking the interviewer if they can provide more information about the role’s responsibilities so you can determine whether or not you’re qualified for the position.

Example: “I’ve had some experience with PLC programming in my last position as an engineer at a manufacturing company. I was responsible for writing code for PLCs on a daily basis. This helped me understand the importance of using proper coding techniques when working with industrial systems.”

12. Have you ever worked with barcode readers before?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience with keyence products. If you have, explain how you used them and what kind of results you achieved. If you haven’t worked with barcode readers before, it’s okay to say so and talk about your interest in learning more about them.

Example: “I’ve never worked specifically with Keyence barcode readers, but I am very interested in doing so. I find that using these kinds of systems can be beneficial for many businesses because they’re so efficient at scanning data and information. In my last role, we used several different types of barcode scanners, including linear and 2D models. We found that the 2D models were the most effective for our needs.”

13. Are you comfortable working alone or independently?

This question is a great way to determine how independent you are and whether or not you can work independently. This is especially important for positions that require long hours of working alone, such as in the manufacturing industry.

Example: “I am comfortable working alone because I have done so before. However, I prefer to work with others because it’s more fun and motivating. In my previous position, I worked mostly by myself but had coworkers around me who were also working on their own projects. It was nice to be able to talk to them when needed and get advice from them.”

14. Can you tell us about a time where you had to use your analytical skills to solve a problem?

This question can help the interviewer get an idea of your problem-solving skills and how you use them to complete tasks. Use examples from previous work experiences where you had to analyze data, information or facts to solve a problem.

Example: “At my last job, I was tasked with finding out why our vision system wasn’t working properly. After looking at all the data and information we collected, I realized that one of the cameras on the system was broken. Once I replaced it, the vision system worked as expected.”

15. What motivates you to succeed?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and understand what drives you. Your answer can also tell them about your personality, values and goals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of an example from your past that shows how you motivated yourself to succeed.

Example: “I am motivated by helping others. In my last role, I was working with a client who had a lot of questions about their system. They were frustrated because they couldn’t figure out how to use the software. I spent extra time with them on the phone until they understood how to use the program. After our call, they told me they felt more confident using the software and would be able to complete their tasks.”

16. Do you prefer to manage yourself or be managed by others?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your leadership skills. It’s important that you can work well with others, but it’s also beneficial if you have some experience managing projects and teams. Your answer should show that you’re willing to take on more responsibility in your role as an engineer.

Example: “I prefer to be managed by others because I’m much better at following directions than giving them. However, I do enjoy taking on more challenging tasks when given the opportunity. In my last position, I was tasked with creating a new vision system from scratch. I took this opportunity to learn how to manage a team of engineers.”

17. As a Technical Sales Representative, how often will you need to travel?

Traveling is a common part of many sales positions, and the interviewer may want to know how you feel about it. If you have experience with frequent travel, share your strategies for staying productive while on the road. If you’re not as experienced with traveling, explain what you would do if you had to travel frequently.

Example: “I’ve traveled quite a bit in my previous position, so I’m used to packing up and going to different locations. However, I always make sure to bring everything I need to stay productive, including my laptop, chargers and any other equipment I might need. I also try to get plenty of sleep before leaving so that I can be well-rested when I arrive at my destination.”

18. What types of computer software applications are you familiar with?

This question is a great way to determine if you have the necessary skills and experience for the role. It’s important that you are familiar with the software used by your potential employer, so it’s best to research their website or job listing to see what they use before your interview.

Example: “I am very comfortable using Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I also know how to use Google Docs and Sheets, which I find helpful when collaborating on projects with my team. I’ve recently started learning Python coding, which I think will be useful in this position.”

19. What is the most important thing to remember when trying to sell a product?

This question is an opportunity to show your sales skills. You can use it to explain how you would sell a product and why that’s important.

Example: “The most important thing when selling a product is making sure the customer understands what they’re buying. I always make sure to thoroughly explain all of the features, benefits and limitations of any products I’m selling. This helps customers feel confident in their purchase and ensures they know exactly what they’re getting.”

20. What are your long-term goals within the company?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the company and its goals. It also helps employers see if you’re likely to stay with their company for a long time. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about what you want from your career. You can talk about how you hope to grow within the company or even move into management.

Example: “I would love to work my way up through the ranks of this company. I’m very interested in learning more about the technology that Keyence uses. I think it would be interesting to learn how to design vision systems myself. I know that there are many different aspects to working here, so I’d like to continue growing as an employee.”