20 Mine Safety Appliances Interview Questions and Answers

Mine Safety Appliances (MSA) is a leading manufacturer of safety products for the mining, construction, and industrial industries. MSA’s products are used by workers around the world to help protect them from a variety of hazards.

If you’re applying for a job at MSA, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, qualifications, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of MSA interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Mine Safety Appliances Interview Process

The interview process at Mine Safety Appliances can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as a Sales Manager, there may be multiple interviews with different members of management. For other positions, such as an Intern, there may only be one or two interviews. The difficulty of the interviews also varies depending on the position. Some interviews may be more difficult than others, but overall the interview process is not too difficult.

1. Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone that was difficult.

This question can help an interviewer understand how you work with others and your ability to collaborate. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you worked with someone who was difficult but also highlight the positive outcome of that situation.

Example: “In my previous role as a safety officer, I had to work with one of our mine foremen who wasn’t always the most cooperative person. He would often disagree with me on certain aspects of mine safety and sometimes even ignore my instructions. However, I learned to work around his personality by finding ways to compromise and find solutions that made him happy while still ensuring the safety of the miners.”

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

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your experience and skills. If you have previous mining industry experience, share what you did in that role. If you don’t have any experience working in a mine, explain why you’re qualified for this position despite not having direct experience.

Example: “I worked as an underground miner for five years before moving to my current role as a safety inspector. In my last job, I inspected all of the equipment miners used on a daily basis to ensure it was safe to use. I also ensured they were following all of the company’s policies and procedures when conducting their work.”

3. Do you have any experience working in manufacturing?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any experience working in a similar environment. If you do, they may ask you more questions about your previous job to see how it relates to this one. If you don’t, they may ask you more questions about why you’re interested in this position and what skills you bring that make you qualified for it.

Example: “I worked as an assembly line worker at a manufacturing plant for three years before I got my current job. My primary responsibility was putting together electronics, but I also helped with packaging and shipping. This experience taught me valuable teamwork and communication skills, which I think will be helpful in this role.”

4. How would you handle an irate customer?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know that you can handle difficult situations and remain calm while doing so. In your answer, try to show the interviewer that you are empathetic and willing to help customers with their concerns.

Example: “I would first listen to what they have to say and then explain why I cannot change their situation. If they continue to be upset, I would offer them a refund or find another solution to make them happy. I believe it is important to treat all customers with respect and kindness.”

5. Describe your knowledge of Mine Safety Appliances products.

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of their products and how you would use them in the workplace. To answer this question, list all the types of Mine Safety Appliances products you know about and explain what they are used for.

Example: “I have worked with several different Mine Safety Appliance products throughout my career. I am familiar with the company’s full line of helmets, including the MSA Advantage Plus Hard Hat, which I’ve worn while working on projects that required it. I also understand the purpose of the company’s respirators, such as the MSA Vantage Powered Air Purifying Respirator, which I’ve used when entering areas where there was a risk of hazardous gases.”

6. Why do you want to work at MSA?

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 personal connections you have with MSA or how you learned about the position. You can also use this opportunity to show that you did some research on the company before your interview.

Example: “I want to work at MSA because I am passionate about keeping people safe in dangerous environments. My uncle worked as an electrician, so I grew up hearing stories of his job. He always told me how important it was to wear safety equipment while working, which inspired me to pursue a career in mine safety appliances.”

7. Have you ever worked on a team project where there was conflict among members, how did you handle it?

Teamwork is an important skill to have in the mining industry. Employers ask this question to see if you can work well with others and resolve conflict. In your answer, explain how you helped your team resolve a problem or disagreement. Show that you are willing to help solve problems when they arise.

Example: “In my last position as a safety inspector, I worked on a team of three people. One day, one of my coworkers was late for our meeting. When we asked why, he said he had overslept. My other coworker and I told him it was unacceptable to be late again. He apologized and promised not to do it again. We all agreed to move forward and focus on our work.”

8. What are some qualities of a good leader?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have the leadership skills necessary for a position in mine safety. They want someone who can motivate their team and make decisions that keep everyone safe. When answering, think about what makes a good leader in your experience. Consider sharing some of those qualities with the interviewer so they know you have them yourself.

Example: “A good leader is someone who motivates others to do their best work. I believe it’s important to be empathetic when making decisions because each person has different needs. A good leader also knows how to delegate tasks effectively. In my last role, I was responsible for training new employees on the equipment we used. I found ways to break down complicated processes into smaller steps so anyone could learn.”

9. When you are given instructions for a task, what steps do you take to ensure that you understand exactly what needs to be done?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to follow instructions and complete tasks. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a time when you were given unclear or confusing instructions and how you worked with your supervisor to clarify them.

Example: “When I am given instructions for a task, I always make sure that I understand exactly what needs to be done before starting the work. If there are any questions about the instructions, I will ask my supervisor so that we can ensure I have all of the information needed to complete the task safely.”

10. If hired, what would be your approach to managing a large group of new employees?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and ability to manage a large group of people. Your answer should include how you would introduce yourself, explain the company’s policies and procedures and outline what you expect from employees in their first few days on the job.

Example: “I would start by introducing myself to everyone at once so they know who I am. Then, I would go through each department to meet with each employee one-on-one. During these meetings, I would discuss my expectations for them as well as theirs for me. I would also make sure that all new hires understood our safety protocols and were familiar with the equipment we use.”

11. Give us an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).

This question is designed to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others. It also helps the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a team environment.

Example: “In my last position, I worked alongside an individual who was very quiet and didn’t like to speak up or ask questions. This made it difficult for him to learn new tasks because he wouldn’t ask for help when he needed it. Instead of ignoring his behavior, I asked him about it after our shift one day. He told me that he felt uncomfortable asking questions because he wasn’t sure how people would react. After this conversation, we developed a system where he could discreetly ask me questions without feeling embarrassed.”

12. As a manager, how would you deal with an employee who consistently shows up late for their shift?

Employers ask this question to see how you would handle a challenging situation. They want to know that you can be firm and fair when necessary, while also encouraging your employees to improve their performance. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to address the issue with the employee and help them develop better time management skills.

Example: “I have had an employee show up late for work before, and I addressed it by having a private conversation with them about why it’s important to arrive on time. I explained that showing up late affects everyone in the department because we all need to start our shifts at the same time. I encouraged them to set multiple alarms so they could get up earlier in the future.”

13. We want our production technicians to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are a self-starter and can work independently. You should answer this question by describing your ability to take initiative, solve problems and complete tasks without supervision.

Example: “I am very comfortable working on my own because I have done so for most of my career. In fact, I prefer it because I get more accomplished when I don’t have to wait for someone else to help me with a task. I also think it’s important to be able to work independently in this role because there may be times when I need to fix something or make adjustments to equipment while other technicians are still working.”

14. Explain your understanding of quality control and inspection procedures within manufacturing.

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of quality control and inspection procedures in the mining industry. Use examples from past experience to explain how you ensure that products meet safety standards before they leave a manufacturing facility.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for ensuring that all products met quality control standards before leaving the production floor. For example, if we were making hard hats, I would inspect each one for any defects or issues before packaging them up for shipping. This helped me ensure that our company produced high-quality goods that met customer expectations.”

15. Describe your experience with designing and testing mechanical components.

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with mechanical design and testing. Describe any previous projects you’ve worked on that required designing or testing mechanical components, including how you completed these tasks.

Example: “In my last role as a mining engineer, I was responsible for creating designs for new equipment and testing them to ensure they were safe for use in the mine. I would first create a blueprint of the equipment using computer software, then test the equipment by running simulations to see if it could withstand the conditions inside the mine. After testing, I would make adjustments to the equipment based on the results.”

16. Which area of engineering are you most interested in?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and interests. They may be looking for someone who has experience in their specific industry, but they also want someone who will enjoy working there. Your answer should include what you are most passionate about as well as any relevant experience you have.

Example: “I am most interested in mechanical engineering because I love figuring out how things work. In my last role, I was responsible for maintaining all of the equipment at the mine site, including the ventilation system, which kept me busy. I enjoyed learning new ways to troubleshoot problems with the equipment and implementing solutions.”

17. What safety precautions would you take as a production technician?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would apply your knowledge of safety procedures to your daily work. Use examples from your previous experience or explain what you would do if you were in a similar situation.

Example: “I would make sure that I was always aware of my surroundings and kept track of where everyone on my team was at all times. I would also ensure that any machinery I used was functioning properly before use, and I would never rush through tasks to meet production quotas. If I noticed something unsafe about the equipment or environment, I would report it immediately so we could fix it.”

18. When was the last time you made a mistake while working on a project? How did you handle it?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills. They want to know that you can recognize a mistake and fix it quickly. In your answer, try to explain what steps you took to correct the situation.

Example: “When I was working on my master’s degree, I had an assignment due in two weeks. I thought I could get it done in time, but then I got sick for a week. I ended up missing the deadline by three days. I felt really bad because I knew how important it was to submit it on time. I stayed up all night finishing it so I could turn it in before class started.”

19. Give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to work independently.

Example: “When I was working as a safety inspector for a mining company, we had an issue with miners not wearing their hard hats while they were on break. The company’s policy stated that if a miner wasn’t wearing their hard hat, they would be sent home for the day. However, many of the miners felt this rule was unfair because they weren’t able to take off their hard hats during lunch or when taking bathroom breaks.

I met with the miners to discuss the issue and explain why it was important for them to wear their hard hats at all times. After some discussion, I realized that the miners didn’t have anywhere to put their hard hats while they ate their lunches. So, I worked with the human resources department to create designated areas where miners could leave their hard hats so they wouldn’t get in trouble for breaking the rules.”

20. Are you willing to travel if needed?

Employers may need you to travel for work, especially if they’re a mining company that operates in multiple locations. They want to know whether you have any issues with traveling and working away from home. If you do, be honest about it. If not, explain why you don’t.

Example: “I am willing to travel as needed. I enjoy meeting new people and learning about different places. However, I understand that there are some situations where I can’t go due to family obligations or other commitments. In those cases, I would let my employer know as soon as possible so they could find someone else.”