20 Sysco Interview Questions and Answers

As the world’s largest foodservice distributor, Sysco is always looking for talented and ambitious employees to join their team. If you’re hoping to land a job at Sysco, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some specific interview questions about the company and the foodservice industry.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common Sysco interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence.

Sysco Interview Process

The interview process at Sysco can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, like truck driver or warehouse worker, the process may be fairly quick and easy. For other positions, like sales representative or analyst, the process may be more lengthy, with multiple rounds of interviews. Overall, the experience seems to be positive, with most applicants finding the process to be professional and respectful.

1. What is your experience with order selection?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with a specific aspect of working in food distribution. Use examples from previous work to highlight your skills and abilities, such as attention to detail, problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize tasks.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for selecting orders based on customer requests. This involved reviewing each order before it was sent out to ensure that all items were accounted for and there weren’t any mistakes. If there was an issue with an order, I would contact the client immediately so they could make changes or adjustments.”

2. How would you use social media to market a new Sysco product?

Social media is a popular marketing tool for many businesses, including Sysco. Use your answer to show the interviewer that you have experience using social media and how it can benefit a business like Sysco.

Example: “I would use social media to promote new products by creating engaging content that’s visually appealing. I would also share recipes that feature the product so customers could see how they can incorporate the product into their own dishes. I’ve used social media in my previous role as a digital marketer, and I found that these strategies helped increase sales of our products.”

3. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with an upset customer. What did you do and how did it turn out?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, make sure you highlight how you used your critical thinking skills to resolve the situation.

Example: “I had an upset customer once who called me at home because they were having issues with their order. I apologized for the inconvenience and told them that I would send out another delivery as soon as possible. The next day, I personally delivered the food myself so that I could ensure everything was okay. They were very appreciative of my efforts and gave us five stars on Yelp.”

4. Have you ever worked in a fast-paced environment?

Sysco is a company that requires its employees to work in fast-paced environments. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience working in this type of environment and how well you perform under pressure. Use examples from your previous job or describe the skills you possess that would help you succeed in a fast-paced environment.

Example: “In my last position, I worked with a team of five people who were responsible for delivering food products to over 100 restaurants per day. We had to meet tight deadlines while ensuring all deliveries arrived on time. My ability to multitask and communicate effectively helped me excel in this role.”

5. Do you have any sales experience?

Sysco is a sales-focused company, so they want to know if you have experience in this area. If you do, share your previous experience and how it helped you develop the skills needed for success at Sysco. If you don’t have any sales experience, explain what kind of work you’ve done that involves selling or convincing others to buy something.

Example: “I worked as a server at a restaurant when I was in college, which gave me some experience with customer service and sales. I learned how to interact with customers and convince them to order certain items on our menu. This experience taught me how to communicate effectively with people and make them feel comfortable.”

6. Why should we hire you as a delivery driver?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have what it takes to succeed in this role. Use examples from your experience as a delivery driver and highlight your skills, such as customer service, time management or organizational abilities.

Example: “I am an excellent driver with a clean driving record. I also have extensive knowledge of the local roads and streets, which makes me a great candidate for this position. In my previous job as a delivery driver, I was responsible for ensuring all deliveries were made on time while maintaining safe driving practices. I always ensured customers received their orders within 30 minutes of placing their order.”

7. What are some of the challenges that you might face on the job?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to handle challenges and overcome them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific challenge you faced in the past and how you overcame it.

Example: “One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered on previous jobs was when my company had to make changes to our delivery schedule due to inclement weather. In this situation, I worked with other employees to ensure that we communicated these changes to customers as quickly as possible so they could adjust their menus accordingly. This helped reduce customer complaints and ensured that all orders were delivered by the end of the day.”

8. Are you comfortable driving tractor trailers or forklifts?

Sysco may ask this question to determine if you have experience driving large vehicles or forklifts. If you do, they may want to know how much experience you have and what your safety record is like. If you don’t have any experience with these types of vehicles, you can explain that you are willing to learn.

Example: “I’ve driven tractor trailers before but only for short distances. I am comfortable driving them on highways and in parking lots. Forklifts are something I haven’t had a lot of experience with, but I would be happy to learn more about operating one.”

9. What is your take on the current state of the food industry?

Sysco is a large company that works in the food industry, so it’s likely they want to know your thoughts on how the industry has changed over time. Use this question as an opportunity to show you have knowledge of the current state of the food industry and are willing to share your opinions about it.

Example: “The food industry has changed drastically since I first started working in it. When I was fresh out of college, there were no apps or websites where people could order takeout online. Now, most restaurants offer online ordering, which makes things much easier for customers. It’s also great for businesses because it allows them to reach more customers.”

10. How would you handle being asked to drive long distances for deliveries?

Driving long distances is a common part of the job, and employers want to make sure you’re prepared for this. They also want to know that you understand how important safety is when driving.

Example: “I am used to driving long distances because I have done it in my previous jobs. However, I always ensure that I’m well-rested before making deliveries so I can be as safe as possible while on the road. I also take advantage of technology like GPS and other navigation systems to help me get where I need to go.”

11. Can you tell me about a time where you went above and beyond for a customer?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are willing to go the extra mile for customers. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific situation where you went above and beyond for a customer and how it helped them or benefited their business.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a customer who was having some issues with one of our products. They were very upset about the issue and wanted me to replace the product immediately. Instead of just replacing the product, I offered to deliver the replacement product to their home so they could try it out before deciding if they wanted to keep it. This made them much happier and allowed them to see that we cared about their experience.”

12. How would you describe your communication style?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with your team and customers. Describe a time when you had to communicate important information to others, such as a project deadline or company policy change.

Example: “I find that I am most effective at communicating when I have one-on-one conversations with my colleagues. This allows me to listen carefully to their questions and concerns so I can provide them with the answers they need. In my last role, I was responsible for informing my team of new policies regarding overtime pay. I scheduled individual meetings with each employee to discuss the changes and answer any questions they may have had.”

13. We want our employees to be able to work independently, what makes you think you would be a good fit for this type of environment?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are a self-starter and can work independently. You should highlight your ability to plan, organize and prioritize tasks.

Example: “I am very comfortable working on my own because I have done so for most of my career. In my last position as a server at a restaurant, I was responsible for taking orders from customers, delivering food to tables and handling customer complaints. I enjoy being able to take care of business without having to ask someone else for help.”

14. What is your approach to marketing products?

Sysco is a large company that distributes food products to businesses. As such, it needs employees who can market their products and services effectively. Your answer should show the interviewer your marketing skills and how you would apply them to Sysco’s business model.

Example: “I believe in providing customers with information about our products so they can make informed decisions when buying from us. I also think it’s important to understand what each customer wants and needs so we can provide customized solutions for them. For example, if a restaurant chain has a specific theme or style, I will work with my team to find suppliers who can meet those requirements.”

15. Give an example of a time when you were faced with a problem at work and weren’t sure how to solve it. How did you go about solving the problem?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills. Use examples from previous work experiences to highlight how you used critical thinking and analytical skills to solve problems.

Example: “At my last job, I was responsible for ordering food products for our restaurant. One day, we ran out of one of our most popular menu items. I wasn’t sure what to do because it was an item that we didn’t have in stock at all locations. I called the supplier and asked if they could send us more of the product by the end of the week. They agreed, and I placed another order with them so we would have enough inventory to serve customers until the new shipment arrived.”

16. Describe your experience working with customers.

Sysco is a customer-focused company, so it’s important that you have experience working with customers. When answering this question, make sure to highlight your communication skills and ability to solve problems for clients.

Example: “I’ve worked in the food industry for over five years now, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with many different types of customers. In my last position, I was responsible for managing all aspects of our client relationships, including sales, marketing and customer service. I always made sure to communicate clearly with my clients about any issues they were experiencing and how we could resolve them.”

17. Which shift are you available to work?

Sysco is a 24-hour operation, so the interviewer wants to know if you can work any shift. If you have experience working in food service or other hospitality businesses, you may be able to offer insight into your availability.

Example: “I am available for all shifts, but I prefer evening and night shifts because they are more convenient for me. I also find that these shifts allow me to get more done than during the day when there’s more traffic.”

18. What is something you’re passionate about outside of work?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and interests. They want to know that you’re passionate about something other than work, so they can see how it might influence your performance at Sysco. When answering this question, try to think of a hobby or activity that shows your passion for something outside of work.

Example: “I’m really passionate about my family. I love spending time with them and making memories together. My favorite thing to do is take my kids on vacation every summer. We usually go somewhere warm where we can swim in the ocean and lay out in the sun. It’s such a great way to spend quality time as a family.”

19. What do you like most about working with people?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how you interact with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about yourself that relates to working with people.

Example: “I love meeting new people and getting to know them. I find that everyone has their own unique story and experiences, so I enjoy learning more about what makes each individual special. In my last job, I met many new people every day, and I enjoyed making connections with all of them.”

20. What tips would you give to someone who is just starting out in the food industry?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the food industry and how you can help others succeed. When answering this question, think about what advice you would have wanted to hear when you first started in the food industry.

Example: “The most important thing I learned when starting out was that it’s okay to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s important to learn from them and move forward. If someone asks me for advice, I would tell them not to be afraid of making mistakes because everyone does. It’s more important to focus on learning from those mistakes than dwelling on them.”