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United Parcel Service, or UPS for short, is a shipping and receiving and supply chain management company. They employ about x people in y offices worldwide, with Carol Tomé currently serving as the CEO.
UPS is one of the largest shipping companies globally, and as such, they have a serious need for talented and dedicated workers. In addition, certain occasions and seasons, such as around Christmastime, bring about an even higher need for UPS workers, and it is a good idea to apply for jobs around these times.
If you are prepared and know what you are getting yourself into, landing a job at UPS can be an easy task. Nailing the interview is a sure-fire way to get yourself the job, and the best way to do great in an interview is to prepare yourself.
In this article, we will go through all you need to know before your interview at UPS. To help prepare you for the interview, we have included some possible interview questions and example answers you can use to guide yourself in this process.
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Apply for a position. Whether online or in-person, your first step is to find an open position and submit an application. UPS is frequently hiring for both driver and warehouse positions, and their starting salary is anywhere from $10-$27 per hour.
Interview and pre-employment checks. After you submit your application, you will be called in for an onsite interview if you have the proper qualifications. If the interview goes well, you move onto pre-employment checks such as a drug screening and background check.
Orientation and training. Once you have officially been offered the position, it’s time to move onto onboarding. For your first day at UPS, wear the right attire, including supportive, non-slip shoes. Also, be sure to bring any necessary documentation, stay hydrated, and prepare for an active day.
Do you have any previous work experience in shipping and handling?
Like any job, UPS will want to know what kind of work experience and training you are bringing to the table. While it is not required that you have prior experience for most positions, it can be very helpful for preparing you for the demands of this job and increasing your chances at the interview.
Example Answer:
“While I do not have any prior work experience with shipping and handling, I do have plenty of experience with customer service. In my current position as a sales associate, I have built plenty of skill in working quickly and with quality.”
Why do you want to work for UPS?
Your interviewer might ask you this to figure out what your goals and expectations are for this job. There are probably many factors affecting this decision for you, but try to focus on ways that your goals and values align with those of the company.
Example Answer:
“I want to work here because I do well in fast-paced jobs that keep me active and busy. I also admire UPS’s dedication to providing quality service to customers.”
What do you know about UPS?
This is a classic interview question that comes up mainly so that the interviewer can see what kind of research you have done leading up to this. To avoid getting caught in an unprepared answer, try to do a little bit of googling beforehand. You can mention basic facts about the company, its history, delivery operations, or anything else you see fit.
Example Answer:
“I know that UPS is the largest parcel delivery service in the world and that it operates both land and air delivery services.”
How would you manage the stress of a physically demanding job like this one?
It is no secret that working at UPS can be very physically and mentally draining. Working long days, lifting heavy packages, and driving for extended periods can all be very damaging to the body if you do not have the resources to counterbalance these activities.
Example Answer:
“I was an athlete throughout school, and I try to do what I can to stay active and fit in my personal life so that work doesn’t take too much out of me. I also make sure I get plenty of sleep each night and have time to relax every day.”
What does your availability look like?
This question is perhaps the most important one and also perhaps the one that will show up with the most certainty. For a job like this, you must have fairly open availability with lots of flexibility in your schedule, as you will likely need to work nonstandard hours.
Be honest about your time obligations, but keep in mind that the more availability you present, the better.
Example Answer:
“I have open availability seven days a week except for Thursday. I wake up early and am comfortable working early morning hours, and I am also available to work the occasional holiday shift.”
Do you prefer working independently or on a team with others?
The interviewer who asks this question wants to know more about your work style, so your answer to this question will vary based on your personal preference. However, keep in mind that they are also looking for versatility, so it’s in your best interest to demonstrate some.
Example Answer:
“I’m a people person, and I usually prefer working in teams with others, but I am self-motivated and able to work independently as well.”
Where do you see yourself in five years if you get this job?
This question asks you to consider some of your plans and career goals and how they might fit into you getting this job.
Even if it’s the truth, the interviewer probably doesn’t want to hear that you are using this job as a temporary stepping stone. So talk about how landing this job, and staying with the company, might fit into a possible five-year plan
Example Answer:
“I plan to work hard in this position and advance within the company in the next five years.”
Can you consistently show up on time?
The truth of the matter is that your UPS interview exists to test you on some pretty straightforward things. It isn’t going to be full of trick questions or heavy technical stuff. The interviewer just wants to get to know what you are like and see if you can meet the standards set by the company.
This question exemplifies that. Answer this question by simply ensuring that you can be a team player that they can count on.
Example Answer:
“I have a reliable form of transportation, and I can show up on time consistently.”
Can you comfortably lift 75 lbs daily?
If you are applying for a UPS warehouse job, prepare yourself for some pretty intense and strenuous physical activity daily. These jobs require you to lift heavy packages and materials, and interviewers want to know that you are prepared for this aspect of the job.
Example Answer:
“Yes, I can. I am a physically active person, and I am comfortable lifting heavy weights.”
Are you able to drive in inclement weather conditions?
If you are looking for a driver job at UPS, you will need to prove that you are a safe and reliable driver. Along with a clean driving record, you will also need to be a cautious driver prepared to deliver packages even in difficult driving conditions.
Example Answer:
“I have a commercial driver’s license, and I have been trained to drive in severe weather conditions, including rain and snow.”
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Prepare necessary documentation beforehand. Before your UPS interview, you may be asked to prepare documents such as forms of ID, tax forms, or work contracts. If you were asked to bring or look over any documents, be sure that you have those before leaving for your interview.
Dress business casual. While you do not need to wear a suit and tie for this interview, you will want to look clean, presentable, and professional. Therefore, wear an outfit that strikes a balance between a traditional professional look and a casual one, such as a long-sleeve button-up shirt with dark jeans.
Dress business casual. While you do not need to wear a suit and tie for this interview, you will want to look clean, presentable, and professional. Therefore, wear an outfit that strikes a balance between a traditional professional look and a casual one, such as a long-sleeve button-up shirt with dark jeans.