I applied through university. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Caterpillar
Accepted offer
Positive experience
Easy interview
Application
The process took 2 days. I interviewed at Caterpillar (Peoria, IL) in Dec 2011
Interview
Initial contact at a conference where I spoke with a representative and handed them my resume. Applied online almost immediately after. I was contacted about 2 weeks later and set up a phone interview that last about an hour. Very friendly and knowledgable interviewer. Passed phone interview and was flown out the night before interview and was taken out by a very friendly employee in a relaxed environment.
Morning of interview I was taken to breakfast, orientation about the specific program, drug-test and three 1-hour interviews. They ask you to use the STAR technique to answer their situational/behavioral questions. Prepare before hand with your answers to the most common questions - it's not just about answering the question but about being able to relate your experience with the position you are interviewing for. Honestly, everyone was very knowledgable, gave active feedback and even took time after the interview time to talk some more.
Depending on your interviewers you will have either employees that go question by question and others that will choose to give you 1 or 2 question that they like. Yes, they did have "topics" for a set of question but the as long as you answer the question and know what they are asking for - you will do fine. It's ok to ask to repeat the question and usually they will give a paraphrase on what they want to find out.
Chances are if you are interviewing for them at HQ you have some great qualifications and have passed at least two screenings. At this point it is just about finding a fit for you within the company and if you think the company is a good fit for you.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time when a policy, process or procedure changed in a middle of a project or situation - how did you adapt?
It was all surrounded around the STAR Method. Situation, Task, Action, Result. Prepping beforehand makes this a lot easier. Do not reference your notes during this time though. It's your average behavioral questions with two 30 minute interviews.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time that you successfully got a team to work together.
I applied through university. I interviewed at Caterpillar (Detroit, MI) in Sept 2017
Interview
STAR Process. There was a lot of behavioral questions that were not very difficult to answer. My interviewer was in a similar role so a lot of back and forth dialogue. This made the entire process flow and not much uneasy moments.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time you lead a team and had success?
I applied through university. I interviewed at Caterpillar
Interview
It was very straightforward. It was back to back 30-minute interviews with 2 different individuals in technical marketing. I researched the company and was able to speak on current events. Their business is changing and they are looking for employees who share their vision of change and who want to make the world a better place. Seeing the big picture of building a bigger world is essential and if you can tie your experience to their vision you will stand out. Also, don't bring up current financial position.
