H.B. Fuller Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process wasn't very clear from the start. The first interview was quite conversational, allowing me to really highlight my CV and provide context in a relaxed setting, which I liked. After that, I was told I'd meet one more colleague. The second interview seemed to be at some sort of barbecue gathering, which felt a bit unexpected given the casual American company vibe. This interview also went well. Again, I was told there was just one more person to meet. This final person was the only other Portuguese speaker on the small team. This meeting was awkward; she had no questions and I struggled to make conversation. To be honest, I wasn't even sure if this was the final interview or what to expect. After the call, I heard nothing for about a month, despite chasing people by email. Finally, I got a text message saying I wasn't hired. I should have checked reviews beforehand; apparently, this isn't uncommon with Portuguese HR.

I filled out a really long application form with all my details, which took quite some time because I put effort into it. Then I was invited to an interview in English, which I passed, moving on to the next stage: an in-person interview in Guarulhos. I put in the effort, tried my best, spent time and money to travel to Guarulhos, only to receive a negative response via email with a standard, impersonal text. They didn't even explain the reasons for the rejection. It just left me with the feeling that this is how business works, and we're just another number in the process, and it doesn't matter to them to respond more empathetically. Also, throughout the entire process, I wasn't informed about the job's salary. I think salary is one of the first things that should be discussed with candidates, so nobody wastes time if it's not a good fit.

The interview process had two distinct parts. First, I spoke with HR. It was a casual chat where they wanted to understand my background beyond my resume, my degree, and why I'm passionate about the area. They also asked about my career plans and if they fit with the company's goals. They were also interested in my current life situation, how I handle stress, and what keeps me motivated to ensure I'm doing well personally and performing at a high level. Second, I met with the Hiring Manager. This was more hands-on. The main part was a case study where I explained a tough problem I dealt with, the strategies I used, and the results. We also talked about my ideas for the future of the area and how I’d handle real-world issues. It felt like they were checking my cultural fit and my ability to deliver results.

It was a seamless interview process, and I actually got a job title bump. I was interviewing for a process operator job, but the hiring manager saw my engineering background and offered me a higher role. The job required a chemistry grad and involved batch making, plus monitoring process changes within limits shown on batch or shop sheets. I ended up taking a role doing more plant engineering, even though I just graduated.