StarKist Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process involved a phone interview. I didn't get a clear sense of what the hiring manager was looking for, and he seemed to lack energy and interest, almost like he was just going through the motions to meet a quota. I was really disappointed with how it went. I had prepared, done my research, and we discussed my experiences. However, when I asked if he had any concerns about my qualifications, I realized he was seeking someone with a 'fresh skill/experience for the job,' or at least that's the reason he gave for rejecting me. It makes me wonder if he even read my resume, because if he wanted someone with new skills, why did they select me for an interview in the first place? It just feels like a waste of time.

I applied online and then got an email from the HR recruiter at Starkist asking if I could come in on a specific day and also providing parking details. On the interview day, I spoke with the HR manager, then with the Senior Manager, who said I'd get another email with another interview. After a few days, I was called for an interview with the Vice President, Senior Operations Manager, and other senior people, and then I was sent home.

This was for a food manufacturing and distribution company, and it was a pretty long process. Started off with a former Management Consultant and VP. The interview happened while they were in the middle of an M&A with a consulting firm during a Ch. 11 bankruptcy. I had to talk about my work history, focusing on times I contributed to profit percentages or when I made significant decisions like downsizing a product, marginalizing one, or spiking prices for a cost-benefit P&L valuation. The second interview was right after the first with another associate. Even with good work details and strategies, it felt tedious trying to apply the micro-economic theory from school to a real business strategy.

It was a lengthy interview process, but everyone was really friendly, so the time just flew by. I started with a one-on-one Zoom interview, and then they scheduled a panel interview for me in Pittsburgh.