Material Mover & Hand Laborer Interview Questions & Answers

Hand laborers and material movers manually move freight, stock, or other materials.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Customer service skills
• Listening skills
• Physical strength
• Hand-eye coordination
• Physical stamina

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Material Mover & Hand Laborer positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Customer-service skills

Why interviewers are interested in your customer-service skills:

Hand laborers and material movers who work with the public, such as grocery baggers or carwash attendants, must be pleasant and courteous to customers.

Learn more about customer-service interview questions and how to answer them!

Hand-eye coordination

Why interviewers are interested in your hand-eye skills:

Most hand laborers and material movers use their arms and hands to manipulate objects or move objects into specific positions.

Listening skills

Why interviewers are interested in your listening skills:

Hand laborers and material movers follow instructions that a supervisor gives them.

Physical stamina

Why interviewers are interested in your physical stamina:

Hand laborers and material movers need the endurance to perform strenuous tasks, such as moving or cleaning objects, throughout the day.

Physical strength

Why interviewers are interested in your physical strength:

Some hand laborers and material movers must be able to lift and carry heavy objects.

(source: bls.gov)

Material Mover & Hand Laborer Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Material Mover & Hand Laborer Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Material Mover & Hand Laborer Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Working as a material mover or hand laborer can be repetitive. How do you ensure you stay focused and motivated?
2. How would you define great customer service? Can you give me an example of how you deliver great customer service?
3. Are you efficient with your time? Can you give me an example that demonstrates your time management skills?
4. Walk me through your experience in using warehouse machinery/equipment to move materials.
5. What do you consider the most rewarding part of working as a material mover (hand laborer)?
6. How do you ensure safety in the workplace? Can you give me an example?
7. What is your strategy to monitor inventory levels? Can you give me an example?
8. Do you have a specialization in moving and handling materials? If so, please describe it?
9. Give me an example of weight that you are experienced in lifting and carrying by yourself.
10. What system do you use to calculate and determine load weights to prevent overload? Can you give me an example?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.