Interview Experience: Fachkraft Instandhaltungstechnik at HelloFresh

I recently interviewed for the position of Fachkraft Instandhaltungstechnik at HelloFresh in Magdeburg, Germany, and I’d like to share my experience. The process was well-structured and involved a mix of technical assessments, practical demonstrations, and behavioral questions. Below is a detailed breakdown of my experience, along with the kinds of questions I faced and tips for preparing.

1. Application and Screening

The first step was to submit my application through the HelloFresh career portal. Shortly after, I received an email from a recruiter scheduling a phone interview. This initial call was short but focused on gauging my interest in the position and confirming that my background aligned with the role.

Questions asked during the phone screening:

• Why HelloFresh? – They wanted to know why I was interested in working for the company and how I fit with their mission.
• Can you describe your experience with industrial maintenance systems? – I discussed my experience with automated and pneumatic systems, including troubleshooting and maintaining conveyor systems.
• What do you know about the role of a Fachkraft Instandhaltungstechnik at HelloFresh? – I was asked to explain the key responsibilities and how I could contribute to maintaining the production equipment.

This stage was focused on ensuring that I had the basic qualifications and motivation for the job.

2. Technical Interview

After the initial screening, I was invited to a more technical interview. This was conducted virtually and involved detailed questions about my knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems. The interviewer was focused on understanding how I would handle the maintenance of automated production equipment and pneumatic systems, which are central to the job.

Key topics discussed:

• Automated and Pneumatic Systems: I was asked about my experience with automated systems, such as conveyors, robotic arms, and sorting machines. I was also asked how I would approach troubleshooting a malfunction in these systems.

  Example question:
  “Imagine the conveyor system in the production line suddenly stops. How would you diagnose the problem and fix it?”

• Preventive Maintenance: Since the role requires proactive maintenance, I was asked how I would design a preventive maintenance plan for automated and pneumatic systems.

  Example question:
  “How do you ensure that systems are running optimally without causing unplanned downtimes?”

• Electrical Systems: I was tested on my understanding of electrical components and troubleshooting techniques. This included working with sensors, motors, and control panels.

  Example question:
  “How would you handle an issue where a sensor failure is causing inaccurate readings on a sorting system?“

3. Practical Test

The next stage involved a hands-on practical test. I was asked to work on a small setup that simulated a production system failure. The goal was to test my troubleshooting skills in real-time. I was provided with a malfunctioning system (a simplified version of a pneumatic conveyor) and had to diagnose and correct the issue within a limited time.

What was tested:

• Diagnostic Ability: I needed to identify the root cause of the failure (e.g., faulty sensor, pressure issue, or electrical failure).
• Hands-on Skills: I was required to physically repair or reset certain parts of the system, showcasing my hands-on approach to maintenance.
• Time Management: I was assessed on how quickly I could identify and solve the problem without compromising quality.

The practical test was demanding but also very engaging. It gave me an opportunity to demonstrate my technical proficiency and problem-solving approach.

4. Behavioral Interview

The final stage was a behavioral interview with the team manager. This round focused on my interpersonal skills, work ethic, and how I handle challenges in a team setting. I was asked to provide examples from my previous roles to showcase my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

Key topics discussed:

• Teamwork: HelloFresh values collaboration, so I was asked how I work with other team members to solve maintenance issues and keep production running smoothly.

  Example question:
  “Can you describe a time when you had to work with a team to solve a maintenance issue? How did you ensure everyone was on the same page?”

• Problem-solving under Pressure: Given the fast-paced nature of the role, I was asked how I manage stressful situations and tight deadlines.

  Example question:
  “Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot an urgent system failure under pressure. How did you handle the situation?”

• Motivation: The interviewer asked about what drives me in a maintenance role and how I stay motivated when faced with routine tasks.

  Example question:
  “What motivates you to keep improving the maintenance processes, even when things are running smoothly?“

5. Offer and Feedback

After the interview process, I received feedback and an offer from HelloFresh within a week. They praised my technical skills and problem-solving ability, particularly my approach to troubleshooting and handling the practical test. They also appreciated my team-oriented mindset and my willingness to adapt to new systems.

Common Questions You May Face for a Fachkraft Instandhaltungstechnik Role at HelloFresh:

• How do you approach diagnosing a fault in an automated production system?
• Describe your experience with pneumatic systems and how you handle troubleshooting.
• What strategies would you implement for preventive maintenance on automated conveyors?
• How would you ensure the safety of a team when working with complex machinery?
• Tell us about a time when you had to manage multiple maintenance tasks under tight deadlines.
• What tools and systems have you used for tracking and managing maintenance tasks?
• How do you stay up to date with new technologies in industrial maintenance?

Preparation Tips:

• Study Automated Systems: Be well-versed in the types of automated and pneumatic systems commonly used in production environments. Practice diagnosing issues and designing maintenance schedules.
• Understand Preventive Maintenance: Prepare to discuss how you would reduce downtime and optimize system efficiency through proactive maintenance.
• Hands-on Skills: Make sure you have experience or practice with hands-on troubleshooting. You might be tested on this during the interview.
• Prepare Behavioral Examples: Reflect on past experiences where you solved problems, worked under pressure, or collaborated with teams, as these are frequently explored in the behavioral interview.