L'oreal internship interview questions are typical of what you’ll encounter when looking for internships in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, but the overall process is rigorous. And if you're an aspiring consultant or business professional interested in FMCG, then L’Oreal should definitely be on your radar. Headquartered in Paris, L’Oreal is one of the premier FMCG companies in the world, with an extensive array of brands and products in the areas of cosmetics, wellness, personal care, and more.
FMCG can be an exciting, attractive, and competitive industry. Working at a company like L’Oreal would offer unparalleled opportunities for creating and marketing a variety of products that would both rapidly diversify your professional experience, and allow you to have an impact on people’s everyday lives. One of the best ways to land a full-time position with a company like L’Oreal is by starting with an internship. But to get there, first you need to ace your L'oreal internship interview questions.
How to Prepare for a L’Oreal Interview
If you’re serious about landing an internship at L’Oreal specifically, then you’ll want to do your due diligence and learn everything you can about how to prepare for the L’Oreal interview. Luckily, there’s information out there from previous applicants, whose experience can help you maximize your chances of landing a L’Oreal internship.
L’Oreal Interview Process
The L’Oreal interview process is generally praised for its efficiency and professionalism. However, the L’Oreal interview process isn’t the same for every applicant. It can depend on what role, department, and office you’re applying for. Let’s look at some of the different types of interviews you can anticipate when you apply to L’Oreal.
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L’Oreal Case Study Interview
Many—but not all—applicants report having to deal with a L’Oreal case study interview. This is typically conducted in a group setting as the first in-person interview applicants experience after their initial phone screening and digital interview. Typically, applicants will be assigned to different teams, and then they’ll be granted some time to evaluate a given case study and work together to present a response. These group case studies will assess your technical expertise, your teamwork skills, and your communication skills. An example of the kind of L’Oreal case study applicants have encountered in the past is: “Devise a campaign to promote the launch of a new skin-care product in the Chinese market.”
L’Oreal Phone Interview
The L’Oreal phone interview is typically the first stage of the interview process. After submitting their resume/CV—and sometimes completing an online skills assessment—applicants will typically be scheduled for an initial phone interview with a recruiter. Typical L’Oreal phone interview questions will ask applicants to give more background on items from their resume, or else to explain their interest in L’Oreal and the FMCG industry. These phone interviews are also excellent opportunities for applicants to learn more about the role they’re applying for.
L’Oreal Digital Interview
After the initial phone screening, applicants often proceed to the L’Oreal digital interview, which usually involves multiple rounds of interviews with HR representatives, hiring managers, and/or other senior professionals in the department applicants are applying for.
L’Oreal Interview Tips
Now let’s look at some L’Oreal interview tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your L’Oreal interview.
- Learn About The Company
Research L’Oreal’s history, as well as its various brands, products, and campaigns. Show the company you’re interested in them specifically.
- Learn About The Industry
Come ready to explain why the FMCG industry is right for you.
- Study The Latest Trends In Culture, Cosmetics, And More
Demonstrate knowledge and interest not only of L’Oreal but of its consumers and
competitors.
- Prepare Your Narrative
Get ready to explain your resume and your personal history in a way that makes coherent sense of your overall story, including your skills and successes. And be ready to explain your weaknesses in a way that demonstrates self-awareness and the capacity for improvement. You’ll especially want to be ready to talk about experiences that demonstrate
leadership—whether formal or informal—and the capacity to work well in teams.
L’Oreal Interview Questions
Now let’s look at some of the most common L’Oreal interview questions and answers. Most L’Oreal interview questions are behavioral, but some are also technical, so you’ll want to be prepared for that too.
L’Oreal Internship Interview Questions
L’Oreal internship interview questions typically begin by trying to assess the applicant’s authentic interest in and knowledge about the company and the industry. One question you’re likely to encounter is: “Why do you want to work at L’Oreal?” You should be prepared to answer in a way that goes much deeper than just financial compensation.
Other questions will ask about your passion for beauty. So you may want to brush up on your knowledge of the beauty industry so you can speak about it with convincing interest and expertise.
L’Oreal Behavioral Interview Questions
You’re also certainly going to encounter some L’Oreal behavioral interview questions mixed in with questions about your experiences and goals. Some of these questions may be organized around your experiences and goals, but they will ultimately be designed to assess how you’ll behave in certain situations. Some common questions include:
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- What setbacks have you encountered and how have you handled them?
- Can you describe a time when you’ve had to manage multiple competing deadlines?
- How have you navigated conflicts with team members in the past?
Conclusion
If you're interested in working for L’Oreal or the fast-moving consumer goods industry more generally, then starting with a L’Oreal internship is a great move. But in order to get there, you’ll need to prepare for your L’Oreal internship interview. By studying the process and preparing yourself for the L’Oreal interview questions you’re likely to encounter, you’ll be able to demonstrate the competence and confidence necessary to land the gig.
Additional Resources:
- Case Interview: Complete Prep Guide
- Consulting Resume: Complete Guide
- What are Behavioral Interviews?