Jeremia Interview 7/1/25
Interview Context
Question Bank Used by Interviewer
Customer Service & Conflict Resolution
“Tell me about a time you provided exceptional customer service—what did you do and what was the outcome?”
I was asked to help unload a truck at a previous place of work and the other workers were struggling so I ended up unloading the whole thing because I was able to
“Describe a situation where you helped someone who was upset or frustrated; how did you handle it?”
When training new guys on the line they would get frustrated when they didn’t get something right or were struggling with a process. Just be patient with them, encourage them to slow down and take their time and they’ll get it. Show them again if needed.
Operational Skills
“Have you ever managed inventory or supplies? If so, how did you ensure nothing gets overlooked?”
Just take your time and don’t overlook the little details. Double check your work.
“Have you ever had to keep a workspace organized while juggling multiple tasks? Explain your approach.”
Yeah, on the lines you have to make sure things are clean and tidy for your own and others safety while still getting your work done.
“How comfortable are you with computer work—basic e-mailing, data entry, logging?”
I am comfortable with it.
Communication & Training
“Describe a time you had to communicate important information to someone and ensure they understood.”
Communicating things to people as to why they have to do certain things to make everything flow right. Write things down and give them a list and make sure they show you that they can do it before you leave
“Have you ever explained a policy or process to someone unfamiliar with it? Walk me through your method.”
see above answer
Follow-up: interviewer requests more detail (“What did that orientation look like—physically walking them through steps?”).
Teamwork & Adaptability
“Share an example of working as part of a team to achieve a goal—what was your role?”
A lot of times we had to meet a quota of how much we had to get done each day. We had to all make sure to do our part and work as hard as everyone else to reach that
“Describe a time you had to adapt to sudden change at work and keep things running smoothly.”
Sometimes we would be almost done with our quota and be told we had to do more. We’d be tired and ready to go but I would hype the guys up and say “lets do this and get it done!”
“Tell me when you noticed a problem before others and the steps you took to fix it.”
Reflective / Values-Based Questions
Introduction of Head, Heart, Hands framework; candidate asked to self-describe using it.
“What interests you about working at Baxter and specifically in our marketplace?”
Definition exercise: “How would you define equity, and how does it apply to food systems in Grand Rapids?”
Concept Explanations Offered by Interviewer
Head-Heart-Hands Framework
Purpose: richer self-description beyond “What do you do?”
Definitions & Personal Examples (Interviewer’s own)
Head: Area of deep knowledge. Interviewer cites public-health programming & evaluation—formal education + professional practice.
Heart: Source of passion. Interviewer loves rescue dogs—jokes about being “the stereotypical white lady” climbing fences to save dogs; owns 3 rescues and volunteers in that space.
Hands: Practical skills/gifts. Interviewer is “decently artistic,” integrating creativity at work and personally.
Candidate instructed it “doesn’t have to be super deep” but should provide one example each for head, heart, hands.
Equity vs. Equality (Fence Metaphor)
Equality ⇒ Everyone given the same amount or the same resource.
Equity ⇒ Everyone provided with the tools/support they individually need to achieve equal opportunity or outcome.
Illustrative Metaphor
People trying to look over a fence.
Tall person: sees without aid.
Short person: needs stairs.
Person using a wheelchair: needs an accessible ramp.
Goal: remove barriers so each person can access the same view.
Application to food systems: ensuring not just equal distribution of food, but equal access, affordability, and opportunity for all Grand Rapids residents.
Job Role at Baxter – Detailed Duties & Expectations
Front-Facing / Marketplace Tasks
Check in neighbors (clients) upon arrival; verify and enter data in system.
Explain “how our pantry works” to new visitors.
Assist with toiletry supplies retrieval from back stock.
Consistent emphasis on customer service and dignified interaction.
Back-of-House / Operational Tasks
Sourcing Donations: e.g., contacting bakeries/grocers for bread, eggs, milk when supplies are low.
Garden & Greenhouse Support (occasional): harvesting greens, tomatoes from raised beds—largely handled by interns but candidate may assist.
Inventory & Monthly Reports
Log all donations accurately.
Record every visitor served; counts influence allocations from partners like Feeding America.
Submit reports to partnering orgs and funders.
Coalition Work & Training: participate in community efforts to reduce dependence on emergency food assistance; attend relevant trainings.
Broader Mission Alignment
Unlike for-profit growth metrics, success means lower numbers of clients (i.e., fewer families needing emergency food).
Role contributes to systemic change so residents achieve self-sustaining food security.
Candidate asked whether they’re interested in both direct service and systems-change components.
Skill Mix Desired
Hands-on labor (production line, stocking, gardening).
Administrative competence (e-mails, data entry, reporting).
Problem-solving & relationship building (donor outreach).
Flexibility: “not doing the same thing every day” yet predictable structure.
Candidate Logistics & Next Steps
Candidate will receive an e-mail regarding:
Scheduling a second interview.
Request for professional references.
Interviewer invites additional questions via e-mail at any time.
Meeting closes with thanks and well-wishes (“Have a good day”).
Miscellaneous Notes & Minor Details
Interviewer mentions needing to complete their own “monthly report” after the call.
Light humor throughout (e.g., rescue-dog anecdote, “Maybe I have my keys.”).
No numerical formulas or statistical data provided; emphasis is qualitative and conceptual.
Key Takeaways for Exam Preparation
Understand behavioral interview techniques: STAR-type examples, rapport building, reflective frameworks.
Grasp distinctions between equality and equity, especially in social-service contexts.
Familiarize yourself with the Head-Heart-Hands model as a holistic self-assessment tool.
Recognize operational realities of a non-profit food pantry: front-line service + back-office data obligations + systemic advocacy.
Appreciate the unique metric of success: decreased utilization of services.
Note the mixed skill set required (customer service, logistics, data management, basic agriculture).
Remember upcoming actions (watch for follow-up e-mail, prepare references, possibly a second interview).