The Hershey Company Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

The Hershey Company is a global leader in the confectionery industry, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability in creating delightful chocolate and snack products.

The Research Scientist role at The Hershey Company is pivotal in advancing product and process innovation within the R&D department. This position involves leading high-complexity initiatives that focus on developing new technologies and optimizing existing processes in areas such as cocoa science and ingredient technology. Key responsibilities include executing experiments, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving product development efforts from concept through to commercialization. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, project management capabilities, and the ability to communicate complex technical information effectively. A background in food science, chemical engineering, or related fields is essential, along with hands-on experience in laboratory and pilot plant environments.

This guide will equip you with tailored insights and strategic questions that reflect the company’s values and expectations, helping you stand out during your interview process.

The interview process for a Research Scientist position at The Hershey Company is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several distinct stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step involves a brief phone interview with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your resume, relevant experiences, and motivations for applying to Hershey. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Research Scientist role.

2. Technical and Behavioral Interviews

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo two to three rounds of interviews, which may be conducted virtually or in person. These interviews often involve multiple interviewers, including hiring managers and team members. Expect a mix of technical questions related to your field, as well as behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or SOAR (Situation, Obstacle, Action, Result) frameworks are commonly used to structure these questions, allowing interviewers to gauge your past experiences and thought processes.

3. Panel Interview

In some cases, candidates may participate in a panel interview, where they meet with several interviewers simultaneously. This format allows for a comprehensive evaluation of your skills and experiences, as each panel member may focus on different aspects of your background. Questions may revolve around your technical knowledge, project management skills, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

4. Practical Assessment

Depending on the specific focus of the Research Scientist role, candidates may be required to complete a practical assessment. This could involve demonstrating your ability to design experiments, analyze data, or operate laboratory equipment. The goal is to evaluate your hands-on skills and technical rigor in a real-world context.

5. Final Interview and Offer

The final stage typically involves a discussion with senior management or team leaders. This interview may cover your long-term career goals, alignment with Hershey's values, and your vision for contributing to the company's research initiatives. If successful, candidates will receive a formal offer, which may include discussions about salary, benefits, and other employment terms.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to be ready for a variety of questions that will test your technical knowledge and interpersonal skills.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for the Research Scientist role at The Hershey Company. The interview process will likely focus on your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the company's values. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, particularly in research and development, and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role.

Experience and Background

1. Describe a project that you worked on from start to finish. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?

This question assesses your project management skills and ability to navigate challenges.

How to Answer

Outline the project scope, your specific role, and the challenges faced. Highlight your problem-solving approach and the outcomes achieved.

Example

“I led a project to develop a new cocoa-based ingredient. The key challenge was sourcing sustainable materials. I collaborated with suppliers to ensure compliance with sustainability standards, which ultimately enhanced our product's marketability.”

2. Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult colleague. How did you handle the situation?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

How to Answer

Discuss the situation, your approach to resolving the conflict, and the positive outcome that resulted from your actions.

Example

“I worked with a colleague who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand their perspective and shared my insights. This open dialogue led to improved collaboration and a successful project outcome.”

3. Explain how you convinced a key team member to move forward with a decision they were initially against.

This question tests your influence and negotiation skills.

How to Answer

Describe the situation, your strategy for persuasion, and the eventual agreement reached.

Example

“I presented data showing the benefits of a new process to a skeptical team member. By addressing their concerns and demonstrating potential ROI, I was able to gain their support, leading to a successful implementation.”

4. What do you consider to be your greatest strength in research and development?

This question allows you to highlight your unique skills relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Identify a specific strength, provide examples of how it has benefited your work, and relate it to the position.

Example

“My greatest strength is my analytical skills. In my previous role, I utilized statistical analysis to optimize a product formulation, resulting in a 15% cost reduction while maintaining quality.”

Technical Skills and Knowledge

5. Describe your experience with experimental design and statistical analysis.

This question assesses your technical expertise in research methodologies.

How to Answer

Discuss specific methodologies you’ve used, the context of their application, and the results achieved.

Example

“I have extensive experience in designing experiments using the DOE approach. For instance, I conducted a series of experiments to optimize a new snack product, which led to a significant improvement in texture and flavor profile.”

6. How do you ensure the quality and safety of the products you develop?

This question evaluates your understanding of quality assurance in product development.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to quality control, including any relevant standards or practices you follow.

Example

“I adhere to GMP guidelines and conduct regular quality assessments throughout the development process. For example, I implemented a new testing protocol that reduced defects by 20% in our final product.”

7. Can you discuss a time when you had to adapt your research approach due to unexpected results?

This question tests your flexibility and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Describe the unexpected results, your thought process in adapting your approach, and the final outcome.

Example

“During a project, initial results indicated that our new ingredient was not performing as expected. I revisited the formulation and adjusted the ratios based on feedback from sensory evaluations, which ultimately led to a successful product launch.”

8. What role does sustainability play in your research and development process?

This question assesses your awareness of current industry trends and practices.

How to Answer

Discuss how you incorporate sustainability into your projects and its importance in the food industry.

Example

“Sustainability is a core focus in my research. I prioritize sourcing ingredients from sustainable suppliers and have developed processes that minimize waste, aligning with industry trends and consumer expectations.”

Company Fit and Values

9. Why do you want to work for The Hershey Company?

This question gauges your motivation and alignment with the company’s mission.

How to Answer

Express your admiration for the company’s values, culture, and products, and how they resonate with your career goals.

Example

“I admire Hershey’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the food industry. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to projects that align with my passion for developing high-quality, sustainable products.”

10. How do you prioritize your work when managing multiple projects?

This question evaluates your organizational and time management skills.

How to Answer

Describe your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use to stay organized.

Example

“I use project management software to track deadlines and progress. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, ensuring that I allocate time effectively to meet project goals.”