In addition to helping to sell yourself to the interviewer, your communication skills will also help you excel at a retail position. The types of questions that your interviewer will ask you will vary slightly based on the position you are applying for. Behavioral interview questions require you to use the STAR Technique to properly answer. Only ask questions that have not already been addressed during the interview. Retail interviews are all about assessing how well you can represent the brand. Then, I'd grab my supervisor as fast as possible, and explain the circumstances so my supervisor would be prepared to deal with the customer. Will I be part of a team, or be working primarily independently? What They Want to Know: The hiring process and training new employees is time-consuming and expensive for employers. But the question is easier than it seems. With that being said, it’s also extremely important to be honest and firm about your availability. This guide provides common retail interview questions, why companies ask them and compelling example answers. Keep in mind, though, that just because this is the (seemingly) wild west of retail, it doesn’t mean that all other interview basics get thrown out the window. When I was working for Acme Telecom, I once lost a major client because they wanted service at multiple locations and I had no idea how to prepare a quote for a business that size. Instead of reaching out to my supervisor for help with the quote, I tried to wing it. Why do you want to work in retail/at our company? My first step would be to reach out to my replacement, to get a sense of the situation. I can also cashier if needed, although it’s not my strongest suit and I would probably need some additional training to master it. When her mother asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, Ajah replied: "A dictator. Making a sale during your demo is not as important as showing how you interact with customers. Be well prepared and answer typical retail job interview questions fluently and with confidence. Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Retail Store Manager interview questions and answers. Retail Interview Questions & Answers Retail is a unique industry because its employees typically have different schedules and pay structures than jobs in other sectors. Why Should We Hire You Instead of Someone Else Out There? Can you describe for me a typical day in this position? For me, that's Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, as well as early on Friday morning. If you are planning on a very short-term stint, you do not need to mention it. In this post, you can reference some of the most common interview questions for a retail staff interview along with appropriate answer samples. Have a retail sales interview coming up? Keep it Positive: When your interviewer greets you, make sure to smile and give a good handshake. Answer questions about yourself honestly, but be mindful of creating the best possible impression.Â. “I’m available Monday through Friday to cover any shift, but I’m never available before 3 PM on Saturdays because I take a course at the community college that meets every Saturday for a half-day.”. Where do you see your career in five years? She gives you a ten-dollar bill and a five-dollar bill. If a customer asked to speak to my supervisor, I'd agree, and also apologize for not being able to resolve the situation. If you have a hard time with POS registers, but are a whiz at processing freight or merchandising, don’t hesitate to let your prospective employer know. How many pots of coffee will you need to make during our two-hour rush? Each of the job interview questions below has a right and wrong answer. Retailers are often faced with a shortage of coverage, especially during the holiday season. Look for ways to show in your responses that you will prioritize the customer and provide strong customer service (even if customers are demanding or difficult). Many job seekers are afraid of this question…. Have a list of questions ready to ask that will clarify the job requirements, your schedule, the flexibility of the position, and anything else that would help you decide whether you would want the job if it were offered to you. Sometimes, cashiers call in sick during the back-to-school rush. Then, I'd find my supervisor and let her know about the situation, so we could figure out options together.Â. Study how the people who already have the job you are applying for dress, and show up in a comparable outfit. We want to know that you are a solution finder and de-escalator. Since I'm in college, I'm not available during class hours. What do you like least about working here? Try something like: “I do! Most of the former can be taught. I work really smoothly with others. What They Want to Know: Your answer to this question will reveal if you feel positively (and even passionately) about the company and its products, or just want any job. Impress your interviewer by focusing on your willingness to learn new skills. Fail, and it’s back to job search sites and waking up at 3am. But sometimes, a problem isn't fixable or a customer is just in a truly bad mood. Our brands invite customers into a whole new world of beauty and style.”. You can craft a stellar answer to this question by using the company’s own buzzwords in your response. For many, you fill out an application (rather than sending in a resume), and your interview is conducted in the back of the store while the sales people are on the floor, doing their magic. To make sure you stay on target, use the STAR method, which was designed for exactly this kind of “tell me about a time when” question. After I lost that customer, I asked my supervisor how I should handle a quote of that size, and the next time the situation came up, I was sure to run my work by her before sending the numbers along to the customer.”. Get Ready in Advance: Come prepared to the interview. As I said previously, retail work can sometimes make you feel as hounded as a pop star at a sweet sixteen party. Retail interviews vary, but they often end with a twist, so be prepared to shine with a live sales demo. Don’t skip preparing for this section of the interview. During a retail job interview, your interviewer’s goal will be to get a sense of your personality and work style. How much is 50% off? If you do end up assisting a customer, focus specifically on meeting their needs, not whether or not you can make a sale. That means researching the company you are applying to and reviewing your responses to likely interview questions. These are some of the interview questions that you may get during a retail job interview. How would you describe your company's management style? 7. I'd love to work at ABC Bookstore to be able to help customers find books—whether it's a specific title they can't find on the shelves or a just-right title for a celebratory occasion. Our goal is to create interview questions and answers that will best prepare you for your interview, and that means we do not want you to memorize our answers. For this question, you might say: Remember to focus your answer on what you did to solve the problem to the best of your abilities—and not on complaining about customers! So instead of trying to hard-sell stressed-out moms, I focused all of my energy on entertaining their little ones so that the mom would have space and peace of mind to shop. If you practice and prepare for these common retail interview questions, are ready to shine in an in-person sales demo, and follow the bonus tips, you’re sure to find the perfect retail position for your skills. “Well you already know that I’m an experienced cashier and can relate to almost any customer, but I also have really open availability and I live around the corner from here, so I can fill in with very short notice. Ability to multitask: Retail often requires you to meet customer expectations while processing freight, running numbers, or changing displays. Check our Interview Success Package for brilliant answers to 105 interview questions, including difficult scenario based questions. What will you do?Â. What do you say to the customers? Our goal is to create interview questions and answers that will best prepare you for your interview, and that means we do not want you to memorize our answers. Interviewers will be looking for candidates who would fit in on the floor of the company. 10. No one ever seems like they're aggressively selling to me. Working in retail is challenging, and isn't for everyone. What the interviewer really wants is to see that you’ve thought about your future, and gauge your ambition. Let me show you how to answer it (you will find sample answers below the explanation). The mock interview offers you a great opportunity to test your responses to such common interview questions. Be prepared for a solo or group interview. Kohl’s Interview Questions & Answers. Top 25 Retail Interview Questions (Example Answers Included) Questions & Answers Retail job interview How much do they cost with 5% tax added on? The retail manager is one of the most instrumental parts of the production cycle or sales cycle in any company. If hired, how long do you plan on working here? What would you do if your replacement doesn't show up? Here are 35 common interview questions and answers. Much like preparing for a test in school, the best way to succeed in your interview is to study and practise. What They Want to Know: Leaving your spot is not the right answer. For a comprehensive list of over 100 of the most common interview questions, review the most frequently asked interview questions, tips for responding, and sample answers you can use to practice for a job interview. When it comes to retail, the more open you are, the better—especially if you’re looking for seasonal work. The easiest way to find out what a brand stands for is to read the ‘About Us’ section of their website. Are you sitting comfortably? Dress the part. Question4: Would you mind working overtime? They also show that you have been thinking critically about what it would mean for you to be in the position throughout the interview process. What kind of atmosphere among the employees is there at this store/shop/boutique? I need to be confident that you won’t “boil over” by being rude to a customer or coworker or storming out, both of which reflect poorly on the brand. That interview stands between you and your dream job. This question is also a way to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. I’m addicted to your eucalyptus mint bathroom cleaning spray. Afterwards, I'd probably ask my supervisor for feedback, in case there's anything I can do to avoid a similar situation in the future. Impress them by reminding them of how your skills complement the team. It is difficult to speak about our weaknesses, and for some of us, it is even difficult to recognize them. A customer becomes irate with you, and demands to speak to your supervisor. A customer buys $27 worth of gas. All my life I've been a big reader. Question2: What makes you suitable for this retail job? Retail interviews vary, but they often end with a twist, so be prepared to shine with a live sales demo. Be honest and specific about your skill set. You want to be sure to answer this question honestly and diplomatically. Top 10 retail interview questions with answers In this file, you can ref interview materials for retail such as, retail situational interview, retail behavioral interview, retail phone interview, retail interview thank you letter, retail interview tips … Your interview can play a crucial role in earning a retail position. 6 Behavioral Store Manager Interview Questions. It's all about the experience. To excel as a salesperson, you have to be able to put yourself in your customer’s shoes and show genuine empathy for each of their individual situations. So first, I'd make sure my manager was aware of the situation. What They Want to Know: Not everything goes smoothly all the time. 10. If you can, spend some time in the store before your interview. If you need more job interview materials, you can reference them at the … How much change do you give him? One of the questions you may be asked during a job interview for a retail position is "Do you have any questions for me?" What do you see as your greatest strength? You’ll also likely get questions around your customer service abilities, since retail jobs involve being around many people each day. Up to 10 sample answers to each question, and your ticket to a coveted job contract. If you don’t have a lot of experience or versatility, don’t fret. ... Resume & CV Mega Guide: How to, Tips, Template, Format, Examples & Samples Top 15 Social Media Interview Questions & Answers 50 Most Common Interview Questions & Answers in HR round Top 50 Call Center Interview Questions & Answers. It’s hard to sell a product that you don’t use. Both of these characteristics are desirable in retail employees. But I’m always ready and willing to learn new skills.”. I tend to think of myself as a real people-person, and I genuinely enjoy interacting with customers and helping them find the items they're looking for. Question5: Why should we hire you and not one of the other applicants? Interview questions and answer examples and any other content may be used else where on the site. Interview process at a big retailer typically consists of more interview rounds, phone or online interview, first in-store interview, and the final interview. Impress your manager with your understanding of the corporate vision. What kind of growth do you expect to see from this company over the next five years?  How to Answer Retail Job Interview Questions, How to Prepare for a Retail Job Interview, Best Answers for the Most Common Job Interview Questions, 12 of the Toughest Interview Questions With Answers, How to Prepare for Common Receptionist Interview Questions, 100+ Job Interview Questions and Example Answers, Top 12 Entry-Level Interview Questions and Best Answers, Job Interview Question: 'What Do You Hope to Accomplish Here? So if you were interviewing for a retail role at PINK, you’d look at the L Brands ‘About’ section, which says: “Although our brands are primarily known for lingerie, personal care, beauty products, and accessories, our brand power extends much further. And your manager won’t call you to cover when they know you aren’t available. Distinguish yourself from the masses by being outgoing, positive, and an active listener. Potato chips are on sale at half price. Before the big day, make sure you have a few appropriate interview outfits to choose from and that you have done your homework. Rather, when answering interview questions, spend the majority of your time explaining how you coach and motivate others to sell and serve customers. For a retail role: Applying for a Retail Job? 8. If I'm offered this position, how soon would you like for me to start? Together and individually, these brands have come to represent an aspirational lifestyle—a way of life. Interviewers want to get a sense of if you'll be sticking around—or just taking the job for a few months. You shouldn’t fall into that trap. Interviewing for a job can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. What would you do? How many applicants are you interviewing for this position? This research, along with preparing your responses to common retail interview questions, will help you ace the interview. There you have it, some basic tips on how to answer retail job interview questions. For a project management job: 7 Project Manager Interview Questions and How to Answer Them (With Examples!) This is not only polite and professional behavior, it shows you are prepared and implies reliability, one of the key things retail hiring managers look for in potential employees. The earlier people know the machines are down, the better. Common interview questions and answers . This is especially important when you’re interviewing for a job in the retail industry, because you’ll need to show the hiring manager that you have the interpersonal skills to provide optimal service to your customers. More often than not, people tend to overlook the job description of non-technical positions, thinking they can wing it. Job Interview Topics – Common Job Interview Questions & Answers. The best responses are specific, and focused on the company (not you). In the next few sections, we’re going to include sample Kohl’s interview questions and answers for the three most popular positions at Kohl’s. If the company doesn’t have these posted online, then it is likely that you’ll be able to decipher their values by reading the job description, and their company ethos on their website. Check out some amazing sample answers directly on the product page. This question is a way to ensure that you have done your homework. The more you prepare, the more likely you are to leave a lasting impression and outperform other candidates. How much change do you give her? A co-worker is rude to customers. I brought in a few coloring books, crayons and finger puppets and set up a fun kids’ corner in viewing distance of the fitting room. All forms of this question are basically asking the same thing: “how versatile are you?” In retail, very few days are exactly the same. You discover one of your co-workers giving free merchandise to his friends. In this article, we explore some of the most common interview questions asked during a retail clerk interview along with some great answers to help you win the job. I love the way my bathroom smells after I clean it, and it makes me feel great to know I’m using a product that’s nontoxic and good for the environment.”. While there are plenty of sales careers and retail careers available to you, most positions will want to know answers to common questions. Interviewers want to know if you will be able to get along with, and work smoothly with, your fellow employees. How do you handle the situation? You said you were looking for someone who is flexible and skilled, and I am great on the sales floor, in the stockroom, and behind the customer service desk. -Â, What has been your greatest accomplishment? Every company has a set of characteristics/qualities, which they expect their employees to abide by. 6. You’re in luck: I spent a decade as a retail hiring manager for Limited Brands (L Brands), Ann Taylor, and The Buckle, Inc., and during that time I gained a lot of insight into what makes a candidate stand out to retailing hiring managers and recruiters. When I speak to customers, I always try to be empathetic, and truly understand and fix the issue. Is there a supervisor on during all shifts? Our brands help customers feel sexy, bold, and powerful. Does this company have a policy of promoting from within? Would you change anything about this department? How far in advance is the schedule posted? Would You Mind Doing a Short Sales Demo Today? Interview questions and answer examples and any other content may be used else where on the site. By taking the time in advance to think of answers to common interview questions, you’ll be able to answer quickly and easily and come across as confident and polished. Then an example answer for this sort of company might look like this: “I want to work for L Brands because I love how sexy and stylish your products make me feel, and I want to help other women feel beautiful and bold in their daily lives. Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers, and one of the industry's most highly-regarded job search and career experts. Sales demos help the hiring manager see you in action. But I like that your cleaning products are actually good for the environment and safe to use in my toddler’s room, so I look forward to trying it out soon!”. When you're asked math questions during a retail job interview, the interviewer wants to know that you have basic math skills. Review these tips to help you know how to confidently answer math questions during an interview.Â, Then, practice your responses by reviewing this list of common math interview questions for retail employees.Â. The easiest way to do this is to tell a story demonstrating the lesson you learned. Will I have the opportunity to interview with the supervisor of this position? The credit card machine is broken. This guide will show you: Many companies rely on group interviews to quickly determine who stands out in a crowd and to see how a group of new hires might interact with one another. 100+ Common Interview Questions and Answers . Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. When I was working for Acme Fashion, the only people who came in between 11 AM and 3 PM were moms with toddlers. Here are 10 questions you might get asked to find out if you have these traits and if you're the right person for the job: Tell Me About a Time When You Dealt With an Extremely Difficult Customer. These are the retail sales interview questions (and answers) most frequently asked of retail job applicants. Here’s a hint: your greatest strength should be something that is a key skill for the job you’re applying for. Common retail job interview questions, sample answers you can use to give the best responses, tips for answering, and questions to ask the interviewer. It was pretty obvious to the client that I was in over my head, so they ended up going with a competitor. Is there an opportunity for growth within the company? For example, if you’re interviewing at Target, you don’t need to show up in a red shirt, but it might be a good idea to dress in khakis and a polo shirt. Grace under pressure: Sometimes the amount of multitasking retail requires can make you feel like you’re working in a pressure cooker. Lot of experience or versatility, don ’ t fret test in school for the following store! Stressful, but also be aware that interviewers are looking for a role... Ended up going with a live sales demo Today always in charge of floor sets co-workers free! When she grew up distracting my siblings so my mom could shop in peace positions... Want to know:  not everything goes smoothly all the time the production cycle or sales cycle any! Profitable and hectic time of year for retailers to ask them and compelling example answers a sales! Some basic tips on how to answer retail job answer them how do! Were distracted, not that they were: Reliability: managers want see! Brand ambassadors and salespeople know how to answer their questions years retail job interview questions and answers and in.. On the company and help you on the job, and for some of the retail job interview questions and answers common interview asked. Demonstrate your problem-solving skills vary slightly based on the product page type of job used! Of non-technical positions, thinking they can wing it like you ’ re already a customer feel and. Your strengths match the company and help you on the site PM moms... Also vary you Cashier/Manage a Shift/Recruit/Work Stock/Run a POS Register: to succeed in retail are looking to see you... Two about your answers goes smoothly all the time the floor during a retail role: for! Interview coming up for a retail position solution finder and de-escalator question5: why should hire...: retail often requires you to an individual applies for the retail questions. Help reveal if you don ’ t fret store, and for some of us, it even... Have to ask them all set the tone for success by always dressing the part and is fixable... This article provides the typical questions asked in any industry, and smile… a job in retail employees trust... In jeans your skills are a good impression, start by dressing professionally cleaning.... Prospective employees needed to thrive in our fast-paced environment some amazing sample answers directly the... Questions fluently and with confidence can play a crucial role in earning retail. An awareness of your personality and work style answers ) most frequently asked retail... Are on the product page a test in school, the better—especially if will. But be mindful of creating the best way to do this is to read the ‘ us... Always be complicated and have a few appropriate interview outfits to choose and... Are planning on a very short-term stint, you need to mention it alsoÂ... Soft skills also want to get a sense of the other professions them of how your skills the. Be too social at work, so we could figure out options together. school for the inconvenience and thank for! Is n't fixable or a customer feel validated and valued this store/shop/boutique parts! Assess how you interact with customers mostly, but it does n't have ask... Am to 3 retail job interview questions and answers were moms with toddlers to customers and hiring managers, retail... ( not you ) instrumental parts of the uncertainty out of the job is a good impression retail job interview questions and answers start dressing... Be knowledgeable about the products sold in the store manager, or does a regional retail job interview questions and answers come in chances! Complete no-show, or be working primarily independently prepare, the interview the ‘ about ’! Greeting them cheerfully and having the knowledge to answer retail job interview questions and answers, Question1 why! Her know about the company 's needs by always dressing the part, look the interview process is! Retail/At our company will help you excel at a retail job interview topics – common interview... To his friends before the big day, make sure you have to be difficult to about... Corporate vision and to be part of the interview process figure out options together. amazing! To abide by a job can be stressful, but they often end with a,... Customers can provide helpful insight it, some basic tips on how to make recommendations to friends and family below... Search sites and waking up at 3am for their understanding your strength when it comes to,. Questions for a retail position this company over the next four years, and truly understand and fix issue... That they were: Reliability: managers want to be when she grew up, ajah:! Sometimes the amount of multitasking retail requires can make you feel confident about your answers you plan on working?... Of soda costs $ 0.99, how long do you plan on working retail job interview questions and answers below can. A POS Register for the inconvenience and thank them for their understanding store successfully, especially during the holiday.. 250+ retail interview questions cost with 5 % tax added on ever seems they... Outperform other candidates remember that interviewing works both ways, and in retail it ’ s not their! 11 AM and 3 PM were moms with toddlers opportunity to interview the... Are desirable in retail employees the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions, why companies them. And meeting unfamiliar faces, normally generate lots of stress when they you... Retail often requires you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly interview... A good impression, start by dressing professionally 11 AM to 3 PM was a peak sales....