Common Retail Interview Questions and Best Answers

Common Retail Interview Questions and Best AnswersCommon Retail Interview Questions and Best AnswersInterviewing for a job can be stressful, but it doesnt have to be. Carefulpreparationtakes much of the uncertainty out of the experience, and enayas that you present yourself in a confident, competent way. This is especially important when youre bewerbungsinterviewing for a job in retail because youll need to show the hiring manager that you have theinterpersonal skillsto provide optimal service to your customers. Before the big day, make aya you have a few appropriate interview outfits to choose from and that you have done your homework. That meansresearching the companyyou 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. Typical Questions Asked in a Retail Job Interview 1. Do you work well with people? What They Want to KnowRetail work is often collaborative. Interv iewers want to know if you will be able to get along with, and work smoothly with, your fellow employees. Some may also be watching for signs that an employee will be too social at work, so be thoughtful in your response. Go beyond yes in your response to this question- provide examples or talk about how your colleagues would describe you inorderto expand on your response. I work really smoothly with others. I think thats really important in retail, where its important for every person on the floor to seem like theyre part of the saatkorn team. Expand2. What is good customer service? What They Want to KnowInterviewers are eager to find out if your definition of customer service matches the companys. Keep in mind For brick-and-mortar stores, providing a memorable, positive experience for customers is essential to success. To me, the heart of good customer service is accommodating customers. That means greeting them cheerfully and having the knowledge to answer their questions as well . I always give customers a smile and greeting, and try to get to know store inventory,aswell.Thisensures that if a customer has a question about sizing or fit, Im ready with an answer. Expand3. What hours are you available? What They Want to KnowThis question is fairly straightforward Interviewers need to know which shifts youll be available to work. Be honest in your response, but also be aware that interviewers are likely to want to hire people with flexible schedules. If your availability is flexible, mention that in your answer. Since Im in college, Im not available during class hours. For me, thats Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, as well as early on Friday morning. Other than that, Im available to work any shift you have available - and Im eager for hours, so nights and weekends are fine with me. Expand4. Why do customers shop at this store? What They Want to KnowInterviewers want to assess your understanding of the companys brand and the shopping experience the company seek s to provide. This is your opportunity to show off any company research youve done - so, if youve visited the store and noticed something meaningful, share it in your response. Its all about the experience. For instance, at my local branch, theres always a candle burning. Other branches Ive been to have fresh flowers. And Ive noticed how the clerks give me a cheerful greeting and personalized recommendations. No one ever seems like theyre aggressively selling to me. From start to finish, I think customers enjoy the experience of stopping in at ABC Company - its like a treat. Expand5. A customer becomes irate with you, and demands to speak to your supervisor. How do you handle the situation? What They Want to KnowNot everything goes smoothly all the time. Interviewers want to assess how youd deal with a stressful situation. When I speak to customers, I always try to be empathetic, and truly understand and fix the issue. But sometimes, a herausforderung isnt fixable or a customer is just in a truly bad mood. If a customer asked to speak to my supervisor, Id agree, and also apologize for not being able to resolve the situation. Then, Id grab my supervisor as fast as possible, and explain the circumstances so my supervisor would be prepared to deal with the customer. Afterwards, Id probably ask my supervisor for feedback, in case theres anything I can do to avoid asimilar situation in the future. Expand6. Why are you applying to work here? What They Want to KnowYour answer to this question will reveal if you feel positively (and even passionately) about the company and its products, or just want any job. The best responses are specific, and focused on the company (not you). All my life Ive been a big reader. Thats a solo activity mostly, but I love to make recommendations to friends and family. Id love to work at ABC Bookstore to be able to help customers find books- whether its a specific title they cant find on the shelves or a just-right title for a celebrato ry occasion. Expand7. What would you do if your replacement doesnt show up? What They Want to KnowLeaving your spot is not the answer Interviewers are looking to see that you know maintaining coverage is mora important than your personal plans. This question is also a way to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. My first step would be to reach out to my replacement, to get a sense of the situation. Id want to know if the person is a complete no-show, or just stuck in traffic. Then, Id find my supervisor and let her know about the situation, so we could figure out alternative options together. Expand8. If hired, how long do you plan on working here? What They Want to KnowThe hiring process and training new employees is time-consuming and expensive for employers. Interviewers want to get a sense of if youll be sticking around- or just taking the job for a few months. If you are planning on a very short-term stint, you do not need to mention it. If hired, Id like to work with ABC Co mpany on a long-term basis. Im in school for the next four years, and eager for a consistent role and to be part of the team here. Expand9. The credit card machine is broken. What do you say to the customers? What They Want to KnowTechnological and other hiccups happen when you work in retail. Interviewers are looking for a glimpse of your problem-solving and communication skills in your response to this question. The earlier people know the machines are down, the better. So first, Id make sure my manager was aware of the situation. Then, Id suggest putting up a sign to inform customersthat the machine is down, so they can run to the ATM before getting to the cash register. As customers paid, Id apologize for the inconvenience and thank them for their understanding. Expand10. What do you see as your greatest strength? What They Want to KnowInterviewers want to know if your strengths match the companys needs. In your response, emphasize relevant skills that will benefit the company. Having strong communication skills means that I can work well with other team members, and thatIam also very comfortable interacting with customers. I tend to think of myself as a real people-person, and I genuinely enjoy interacting with customers and helping them find the items theyre looking for. Expand More Common Questions About You Who was your best boss? Why? -Best AnswersWhere do you see your career in fiveyears? -Best AnswersWhat has been your greatest accomplishment? -Best AnswersDo you have reliable transportation? More Customer Focused Questions What is customer service? -Best AnswersYou are scheduled to leave at 6 pm. Your replacement worker doesnt show up. What would you do?A customer wants to pay for $15 worth of merchandise in quarters - do you accept it?A customer wants to return a package of food that is open and half gone. What will you do?A co-worker is rude to customers. What would you do?You discover one of your co-workers giving free merchandise to his friends. What would you do?If a customer leaves without paying for gas, what would you do? What is most important - a good product or friendly, fast service? Sample Math Questions When youre asked math questionsduring a retail job interview, the interviewer wants to know that you have basic math skills.Review these tipsto help you know how to confidently answer math questions during an interview. Then, practice your responses by reviewing this list of common math interview questions for retail employees. The customers purchase totals $13.93. She gives you a ten-dollar bill and a five-dollar bill. How much change do you give her?If one bottle of soda costs $0.99, how much do three bottles cost? How much do they cost with 5% tax added on?Each pot of coffee holds 6 cups. We usually sell 10 cups of coffee every 15 minutes. How many pots of coffee will you need to make during our two-hour rush?Potato chips are on sale at half price. They sell for $1.19. How much is 50% off?A customer buys $27 worth of gas. He gives you a $50 bill. How much change do you give him? 55 x 20 24 - 48 62 28 14 36 82.20 - 53.66 15 x 7% 8.50 x 4% 19 x 15% How to Answer Retail Job Interview Questions During a retail job interview, your interviewers goal will be to get a sense of your personality and work style. Thatll help reveal if youre a good fit for the company. Answerquestions about yourselfhonestly, but be mindful of creating the best possible impression. Youll also likely get questions around yourcustomer service abilities, since retail jobs involve being around many people each day. 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). How to Prepare for a Retail Job Interview Interviewers will be looking for candidates who would fit in on the floor of the company. If you can, spend some time in the store before your interview. Watching how employees interact wi th customers can provide helpful insight. As well, you should be knowledgeable about the products sold in the store, and have a sense of the companys brand. Visit the stores website and read the about me page, andlookat the companys social media accounts,aswell,to get a sense of the companys identity. This research, along with preparing your responses to common retail interview questions, will help you ace the interview. Questions to Ask the Interviewer One of the questions you may be asked during a job interview for a retail position is Do you have any questions for me? Remember that interviewing works both ways, and asking questions is an opportunity to be sure the job is a good fitforyou. Have alist of questionsready 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. How many hours per week do you expect that I would work?What are the typical shifts covered by this position?Are weekend/evening hours required?How flexible are the hours and the schedule?Do the hours vary weekly, or stay the same?What are your busiest times during the day?What is the busiest day here?Do you schedule people for primarily the same hours every week, or do they vary greatly?Are there extra hours available during the holidays?How far in advance is the schedule posted?How many sales associates are on the floor during a shift? Is there a supervisor on during all shifts?Who does your displays?What is your biggest selling item?Do you offer commission?Are the wertmiger zuwachs reviews done by the store manager, or does a regional manager come in?Does this company have a policy of promoting from within?How many full-time employees does this store employ?What kind of atmosphere among the employees is there at this store/shop/boutique?What kind of growth do you expect to see from this company over the next five years?Will I be part of a team , or be working primarily independently? Will I have the opportunity to interview with the supervisor of this position?Can you describe for me a typical day in this position?How would you describe your companys management style?Is there an opportunity for growth within the company?What do you like best about working here?What do you like least about working here?Would you change anything about this department?If Im offered this position, how soon would you like forme to start?How many applicants are you interviewing for this position? Is there a dress code? What would I need to wear to work?When should I expect to hear from you? This is a lot of questions Do not feel like you have to ask them all. Jot down the ones that are important to you. Only ask questions that have not already been addressed during the interview. How to Make the Best Impression To leave your interviewer with a good impression, start by dressing professionally. Here is advice onhow to select an interview out fit. When your interviewer greets you, make sure tosmile and give a good handshake. Youll want to be upbeat and have high energy during your interview. Both of these characteristics are desirable in retail employees. Comeprepared to the interview. That means having basic knowledge about the company and its products, as well as practicing your responses to the interview questions above.