Question Overview: The ability to trust a coworker is important in any workplace. The merchandiser is often working with a team, so trust is important to the success of the team. The merchandiser should be able to trust that the other team members are doing their job and not making mistakes. The merchandiser should also be able to trust that the company is providing accurate information and not making mistakes in the process.
Sample Answer: I have worked with a team for many years and have always been able to trust my coworkers to do their job. I have also been able to trust the company to provide accurate information and not make mistakes in the process.
Question Overview: The ability to be honest about strengths and weaknesses is important in the interview process. The interviewer will be looking for a person who can admit to their weaknesses and work on them. A person who is not willing to admit to weaknesses will not be able to improve them.
Sample Answer: I am very organized, but I am also very impatient. I am working on my patience in order to be a better employee.
Question Overview: The merchandiser is often required to do things that they do not want to do. This may be placing a product on the shelf that they do not feel is appropriate or it may be a situation where they have to work on a holiday. The ability to work in a team environment and follow instructions is important in this position.
Sample Answer: I was once asked to work on a holiday, which I did not want to do. I was able to work with the store manager and other employees to make sure that the store was well-stocked for the holiday.
Question Overview: The merchandiser is often the first person to interact with a customer when they have a complaint. The merchandiser must be able to listen to the customer and understand their concerns. They must also be able to relay this information to the company in a timely manner.
Sample Answer: I have had to deal with customers who were not happy with the product. I was able to listen and understand their concerns. I relayed this information to my supervisor and we were able to resolve the issue.
Question Overview: The merchandiser may have to deal with difficult customers who are not happy with the product or the presentation of the product. They should be able to handle complaints and be able to work with a team to resolve issues.
Sample Answer: I have had to deal with difficult customers in the past, and I was able to resolve the issue by finding a solution for both parties.
Question Overview: The merchandiser should be able to interact with customers in a friendly manner. They should be able to answer questions about the product and help the customer find what they need. Merchandisers are often the first point of contact for customers, so they should be able to build rapport with the customer.
Sample Answer: I have always been able to build rapport with customers. I enjoy helping them find what they are looking for.
Question Overview: The company wants to know why you want to work for them. They want to know if you are interested in the position or if you are just applying for any job. They want to know if you are familiar with their company and products.
Sample Answer: I have been a customer of yours for many years. I am very familiar with your products and have always been impressed with your customer service.
Question Overview: Working with a team is often a part of the merchandiser position. In some cases, the merchandiser may have to work with a team of other merchandisers to complete a task. In other cases, the merchandiser may have to work with a team of store personnel. In either case, the merchandiser should be able to work with others and prioritize tasks.
Sample Answer: I was working with another merchandiser on a project. We had different ideas on how to complete the project. I was able to compromise and work with him on the project.
Question Overview: As a merchandiser, there are many decisions to be made on a daily basis. The merchandiser may be responsible for ordering products, setting up displays, or communicating with the company. The ability to make decisions is important to the position, as well as being able to communicate those decisions to the company.
Sample Answer: I had to make a decision about how to display a product in a retail environment. I had to decide what would be best for the customer and the company.
Question Overview: The merchandiser should be able to answer questions about the product they are displaying. They should also be able to direct the customer to the correct product if they are unable to answer the question.
Sample Answer: I am always willing to help a customer locate a product. I have worked in many different retail environments and have always been able to help customers find what they need.
Question Overview: The interviewer is looking for a candidate who is confident in their abilities and can explain why they are the best candidate for the job. They want to hear about your experience, skills and abilities that make you a good fit for the position.
Sample Answer: I have worked in retail for over 10 years, and I have extensive experience in merchandising. I have worked for a major national brand and have been able to increase sales. I am very familiar with planograms and POS systems.
Question Overview: Working in a team environment is often a part of the merchandiser position. They may be working with a team of store personnel, other merchandisers or a team from the manufacturer. The ability to work as a team is important to the success of the position.
Sample Answer: I have worked in teams in the past and have been able to work well with others. I am able to share knowledge and work well with others.
Question Overview: The merchandiser is often responsible for multiple tasks at one time. They may be stocking shelves, taking inventory and communicating with the company. The ability to prioritize is important for the merchandiser to be able to complete all tasks in a timely manner.
Sample Answer: I have always been able to prioritize my work. I have been able to complete all tasks in a timely manner.
Question Overview: The question is often asked by the interviewer to see if you are ready to start the job. The interviewer wants to see if you are ready to take on the position immediately.
Sample Answer: I am ready to start immediately.
Question Overview: The merchandiser should have experience in retail, either in a store or a warehouse. They should be able to understand the importance of the product and how it is presented to the consumer. Working with a team is often a part of the merchandiser position, so sharing knowledge is often important. Problem resolution is a key attribute of the merchandiser, so communication is a major part of the position as well as keeping proper inventory levels.
Sample Answer: I have worked in retail for over ten years. I have worked in both stores and warehouses. I have been able to understand the importance of the product and how it is presented to the consumer.
Question Overview: The merchandiser often works in a structured environment, with set hours and a schedule. They may be required to work weekends and holidays, so flexibility is an important attribute. The merchandiser also has to work within the guidelines of the company, so they should be able to follow rules and procedures.
Sample Answer: I have worked in a structured environment for the past five years. I have been able to follow all company policies and procedures.
Question Overview: The merchandiser is often the person who has to figure out how to do something. They may have to work with a new product, or a new display. They may have to work with a new store or a new company. The ability to learn and adapt is important in this position.
Sample Answer: I was working with a new product that had never been displayed before. I had to learn how to display it and how it should look on the shelf.
Question Overview: TJX is a retailer that carries a variety of products. The merchandiser should be able to identify a product that would be successful in the TJX environment.
Sample Answer: I think that TJX should carry a line of women's clothing. I think it would be a great addition to their current product line.