Top Retail Sales Associate Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Retail Sales Associate interview by going through these most asked Retail Sales Associate interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Interview Practice

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  • Question: If a customer cannot find an item he/she has been looking for, what would you do?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to find the item and make the sale. If they do not have the item, they should be able to find someone who does. They should be able to help the customer find what they need and make the sale.

    Sample Answer: I would ask if they were looking for a specific item or if they were just browsing. If they were looking for a specific item, I would ask if they remember where it was located. If it was a specific item, I would go find it for them. If it was just browsing, I would ask if there was anything else I could help them with.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to help a customer find an item
    • - Knowledge of other departments in the store
    • - Ability to connect with other employees in the store

  • Question: What do you know about GNC?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to describe the company's products and services. They should be able to describe the company's mission statement and goals. They should also be able to describe the company's history.

    Sample Answer: GNC is a health and wellness company that sells vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition and health products. The company's mission is to help people live healthier lives. The company was founded in 1935 by Sol Price in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company
    • - Knowledge of the products and services
    • - Knowledge of the company's goals and mission statement

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you felt out of control.
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to describe a time when they felt out of control and how they handled the situation. They should be able to describe how they got back in control of the situation.

    Sample Answer: I was once in a situation where I was not sure what to do. I was able to remain calm and ask for help from someone who knew what to do.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle a stressful situation
    • - Ability to remain calm
    • - Ability to remain in control of the situation

  • Question: Give me an example of a problem that you resolved?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to give you an example of a time when they had to resolve a problem. They should be able to tell you how they handled the situation and what the outcome was. They should also be able to tell you how they were able to resolve the problem.

    Sample Answer: I had a customer who was unhappy with the product I sold him. I was able to talk to him and find out what his concerns were. I was able to resolve his concerns and make him happy with his purchase.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to resolve a problem
    • - Problem-solving skills
    • - Communication skills

  • Question: How do you see yourself advancing in the company?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to speak of their desire to advance in the company and their willingness to work hard to achieve that goal. They should be able to speak of their desire to learn more about the company and its products.

    Sample Answer: I see myself advancing in the company by working hard and learning more about the company and its products.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire to advance in the company
    • - Willingness to learn more about the company and its products

  • Question: Tell me about a time you had an angry customer and how did you handle it.
  • Question Overview: A good candidate will be able to handle an angry customer with a calm demeanor. They will be able to listen to the customer and understand their concerns. The candidate should be able to empathize with the customer and try to make them feel comfortable. They should be able to apologize and offer a solution to the problem.

    Sample Answer: I had an angry customer who was upset because she was not able to get her order in time for her daughter's birthday. I apologized for the mistake and offered her a discount on her next order.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to listen and empathize with a customer
    • - Ability to apologize for any mistakes
    • - Willingness to find a solution for the problem

  • Question: What would you do if you saw a coworker doing something they were not supposed to be doing?
  • Question Overview: The right candidate will be honest and not afraid to report a coworker if they are doing something wrong. They should be willing to report the issue to a supervisor if they do not feel comfortable talking to the coworker.

    Sample Answer: I would report it to a supervisor if I saw a coworker doing something they were not supposed to be doing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to report any misconduct
    • - Honesty
    • - Integrity

  • Question: What do you like to do in your free time?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to talk about their hobbies and interests. You want someone who is able to relax and enjoy themselves. If they are always working, they will not be able to enjoy their job or the time they spend with their family.

    Sample Answer: I like to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy reading and watching movies.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Hobbies
    • - Interests

  • Question: How would you convince me to buy a Macy's credit card?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to speak of the benefits of the card and how it can help the customer. They should be able to explain the advantages of the card and how it can save the customer money. They should be able to speak of the benefits of the card and how it can help the customer.

    Sample Answer: I would explain that Macy's credit card is a great way to save money on purchases. It offers many benefits like discounts on purchases and free shipping.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain the benefits of a credit card
    • - Confidence in their sales approach
    • - Good communication skills

  • Question: How would you sell a product to a most difficult potential customer?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to think on their feet and be confident with their approach. They should be able to ask questions, listen to the customer's concerns, and then make a recommendation. They should also be able to overcome any objections.

    Sample Answer: I would ask questions to understand what the customer needs and then make a recommendation. I would also be patient and show willingness to answer all questions and help the client overcome any objections they may have without rushing them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence with addressing any customer concerns
    • - Ability to overcome objections from customers
    • - Good interpersonal and communication skills

  • Question: How do you handle pressure?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to handle pressure in a positive way. They will be able to stay focused and not get flustered. They should be able to stay calm when they are working with a customer and not get frustrated.

    Sample Answer: I am able to handle pressure in a positive way. I am able to stay focused on the task at hand and not get frustrated. I am able to stay calm when I am working with a customer.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to stay calm under pressure
    • - Ability to stay focused on the task
    • - Ability to stay motivated

  • Question: How do you handle failure?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to talk about how they have learned from their mistakes and how they will not repeat them. They should be able to talk about how they have learned from their mistakes and how they will not repeat them.

    Sample Answer: I have learned from my mistakes and have been able to adapt to change. I am always willing to learn new things.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to learn from their mistakes
    • - Willingness to learn new things
    • - Ability to adapt to change

  • Question: How would you handle a customer who needs a new device?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to listen to the customer's needs and then recommend a device that will meet those needs. They should be able to explain the features of the device and how it will benefit the customer.

    Sample Answer: I would listen to what the customer needs and recommend a device that will meet those needs. I would explain the features of the device and how it will benefit the customer.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to listen to customer's needs
    • - Confidence in recommending a device
    • - Knowledge of features and benefits of the device

  • Question: What makes you stand out from other sales associates?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to speak of their strengths in sales and how they are different from other candidates. They should be able to explain how they have been successful in the past and what they have done to make their sales approach unique.

    Sample Answer: I have a great deal of experience in retail sales and I have received recognition for the number of sales I have made. I am confident with my communication skills and I am able to connect with my customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specific strengths that make them stand out
    • - Specific accomplishments that make them stand out

  • Question: Have you ever had a conflict with your coworker and how did you deal with it?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to demonstrate how they handled the situation and how they resolved the conflict. They should be able to communicate with their coworker and not let the conflict get out of hand.

    Sample Answer: I have had a conflict with a coworker before and I was able to resolve it by talking to them about it. I was able to explain my point of view and they were able to understand where I was coming from.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to communicate with coworkers
    • - Confidence in dealing with conflict
    • - Ability to resolve conflict

  • Question: What is your expected salary?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to speak about their salary expectations. They should be able to explain why they are seeking a certain salary.

    Sample Answer: I am looking for a salary of $50,000 to $60,000.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Salary expectations
    • - Why they want that salary

  • Question: How comfortable are you with technology?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be comfortable with technology and have a good understanding of the products you sell. They should be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the products by explaining how they work and how they can benefit the customer.

    Sample Answer: I am very comfortable with technology. I have a good understanding of the products you sell and I am able to explain how they work and how they can benefit the customer.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Comfort level with technology
    • - Knowledge of products
    • - Ability to explain products and services

  • Question: What is the most important thing customers should have when they leave your store?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to give a good answer that shows they understand the importance of customer service. They should be able to talk about how they make sure their customers are satisfied with their purchase.

    Sample Answer: I make sure my customers leave with a positive experience and a product that meets their needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A positive experience
    • - A solution to their problem
    • - A product that meets their needs

  • Question: What skills and experience can you bring to us?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to talk about their skills and experience in a way that shows they are a good fit for the position. They should be able to talk about their previous sales experience and how it relates to the position.

    Sample Answer: I have three years of sales experience and I have received recognition on several occasions for the number of sales I made at my previous job.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Skills and experience that are relevant to the position
    • - Ability to relate previous experience to the position