Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be available to work the hours that your establishment needs. The applicant should be able to provide you with a schedule of their availability.
Sample Answer: I am available to work any hours that are needed.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have previously gone the extra mile for a customer. This could be anything from providing exceptional customer service to going out of their way to help a shopper. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge how much effort they put into their work.
Sample Answer: In my last position, I assisted a customer with finding a product that was out of stock. I provided the customer with the option of purchasing a similar item at a discounted price.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to provide you with a start date. The individual should be confident in their availability and be able to provide a specific date.
Sample Answer: I am available to start on Monday, October 1st.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have learned from their mistakes and will be able to provide an example of a time when they failed at a task. The individual should be able to explain what they learned from this experience and how they would handle the situation differently in the future.
Sample Answer: In my last position, I failed to check the expiration dates on a few items. I was able to identify the items and dispose of them before any customers purchased them. I learned that I need to check expiration dates more often.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a clear vision of their future. They should be able to explain how their current position will help them achieve their career goals. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge their level of ambition and how they plan to achieve their goals.
Sample Answer: I see myself in a management position in the next 5 years. I plan on working hard and taking advantage of every opportunity that is presented to me.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in the position and will be able to provide a specific reason why they are interested in working for your company. The individual should be able to provide an answer that is not generic.
Sample Answer: I have been working as a stocker for the past 10 years and I am looking to move into a management position. I have heard great things about your company and I am very interested in becoming a part of your team.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have experience as a stocker. The individual should be able to provide specific examples of their duties and responsibilities. The applicant's response will allow you to gauge how much experience they have as a stocker.
Sample Answer: I have been a stocker for the past five years. I have worked in grocery stores, retail stores, and warehouses.
Question Overview: Theft is a common issue in retail. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with this issue and will know how to handle it. The individual should be able to explain how they would handle the situation.
Sample Answer: In my last position, I had a customer steal a bottle of wine. I immediately notified my manager and we were able to retrieve the bottle from the customer.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a weakness that they are aware of and have taken steps to improve. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge how they handle their weaknesses.
Sample Answer: My biggest weakness is that I am not a morning person. I have been working on getting up earlier in the morning to ensure that I am ready for my shift.
Question Overview: The ideal applicant will have experience working with their co-workers to complete tasks. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge how they interact with others.
Sample Answer: I have experience working with my team members to complete tasks. I am able to communicate effectively and efficiently with my co-workers.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the applicant deals with conflict. The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude when dealing with others. The individual should be able to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
Sample Answer: I was working with a coworker on a project and we disagreed on how to complete the task. We were able to come to a compromise and complete the project successfully.
Question Overview: The ideal applicant will have a specific department in mind. It is important to know what each department does and how it impacts the overall success of the store. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge their interest in working for your company.
Sample Answer: I would like to work in the produce department as I have experience with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be willing to work full-time hours and will not be looking for a part-time job. The individual should have a positive attitude and be willing to work hard.
Sample Answer: I am looking for a full-time position that will allow me to utilize my skills and experience. I am willing to work hard and make a long-term commitment to this company.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to discuss their strengths and weaknesses in a positive manner. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge how they view their own abilities.
Sample Answer: My strengths are my ability to work well with others and my strong communication skills. I am also very detail-oriented and I am able to work well under pressure. My weakness is that I have a hard time working with people who are not as detail-oriented as I am.
Question Overview: The interviewer will want to know why you are no longer with your previous employer. The ideal candidate will have a positive reason for leaving their position. They will be able to explain their reasoning in a way that does not reflect negatively on them. Did they leave to pursue another opportunity? Did they leave because they were unhappy with the work environment?
Sample Answer: I left my last job because I wanted to pursue a career in retail management. I was offered an opportunity with your company and I could not pass up the chance to work here.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have experience resolving customer complaints in a professional manner. The individual should be able to identify the customer's issue and offer a solution that will satisfy the customer.
Sample Answer: In my last position, a customer was upset that a product was placed above the wrong label as it reflected the price of another item. I provided the customer with the option to purchase the product at that price as it was a stocking error.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of the position and what it entails. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge their knowledge of the position.
Sample Answer: I have been a stocker for over 10 years. I know that I am responsible for restocking shelves with merchandise and keeping the store organized.
Question Overview: There are many different types of customers in the retail industry. The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with difficult clients and will be able to resolve the issue in a timely manner. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge how they handle stressful situations.
Sample Answer: In my last position, a customer was upset that a product was placed above the wrong label as it reflected the price of another item. I provided the customer with the option to purchase the product at that price as it was a stocking error.
Question Overview: The ideal applicant will have experience going above and beyond for customers. The individual should be able to describe a time when they provided excellent service to a customer. Did they go out of their way to help someone? Did they go above and beyond to ensure that the customer was satisfied?
Sample Answer: In my last position, I assisted a customer with finding a product that was not in the correct location. I went to the backroom and found the product for her. I then assisted her with finding the correct location for the item.