Top Store Associate Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

Interview Practice

Search Store Associate Questions:


  • Question: Tell me about a time when you demonstrated great customer service.
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the customer service skills of the applicant. The candidate should be able to recall a specific situation and provide details about how they handled it. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's ability to handle conflict and their communication skills.

    Sample Answer: I was working at a store that was very busy. A customer came in and was upset because they had been waiting for a long time. I apologized and told them that I would help them right away. I was able to quickly help them and they left the store satisfied.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle conflict
    • - Communication skills
    • - Ability to listen

  • Question: What is an example of a good manager you had and what made them a good manager?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's knowledge of good management skills. The applicant should be able to discuss the positive characteristics of their previous manager and how they were able to lead their team. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's ability to work in a team environment and their ability to follow instructions.

    Sample Answer: My previous manager was very organized and was able to lead our team through difficult situations. He was always willing to help us when we needed it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of good management skills
    • - Ability to work in a team environment
    • - Willingness to follow instructions

  • Question: What do you think is good customer service?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's knowledge of customer service. The candidate should be able to explain the importance of customer service and how it relates to the company. The interviewer will also be able to determine if the applicant has a good understanding of the company's mission and values.

    Sample Answer: Good customer service is when a customer feels that they were treated fairly and that their needs were met.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the importance of customer service
    • - Knowledge of the company's mission and values

  • Question: What is your weight lifting capacity?
  • Question Overview: This is a question to determine the physical strength of the applicant. The interviewer will want to know if the candidate is capable of lifting heavy items and if they are able to lift them properly. The applicant should be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

    Sample Answer: I am able to lift 50 pounds.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Physical strength

  • Question: How would you handle an angry customer?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's conflict management skills. The candidate should display their ability to remain calm and respectful. They should never raise their voice or use profanity. The response should highlight their ability to listen to the customer and understand their concerns.

    Sample Answer: I would listen to their concerns and try to understand what they are upset about. I would then apologize for any inconvenience and offer them a solution.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Good conflict management skills
    • - Ability to remain calm under pressure
    • - Ability to listen to a customer's concerns

  • Question: When are you available?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the availability of the applicant for work. The interviewer will want to know if the applicant is available for full-time work or if they are only available during certain times of the week. This question will also help the interviewer determine if the applicant has other obligations that may interfere with their work schedule.

    Sample Answer: I am available any time during the week and on weekends.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability for full-time work
    • - Availability for part-time work
    • - Availability for weekend work

  • Question: Are you comfortable working late when the job is done?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's work ethic. The candidate should be able to explain how they will complete their tasks and if they are willing to work overtime. The response will show if the applicant is willing to go above and beyond to ensure that the job is done.

    Sample Answer: I'm comfortable working late when the job is done. I would make sure that all of my tasks were completed before I left for the day.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong work ethic
    • - Willingness to work overtime
    • - Ability to work independently

  • Question: What is the trend for this season?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's knowledge of the current trends in the retail industry. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's fashion sense and their ability to follow trends. This question will also give the interviewer a chance to see if the applicant is aware of new products that are being offered in the store.

    Sample Answer: The trend for this season is bright colors and bold patterns.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of current trends
    • - Fashion sense
    • - Ability to follow trends

  • Question: What are your strengths?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the applicant. The interviewer will be able to determine if the applicant is honest about their abilities and if they are confident in their skills. The applicant should highlight their strengths that are relevant to the position and that they are willing to improve upon their weaknesses.

    Sample Answer: My strengths include my ability to work with customers and my strong math skills. I am willing to improve upon my time management skills.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty
    • - Confidence
    • - Willingness to improve

  • Question: What do you think you can contribute to our team?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's self-awareness and their ability to work as a team. The applicant should be able to highlight their strengths and weaknesses. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's ability to work with others and their understanding of the job duties.

    Sample Answer: I am a hard worker and I am eager to learn new skills. I have great customer service skills, and I believe that I can contribute to your team by providing excellent customer service.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work as a team
    • - Understanding of the job duties
    • - Self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses

  • Question: What prior experience do you have in the food industry?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine if the applicant has prior experience in the food industry. The interviewer will be able to determine if the applicant has any prior knowledge of the company's products and services. The applicant should have a basic understanding of the company's history and products.

    Sample Answer: I worked at a local restaurant for a few years. I learned how to cook and serve food. I also learned how to handle money and work with customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company's history
    • - Familiarity with the company's products

  • Question: What would your previous supervisor say was a weakness?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine how the applicant will respond to criticism. The candidate should display a positive attitude and be able to identify a weakness that they are working on improving. The response should be honest and highlight the steps they have taken to improve.

    Sample Answer: My previous supervisor would say that I need to improve my customer service skills. I have taken a class on customer service and I am currently enrolled in another class.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Positive attitude
    • - Ability to accept criticism
    • - Willingness to improve

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's willingness to go above and beyond for a customer. The candidate should be able to provide an example of a time when they went above and beyond for a customer. The interviewer will be able to determine if the candidate is willing to go the extra mile for their customers.

    Sample Answer: I once helped a customer who was looking for a specific item. I went into the back room and found it for them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to go above and beyond
    • - Ability to think quickly on their feet

  • Question: Why do you want to work with us?
  • Question Overview: This question will help the interviewer determine the applicant's interest in the position. The applicant should be able to discuss the different aspects of the job and why they are a good fit for the position. The response should highlight their skills and experience that will benefit the company.

    Sample Answer: I have always wanted to work in retail and I am excited to join your team. I love your store and I am confident that I can contribute to its success.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for the job
    • - Knowledge of the company's mission
    • - Desire to work with a specific co-worker or manager

  • Question: What about Bealls as a company makes you believe that you would be a good fit?
  • Question Overview: This question will help the interviewer determine if the applicant is a good fit for the company. The response should highlight the applicant's knowledge of the company's mission and values. It should also include why they are interested in working for Bealls.

    Sample Answer: I have always been interested in fashion and I love your products. I believe that I would be a great fit because I am a hard worker and I am very organized.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company's mission and values
    • - Understanding of the company's products and services
    • - Interest in working for the company

  • Question: Q: How do you sell more products?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the sales skills of the applicant. The candidate should be able to identify their own strengths and weaknesses and how they can improve. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's ability to work with others and their communication skills.

    Sample Answer: I would ask the customer what they are looking for and then offer suggestions based on their needs. I would also ask them if they have any questions about our products or services.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Knowledge of the products and services
    • - Ability to work as a team

  • Question: How will you handle difficult co-workers?
  • Question Overview: This question will help the interviewer determine how the applicant will handle stressful situations. The candidate should be able to explain how they will approach the situation and what they would do if the issue was not resolved. The response should include the importance of teamwork and how they will work with their co-workers to resolve the issue.

    Sample Answer: I would approach the co-worker and ask them to explain their actions. If they continued to be rude, I would talk with my manager about the situation.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain composed in stressful situations
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Teamwork skills

  • Question: What do you understand by customer service?
  • Question Overview: This is a basic question to ask so that you can assess the applicant's values in customer assistance. Their answer should include the different duties of a store associate but focus on the importance of the customer. This question will start a conversation about engaging with the customer. The interviewee will have the opportunity to highlight their customer service skills and discuss skills that they feel will need improvement.

    Sample Answer: My responsibility is to guarantee that we have a clean and well-stocked store for our customers. The most important aspect to me is customer happiness.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the importance of customer happiness
    • - Reflection of the values of the corporation's mission
    • - Knowledge of the job duties of a store associate

  • Question: Tell us about a time when you provided efficient and excellent customer service.
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's ability to provide excellent customer service. The candidate should be able to provide a specific example of when they provided excellent customer service. The response should highlight their ability to communicate with the customer and resolve the issue.

    Sample Answer: I was working in a store that had a large line of customers. I noticed an elderly woman who was having difficulty with her purchase. I asked her if she needed help and she said she was fine. I continued to watch her and noticed that she was having trouble with her credit card. I approached her and asked if I could help her with her purchase. She said she was fine, but I noticed that she was struggling with the machine. I helped her complete the transaction and thanked her for shopping with us.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to communicate with customers
    • - Knowledge of company policies
    • - Integrity