Top Store Manager Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Question Overview: This interview question gives you the chance to see how the applicant manages people. You can learn if they are a good leader and if they would be a good fit for your company culture. You can also see if they have the skills needed to manage a team of employees.

Sample Answer: I like to give my employees a lot of freedom and make sure they know I'm there for them if they need help. I also like to make sure they know what's expected of them and that I'm available to help them meet those expectations.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Strong leadership skills
• - Ability to listen to employees
• - Creativity in motivating workers

Question Overview: This question helps you learn how the candidate would handle employee discipline. You can see if they would fire an innocent employee to satisfy the customer or avoid disciplining a misbehaving employee just because the customer was annoying.

Sample Answer: I like to make sure everyone is following company policies and procedures. If someone isn't doing their job correctly, I'll talk to them about it and give them another chance. If they don't improve, I'll have to let them go.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Prioritizes customer care first
• - Demonstrates a desire to discover truth behind an issue
• - Shows a willingness to properly discipline employees if they were wrong

Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that helps you see how the candidate would respond to a difficult question. You can learn if they are honest and humble or if they try to make themselves look better than they really are. Their answer also gives you an idea of what they consider to be their biggest weakness.

Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist, so I can sometimes be too hard on myself and others.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Honest and humble
• - Honest but doesn't admit to any weaknesses
• - Doesn't answer the question

Question Overview: This interview question gives the candidate the chance to show you how they would motivate your employees. You can learn if they have a good understanding of how to inspire others. Their answer can also tell you if they have a good understanding of the importance of employee morale and motivation.

Sample Answer: I'd create an inspiring moment by giving a speech about how we can all work together to make the store better.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Passionate about inspiring others
• - Creates an inspirational moment
• - Shows a desire to improve employee morale

Question Overview: This interview question gives you a chance to see if the applicant has a realistic view of what it takes to be a store manager. You can also learn if they are motivated by money, or if they have other reasons for wanting the promotion. Their answer can help you decide if they are likely to stay with the company for a long time.

Sample Answer: I love working with customers and employees, and I want to be able to help more people. I also want to be able to make more money.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Passion for the job
• - Desire to help others
• - Willingness to work hard

Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the candidate is organized and efficient. You can learn if they have a system for managing their time and tasks. This question also gives you a chance to see if they have a good work ethic.

Sample Answer: I like to start my day by checking email and making sure I have everything I need for the day. Then, I like to get in a little exercise before starting my work.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Well-organized schedule
• - Prioritizes tasks and time
• - Shows a willingness to work hard

Question Overview: This question gives the candidate the opportunity to sell themselves to you. You can learn if they have the skills and experience needed to succeed in the position. This question also helps you see if they are qualified for the job, and it lets you know if they are confident enough to handle the responsibilities of a store manager.

Sample Answer: I have several years of experience in retail management, and I'm confident that my skills will help me succeed in this position.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Strong communication skills
• - Knowledge of the industry
• - Experience with similar positions

Question Overview: This question helps you learn more about the candidate's current job and how they handle it. You can see if they are a good fit for your store by seeing how they handle their current job. This question also helps you see if the candidate has the experience needed to do the job.

Sample Answer: I'm currently a store manager at a large retail chain. I handle all aspects of running the store, from hiring and training employees to ordering merchandise and handling customer complaints.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Detailed description of their current job
• - Knowledge of their role in the company
• - Demonstrates a desire to do well in their current job

Question Overview: This interview question helps you see how well the applicant would handle a sudden drop in sales. It also shows you how flexible they are. You can learn if they would try to find ways to increase sales or if they would focus on cutting costs. This question also lets you know if the manager would be able to make do with fewer employees.

Sample Answer: I'd focus on cutting costs by reducing hours and laying off employees if needed. I'd also try to find new ways to increase sales and bring in new customers.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Willingness to cut costs
• - Creativity in finding ways to increase sales
• - Ability to work with fewer employees

Question Overview: This interview question helps you see how well the candidate manages their time. It also tells you how organized they are and how well they can prioritize their tasks. This question is useful because it helps you see if the manager would be able to handle the demands of a busy schedule.

Sample Answer: I like to start my day by checking emails and making sure I have everything I need for the day. Then, I schedule my tasks and work on them one by one.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Prioritizes tasks based on importance
• - Lists out daily schedule
• - Shows a willingness to work hard

Question Overview: This interview question gives the candidate the chance to describe their ideal manager. This question is useful because it helps you see if they have the qualities you want in a store manager. You can also use their answer to learn more about their management style.

Sample Answer: A good store manager is someone who is passionate about customer service and who treats employees with respect. They also have to be willing to work hard and be flexible.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Passionate about customer service
• - Emphasizes the importance of employee relations
• - Prioritizes employee development

Question Overview: This question gives you a chance to see how the candidate would handle a serious problem. You can learn if they would be willing to fire an employee for stealing or if they would try to find a solution that didn't involve termination. This question also gives you a chance to see how the manager would handle the situation in a way that was fair to the employee and the company.

Sample Answer: I would fire the employee immediately. I'd also report them to the police if they stole something of significant value.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Willingness to fire an employee who stole
• - Desire to find a solution that doesn't involve termination
• - Honest desire to follow company policies

Question Overview: This interview question helps you learn how the candidate handles criticism. It also lets you know how they would handle customer complaints. You can see if they would take the time to listen to complaints and try to fix the problem, or if they would ignore the customer and hope they go away.

Sample Answer: I once received some unsolicited feedback from a customer who said my store was too cold. I took their complaint seriously and made sure to keep the temperature at a comfortable level.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Willingness to listen to customer complaints
• - Ability to fix problems
• - Ability to handle criticism

Question Overview: This interview question gives you the chance to see if the candidate has a good understanding of what it takes to be successful. Their answer can help you determine if they have the knowledge and experience to help your store succeed.

Sample Answer: A successful retailer is one who is able to provide great customer service, keep employees happy and make a profit.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Passionate about retail
• - Understands the importance of customer service
• - Understands the importance of employee relations

Question Overview: This interview question gives you the chance to see how well the applicant thinks on their feet. It also helps you learn about their past experiences and how they would apply them to this position. You can see if they have the right skills for the job and if they have a good attitude.

Sample Answer: I've been working in retail for over 10 years and I've learned a lot about customer service and sales. I've also learned how to manage employees and I'm excited to use my experience to help your store succeed.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Good attitude
• - Good communication skills
• - Good leadership skills

Question Overview: This interview question gives you a chance to see if the candidate has a good understanding of the tools that can help your store succeed. You can also learn how well they think on their feet and if they have the ability to come up with creative solutions to problems.

Sample Answer: I'd use a variety of tools, including employee contests, sales goals and customer surveys.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Knowledge of the most effective tools for reaching goals
• - Ability to think quickly and come up with creative solutions

Question Overview: This question helps you to see how the candidate would lead your store. You can learn if they would be a good fit for your company's culture. Their answer also shows you if they are a good manager who can inspire their employees to work hard.

Sample Answer: I like to lead by example. I always try to do my best and encourage others to do the same.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Shows a willingness to listen to employees
• - Inspires others through positive reinforcement
• - Shows a desire to help employees grow

Question Overview: This interview question helps you see if the manager is a good fit for your company. You can learn if they would be a good fit for the store's environment and if they would be able to work well with other employees. This question also gives you the chance to learn more about the candidate's personality and work style.

Sample Answer: The company culture is very friendly and supportive. I've never had any problems working with my coworkers.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Positive attitude
• - Willingness to work well with others
• - Desire to learn more about company culture

Question Overview: This interview question is a fun way to learn more about the candidate's personality. It also gives you a chance to see if they have a sense of humor and are comfortable enough to joke around with you. This question is useful because it shows you how well the applicant would fit in with your store's culture.

Sample Answer: I'd like to be able to fly, so I could get around quickly and easily.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Shows a sense of humor
• - Shows creativity
• - Shows comfort with self

Question Overview: This question is a great way to find out if the candidate is tech-savvy. It also helps you see if they have the skills needed to use the POS system you use in your store. This question also gives you a chance to see if they are willing to learn new things.

Sample Answer: I use a smartphone and tablet for work. I also like to use apps to help me with my work, such as a calculator and a calendar.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Knowledge of current technology
• - Interest in learning new technology
• - Willingness to use technology in their work