Getting hired at New Seasons Market can be competitive, but going in prepared can give you a leg up. With nearly 20 stores across Oregon, Washington, and California, New Seasons is focused on bringing the best local, natural, and organic foods to its communities.
As a potential employee, you need to show that you’ll embody their core values of curiosity, accountability, partnership, and determination. That means demonstrating your excellent customer service skills, passion for their mission, and ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment
I’ve compiled the top 20 most commonly asked interview questions so you can impress hiring managers and land the job at this beloved Pacific Northwest grocery chain
Overview of the New Seasons Market Interview Process
The New Seasons interview process typically involves:
- An online application
- A phone screening
- One or two in-person interviews
Interviews are conversational and aimed at getting to know you. Hiring managers look for people with the right attitude and cultural fit. They want team players passionate about food and service.
Some tips for acing your New Seasons interview:
- Research the company’s history and values
- Practice answering questions out loud
- Prepare examples of your skills and achievements
- Bring thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer
- Express enthusiasm for the company’s mission
Now let’s get into the top questions you’re likely to encounter!
1. Why do you want to work for New Seasons Market?
This common question tests your knowledge of and passion for the company.
Good responses include:
- Mentioning aspects of their culture or values that resonate with you
- Sharing your enthusiasm for food, especially local and organic
- Talking about wanting to work for a company committed to sustainability
- Describing interactions you’ve had shopping at their stores
Example response: “I’m inspired by New Seasons’ dedication to supporting local vendors and providing the community with natural, sustainable food options. Having shopped at your Hawthorne store weekly for years, I’ve always loved the friendly atmosphere and interacting with employees who take pride in their work. I’m excited by the prospect of being part of a values-driven company that brings people together through a shared love of food.”
2. What do you know about our company culture and values?
The interviewer wants to see that you’ve done your research and understand what makes their culture unique. Be ready to speak knowledgeably about their values like curiosity, inclusiveness, and accountability.
Highlight specific ways their values align with your own. Use examples of how they live out those values in their stores and community.
Example response: “From what I’ve learned about New Seasons, you have a really cool culture built on curiosity, inclusivity, and neighborhood focus. I love that you empower employees to experiment and be creative. And I appreciate your commitment to celebrating diversity and cultivating a sense of belonging for both staff and shoppers. For example, supporting LGBTQ organizations and hosting Community Days to gather neighbors together.”
3. Why do you feel you’re a good fit for our company?
This question allows you to connect your skills, values, and personality to the New Seasons brand. Share qualities and qualifications that make you an excellent fit.
Good points to mention include:
- Customer service skills and experience
- Passion for food/cooking
- Interest in health/nutrition/sustainability
- Outgoing, friendly personality
- Alignment with their values
- Enthusiasm for the brand
Example response: “With my background managing a grocery customer service counter, I’ve honed my skills in assisting customers with their needs in a fast-paced retail setting. I’m extremely friendly, love introducing people to new foods, and always strive to create a welcoming environment. New Seasons’ focus on community, inclusivity, and promoting local resonates with me. I live these values and would love to represent the brand through my excellent service.”
4. How would you handle an unhappy customer?
Retail employees deal with unhappy customers daily, so this is a common question. Share your approach for turning frustrated customers into happy ones.
Key points to discuss:
- Actively listening and empathizing
- Apologizing for their experience
- Owning the problem and taking responsibility
- Outlining solutions or options
- Going above-and-beyond to make it right
- Following up afterward
- Reporting issues to improve
Example response: “If a customer were unhappy, I would first listen to understand where they’re coming from. I’d apologize sincerely and see what I could do to make things right. This might mean replacing the item or offering a refund if appropriate. Most importantly, I would take responsibility for their experience and look for a way to turn their day around with excellent service recovery. Following up later to ensure their satisfaction would also let them know we truly care.”
5. How would you handle a large, busy order?
Grocery employees need to stay cool under pressure. Share how you’d organize and prioritize a complex order to ensure accuracy while providing friendly service.
In your response, discuss:
- Confirming all details with the customer
- Repeating special requests back for clarity
- Grouping items categorically to keep organized
- Double-checking for accuracy
- Bagging intelligently to safeguard fragile items
- Utilizing teamwork if needed to fill the order
- Keeping the customer updated on progress
Example response: “When managing a large order, organization is crucial for accuracy and efficiency. I would start by confirming all details with the customer to ensure I fully understand their needs. I would then work methodically, grouping refrigerated items, produce, pantry goods, etc. Together to keep the order organized. I would provide updates to the customer as I fill the order and ask clarifying questions if unsure about any items. Before finalizing the order, I would double-check for accuracy and bag items with care to prevent damage. I would also enlist help from teammates as needed while remaining friendly and attentive to the customer throughout the entire process.”
6. How would you create an engaging shopping experience for customers?
Hiring managers want to know you’ll actively enhance the customer experience. Discuss ways you would interact with and assist customers beyond just ringing them up.
Ways to engage customers include:
- Warmly greeting everyone who enters
- Asking open-ended questions to guide their shopping
- Making product recommendations
- Sampling out new items for customers to try
- Sharing cooking tips and complementary pairings
- Handing out recipes or coupons
- Bagging items creatively (grouping cold items, delicate items)
Example response: “I’m passionate about bringing a personal touch to each customer interaction. In addition to providing friendly and efficient service, I look for ways to make their shopping experience interactive and fun. For example, I might ask customers if they’re cooking anything special that week and suggest recipe pairings. If we have any new products or free samples available, I’ll offer those to shoppers. I’ll also take time to explain the stories behind local vendor offerings and share tips on how to use unique ingredients. My goal is for customers to leave not just satisfied with their purchases but also educated and excited about food.”
7. How would you promote our company’s focus on sustainability?
Sustainability is a core value at New Seasons, so be prepared to share ways you would champion this mission.
Good options include:
- Educating customers on sustainability efforts in stores
- Suggesting sustainable swaps (reusable bags, recycled products)
- Promoting sustainable vendors and products
- Minimizing waste in your daily role
- Supporting sustainability initiatives like Community Give Back Day
- Living sustainably outside work and encouraging others
Example response: “I would love to spread the word to customers about New Seasons’ fantastic sustainability initiatives, like supporting local farms, minimizing food waste, and giving back to the community. I try to live sustainably in my own life by biking to work, avoiding single-use plastics, gardening, and shopping at farmers markets. I’m passionate about protecting the environment, so I would look for opportunities to have conversations with customers about the little changes we can all make – like utilizing reusable bags – to steward resources for future generations.”
8. Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service.
With a focus on service, New Seasons wants to hear a story that demonstrates your dedication to customers. Share details on the situation, actions you took, and the outcome.
Choose an example that highlights:
- Patience and understanding
- Resourcefulness
- Exceeding expectations
- Receiving positive feedback
- Building customer relationships
Example response: *”One busy holiday season, I helped a customer who was frustrated she couldn’t find an obscure baking ingredient she needed for a family recipe. Even though I was juggling several tasks, I could tell she needed extra attention. I asked her detailed questions about the item, then searched the store thoroughly until I located it. It turned out we had just sold out, but I offered to call other nearby stores to track it down for her. She was so appreciative that I went the extra mile. She gave me a hug and told my manager what stellar service I provide
I forgot to enter my phone number – can I still get my points?
If you received an e-receipt, your transaction linked to your account and you accrued points for eligible purchases. On a paper receipt, you can see how many points you earned for that purchase at the bottom of the receipt.
Don’t see your points? Email NeighborRewards@NewSeasonsMarket. com; make sure to include your enrolled phone number and have your receipt info handy.
What are you doing to reduce the use of plastic in your stores? Why aren’t you using compostable packaging, instead?
Because we are a neighborhood grocery store that values working with other businesses in the area, we have a unique chance to make our products, operations, and supply chain less harmful to the environment. All parts of our business are sustainable, and our goals are based on three areas: reducing single-use packaging, preventing food waste, and slowing down climate change.
We work hard in our stores to cut down on food waste, carbon emissions, and trash. For example, we have a program called “circular packaging” and events and programs for recycling. Here are a few details you might not know, and you can learn more here!.
- Food waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gasses (GHG). Not even a third of the food that is grown or cooked is eaten, and it takes a lot of resources to grow just one calorie of food. Storing food instead of throwing it away is the best way to limit greenhouse gas emissions because about 8% of global emissions come from food waste.
- We accept small quantities of hard-to-recycle materials at our stores’ recycling centers, including #1 plastic containers, plastic film, and Paktech lids.
- We work with Bold Reuse to sell reusable containers in bulk and at the deli in our stores.
Check out our blog post to learn more about our recycling program.
Wendy Collie on Hiring and Empowering Teams at Starbucks and New Seasons Market
FAQ
What questions are asked at the famous brands interview?
Why should we hire you?
