The Top 15 ampm Interview Questions and How to Ace Them

Getting hired at ampm, one of the largest convenience store chains in the western U.S., can be a great opportunity. But first, you need to impress in the interview by showing you have what it takes to join the ampm team.

In this article, I’ll cover the 15 most common ampm interview questions based on my research. I interviewed current employees, scoured forums, and pored over sites like Glassdoor to find the questions candidates get asked most frequently.

Whether you have an interview coming up or just want to be prepared you’ll learn what ampm interviewers want to hear and tips to nail your responses. Let’s dive in!

Overview of the ampm Hiring Process

Before we get to the questions, it’s helpful to understand what the overall ampm interview process entails so you know what to expect:

• Application – Apply online or in-person with a resume. Walk-in applications are welcomed.

• Prescreening call – Someone from HR may call you to schedule an interview and ask a few basic questions about availability.

• In-person interview – Most locations do one short 15-30 minute interview focused on availability, customer service, and basic competencies

• Job offer – The hiring decision is often made on the spot or within a couple days. The process moves quickly.

• Orientation – New hires typically have a brief 1-2 day orientation and training period before starting work.

Now let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions and how to prepare winning responses:

1. Why do you want to work for ampm?

This is a very common opening question to gauge your interest in and knowledge of the company. The interviewer wants to hear that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity, not just applying to any job.

Tips:

• Research ampm and highlight something that appeals to you – convenience, fast pace, advancement opportunities, etc.

• Talk about how you enjoy the convenience store environment and are drawn to ampm’s energetic culture.

• Share why you think ampm is different from competitors – unique branding, food offerings, commitment to customers, etc.

Example: “I’m really interested in ampm because of your focus on quick, quality service for customers on the go. The convenience store industry is growing rapidly and I think ampm stands out with its signature food and beverage options like Toomgis energy drinks. I’m excited for the fast-paced environment and opportunity to connect with customers.”

2. What makes you qualified for this job?

With this question, interviewers want to understand why you’re a great fit for the role and what relevant skills or qualities you’ll bring to the table.

Tips:

• Talk up any customer service experience you have. This is critically important for ampm.

• Highlight skills like friendliness, efficiency, organization, multitasking, and handling cash transactions.

• Share any food service or retail experience, as that’s helpful for ampm’s hot foods and overall operations.

Example: “I have 2 years of experience in customer service roles which makes me highly qualified for this position. In my last job, I handled 30+ customers per hour, maintaining friendliness and efficiency even during rushes. I’m extremely organized, detail-oriented when handling cash, and I know how to keep cool under pressure. I also have some restaurant experience which helps me with ampm’s hot food service. I’m confident my skills would allow me to provide excellent, speedy service to ampm customers.”

3. How would you handle an angry or difficult customer?

ampm employees often have to deal with stressed, impatient customers. Interviewers will test your patience, composure, and problem-solving skills with a question like this.

Tips:

• Emphasize listening first, then acknowledging their complaint or issue

• Share how you’d calmly work to understand the root problem

• Discuss bringing in a supervisor if needed while reassuring the customer

• Talk about following up to ensure satisfactory resolution

Example: “If faced with an angry or upset customer, I would first listen attentively to understand their specific complaint. I’d apologize for their frustration and ask clarifying questions if needed. If I could not immediately resolve the issue, I would call over a supervisor to assist while reassuring the customer we would figure out a solution. Finally, I would follow up to make sure they were satisfied with how the situation was handled. The key for me is staying calm, showing care for the customer, and making things right.”

4. How do you handle stress or pressure?

ampm stores can get very busy so interviewers want to make sure you can stay composed and focused when under stress.

Tips:

• Share tactics you use for managing stress – taking short mental breaks, deep breathing, etc.

• Give an example of handling a high pressure situation successfully in the past.

• Emphasize that you embrace challenges and the satisfaction that comes from working through busy periods.

Example: “I actually thrive working in high-pressure situations – the busier the better. When faced with stress, I stay laser-focused on the tasks at hand and getting customers what they need as efficiently as possible. If I ever feel overwhelmed, I’ll take a 10-second breather to clear my head before jumping back in. I’ve always been able to keep stress from affecting my performance or attitude. The satisfaction I get from working through a tough shift energizes me.”

5. How would you handle a situation with an unsatisfied customer?

Similar to the angry customer question, interviewers want to see conflict management and service recovery skills.

Tips:

• Express genuine concern and willingness to make it right

• Share process for addressing complaint, offering solutions, and following up

• If they seemed wronged, emphasize wanting to win back their business

• Highlight using feedback to improve overall customer experience

Example: “If a customer was unsatisfied, I would start by apologizing and expressing my desire to resolve the issue. I’d ask questions to get details about their specific complaint so I could offer potential solutions. If we couldn’t come to a resolution, I would get my manager involved right away. No matter what, I’d make sure to follow up and do everything possible to earn back their business. I would also document the feedback to discuss ways to improve overall customer satisfaction.”

6. Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service.

With this behavioral question, the interviewer wants a specific example that proves you have the customer service skills to thrive at ampm.

Tips:

• Pick a solid example that showcases your friendliness, patience and problem-solving.

• Set up the situation briefly, focus most on your actions and the positive result.

• Quantify the impact if possible – customer gave positive feedback, came back and asked for you next visit, etc.

Example: “One busy night my line was moving slowly because our credit card reader was having issues. One customer in line started getting visibly impatient and frustrated. I apologized for the delay, struck up a conversation to ease their mood, offered them a free drink while they waited, and made sure to thank them for their patience. After their purchase went through, they made a point to tell my manager how friendly I was despite the long line. Situations like this really energize me.”

7. Why should we hire you over other candidates?

This question puts you on the spot to make a case for why you’re the best choice over other applicants. Be confident but not cocky.

Tips:

• Highlight 1-2 standout qualities/skills you have that others may lack

• Share how your skills directly match ampm’s customer service-focused culture

• Convey genuine enthusiasm for the company and convey it would not just be “a job” to you

Example: “You should hire me because of my outstanding customer service skills and high energy. I have a proven track record of going above and beyond for customers to create a friendly, welcoming experience. I also have a genuine passion for ampm’s mission. This wouldn’t just be a paycheck for me – I’m excited to contribute to the team and culture. I’m confident you will not find another candidate as qualified, enthusiastic and ready to hit the ground running as me.”

8. What are your career goals?

With this question, the interviewer wants to gauge your level of commitment and interest in growing your career at ampm.

Tips:

• Express interest in taking on more responsibility over time – shift leader, assistant manager, etc.

• Share how you hope to develop skills in areas like inventory, scheduling, merchandising to advance

• Discuss how you’d ultimately like to move up into full store management at some point

Example: *”My career goal is to take on increasing responsibility and ultimately a management role within ampm. I’m excited to start as a customer service associate, learn store operations, and develop skills like merchandising, inventory control, and managing teams. Over time, I hope to demonstrate my