So you’ve got an interview coming up for a retail position. Are you a seasoned salesperson who could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves? Or are you just starting out and want a flexible schedule? Either way, you may be wondering what to expect in that retail interview. Or maybe you’re getting a lot of callbacks for retail jobs but aren’t getting hired, and you think you could do better at interviews.
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You’re in luck: I was a hiring manager for Limited Brands (L Brands), Ann Taylor, and The Buckle, Inc. for ten years. , and I learned a lot about what makes a candidate stand out to hiring managers and recruiters in retail during that time. I can help you answer the 10 most common questions asked in retail interviews. I can also give you insider tips on the unwritten rules you should know about while you’re job hunting and some extra interview tips to help you ace your interview!
What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
This question is also pretty common in any field, and in retail, it’s used to see how self-aware you are.
This question is tough because you need to be honest about your flaws while also basing your answer on what you’ve learned about them as you work to improve them. The easiest way to do this is to tell a story demonstrating the lesson you learned.
Here’s an example of how that might sound:
“It used to be hard for me to ask for help, even when I needed it. I once lost a big client at Acme Telecom because they wanted service in more than one place and I didn’t know how to make a quote for a business that big. Instead of reaching out to my supervisor for help with the quote, I tried to wing it. The customer could see I was way over my head, so they chose a different service provider. I used to think that asking for help meant I was failing, but that experience taught me that it could be the key to my success. After I lost that customer, I asked my boss how I should handle a quote that big. The next time it happened, I made sure to show her my work before sending the numbers to the customer. ”.
Do You Have Any Questions for Me?
Asking relevant questions shows that you are engaged with the interview process. During the interview process, they also show that you have been seriously considering what it would be like to have the job. Don’t skip preparing for this section of the interview. A candidate who is asking me questions has already started to take on the role, which shows that they are reliable. The questions you’re asking also show that you pay attention to details.
Ask specific questions about the day-to-day job experience, the type of job training used, and opportunities for advancement.
You could say something like:
“You mentioned the back-to-school sales contest in August. Are there bonuses for high performers?”
You can read more here to get ideas for questions to ask in a job interview. Just remember to make them as relevant to the job as possible wherever you can!
Burlington Interview Questions And Answers
FAQ
Why should we hire you?
Why should we hire you as a store keeper?
Why are you interested in this job?