Top 25 Rent-A-Center Store Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Landing a store manager role at Rent-A-Center requires strong leadership sales, and customer service skills. As you prepare for your Rent-A-Center store manager interview expect to answer questions that evaluate your abilities in these key areas.

I’ve put together the top 25 Rent-A-Center store manager interview questions that you’re likely to face. With each question, I’ve provided a sample answer to help you craft your own winning responses. Read on to learn how to ace your Rent-A-Center manager interview!

1. How would you describe your management style?

When interviewing for a store manager position it’s important to highlight your leadership abilities. Discuss your management style and how you motivate employees delegate tasks, and foster team collaboration. Emphasize that you lead by example and focus on clear communication.

For example: “I lead by example and motivate my team through open communication and setting clear goals. I delegate tasks based on individual strengths but make sure to provide adequate training and support. My priority is to create a positive work environment where employees feel valued. I’ve found this management style boosts morale and productivity.”

2. How do you handle an underperforming employee?

This question tests your conflict management skills. Explain how you’d have a constructive discussion to understand why an employee is underperforming. Outline how you’d create an improvement plan, provide additional training if needed, and deliver regular feedback.

For example: “First, I’d have a private discussion focusing on their strengths and growth areas. I’d ask questions to understand any obstacles. Then I’d work with them to create an improvement plan, including extra training or mentoring. I’d deliver regular feedback on their progress and celebrate wins. My aim is to help them succeed.”

3. What experience do you have with recruiting and hiring staff?

Showcase your experience identifying talent interviewing candidates checking references, and onboarding new hires. Highlight recruitment strategies you’ve used to attract top talent. Demonstrate how you assess applicants to ensure they’re a culture fit.

For example: “I have extensive experience recruiting and hiring retail staff. I review resumes to identify qualified applicants, then conduct thorough interviews evaluating their skills. I always check references to confirm strengths and weaknesses. Once hired, I have a structured onboarding program covering our products, systems, and values.”

4. How do you motivate your team to meet sales goals?

Managing a Rent-A-Center store is very sales-driven. Discuss tactics you’ve successfully used to motivate teams, like incentives, competitions, training, goal-setting, and positive reinforcement. Show your ability to drive results.

For example: “I motivate my team by setting clear, realistic sales goals then providing regular feedback on progress. I use incentives like gift cards or lunch parties when goals are exceeded. I also make sure my team has cutting-edge product knowledge through ongoing sales training. This motivates them to perform at their best.”

5. How would you go about creating the weekly staff schedule?

Demonstrate your ability to efficiently schedule staff to match projected inventory flows and customer traffic patterns. Highlight how you factor in busy periods, staff skills/availability, and budget considerations when creating schedules.

For example: “I carefully review our sales data to identify peak rental periods. I ensure adequate staffing during our busiest days and times. I factor in individual availability while scheduling the strongest salespeople during peak hours. My priority is crafting a schedule that provides great customer service within labor cost targets.”

6. What steps would you take to drive sales during slow periods?

Showcase your sales promotion abilities. Discuss creative marketing tactics you could implement, like social media campaigns, in-store displays/demos, email promotions, referral programs, and local partnerships. Demonstrate how you would strategically generate buzz and traffic.

For example: “During slower periods, I would run targeted email and social media promotions offering discounts or package deals on rental products. I’d create eye-catching in-store displays highlighting these offers. I’d also focus on converting shoppers into referral sources by providing incentives. The goal is stimulating excitement and urgency around our products.”

7. How would you go about building rapport with customers?

Retail management is highly customer service-oriented. Share examples of how you built trusting relationships with customers. Highlight your ability to identify customer needs, provide personalized solutions, resolve issues promptly, and deliver exceptional service.

For example: “I build rapport by making each customer feel valued. I train staff to greet everyone warmly, listen attentively, and offer tailored solutions for their needs. I empower employees to resolve complaints promptly. I also engage with customers to collect feedback on improving our service. My priority is developing genuine relationships, not just transactions.”

8. How would you handle a customer dispute regarding a rental agreement?

At some point, customer disputes inevitably occur at Rent-A-Center. Walk through how you would calmly listen to the customer, investigate details, evaluate next steps per company policy, and aim for a win-win resolution. Emphasize customer service.

For example: “First, I’d let the customer explain their perspective and show empathy for their situation. I’d review their rental agreement and our policies to understand the dispute fully. If we were at fault, I’d apologize and offer a fair remedy like waiving fees or allowing an early return. My goal is reaching a resolution that satisfies the customer and protects the company.”

9. What experience do you have with inventory management for rental products?

Strong inventory management is critical for controlling costs and minimizing losses in a rental business. Discuss relevant experience maintaining real-time rental inventory records, tracking maintenance needs, optimizing stock levels, and streamlining item returns/exchanges.

For example: “Maintaining accurate rental inventory records is crucial. I have experience using inventory software to track items on rent, items returned, and product condition. This helps optimize stock levels and identify products requiring repair or replacement. I also developed streamlined return/exchange procedures to ready items quickly for the next rental.”

10. How would you go about recovering unpaid rental items?

Preventing rental product losses is a priority for Rent-A-Center. Share how you would employ policies and procedures to promptly recover unpaid items. Highlight strategies focused on communication, documentation, and compliance.

For example: “First, I ensure our rental contracts clearly outline payment terms, late fees, and collection processes. If payments cease, I immediately contact the customer via phone, text, and a written notice of their obligations. I involve legal counsel promptly when needed to recover assets. My goal is always recovering unpaid items professionally and efficiently.”

11. What experience do you have with product merchandising and store layouts?

Displaying products attractively entices shoppers to rent. Discuss your experience designing appealing, strategic store layouts. Share merchandising tactics you’ve used like signage, displays, demonstrations, and careful product positioning that stimulates rentals.

For example: “I’m experienced at arranging stores to showcase products attractively and encourage rentals. I incorporate bold signage, engaging displays, and interactive demos. I position accessories neatly alongside rental items, sparking impulse add-on purchases. My aim is creating an immersive, shopper-friendly environment that boosts rentals.”

12. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest products and trends?

The ability to identify hot rental items is key for a Rent-A-Center manager. Share how you research emerging product trends and features. Highlight how you would use this information to tailor inventory and influence purchasing decisions.

For example: “I regularly read industry publications and attend trade shows to stay current on the latest rental product trends. I also survey our store customers to gain insights into rising demand. Combining this research with sales data helps me make smart purchasing choices that align with customer needs and preferences.”

13. What experience do you have using data to drive business decisions?

Today’s retail relies heavily on data. Discuss your experience collecting and analyzing key metrics like sales patterns, conversion rates, customer demographics, web traffic, etc. Give examples of how you’ve used insights to guide inventory planning, marketing initiatives, layout changes, and more.

For example: “I’m very adept at gathering data on all aspects of performance. I analyze sales patterns to inform staff scheduling. I study conversion rates to optimize our website and in-store displays. I leverage customer demographics to tailor promotions and inventory. Data provides an invaluable roadmap for nearly every business decision.”

14. How would you go about reducing Rent-A-Center’s turnover rate?

High turnover disrupts store operations and service quality. Share proven retention tactics you would implement, like bonuses, regular feedback sessions, skills training, promoting from within, and creating a positive culture. Demonstrate your commitment to valuing employees.

For example: *”Reducing turnover starts with selecting the right hires suited for our culture. I advocate promoting from within to inspire career growth. I would schedule monthly check-ins to address any concerns promptly. Offering skills training, bonuses and flexibility shows employees they are valued. My priority is fostering an engaging