It would be great to know exactly what questions the hiring manager will ask you at your next job interview.
We’re not able to read minds, but here is the next best thing: a list of 53 of the most common interview questions and how to answer them, along with some tips on how to come up with your own.
We don’t think you should have a ready-made answer for every interview question (please don’t), but you should spend some time getting ready for what you might be asked, what hiring managers really want to hear in your answers, and how to show that you’re the best person for the job.
Consider this list your job interview answer and question study guide. (Don’t forget to look at our bonus list at the end. It has links to resources on different types of interview questions, like those about diversity and inclusion or emotional intelligence, as well as interview questions by role, like those for accountants, project managers, and teachers. ).
Interviewing at Things Remembered can seem intimidating. With over 40 years of experience and 700 stores across North America, they are the leader in personalized gifts and keepsakes. However, going in prepared can help you nail that interview. In this article, we will explore some insider tips and frequently asked interview questions to help you ace your Things Remembered interview.
Overview of Things Remembered
Founded in 1969, Things Remembered specializes in engraving and personalizing gifts for any occasion. They are best known for customizing jewelry, home decor drinkware, and keepsakes to create meaningful memories for customers. Things Remembered prioritizes quality creativity, and excellent customer service.
The interview process typically involves an initial phone screening followed by 1-2 in-person interviews. You may meet with the store manager district manager or other team members during these interviews. Things Remembered values candidates with strong sales abilities, customer service skills, and the drive to go above and beyond for every customer.
Top Things to Know About Things Remembered Interviews
Here are some key things to keep in mind as you prepare for your Things Remembered interview
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Demonstrate sales skills: Things Remembered wants to see that you can balance meeting sales goals while providing excellent customer service. Give examples of how you achieved sales targets in past roles.
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Highlight customer service skills: Share stories of how you created memorable experiences for customers and provided personalized service based on their needs.
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Convey product knowledge: Research Things Remembered’s products and personalization options so you can speak knowledgably about their offerings during the interview.
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Ask thoughtful questions: Ask smart, well-informed questions that show your interest in the company and role. This demonstrates you’ve done your research.
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Practice interviewing: Rehearse and get comfortable answering common retail and behavioral interview questions out loud. This will help you feel more confident.
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Review engraved gift trends: Stay current on popular engraved gift items and personalization trends to showcase your passion for the industry.
Preparing in these ways shows the interviewer your dedication to excelling in the role. Now let’s look at some of the most frequently asked interview questions so you can start practicing strong answers.
8 Common Things Remembered Interview Questions and Answers
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Why do you want to work for Things Remembered?
For this question, share what excites you about the company’s mission of creating lasting memories through personalized gifts. Convey your passion for engraving, craftsmanship, and delighting customers. Mention any relevant skills or experience you have that align with the role.
Example answer: “Things Remembered has such a unique approach to gift-giving that really resonates with me. I’m drawn to the creativity and thoughtfulness that goes into customizing each item to create a special memory for customers. With my background in retail sales and engraving, I know I could thrive in this environment and help deliver top-notch customer experiences.”
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How would you handle an unhappy customer?
With this behavioral question, the interviewer wants to see your problem-solving skills and commitment to service recovery. Share a story of turning an unhappy customer into a satisfied one by listening empathetically, apologizing, and taking ownership of resolving their issue.
Example answer: “When dealing with an unhappy customer, I first listen closely to understand the full context of their complaint. I then sincerely apologize that they had a negative experience. Next, I ask thoughtful questions to determine the best solutions I can offer, whether that’s a replacement item, refund, or discount on a future purchase. My goal is always to turn the situation into a positive brand interaction.”
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What experience do you have with sales goals and metrics?
With this question, interviewers want to know you understand sales data and targets. Share examples of times you met or exceeded sales goals. Mention any metrics you tracked and strategies you used to boost performance.
Example answer: “In my previous retail roles, I consistently met and exceeded quarterly sales goals by keeping detailed tracking spreadsheets for daily, weekly, and monthly sales. I monitored conversion rates, units sold, average transaction size, and other key metrics. When numbers slipped, I would implement new strategies like targeted email campaigns or in-store promotions to get back on track.”
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How would you motivate a team during peak holiday sales seasons?
The interviewer wants to see your leadership skills for driving motivation when workload increases. Share tactics you’ve used to boost team morale, cross-train staff, implement incentives, and communicate effectively to meet higher sales demand.
Example answer: “During peak holiday seasons, I make sure to gather my team regularly to review sales goals and strategize together how we can support each other in meeting increased demand. I also schedule fun morale boosters like team lunches or rewards for hitting daily targets. Additionally, I provide plenty of encouragement and flexibility around scheduling to prevent burnout. My team knows I’m there to support them throughout our busiest seasons.”
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How do you prioritize when handling multiple tasks?
With this question, the interviewer is assessing your time management skills and ability to multitask. Share your experience juggling competing priorities and demands. Discuss how you organize your work, tackle urgent matters, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Example answer: “When juggling multiple tasks, I always keep a detailed to-do list and rank items based on urgency and importance. For very time-sensitive matters, I tackle those immediately. Otherwise, I try to balance completing my priority projects while also accomplishing necessary daily tasks in between. Being proactive and staying organized with checklists allows me to effectively manage my time and complete all required work efficiently.”
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Describe a time you had a conflict with a coworker and how you handled it.
With this behavioral question, the interviewer wants to learn about your conflict resolution skills and professional maturity. Share a story of a work conflict you resolved tactfully by communicating calmly, finding common ground, and compromising. Emphasize the positive resolution.
Example answer: “When a coworker and I had a disagreement over who was responsible for a task, I could feel tensions rising. However, I remained professional and asked if we could speak privately to sort out the misunderstanding. We discussed our perspectives and realized we both made assumptions. Ultimately, we agreed going forward on clearer task assignments and check-ins to prevent miscommunications. Our working relationship actually improved after this constructive discussion.”
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What do you know about our product personalization process?
Here, the interviewer is looking to assess how much you know about Things Remembered’s core offering. Be sure to study their engraving and personalization options so you can provide an informed overview. Discuss the variety of items that can be customized as well as the engraving fonts and techniques used.
Example answer: “From my research on Things Remembered, I understand the extensive product personalization process that makes your brand stand out. Customers can select from a wide array of gift items like jewelry, drinkware, and home decor to customize with engraving. Things Remembered offers various font options and state-of-the-art laser and diamond engraving techniques, depending on the material being engraved. Customers can even work one-on-one with store associates to select meaningful designs and messages to engrave for each special occasion.”
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
With this common closing question, the interviewer wants to gauge your career ambitions and interest in growing with Things Remembered. Express your passion for the industry and interest in taking on more responsibility over time. Share goals aligned with advancement opportunities within the company.
Example answer: “In the next 5 years, I hope to really establish myself as an invaluable team member within Things Remembered and take on additional responsibilities. With my dedication to providing exceptional service and sales results, I aim to work my way up to an assistant manager role. Eventually I hope to become a store manager, overseeing operations and staff development. I’m committed to growing my career in this industry long-term.”
Preparing responses to these common questions and regularly practicing your interview skills out loud will help instill confidence. With these tips, you can highlight your relevant experience and show the interviewer you have what it takes to thrive at Things Remembered. Best of luck with your interview!
1 What’s a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?
The ideal anecdote here is one where you handled a disagreement professionally and learned something from the experience. Zhang recommends paying particular attention to how you start and end your response. Start with a short sentence that sets the tone for the rest of your answer. This sentence should hint at the main point or reason you’re telling this story. For instance: “Early in my career, I learned that it’s okay to disagree as long as you can back up your feelings with facts.” If you want to end on a strong note, you can either sum up your answer in one sentence (“In short…”) or briefly talk about how what you learned from this experience would help you in the job you’re interviewing for.
2 What type of work environment do you prefer?
Hint: Ideally one thats similar to the environment of the company youre applying to. Be specific.
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