Getting hired as a Dillard’s sales associate is no easy feat. With its reputation for outstanding customer service and luxurious shopping experiences, Dillard’s only accepts the best of the best. So if you have an interview coming up for this coveted retail position, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the 31 most common Dillard’s sales associate interview questions – from the classic “tell me about yourself” to situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. I’ve provided tips on how to best answer each question, along with strong sample responses to help you craft your own.
Whether you’re fresh out of school or an experienced retail worker, this inside look at the Dillard’s interview process will help you put your best foot forward. Let’s get started!
1. Tell Me About Yourself
This ubiquitous interview opener is your chance to give an overview of your background and experience. Focus on highlights that are relevant to the sales associate role.
Tips:
- Keep it concise – 1-2 minutes max
- Emphasize retail experience, passion for fashion, and strong customer service skills
Sample Response “I’m an energetic retail professional with 5 years of experience providing exceptional service at high-end department stores. Most recently I worked at Nordstrom where I assisted customers ensured proper merchandising, and consistently exceeded sales goals. Fashion has been a lifelong passion of mine – I love staying on top of the latest trends and styles. This, combined with my customer-focused approach makes me confident I’d be an asset to the Dillard’s team.”
2. Why Do You Want to Work at Dillard’s?
With this question, interviewers want to gauge your interest in and enthusiasm for the company. Show them you’ve done your research.
Tips
- Demonstrate knowledge of and passion for the Dillard’s brand
- Highlight aspects of their culture and values that appeal to you
- Avoid generic answers that could apply to any company
Sample Response: “I’m very interested in working for Dillard’s specifically because of your focus on creating exceptional shopping experiences. The level of customer service Dillard’s is known for providing is unparalleled, and I would love to be a part of upholding that standard. Your beautiful stores and curated selections from top designers are also very appealing to me as someone passionate about fashion. Most importantly, I admire Dillard’s core values of integrity, respect, and excellence – values I share and bring to my own work.”
3. What do you know about our company?
Companies want to know that you understand who they are and what makes them unique Do your research beforehand!
Tips:
- Study their website, social media, news articles, etc.
- Highlight facts like their history, brand values, notable policies
- Tie it back to why they appeal to you
Sample Response: “From my research, I know Dillard’s was founded in 1938 by William Dillard and has grown into one of the largest fashion retailers in the country. You carry premium brands across clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and home goods. Customer service is a top priority – as evidenced by policies like your famous Dillard’s Return Policy. Your focus on training employees and creating upscale shopping environments also stands out. This aligns well with my personal interest in delivering top-notch retail experiences.”
4. Why do you want to be a sales associate?
With this common question, interviewers want to understand your motivations for pursing this role specifically. Show your passion!
Tips:
- Discuss your interest in fashion, retail, and customer service
- Highlight your relevant skills and how you’ll apply them
- Convey your enthusiasm and drive
Sample Response: “I’m applying to be a sales associate because I love interacting with customers and providing helpful fashion advice. I stay up-to-date on the latest trends, which allows me to make thoughtful recommendations. My previous retail experience taught me how to build lasting customer relationships, drive sales through superior service, and uphold brand standards – all skills I’m excited to leverage in this role. Most of all, I’m motivated to join the Dillard’s team because I know how much care you put into creating an amazing shopping experience. I want to be a part of making that happen.”
5. What do you know about the position?
Employers want to see you understand the core duties of a Dillard’s sales associate. Do your homework!
Tips:
- Review the job posting closely
- Highlight customer service, sales, merchandising, and inventory duties
- Link your skills/experience to key requirements
Sample Response: “From reviewing the job posting, I understand core sales associate duties include providing excellent customer service, maintaining in-depth product knowledge, driving sales, merchandising, processing transactions, and supporting inventory control. My 3 years of specialty retail experience has allowed me to develop proficiency in all these areas – from assisting high-end clientele to achieving monthly sales targets and ensuring proper inventory. I’m well-versed in providing personalized services and creating a welcoming retail environment. I’m confident my skill set is a strong match for this position’s requirements.”
6. What makes you qualified for this position?
This is your chance to highlight why you’re a strong contender for this role. Focus on the top skills and experience needed.
Tips:
- Discuss 2-3 key qualifications from the job posting
- Provide examples that showcase those qualifications
- Emphasize passion and eagerness to learn
Sample Response: “I believe my proven customer service skills make me highly qualified for this sales associate position. For example, in my role at Nordstrom, I maintained a 95% customer satisfaction rating by actively listening, responding quickly to needs, and resolving any concerns. I’m also extremely knowledgeable about high-end fashion brands and trends, which helps me make excellent product recommendations. Although I still have much to learn, my passion for people and style, combined with prior success in luxury retail environments, make me confident I will excel as a Dillard’s associate.”
7. What do you consider your greatest strengths?
Pinpoint 2-3 top strengths that would add value in this sales role. Provide real examples.
Tips:
- Choose relevant strengths like customer service, communication, sales skills
- Have a story ready to back each strength up
- Tie strengths directly back to the role/company needs
Sample Response: “Two of my greatest strengths that would make me a successful sales associate are developing excellent customer relationships and product expertise. In past retail roles, I’ve been commended on my ability to form genuine connections with clients by remembering names and preferences and providing personalized service. I also make it a priority to gain extensive knowledge of all products. For example, at my last job, I took initiative to complete extra product trainings, which helped me boost accessory sales by 25%.”
8. What do you find most rewarding about working in retail?
With this question, interviewers want to gauge your passion for retail. Share what truly motivates you.
Tips:
- Discuss aspects you find most meaningful like customer interactions
- Convey genuine enthusiasm for the work
- Stay away from generic answers like “money” or “perks”
Sample Response: “What I find most rewarding is helping customers have an enjoyable, memorable shopping experience. I love putting my product expertise to work by assisting customers in finding items perfectly suited for them. Seeing the smile on a customer’s face when they find the perfect outfit or accessory with my help is so fulfilling. I also really enjoy building ongoing relationships with customers and getting to know their needs and preferences to provide better service each time we interact.”
9. Why do you want to work in high-end retail specifically?
Since Dillard’s focuses on luxury retail, they’ll want to know this setting appeals to you. Discuss why you’re up for the challenge.
Tips:
- Share your interest in high fashion and branded goods
- Demonstrate understanding of the higher level service expected
- Convey excitement for a more demanding retail environment
Sample Response: “I’m pursuing high-end retail specifically because I love staying on the cutting edge of fashion trends and styles. I regularly study luxury brands to deepen my knowledge. The nuances and level of service expected in luxury retail excites me as someone who thrives under pressure and enjoys delivering wow-worthy shopping experiences. I also appreciate the opportunities for growth in high-end settings and am eager to learn directly from the top players at Dillard’s.”
10. How would you handle an angry customer?
Employers want to know you can deal with difficult situations professionally. Prove you have the right skills.
Tips:
- Demonstrate empathy, active listening
- Focus on finding a resolution
- Stay calm and follow company policies
Sample Response: *”If faced with an angry customer, I would first listen attent
Dillard’s Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell us about yourself?
- You can talk about your hobbies and interests during an interview, but it’s best to keep the talk short. Instead, talk about your related work experience first, as it will help you stand out from the others.
2. What can you tell us about Dillard’s?
- A department store called Dillard’s is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
- The department store sells clothes, shoes, bedding, furniture, jewelry, cosmetics, and things for the home.
- Dillard’s was founded in 1938 by William T. Dillard.
- Dillard’s offers clearance centers
- The company has about 300 stores in 29 states and makes a net of $6. 4 billion in 2018.
3. Why do you want to work for Dillard’s?
Possible answers are:
- Say that you want to advance your retail career and believe Dillard’s is a superb location to do so. You should say that you’re impressed that Dillard’s had net sales of $6. 4 billion.
4. What hours can you work?
- Try and be flexible when answering this question. If you don’t mind your hours, you have a better chance of getting the job.
- Say you know what to do if you have to work on holidays and weekends.
5. What is your greatest strength?
- When you answer this question, it’s best to talk about the skills and experience you have that are directly related to the job you’re applying for. Read the job description over and tell the interviewer that you have the experience and skills to do the job.
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- You don’t have a weakness.
- You can’t think of a weakness.
- Something unrelated to the job.
- Don’t list a weakness that is important for the job.
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- Something related to the job but not a deal breaker.
- Steps to improve your weakness.
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My greatest weakness is I take criticism too personally. I have learned not to overreact and think about what was said. I have found that I have become a better employee when I learn from feedback. [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section].
7. What are your salary expectations?
- This is a tough question because if you ask too little, they’ll gladly pay you less than they should, and if you ask too much, you won’t get the job.
- Before you go to the interview, make sure you know how much money is expected for the job. There are plenty of sites that will discuss salary ranges.
- If you don’t know what to say, ask what the salary range is. Then, you can respond with the highest amount that falls in that range.
8. Why did you leave your last job?
You can only say that you learned everything you could from your last job and are now looking for new chances to learn and grow in your career.
Here is a recommended answer:
“I enjoyed my last job, however, I felt growth was minimal and I was no longer learning. I want to explore new challenges”.
Don’t Say
- Anything negative about your former boss/employer.
- Complaints about the salary.
- You left on bad terms.
9. Do you have any questions for us?
- What do you like best about working here?
- How would you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
- What about this position is the most important?
- How would you rate my performance, and what could I do to go above and beyond what you expect?
- What part of the job is the hardest to learn? What can I do to quickly get up to speed?
- What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?
10. Who are Dillard’s Competitors?
People who are interviewing you want to see that you have researched the company and know a lot about it.
- Dillard’s Competitors are Kohl’s, JC Penny, Amazon, and Target.
11. Where do you see yourself in five years?
- In retail, look for a job that you can see yourself doing in five years. It should be in the management level.
- If you’re going to college or university, say what you want to do after you finish.
Below are specific questions for Dillard’s Sales Associate Interview.
Why do you want to be a sales associate?
Possible answers are:
- Say that you believe you have great communication skills that will help you work well with customers.
- Say that you will always help your coworkers out when they need it and that you are a team player.
- Say that you can listen well, which will help you understand what the customer wants.
- Lastly, say that you want a job that will keep you busy.
Why should we hire you as a sales associate?
- State any sales and customer service experience you have.
- Discuss any inventory management/inventory layout experience you have.
- Say that you can work well alone or with others.
- Finally, discuss any cash handling experience.
How would you deal with an upset customer?
- Listen and let the customer vent.
- Show the customer you care.
- Don’t blame the customer or the company.
- Try to solve the problem or find someone who can.
- Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
Dillard’s Interview – Sales Associate
FAQ
What to expect in a Dillard’s interview?
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What does a sales associate do at Dillards?
