Getting hired at Empire Today LLC can be a competitive process, but going in prepared with knowledge of commonly asked interview questions can give you a leg up. With some practice and prep, you can feel confident that your responses will impress the hiring managers. In this article, we’ll explore examples of popular Empire Today interview questions, provide sample responses, and give tips on how to make yourself stand out as the ideal candidate.
Tell Me About Yourself
This common opener allows interviewers to learn more about your background, skills, and personality. When answering, focus on highlighting your professional experience and achievements. Provide an overview of your work history, then zero in on how your talents would add value in the open role.
Here’s an example of how to concisely respond
“I have over seven years of experience in flooring sales and installation. I started out as an installer before transitioning into a sales representative role at my previous company. In that position, I consistently exceeded monthly sales quotas by developing relationships with contractors and homeowners to understand their flooring needs. I also have training in hardwood carpet, vinyl, and tile installation. I’m now seeking an opportunity to leverage my well-rounded expertise in flooring at a respected company like Empire Today.”
This response demonstrates your relevant background and motivation for joining the company. Be sure to tailor your answer based on the job you’re applying for.
Why Flooring?
With this question, interviewers want to understand what attracts you to the flooring industry specifically To make a positive impression, convey your genuine interest and fit for the field
A sample answer could be:
“I’ve always enjoyed hands-on work, which initially drew me to flooring installation. Once I learned more about the trade, I realized I also had an aptitude for sales and client relationships. What I find most rewarding is using my skills to perfectly match homeowners with the ideal floors for their lifestyle and space. Whether it’s carpeting a family room or installing natural stone in a kitchen, I love seeing clients thrilled with their new floors that will last for years. Flooring constantly evolves with new styles and technology, so it allows me to keep learning while doing work I find meaningful.”
Focus your response on the aspects of flooring that are most appealing to you professionally and personally. This will let interviewers know you have a genuine interest in the field.
How Long Should it Take to Install 400 sq ft of LVP?
For this technical question, interviewers want to verify your knowledge and experience with flooring installation. When answering:
- Consider factors like the crew size, floor layout/configuration, and preparation work needed.
- Provide a time estimate range based on your experience. For example: “For a typical 400 square foot LVP installation with standard prep work, I would estimate it to take between 1-2 days with a 2-3 person crew.”
- Explain your reasoning behind the time estimate. For example: “The prep work of removing existing flooring and preparing the subfloor typically takes about one full day. For the installation, I estimate an experienced crew could complete 400 square feet in 6-8 man hours, so another full day with a 2-3 person team.”
Giving a reasonable estimate and walking through your thought process will demonstrate your technical expertise and knowledge of the work involved. If you’re unsure or inexperienced with LVP, focus instead on a flooring type you have installed, and ask clarifying questions.
How Would You Handle an Installer Refusing Work?
With this behavioral question, employers want to understand how you’d address conflict resolution in a supervisory role. When responding, explain the steps you would take to resolve the issue while maintaining positive working relationships. For example:
“First, I would speak directly to the installer in a private setting to understand their concerns. I would listen openly and see if we could find a reasonable compromise or alternative solution together. If they are unwilling to complete the job for a legitimate reason, I would work to reschedule their assignments. However, if they are refusing with no reasonable grounds, I would reinforce the expectations and terms of their contract or employment. As a last resort for continued noncompliance, I may have to consider corrective action or termination while following company protocols. Throughout the process, I would aim to communicate respectfully and clearly with the installer to preserve team morale.”
Demonstrating your conflict management approach highlights your leadership capabilities. Emphasize resolving issues cooperatively when possible while upholding necessary policies. This will assure employers you can address challenges in a professional manner.
Additional Common Interview Questions
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Why do you want to work at Empire Today? Focus your answer on your admiration for the company and how you can contribute your skills and experience to support its continued success.
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What flooring service trends do you see impacting the industry? Share your insights on shifts like waterproof flooring, DIY installation, alternative materials like cork or bamboo, etc. This highlights your industry knowledge.
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How would you go about learning our products, services, and processes? Provide examples of how you’ve quickly gotten up to speed at past jobs through training, product research, engaging with coworkers, and hands-on practice.
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How do you stay up-to-date on new trends and technologies in flooring? Mention reading industry publications, going to trade shows when possible, taking continuing education courses, networking with peers, researching online, etc.
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Tell me about a time you had to deal with an unhappy customer. What was the situation, and how did you handle it? Share a specific example that demonstrates patience, empathy and your problem-solving process.
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How would you go about exceeding sales targets and quotas? Highlight tactics like building referral networks, creating customized quotes for clients, following up diligently, asking for testimonials, and developing long-term relationships to get repeat business. Provide examples of when your approach drove sales performance.
Tips for Acing the Interview
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Practice aloud. Rehearse your talking points out loud to polish your responses and prevent rambling. Time yourself to keep answers concise.
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Review the job description. Highlight key requirements and responsibilities you should emphasize in your answers to show your fit.
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Bring a portfolio. Include copies of certifications, awards, letters of reference, and before/after photos of your flooring projects. Visuals make a memorable impression.
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Ask thoughtful questions. Inquire about training, typical career advancement timelines, the interviewer’s favorite part of working for Empire Today, etc. to show your engagement.
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Watch your body language. Maintain friendly eye contact, positive posture, and active listening through smiles and nods. This projects confidence and interest.
With preparation and practice using the advice above, you can master the interview process at Empire Today. Showcasing your flooring expertise, fit for the role, and genuine interest in the company will impress hiring managers and land you the job. Best of luck with your upcoming interview!
Empire Today Office Locations
Empire Today is headquartered in Northlake, IL
Empire Today employee reviews
Based On 4 Ratings
Working in a established company. Expecting support in building a carreer with an established income.
No Processes, no real management vision. Commission structure on the lowest level being possible.
Not really sure what a benefit is to work for Empire. You are only waisting time and money being part of their so called salesforce.
To be honest there is nothing positive to say about the so called leadership team. No vision. Broken connection between the top level and the real working people.
Get a real quality management system. Take the customer and the employees serious.
There was no real requirement to be prepared. Just talking about a Sales Rep position. Everybody is accepted like applying to a snowball scheme.
Way under the level you normally expect. Because they were always forced to sell at the lowest level, which means they only got a commission based on their position as a 99th percentile worker, they got a commission of 3 to 4 percent instead of the 10 percent commission that was advertised in their sales training.
Not really visible. There is no discussion about this topic.
Sorry there is no joy at the end of the year. You are spending a lot of hours working probably 7 days a week. You put a lot of money into your own business and drive your own car a few thousand miles a month, only to find out at the end of the month that you lost money.
Busting your butt, working a ton of hours are all cons.
Always meeting new people, who Empire employs…
The coworkers are GREAT.
They are trying to fix many problems and mine are the lowest priority.
In commercial sales you make your own schedule.
This company has excellent opportunities and staff.
The commission structure was low.
The company support was effective in developing business.
Empire carpet man interview found after 30 years
FAQ
Why should we hire you?