Ace Your Instacart Store Shopper Interview: The Top 25 Interview Questions and Answers

Landing a job as an Instacart store shopper can be highly competitive. With the rise of grocery delivery services like Instacart, more and more people are applying for these in-demand roles. As a result, the interview process is often rigorous, testing your skills in communication, time management, customer service and more.

To help you prepare for the big day, we’ve compiled a list of the top 25 most common interview questions asked for Instacart store shopper positions. Along with insights into what the hiring manager wants to assess with each question, we’ve also included sample answers to help you craft your own winning responses. Read on to learn how to ace your Instacart store shopper interview!

1. Why do you want to work as a store shopper for Instacart?

This opener allows interviewers to gauge your interest in the company and role. They want to know what attracts you specifically to Instacart. Highlight your alignment with their mission of convenient grocery delivery and emphasize skills like customer service.

Sample Answer I’m excited by Instacart’s mission of providing fast and reliable grocery delivery. I believe my skills in customer service organization and time management would allow me to fulfill that mission as a store shopper. This role also appeals to me as I enjoy being active while providing an essential service that helps people save time and energy.

2. What do you know about Instacart?

With this question, hiring managers want to assess your knowledge of the company It demonstrates your interest in Instacart and the role Research key facts like year founded, leadership team, services offered, and recent growth.

Sample Answer: Instacart was founded in 2012 by Apoorva Mehta, Max Mullen, and Brandon Leonardo. Headquartered in San Francisco, it has over 600,000 personal shoppers delivering groceries and household items from trusted local stores across North America. The company has seen immense growth recently, especially during the pandemic as demand for grocery delivery skyrocketed. Instacart partners with leading retailers like Kroger, ALDI and Costco. They aim to provide fast delivery services that make grocery shopping effortless for customers.

3. Why do you think you’d excel as an Instacart store shopper?

This question allows you to highlight your most relevant skills. Emphasize strengths like organization, efficiency, attention to detail and customer service. Provide examples of using these skills.

Sample Answer: I believe I possess the key attributes needed to excel as a store shopper. I’m highly organized which allows me to shop efficiently. My strong attention to detail ensures accuracy in fulfilling orders. I’m also courteous and customer-focused, enabling me to provide an exceptional service experience. In previous retail roles, I’ve been commended for my ability to quickly locate items and my commitment to customer satisfaction. These skills make me confident that I would thrive at Instacart.

4. How do you stay focused while shopping for multiple orders?

Since store shoppers often juggle multiple orders simultaneously, interviewers want to know how you’ll remain focused. Discuss strategies like list prioritization, sticking to a routine, using checklists, and leveraging organizational tools.

Sample Answer: When handling multiple orders, the key is prioritizing based on quickest delivery time and keeping organized. I would arrange my shopping list according to store aisle location to maximize efficiency. For large orders, I would use a checklist to avoid missing items. Sticking to a routine also helps me stay focused while shopping for several customers. Overall, organization and preparation are essential for me to deliver the excellent service Instacart is known for.

5. A customer requests an item that is out of stock. What do you do?

This scenario question tests your critical thinking and customer service skills. Showcase how you would communicate with the customer, offer substitutions, and provide recommendations based on their preferences.

Sample Answer: If a requested item was out of stock, I would first check if the store offered an alternate size or brand that’s comparable in quality and price. If a suitable replacement exists, I’d contact the customer via the Instacart app to confirm they are comfortable with the substitution. If no appropriate substitute is available, I’d notify the customer and suggest items that are similar in flavor or use based on their previous purchases and preferences. My goal would be making the best recommendation so the customer is completely satisfied.

6. How do you ensure orders are delivered within the requested timeframe?

Time management abilities are crucial for Instacart store shoppers. Discuss strategies like checking delivery times in advance, calculating estimated shopping duration, planning efficient routes within the store, and seeking guidance from store employees to locate items quickly.

Sample Answer: I always check delivery times before I start shopping. I give myself enough of a time buffer to account for checkout lines or other delays. As I’m shopping, I use the app’s optimized route feature to plan the fastest path through the store. If I’m having trouble locating an item, I don’t hesitate to ask store employees for assistance. With these time management practices, I’m confident I can fulfill orders within the requested delivery windows.

7. Describe a time you had to shop quickly while maintaining quality service.

Your response reveals your ability to handle pressure and balance speed with customer satisfaction. Share examples of when you completed tasks accurately and efficiently. Discuss strategies like staying focused, following routines, and pre-planning.

Sample Answer: As a retail shift supervisor, I was sometimes tasked with unexpected restocking needs while also monitoring the checkout area. On one busy Sunday, multiple callouts left us understaffed. I had a short window to restock 10 shelves before the afternoon rush. I stayed calm, made a plan of attack, and completed the task with time to spare. This shows my ability to work quickly under pressure while delivering results and maintaining high service standards.

8. What steps would you take to ensure accurate delivery with no mistakes?

This question gauges your commitment to error-free work. Discuss checks and balances like verifying items, confirming orders with customers, and utilizing scanning technology. Emphasize attention to detail.

Sample Answer: Accuracy is my top priority. I would meticulously verify picked items against the digital shopping list, ensuring I match the exact product and quantity needed. Before checkout, I’d use the app’s feature to confirm all items with the customer. At checkout, I’d leverage Instacart’s scanning technology to double check every item in my cart. I would then check orders again before delivery to guarantee correctness. My diligence helps ensure seamless, mistake-free experiences.

9. How do you build rapport and connect with customers?

Store shoppers interact directly with customers, so the ability to build relationships is key. Share tactics like active listening, making recommendations, and communicating proactively via the app’s chat feature.

Sample Answer: I build rapport by actively listening to customers’ needs during our interactions. Whether it’s suggestions for replacements on out-of-stock items or recommendations based on purchase history, I aim to make the shopping experience feel personalized. I also make an effort to communicate proactively through the app if any changes arise. By keeping customers informed and anticipating their needs, I’m able to provide personable service that keeps them coming back.

10. How do you handle unhappy or difficult customers?

Hiring managers want to know you can deal with challenging situations professionally. Discuss strategies like active listening, empathy, apologizing, remaining calm, finding solutions, and bringing in supervisors when needed.

Sample Answer: When facing an unhappy customer, I listen closely to understand where things went wrong. I empathize with their frustration and apologize sincerely. My goal is to find a satisfactory solution, whether that means replacing an item or offering a credit. If I’m unable to resolve the issue, I would quickly involve my supervisor to provide additional assistance. Throughout the process, I would remain courteous, patient and solutions-focused. My aim is turning a negative experience into a positive one.

11. Why is punctuality important as an Instacart store shopper?

Time management is vital in this role, so interviewers want to gauge your commitment to punctuality. Highlight the direct impact it has on customer satisfaction and Instacart’s reputation.

Sample Answer: Punctuality is extremely important for store shoppers. Customers rely on us to deliver groceries within promised timeframes. Arriving late risks items melting, customer inconvenience and damage to Instacart’s reputation. Everything we do revolves around the customer’s schedule. I’m fully committed to punctuality because it shows respect for customers and ensures consistent, high-quality service.

12. How would you handle a situation where you’re running late for an order?

Your response demonstrates how you take accountability and solve issues under pressure. Discuss steps like communicating delays transparently with customers, re-prioritizing if you’re juggling multiple orders, and seeking support from co-workers when needed.

Sample Answer: If I was running behind schedule, I would be transparent with the customer via the app, providing constant updates and showing accountability. I would then re-prioritize my tasks