Landing a job at JCP Portraits takes preparation In this guide, we’ll overview key details about JCP Portraits and explore common interview questions asked, with sample answers to help you succeed in your upcoming interview
About JCP Portraits
One of the biggest school photography businesses in the US is JCP Portraits, which is owned by Lifetouch National School Studios. Schools and families all over the country hire them to take pictures of students for portraits, yearbooks, and graduations.
JCP Portraits promises to capture “real smiles” and craft lasting memories through school portraits They have local professional photographers that serve schools in their community
Some key facts about JCP Portraits:
- Founded in 2002 in Minnesota
- Acquired by Lifetouch in 2015
- Employs over 2000 photographers nationally
- Serves over 20,000 schools
JCP Portraits prides itself on its nationwide school community and helping capture important student milestones. Let’s look at some of the common interview questions asked to join their team.
JCP Portraits Interview Questions
The JCP Portraits interview questions are meant to see how well you can deal with customers, make sales, take pictures, and work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Some common questions for customer-facing roles like Photographer/Sales Associate include:
1. How would you handle an unhappy parent or student during portrait day?
This evaluates your diplomacy, empathy, and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. In your answer, emphasize listening first to understand their concerns before responding calmly. Share how you would offer solutions or alternatives like a retake to satisfy them. Stay positive focused on delivering excellent service.
2. This Photographer/Sales Associate role requires meeting sales goals. How would you go about hitting your targets?
This assesses your sales abilities and persistence. Discuss reviewing past school yearbook and sheet sales to understand purchasing trends. Share how you would promote special packages, new products, and upgrades using enthusiasm and gentle persuasion focused on capturing memories. Give an example of when you succeeded in a sales goal.
3. Describe your approach to photographing large groups of students efficiently while maintaining quality.
This evaluates your photographic expertise and ability to adapt. Share photography techniques like optimal positioning, effective lighting, and keeping subjects engaged. Emphasize patience, high energy, and maximizing each minute to keep the line moving. Reference similar high-volume experience.
4. How would you prioritize tasks on a busy portrait or graduation event day?
This tests your time management and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment. Discuss using schedules, checklists, and constant communication with team members to stay on track. Share your method for identifying the most time-sensitive tasks while juggling varied responsibilities. Give examples of smoothly running high intensity events you handled.
5. Our school clients expect exemplary customer service and final products. How would you ensure you meet their high standards?
This question looks for commitment to quality and exceeding expectations. Share how you would utilize check-ins, feedback surveys, and open communication to understand their needs. Emphasize upholding JCP’s processes for perfection like proofing, professionalism, and your passion for capturing memories students and families will treasure.
6. Why do you want to join the JCP Portraits team as a Photographer/Sales Associate?
This evaluates your fit and motivation for the role. Share your passion for photography and working with students. Discuss wanting to join an established school photography leader and JCP’s strong reputation. Express interest in having ownership of school relationships as the local professional photographer.
7. Tell me about a time you successfully coached or motivated others. What was the situation and what strategies did you employ?
This assesses your leadership, influence, and teamwork abilities. Set the context by describing the goal or challenge and team dynamics involved. Share how you communicated a clear vision, empowered team members based on strengths, and provided guidance while allowing autonomy. Describe positive outcomes achieved through your mentoring.
8. How would you stay energized and maintain a positive attitude through back-to-back long days on your feet?
This looks for stamina, resilience, and commitment in a physically and mentally draining role. Share tactics like staying hydrated, taking short breaks when possible, and keeping interactions with students fun and fulfilling. Discuss the intrinsic rewards you would gain from creating memories and serving schools. Convey that you welcome rather than dread the busy season.
9. Our photographers represent the JCP Portraits brand in schools. How would you uphold our reputation for professionalism?
This evaluates your understanding of providing excellent external service and representation. Discuss always having a neat, approachable appearance and conducting yourself in a friendly yet professional manner. Share your commitment to punctuality, ownership, and accountability in serving school partners. Reference customer service and brand ambassador experience.
10. Tell me about a time you successfully learned a new skillset. What techniques did you use and how did you apply your new expertise?
This assesses self-motivation, intellectual curiosity, and ability to expand your capabilities. Discuss seeking learning opportunities, being proactive in asking questions, practicing repeatedly, and soliciting feedback. Share a specific example like mastering new photo editing software that made you a more valuable contributor.
Tips for Acing Your JCP Portraits Interview
Here are some top tips for excelling in your JCP Portraits interview:
Demonstrate Passion for the Role
Convey genuine enthusiasm for photography, working with students, and celebrating milestones. This motivation will shine through.
Highlight Customer Service Skills
Provide examples that showcase your commitment to high standards, adaptability, and resolving issues.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Asking smart questions shows your engagement. Inquire about training, growth opportunities, school partnerships, team culture, or day-to-day responsibilities.
Review Sample Photos
Studying example yearbook and portrait photos will help you discuss techniques and vision during photography questions.
Share Relevant Experiences
Reference past roles that equip you for this fast-paced, dynamic, customer-focused position like retail, events, hospitality or childcare.
Explain Why You Want to Join JCP
Discuss JCP Portraits’ stellar reputation, national school relationships, and their vision to capture memories. Convey a desire to grow personally and professionally with an industry leader.
With the right preparation, you can confidently handle JCP Portraits’ interview process. Use these common questions and top tips to highlight your fit and land the job at this premier school photography company. Best of luck!
Sell and Earn More!
Like photography, selling is an art and we’ll teach you how to engage customers in the sales process. With our blend of photography and sales skills training, you can boost your earnings with sales incentives.
Turn Your Interest in Photography Into an Exciting Career!
JCPenney Portraits trains people like you to become skilled photographers who tell stories through pictures. We’ll teach you how to pose, light, and talk to customers so you can capture their personalities and tell their stories, whether you’re just interested in photography or are studying it in school.
