Payless ShoeSource job applicants may have to go through more than one interview process before they are hired. Most entry-level shoe store applicants need only complete a single question-and-answer session with a store manager. Depending on the number of applicants, a group interview may be required to handle the overload. People who want to move up in their careers may have more than one interview, usually with a district manager or corporate representative. Aside from these interviews, applicants don’t have to go through much else before they are hired, unless they have to go through training or a trial period with the company.
Employees often perform many different duties. That’s why the shoe store often checks how well job applicants can do a number of tasks and meet general job requirements during interviews. Common questions include:
Getting hired at Payless ShoeSource, one of the largest footwear retailers globally, is no easy feat With over 3,500 stores across more than 30 countries, competition is fierce for job openings at this iconic company
As a job seeker, you need to bring your A-game to the interview to stand out from the crowd. The key is understanding what recruiters at Payless look for in potential candidates and preparing relevant examples that showcase your abilities.
In this comprehensive guide, we reveal the 15 most frequently asked Payless ShoeSource interview questions along with proven tips and sample responses to help you win your next job interview. Let’s get started!
Overview of Payless ShoeSource Interviews
The hiring process at Payless typically involves one or two rounds of interviews either in-person or virtual. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect
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Phone Screening: You’ll likely have a preliminary call with a recruiter reviewing your resume and asking questions about your experience, skills, availability and salary expectations.
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In-person/Video Interview: If you clear the screening, you’ll be scheduled for a 1-on-1 interview with the store manager/district manager lasting 30-60 minutes. This is your chance to make an impression with your customer service expertise, sales abilities and retail management experience.
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Group Interview: For management roles, a second round panel interview is common. You may be asked to participate in group discussions or hands-on role play scenarios with other candidates.
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Reference Checks: Finally, your references will be contacted to verify details and evaluate your previous performance before a hiring decision is made.
Now let’s look at the top interview questions you’re likely to encounter for various roles at Payless along with tips to craft winning responses.
15 Common Payless ShoeSource Interview Questions and Answers
1. Why do you want to work at Payless ShoeSource?
This is often the very first question to expect. While the answer seems straightforward, your response can really set the tone for the rest of the interview.
How to Answer
Start by expressing your enthusiasm and passion for footwear and retail. Discuss how you strongly align with Payless values of fun, fashion and family.
Focus on the company’s strengths – global presence, iconic brand image, and commitment to community. Show that you’ve done your research on Payless and are excited by the prospect of contributing your skills and experience.
Sample Response
I’m truly excited at the prospect of joining Payless ShoeSource, an iconic brand that’s been integral to the lives of families around the world for over 60 years. Beyond your global reach and household name, I’m drawn to your core values of fun, fashion and family. These align perfectly with my passion for retail and commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. I would love the opportunity to utilize my 5+ years of experience to contribute to the continued success of Payless stores across the country. I’m confident my proven skills in sales, customer service, and team leadership will be a strong addition to your dynamic organization.
2. What do you know about our company’s history and mission?
Retailers like to hire candidates who have taken the time to learn about the company. Demonstrate this knowledge by briefly recapping key facts about Payless ShoeSource.
How to Answer
Highlight Payless’ journey from a small shop in 1956 to one of the largest footwear chains today. Mention geographic expansion, key acquisitions, or milestone moments that shaped the brand’s identity.
Discuss their mission of democratizing fashion and empowering expression through fun, affordable footwear for the whole family. Show you understand the essence of the Payless brand.
Sample Response
Payless ShoeSource has an inspiring history spanning over six decades. Founded in 1956 as a family shoe store in Topeka, Kansas, Payless has grown into the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere. Major milestones include expanding internationally in the 1990s, launching the iconic Airwalk brand, and championing charitable causes like the Payless ShoeSource Children’s Champion Award.
At its core, Payless is committed to making on-trend fashion accessible to all families and empowering self-expression through shoes. The company’s mission to provide high-quality, comfortable footwear at affordable prices truly resonates with me. I’m excited to potentially contribute to the next chapter of the Payless story.
3. Why do you think you would excel as a sales associate at Payless?
With this question, interviewers want to gauge your confidence and selling abilities. Highlight your retail skills while keeping your response humble.
How to Answer
Discuss skills like product expertise, customer service, work ethic, and communication abilities. Reference past achievements that showcase success as a sales associate. Conclude by expressing enthusiasm to take on new challenges.
Sample Response
As someone passionate about footwear fashion and retail, I’m confident I would excel as a sales associate at Payless. Over my 3 years of experience at a major shoe store, I’ve developed expertise in fitting and product knowledge that helps me match customers with the perfect pairs. My proven ability to listen attentively and provide genuine recommendations makes each shopper feel personally cared for.
Beyond selling, I’m known for my outstanding work ethic, positivity, and willingness to tackle any task required during busy retail hours. My previous supervisor noted that my balances sales goals while maintaining high standards for store presentation. I’m so excited to bring this well-rounded skillset to the Payless team and continue growing through new opportunities.
4. How would you handle an unhappy customer?
Retail associates inevitably have to deal with the occasional difficult customer. This question tests your grace under pressure and customer service skills.
How to Answer
Demonstrate empathy, maturity, and problem-solving ability. Discuss listening actively, apologizing, and working towards a resolution based on company policy. Reference specific examples if possible.
Sample Response
Dealing with unhappy customers is inevitable in retail. However, I view these moments as opportunities to turn a negative experience into a positive one for the customer. My approach is to first listen attentively without interrupting so they feel heard and understood. I’d then apologize sincerely, express understanding of their viewpoint, and assure them I’ll do my best to find a satisfactory solution.
If possible, I would offer options based on Payless policies – a refund, exchange, discount on future purchase, etc. My ultimate goal is having the customer leave feeling fairly compensated, and hopefully willing to shop with us again. I find that staying calm, empathetic and solution-focused is key to resolving issues and upholding the brand, even in difficult situations.
5. How would you go about creating an amazing customer experience?
Customer experience is a major priority for Payless. Share creative ideas to wow shoppers and make their visit memorable.
How to Answer
Discuss techniques like active listening, product recommendations, and adding personal touches. Share ideas for promotions, events, or loyalty programs that could enhance the experience. Emphasize customer delight.
Sample Response
Creating an amazing customer experience starts with listening attentively to each shopper to identify their needs – a special occasion, foot trouble, new school shoes for kids, athletic shoes, and so on. I would then personalize my recommendations by bringing out selections suited for their needs and style preferences. Little touches like complimenting choices they try on also makes the experience more engaging.
If I noticed repeat customers, I’d make an effort to remember names and styles purchased last time to make them feel valued. I’m also excited by creative ideas like weekend kids craft activities, fitness workshops using our exercise shoes, or a “Bring a Friend” promotion to incentivize referrals and give a taste of our excellent service. My goal is for customers to enjoy their time at Payless while also feeling genuinely cared for.
6. Tell me about a time you had to balance several tasks and pressures while working. How did you handle it?
Juggling multiple priorities is key in retail. Share a story that highlights your multitasking abilities.
How to Answer
Set the context by describing the high-pressure situation and what your responsibilities were. Discuss your approach – time management, prioritization, delegation, etc. Emphasize techniques used and the positive result achieved.
Sample Response
Working in retail requires handling various tasks and pressures simultaneously. For example, last holiday season, I was managing solo during peak hours with lines of waiting customers, a product shipment to unload, and merchandising tasks to complete before my shift ended. To stay on top, I quickly delegated putting out the new products to my sales associate when he arrived. For my time on the floor, I focused fully on customers to maintain excellent service while completing merchandising between shoppers.
My prioritization ensured we unloaded the shipment and updated displays without compromising customer experience. Despite the hectic nature, we achieved our daily sales goal while upholding our high standard for service. This really demonstrated my ability to operate seamlessly even when demands are coming from many directions.
7. How
Payless ShoeSource Keyholder Interview Video
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties. Payless ShoeSource Keyholder: I was a key holder. Basically I was in charge of opening and closing the store, as well as training other associates. I was in charge of the deposits. I had to make change, take the deposits to the bank, and do other things. A group lead position.
Interviewer: What was it like to work there? Payless ShoeSource Keyholder: Most of the stores in this area aren’t too big, so there are only two or three people in there at a time. You can pretty much see the whole store from the front. I worked with two or three people most of the time, and sometimes a manager or supervisor in the back room. You weren’t really with me on the sales floor.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?Payless ShoeSource Keyholder: It was pretty basic. What I did was once I did my online application, then I came in for the interview. The interview was just basic questions really. Any customer service experience? A lot of scenario questions is mainly what they had too. Like, what would you do if an employee came to you with a problem like that? I would say to go over all the common situations again. When someone tells you they were late on the deposit and didn’t make it, what would you do? Would you talk to a manager? Questions like that How would you handle an irate customer? That’s basically it. They like bilingual as well because Payless, it is the majority Hispanic company. People from Latin America come there a lot, so they’d really like it if you could speak Spanish with them.
Interviewer: What set you apart from other candidates?Payless ShoeSource Keyholder: I am a very social person. With Payless because that’s mainly what you’re doing. You’re talking to customers, you’re trying to add on accessories and things like that. You need to be able to talk to them face-to-face and ask them tough questions. Definitely the biggest thing they like is open ended questions. Questions where you cannot say no or yes to. You want a question where they have to tell them what color you want? “Oh, red, blue, nothing.” ” They can be like, “Oh no,” or stuff like that. Being able to chat with anyone, face-to-face, or online, and really connect with them, not really… I don’t know what to call it, but one of those people who… You can’t be one of those people who someone stops talking to and you stop talking to them. I guess with the close ended questions. If they be like, “No,” and you’re like, “Okay bye. ” No stay, you got to get able to go, “Okay well” … Push more. It’s important to go the extra mile and really connect with the customer to find out what they’re doing and what they want.
Interviewer: How were you notified that you received the job?Payless ShoeSource Keyholder: Oh, they called me. I received a call. I received a call.
Interviewer: What else would you tell someone looking for work?Payless ShoeSource Keyholder: As I already said, I would prepare for the worst-case scenarios. I would try to go there, even if you use some of the key words I said. Open ended questions. There are times when I would say things like, “Oh yeah, I think open-ended questions are a good idea.” ” I would throw open ended questions in there. Definitely say that you’re a sociable person who likes to communicate with different people. Be aware that you will have to stay on your feet; there is no sitting down, not even behind the register. You will be on your feet the whole time. You’re constantly walking around. People who can keep themselves busy, even when the store is… Because it does get slow sometimes, and one of the main things you do when it’s slow is fix shoes. Not one of them people who are like it’s slow and you just stand there like, “I’m bored. “No, you have to be able to keep moving, even if all you do is walk around the floor.” Do be prepared to be on your feet your whole shift. It’s not really a sit down. Also, be able to work alone, because sometimes you may be the only person in the store. Know how to do more than one thing at once, like talking to a customer and telling them you’ll be back to help another customer, as well as checking someone out and watching what other customers are doing over your shoulder. I would say multitasking skills are very important as well.
Payless ShoeSource Sales Associate Interview Video
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties. Payless ShoeSource Sales Associate: Job title was sales associate. To put it simply, it was our job to clean up the shoes, tag and run them, check that they had the right price written on them, and greet customers as they came in.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?Payless ShoeSource Sales Associate: The work environment was fun. You got to know different people and help them choose shoes. You learned what they liked and didn’t like about them. It’s the best thing.
Interviewer: What was your favorite part about working there?Payless ShoeSource Sales Associate: The work environment was fun. You got to know different people and help them choose shoes. You learned what they liked and didn’t like about them. It’s the best thing.
Interviewer: Please describe a typical day as an employee. Payless ShoeSource Sales Associate: A typical work day. Okay, you get there at like 9:45. We open at 10 o’clock. The manager would be there before that, so she’ll have everything straightened up. You count the drawer down. You might have to run to the bank to make a deposit from last night’s money. Customer enters the store, you help them figure out what shoe they want, what they’re looking for. They might need shoelaces, shoe cleaner. They leave the store and you straighten up and wait for the next customer to come.
Asker: How would you describe the process of applying and being interviewed? Payless ShoeSource Sales Associate: The application process is done online. You answer, do your name, where you live, if you’re in school or not. That test tells them whether to put your application in a pool or just put it in a drawer and hope that someone picks you to work there. If you pass the test, then you’ll get hired. You’ll have your interview and then you start working.
Person interviewing: What questions did the person ask you during the interview? Payless ShoeSource Sales Associate: She asked about your strengths and weaknesses and asked you to sell her something. That one was random for me, but I did really good on it. She asked you about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer.
“What made you stand out from other applicants?” asked the interviewer. “What made me stand out was that I’m great at customer service. I’m not afraid to ask someone what they’re looking for or if they need help or if they found the right shoe.” I think I was just perfect for the job.
Talking Head: How did you find out you got the job? Payless ShoeSource Sales Associate: It took a while. Thought I filled it out before I left school. I heard from them about a month and a half later, in the summer. It was a phone call, and she let you know you got the job, you got the interview. She set up an interview, then you learned if you had the job or not.
What other piece of advice would you give someone looking for work? Payless ShoeSource Sales Associate: I would say learn a little about the company. Learn how to sell shoes, because I think every job will require you to do so. Only make sure you feel good talking to customers and the person interviewing you, and you should do fine.
Payless Shoesource Interview – Keyholder
FAQ
What questions do they ask in a shoe store interview?
How many employees does Payless have?
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Formerly
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Payless ShoeSource Inc.
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Revenue
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US$3 billion (2017)
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Net income
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−US$149.8 million (FY2012)
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Owners
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Alden Global Capital Axar Capital Management Former: Blum Capital Wolverine World Wide Golden Gate Capital
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Number of employees
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18,000 (2017)
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What questions did they ask during the interview at Payless ShoeSource?
I interviewed at Payless ShoeSource It was quite professional and easy. Mostly common questions were asked and some situational questions on customer service. Describing a situation where you handled rude customers., about your strength and weakness and similar behavioral questions. The interviewer was a very nce person.
How long did it take to get hired at Payless ShoeSource?
Friendly interviewer who was very kind and courteous about the process and next steps to get hired. I ended up accepting another job and did not proceed with a second interview. I applied through college or university. The process took 3 days. I interviewed at Payless ShoeSource (Los Angeles, CA)
How does Payless ShoeSource work?
In addition to its affordability, Payless ShoeSource offers a unique, self-service model. That allows customers the freedom to explore availability inventory independently. Store employees are available to answer questions. They can assist with fit or check the backroom for additional sizes.
Does Payless ShoeSource have Glassdoor?
On Glassdoor, you can share insights and advice anonymously with Payless ShoeSource employees and get real answers from people on the inside. How much do Payless ShoeSource employees make?
