Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you really want that position. TOMS, known for its stylish shoes and focus on giving back, is a company many people dream of working for. But how do you stand out and prove you’re the right cultural fit during the TOMS interview process?
As a TOMS super fan and experienced hire, I’ve been on both sides of the interview table After going through multiple rounds of interviews myself and later helping assess candidates, I’ve gleaned key insights into how to master the TOMS interview.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll share
- An overview of the TOMS hiring process
- Most common interview questions with sample answers
- Tips to showcase your qualifications and values
Let’s dive in so you can land your dream job in business with purpose!
The TOMS Hiring Process
The TOMS interview process typically involves
- Initial online application
- Phone screening with recruiter
- One or more in-depth interviews (video call or in-person)
- Reference and background checks
After submitting an application, expect a call from a recruiter within 1-2 weeks if your background matches the role. The initial screening lasts 30-45 minutes and covers your resume, career goals, and salary expectations.
If that goes well, you’ll advance to an in-depth interview, often with multiple people from the team. For some roles, there may be 2-3 rounds of interviews. These are more conversational and focus on cultural fit. If interviewing in person, you may also get a tour and chat with future team members.
The process wraps up with reference and background checks before finalizing an offer. Be patient, as the full cycle can take 4-6 weeks. Through it all, demonstrate genuine passion for TOMS’ mission.
15 Common TOMS Interview Questions (and How to Ace Them)
Let’s dive into some frequent TOMS interview questions with tips to nail your answers:
1. Why do you want to work for TOMS specifically?
This question tests if you truly understand and connect with TOMS’ culture and social mission. Don’t just say it seems like an amazing place to work! Demonstrate your knowledge of TOMS’ history and values. Share specific reasons the company’s giving model and community engagement efforts resonate with you. Convey genuine passion for using business to drive social change.
2. How did you hear about this position?
Be thoughtful here. Mention if you have friends who work at TOMS or follow the company on social media. Share what excites you about the role and how it aligns with your skills and values. This shows you took initiative to learn about TOMS and aren’t just casually applying.
3. What do you know about TOMS’ products and brand image?
Highlight your familiarity with TOMS’ product evolution, marketing campaigns, brand collaborations, and customer base. For example:
“I’ve admired how TOMS moved beyond just shoes to offer eyewear, coffee, and apparel while retaining its youthful, humanitarian vibe. The playful flag and TOMS logo are instantly recognizable. Through partnerships like those with Disney and NatGeo, TOMS maintains its fun, adventurous branding across categories.”
4. How would you describe the TOMS culture?
Emphasize TOMS’ youthful energy, emphasis on community service, and promoting social and environmental change through business. Use examples like the annual One Day Without Shoes campaign or employee volunteer trips. Show you’ve researched what makes TOMS’ culture unique.
5. Why do you want to work in our industry?
Spotlight your passion for fashion, retail, consumer goods, or whatever TOMS’ division you’re applying to. Share relevant experience or education in that field. Demonstrate knowledge of current industry trends and how TOMS is staying innovative and competitive.
6. What do you know about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? How can business drive positive impact?
This gauges your familiarity with concepts core to TOMS’ mission. Discuss how CSR represents a shift toward purpose-driven business. Give examples like TOMS’ One for One giving model. Elaborate on why CSR matters and how it benefits communities as well as companies.
7. Tell us about a time you successfully led or collaborated on a project.
Share a concise story demonstrating key skills like leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and project management. Quantify results when possible. Emphasize how you approached the project in a way that aligns with TOMS’ values.
8. Describe a challenging work situation or conflict and how you handled it.
Share a specific example that highlights your maturity, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills. Explain the dilemma, how you approached it, and the result. Focus on the positives like mediation techniques used or lessons learned rather than just venting about a bad experience.
9. Why did you leave your last job?
Answer diplomatically. You can mention seeking new challenges or lack of advancement opportunities. But avoid bashing your employer or manager. Instead, focus on why you’re excited to join TOMS and how this role is the perfect next step for you.
10. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Pick 2-3 relevant strengths like creativity, relationship-building, or organizational skills. Provide examples of how you’ve leveraged them. For weaknesses, choose manageable areas you work to improve through approaches like taking on new challenges, training, or mentorship.
11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Align your aspirations with realistic growth at TOMS. You might say something like:
“Within 5 years at TOMS, I hope to become a Senior Marketing Manager leading 360-degree campaigns while mentoring junior team members. I’m excited by the opportunity for upward mobility through hard work.”
12. Why should we hire you over other candidates?
Distinguish yourself by emphasizing your unique combination of relevant skills, values, and passion for TOMS’ mission. For example:
“Beyond my decade of digital marketing experience, I’m deeply committed to leveraging business as a force for good. From volunteering with shoe donations to raising awareness on social media, I’ve already served as an unofficial TOMS brand ambassador. I’d bring both strategic perspective and authentic dedication to uplifting TOMS’ mission.”
13. Do you have any questions for us?
Always prepare thoughtful questions based on your research of TOMS and the specific role. This shows your interest and enthusiasm. Ask about professional development opportunities, company culture, or challenges the team is focused on this year. Just don’t ask anything easily found on the website.
14. Are you willing to relocate for this position?
If the role is located elsewhere, state your enthusiasm for relocating and highlight any experience adapting to new places through past moves, school, or travel. Assure the interviewer you would readily relocate for this opportunity.
15. Can you describe your salary expectations?
Do your homework on TOMS’ compensation ranges for similar roles, average salaries in the region, and your personal budget needs. Provide a reasonable range based on your experience level. You can say you’re open to discussion to find a fair offer.
5 Quick Tips to Stand Out in Your TOMS Interview
Beyond preparing responses for likely questions, keep these success strategies in mind:
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Demonstrate passion for TOMS’ mission – Giving back should be woven throughout your answers. Show it’s not just a paycheck to you.
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Highlight cultural fit – Do your research so you can speak knowledgably about TOMS’ values, campaigns, and products.
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Ask thoughtful questions – Leverage the interview to learn more about TOMS’ goals and what they seek in new team members.
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Watch your body language – Maintain eye contact and reflective listening. Convey professionalism yet also warmth.
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Follow up promptly – Send thank you notes reaffirming your interest and fit for the position.
