Preparing for Your University Tees Interview: Top Questions and Answers

Landing an interview at University Tees is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic company at the forefront of collegiate apparel. However, the interview process can also feel daunting if you don’t know what to expect. This article will provide an in-depth look at University Tees’ hiring process and culture, along with the most common interview questions and tips to ace your answers.

Overview of University Tees

Founded in 2003, University Tees has grown from a dorm room startup into a major player in custom university apparel. The company is known for its innovative, high-quality products that capture the spirit of college campuses across the United States.

University Tees prides itself on a fun, relaxed work environment. However, they also look for driven, creative individuals who are passionate about the brand. As a fast-growing small business, they value applicants who are adaptable team players willing to take initiative.

The interview process aims to assess both your personality fit and your potential for success in roles like design, sales, marketing, operations and more. Preparation and research are key – read on for insights into acing your University Tees interview.

The University Tees Hiring Process

The typical University Tees interview process consists of:

• Online application – Submit an application detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role

• Phone screening – A 15 minute call focused on personality and growth potential rather than technical skills. You may be asked to provide connections to at least 30 relevant organizations.

• In-person/video interview – For some roles, a longer interview will be conducted over Zoom or in-person. This may involve an art test if applying for a design role.

• Follow up communication – Discuss next steps and answer any additional questions. Offers may be extended shortly after.

The process is designed to be straightforward and move quickly, often taking 2-3 weeks from application to offer. Interviewers look for candidates who are friendly, enthusiastic and able to demonstrate relevant hard and soft skills.

12 Common University Tees Interview Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked University Tees interview questions with advice on how to prepare strong answers

1. Why do you want to work for University Tees?

This question tests your knowledge of and passion for the company. Research University Tees’ mission, values, culture and products. Highlight aspects that genuinely excite you and align with your own interests and goals. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for contributing to their success.

Example: “I’m inspired by University Tees’ origin story as a startup born out of a passion for celebrating school spirit. Having started my own small business on campus, I really connect with your entrepreneurial culture and emphasis on creativity. I’m excited by the opportunity to blend my marketing experience and design skills to help engage students across the country with apparel they’ll love.”

2. What experience do you have with college branding and merchandise?

For any customer-facing role, interviewers want to gauge your understanding of the university market. Discuss any campus retail, branding, merchandising or sales experience you have. College internships and extracurriculars are also relevant. Emphasize your insights into what resonates with a collegiate audience.

Example: “As part of the promotions team for my university’s bookstore, I helped develop merchandising strategies for major campus events and athletics games. This gave me valuable hands-on experience with collegiate branding and identifying designs that would excite school spirit. I also have insights from running a custom apparel startup on campus focused on making club and varsity merchandise.”

3. How would you foster school spirit through apparel design?

Creativity is key for University Tees’ design roles. Discuss your process for brainstorming and developing designs that capture the energy and identity of a campus. Mention any past branding work tailored to student interests like Greek life, athletics, student organizations, majors, campus traditions and more.

Example: “I would start by thoroughly researching the university’s history, values and visual identity to inform the design concept. From there, I’d explore themes that resonate, like iconic campus buildings, school mascots, historic events or slogans. I’d also engage directly with students to hear their perspectives and ideas. My goal is to blend campus traditions with modern style to produce apparel students will be proud to wear for years to come.”

4. How would you handle an unhappy customer?

For customer-facing positions, interviewers want to know you can represent University Tees positively even in difficult situations. Share your approach for listening calmly, expressing empathy, resolving issues, and following up to ensure satisfaction. Give an example of successfully pacifying an unsatisfied customer.

Example: “I would first let the customer explain their concerns fully without interruption. I’d apologize sincerely for their dissatisfaction and assure them I’m committed to making things right. If possible, I would offer an immediate solution, like a refund, exchange or discount on future orders. For issues requiring more time, I would follow up consistently with progress updates and resolution details. My ultimate goal is to not only resolve the issue but also strengthen their confidence in University Tees through transparent, empathetic service.”

5. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects or deadlines?

In any role at a growing company like University Tees, interviewers want to know you can juggle competing priorities efficiently. Discuss frameworks like the 80/20 rule that help you focus on the most critical tasks. Share examples of successfully managing your workload through strategic planning, collaboration, time management and continuous reassessment.

Example: “With competing priorities, I use the 80/20 rule to identify and tackle the 20% of tasks that will drive 80% of the outcomes, ensuring I’m focused on high-impact goals. I’m very proactive about planning and reevaluating my schedule as new projects emerge. I also collaborate closely with my manager and team to align on upcoming deadlines and resources needed. By staying nimble, organized and communicative, I’m able to effectively prioritize deliverables even when demands are high.”

6. How would you contribute to University Tees’ company culture?

University Tees prides itself on its lively, collaborative culture. Share specific ideas for how you could contribute, like volunteering for social committees, mentoring new hires, spearheading professional development initiatives or organizing team building activities. Emphasize your people-first attitude.

Example: “I’m passionate about fostering positive team morale and would enjoy volunteering for University Tees’ social committee. I’ve organized successful employee appreciation events at past jobs, from coordinating food trucks to leading group volunteer projects. I’m also committed to developing coworkers – I once created a peer mentorship program that increased engagement and retention. I believe upholding company culture starts with each individual supporting those around them.”

7. Why should we hire you over other applicants?

Use this question to tie together the key points that make you the ideal candidate. Summarize your most relevant qualifications and experiences. Share one or two on-brand accomplishments or skills that differentiate you. Convey genuine enthusiasm for the role and passion for University Tees’ mission.

Example: “Along with 5+ years of collegiate retail experience, I will bring creative, out-of-the-box thinking sharpened through launching my own successful campus apparel startup. I’m deeply passionate about University Tees’ mission and have proven ideas for engaging students across the country. But beyond my qualifications, you can trust me to infuse my marketing strategies with genuine school spirit and embody your brand values daily through collaborative, student-focused service.”

8. Describe your long-term career goals. How does this position fit within them?

Interviewers want to gauge your level of commitment and trajectory at University Tees. Align your goals with potential growth opportunities at the company. For example, if interested in management, you could highlight wanting to build your leadership skills and help scale operations.

Example: “My goal is to become an expert in collegiate branding and one day lead marketing campaigns for major universities nationwide. This position is an exciting first step, allowing me to blend my passions for design and student engagement. While refining my skills in engaging collegiate audiences, I hope to soak up University Tees’ entrepreneurial spirit so that I can eventually take on more leadership in driving strategic marketing initiatives that expand our campus reach.”

9. How do you stay motivated when faced with rejection?

Sales and business development roles at University Tees involve resilience through rejection. Share proven techniques for self-motivation – from focusing on controllable factors to maintaining work/life balance. Demonstrate your tenacity and commitment to achieving targets despite inevitable setbacks.

Example: “I treat rejection as an opportunity for growth. I look for constructive takeaways that can strengthen my approach, product knowledge and personal development. Maintaining positivity and work/life balance helps me reset mentally. Ultimately, my motivation comes from focusing on what I can control – like nurturing leads – and remembering my love for connecting students with merchandise they’ll cherish. My passion fuels me through challenges.”

10. Where do you see University Tees in five years?

For any role, you want to demonstrate understanding of University Tees’ growth trajectory and potential.