INTRODUCTION
If you’re going for a retail job interview let me guide you according to my previous experience at retail and my investigations which I conducted in different retail stores.
THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ARE ASKED IN RETAIL INTERVIEWS :
WHAT IS GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE ?
What they want to know: Interviewers are eager to know if your definition of customer service matches that of the company.
Remember: For brick and mortar stores, providing a positive and unforgettable customer experience is essential to success.
For me, the heart of good customer service is pleasing customers.
That means greeting them with joy and having the knowledge to answer their questions.
I always give customers a smile and a hello, and also try to know the store’s inventory.
This ensures that if a customer has a question about sizing or fit, I am ready with an answer.
DO YOU WORK WELL WITH PEOPLE ?
What they want to know: Retail work is often collaborative. Interviewers want to know if you will be able to get along and work smoothly with your co-workers.
Some interviewers may also be on the lookout for signs that an employee will be too gregarious at work, so be thoughtful in your answer.
Go beyond “yes” in your answer to this question: provide examples or talk about how your colleagues would describe you to expand your answer.
ANSWER : I work very well with others. I think that’s really important in retail, where it’s important that everyone in the room seems to be part of the same team.
WHAT HOURS ARE YOU AVAILABLE?
What they want to know: This question is pretty straightforward: interviewers need to know what shifts you will be available to work on.
Be honest in your answer, but also keep in mind that interviewers will likely want to hire people with flexible hours.
If your availability is flexible, please mention that in your answer. The more flexible you are, the better your chances of being hired.
ANSWER : Since I am in college, I am not available during class hours. For me, that’s Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, as well as early Friday morning. Other than that, I’m available to work whatever shift you have available, and I’m anxious for hours, so nights and weekends are fine for me.
WHY ARE YOU APPLYING TO WORK HERE ?
What they want to know: Your answer to this question will reveal whether you feel positive (and even passionate) about the company and its products, or just want any job. The best answers are specific and focused on the company (not you).
ANSWER : All my life I have been a great reader. That’s mostly a solo activity, but I love making recommendations to friends and family. I would love to work at ABC Bookstore so I can help customers find books, whether it’s a specific title they can’t find on the shelves or a perfect title for a celebratory occasion.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOUR REPLACEMENT DOES NOT APPEAR?
What they want to know: Leaving their place is not the correct answer. Interviewers want to see that you know that maintaining coverage is more important than your personal plans. This question is also a way to demonstrate your problem solving skills.
ANSWER : My first step would be to approach my replacement to get a feel for the situation. I’d like to know if the person hasn’t fully come forward or is just stuck in traffic. Then I would find my supervisor and report back to him on the situation, so we could find options together.
IF HIRED, HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO WORK HERE ?
What they want to know: The process of hiring and training new employees is time consuming and expensive for employers. Interviewers want to get an idea of ​​whether you will stay or just take the job for a few months. If you are planning a very short term period, you do not need to mention it.
ANSWER : If I am hired, I would like to work with ABC Company long term. I am in school for the next four years and am looking forward to playing a consistent role and being part of the team here.
IF THE CREDIT CARD MACHINE IS BROKEN, WHAT DO YOU SAY TO CUSTOMERS ?
What they want to know: Technology and other failures can happen when you work in retail. Interviewers look for an idea of ​​your communication and problem-solving skills in your answer to this question.
ANSWER : The sooner people know that machines don’t work, the better. So first, I would make sure my manager was aware of the situation. Then I would suggest putting up a sign to inform customers that the machine is not working, so they can run to the ATM before reaching the cash register. As customers paid, I apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH ?
What they want to know: Interviewers want to know if your strengths match the needs of the company. In your answer, emphasize relevant skills that will benefit the company and help you on the job.
ANSWER : Having strong communication skills means that I can work well with other team members and that I am also very comfortable interacting with clients. I tend to think of myself as a real person, and I really enjoy interacting with customers and helping them find the items they are looking for.
WHY DO CUSTOMERS BUY FROM THIS STORE?
What they want to know: Interviewers want to assess your understanding of the company’s brand and the shopping experience that the company seeks to offer. This is your opportunity to showcase any company research you have done; Therefore, if you visited the store and noticed something significant, please share it in your answer.
ANSWER : It’s about experience. For example, at my local branch, there is always a lit candle. Other branches that I have been to have fresh flowers. And I have noticed how the clerks greet me happily and make personalized recommendations. It never seems like anyone is aggressively selling me. From start to finish, I think customers enjoy the experience of visiting ABC Company, it is such a pleasure.
A CUSTOMER GETS MAD AT YOU AND DEMANDS TO SPEAK TO YOUR SUPERVISOR, HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE SITUATION ?
What they want to know: Not everything is going well all the time. Interviewers want to assess how you would deal with a stressful situation.
ANSWER : When I talk to clients, I always try to be empathetic, and I really understand and fix the problem. But sometimes a problem cannot be solved or a customer is in a very bad mood. If a customer asks to speak to my supervisor, I agree and also apologize for not being able to resolve the situation. Then, I would call my supervisor as quickly as possible and explain the circumstances so that my supervisor would be prepared to deal with the customer. Afterwards, I would probably ask my supervisor for feedback, in case there is anything I can do to avoid a similar situation in the future.
I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN YOUR INTERVIEW!!!
Kind Regards,
Mulalo Rakhadani
