Question Overview: An assistant store manager is a people person, and this question tests the candidate's ability to communicate effectively about his or herself. The candidate should be able to clearly and concisely explain his or her strengths, weaknesses, goals and personality.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who's always willing to learn new things. I'm also very friendly and outgoing.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager is a high-stress position that can involve long hours and multiple sudden dilemmas. A candidate should be healthy and strong enough to safely endure this. He or she should also know how to delegate tasks to avoid taking on unnecessary stress and adequately attend to his or her own self-care, like taking breaks, to prevent bad decision-making and burnout.
Sample Answer: I'm in excellent health because I know how to take care of myself while taking care of my responsibilities. I thrive in active environments, viewing problems as challenges.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to handle pressure well. He or she should be able to remain calm and focused under pressure and not make rash decisions.
Sample Answer: I've been in stressful situations before and I know how to remain calm and focused. I've also learned that it's important to delegate tasks to others when the pressure is on.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to effectively manage a team of employees. He or she must be able to identify and address problems, like drama or gossip, and prevent them from spreading.
Sample Answer: I'd talk with the employees involved and find out what's going on. If it's just a misunderstanding, I'd try to clear it up. If it's something more serious, I'd talk with the employees involved and find out what's going on. If it's just a misunderstanding, I'd try to clear it up. If it's something more serious, I'd talk with the employees involved and find out what's going on. If it's just a misunderstanding, I'd try to clear it up. If it's something more serious, I'd talk with the employees involved and find out what's going on. If it's just a misunderstanding, I'd try to clear it up. If it's something more serious, I'd talk with the employees involved and find out what's going on.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager should have a solid track record of employment, ideally with a growing company. A candidate should have left his or her last job for a good reason, like a promotion or a better opportunity. A candidate should not have left due to poor performance or conflict with management.
Sample Answer: I left my last job because I was promoted to assistant store manager.
Question Overview: The retail industry is a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. A candidate should have at least a few years of experience in the industry to demonstrate an ability to adapt to change.
Sample Answer: I've worked in retail for five years, and I've seen many changes in that time. For example, I've seen the rise of online shopping and the decline of brick-and-mortar stores.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to effectively manage all types of employees, from specialists to generalists. This question tests the candidate's ability to handle a situation with a specialist who is underperforming. The candidate should be able to assess the situation, determine the cause and implement a solution.
Sample Answer: I'd first try to determine the cause of the underperformance and then address it. If it was a lack of training, I'd provide it. If it was a lack of motivation, I'd find out why and address that too.
Question Overview: A candidate should be a lifelong learner, always seeking to improve his or her skills and knowledge. A candidate should be able to identify a time when he or she learned something new and explain how it happened.
Sample Answer: I've always been interested in learning new things, so I've taken classes in everything from basic computer skills to advanced business management.
Question Overview: A candidate should be able to demonstrate his or her value to the company. This can be done by highlighting past achievements, like exceeding sales goals, or by describing how the candidate's skills and experience will benefit the company.
Sample Answer: I've been a top salesperson for every employer I've worked for, and I've been recognized as a top performer in my industry. I've also been a manager for three years, and I've consistently received positive reviews.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager is a high-level employee who should expect to be treated as such. He or she should expect to be paid well, with a fair and transparent pay scale and benefits package. The candidate should expect to be treated with respect and dignity, with a clear understanding of his or her role and responsibilities.
Sample Answer: I expect to be treated with respect and dignity, with a clear understanding of my role and responsibilities.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to resolve conflicts between employees. He or she must be able to listen to both sides, understand the issues and find a solution that satisfies both parties.
Sample Answer: I'd first make sure I understood both sides of the issue. Then I'd try to find a solution that satisfied both parties.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager is a community leader, and the candidate should have experience in community service. A candidate should have a record of volunteering or working with local schools, charities or other community organizations.
Sample Answer: I've volunteered at my local food bank and helped organize a neighborhood clean-up day.
Question Overview: A candidate should identify a strength that is relevant to the position and that he or she can demonstrate through past experience.
Sample Answer: My greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. I've been able to work with a wide variety of personalities and get them all on the same page.
Question Overview: A candidate should be comfortable using computers and have a basic understanding of common software programs, like email, word processing and spreadsheets.
Sample Answer: I'm comfortable using computers and have a basic understanding of common software programs, like email, word processing and spreadsheets.
Question Overview: Sales reps often have a difficult job, and they may be difficult themselves. An assistant store manager must be able to work with them, but he or she must also be able to set boundaries and enforce them.
Sample Answer: I'd first listen to the sales rep's concerns and then explain the store's policies. If the rep continues to violate those policies, I'd have to let him or her go.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager should be a leader, not a boss. He or she should be able to work with and learn from more experienced staff members, not just order them around. A candidate should know how to delegate tasks and responsibilities to team members and how to work with them to achieve common goals.
Sample Answer: I'd be honored to work with a well-experienced staff. I'd learn from them and use their expertise to help me achieve my goals.
Question Overview: A candidate's leadership experience is a key indicator of his or her potential as an assistant store manager. A candidate should be able to demonstrate leadership in a variety of situations, from leading a small team to leading a large organization. The candidate should be able to demonstrate how he or she has led others to achieve success and how he or she has developed others' leadership skills.
Sample Answer: I've led small teams of two to four people and large teams of more than 20 people. I've also led volunteer organizations with more than 100 members.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the candidate can think on his or her feet. The candidate should be prepared to answer a question like this.
Sample Answer: My favorite dish is my mother's chicken and rice casserole.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to effectively manage his or her team, including the ability to resolve conflicts and motivate team members. A candidate should be able to identify the root cause of a problem and implement a solution that is both fair and effective.
Sample Answer: I'd first try to understand the issue by asking questions and listening carefully. If I still can't identify the problem, I'd seek advice from my manager. If I still can't resolve the issue, I'd ask for help from human resources.
Question Overview: A candidate's answer to this question can be revealing. It can demonstrate a candidate's interests, hobbies, personality and values. It can also reveal whether the candidate is a good fit for the job.
Sample Answer: I like to read, play video games and go to the movies.