Question Overview: The ability to be honest about strengths and weaknesses is important in the interview process. The interviewer will be looking for a person who can admit to their weaknesses and work on them. A person who is not willing to admit to weaknesses will not be able to improve them.
Sample Answer: I am very organized, but I am also very impatient. I am working on my patience in order to be a better employee.
Question Overview: The merchandiser is often required to do things that they do not want to do. This may be placing a product on the shelf that they do not feel is appropriate or it may be a situation where they have to work on a holiday. The ability to work in a team environment and follow instructions is important in this position.
Sample Answer: I was once asked to work on a holiday, which I did not want to do. I was able to work with the store manager and other employees to make sure that the store was well-stocked for the holiday.
Question Overview: The ability to trust a coworker is important in any workplace. The merchandiser is often working with a team, so trust is important to the success of the team. The merchandiser should be able to trust that the other team members are doing their job and not making mistakes. The merchandiser should also be able to trust that the company is providing accurate information and not making mistakes in the process.
Sample Answer: I have worked with a team for many years and have always been able to trust my coworkers to do their job. I have also been able to trust the company to provide accurate information and not make mistakes in the process.
Question Overview: The merchandiser is often the first person to interact with a customer when they have a complaint. The merchandiser must be able to listen to the customer and understand their concerns. They must also be able to relay this information to the company in a timely manner.
Sample Answer: I have had to deal with customers who were not happy with the product. I was able to listen and understand their concerns. I relayed this information to my supervisor and we were able to resolve the issue.
Question Overview: Working with a team is often a part of the merchandiser position. In some cases, the merchandiser may have to work with a team of other merchandisers to complete a task. In other cases, the merchandiser may have to work with a team of store personnel. In either case, the merchandiser should be able to work with others and prioritize tasks.
Sample Answer: I was working with another merchandiser on a project. We had different ideas on how to complete the project. I was able to compromise and work with him on the project.
Question Overview: A drug test is often a part of the hiring process for a merchandiser. They may be required to pass a drug test in order to be hired.
Sample Answer: I have passed a drug test in the past, and I am willing to do so again.
Question Overview: The merchandiser should be able to interact with customers in a friendly manner. They should be able to answer questions about the product and help the customer find what they need. Merchandisers are often the first point of contact for customers, so they should be able to build rapport with the customer.
Sample Answer: I have always been able to build rapport with customers. I enjoy helping them find what they are looking for.
Question Overview: The merchandiser may have to deal with difficult customers who are not happy with the product or the presentation of the product. They should be able to handle complaints and be able to work with a team to resolve issues.
Sample Answer: I have had to deal with difficult customers in the past, and I was able to resolve the issue by finding a solution for both parties.
Question Overview: The company wants to know why you want to work for them. They want to know if you are interested in the position or if you are just applying for any job. They want to know if you are familiar with their company and products.
Sample Answer: I have been a customer of yours for many years. I am very familiar with your products and have always been impressed with your customer service.
Question Overview: The merchandiser is often responsible for the presentation of a brand in a retail environment. They may be stocking shelves, talking to customers and taking inventory while making the brand stand out with a fully stocked appearance. With an eye to how the product looks as well as the number of items presented, the merchandiser is directly responsible for presenting the brand to the consumer.
Sample Answer: I think the best presentation is what a manufacturer expects. Having worked for a major national brand, I realize that presentation is the first impression on a customer.
Question Overview: Working in a team environment is often a part of the merchandiser position. They may be working with a team of store personnel, other merchandisers or a team from the manufacturer. The ability to work as a team is important to the success of the position.
Sample Answer: I have worked in teams in the past and have been able to work well with others. I am able to share knowledge and work well with others.
Question Overview: The interviewer is trying to see if the candidate can read and remember the interviewer's name.
Sample Answer: Yes, this is (insert interviewer's name).
Question Overview: The merchandiser is often the person who has to figure out how to do something. They may have to work with a new product, or a new display. They may have to work with a new store or a new company. The ability to learn and adapt is important in this position.
Sample Answer: I was working with a new product that had never been displayed before. I had to learn how to display it and how it should look on the shelf.
Question Overview: The merchandiser should be aware of the latest trends in the industry. This is important for the presentation of the brand as well as to keep up with the latest products. The merchandiser should be able to communicate this information to the company and to customers.
Sample Answer: I have been able to keep up with trends by reading trade magazines and talking with other merchandisers.
Question Overview: The merchandiser should be able to answer questions about the product they are displaying. They should also be able to direct the customer to the correct product if they are unable to answer the question.
Sample Answer: I am always willing to help a customer locate a product. I have worked in many different retail environments and have always been able to help customers find what they need.
Question Overview: TJX is a retailer that carries a variety of products. The merchandiser should be able to identify a product that would be successful in the TJX environment.
Sample Answer: I think that TJX should carry a line of women's clothing. I think it would be a great addition to their current product line.
Question Overview: The interviewer wants to know if you are looking for a new job because you are unhappy with your current one. They also want to know if you are looking for a new job because you are unhappy with the company.
Sample Answer: I am looking for a new job because I am interested in a career change.
Question Overview: The work experience of the merchandiser is important to the company. They should have experience in a retail environment, whether it is a department store or specialty shop. The merchandiser should have experience with inventory control, and be able to work with a team.
Sample Answer: I have worked in retail for over two years. I have been able to learn about inventory control and how to work with a team.
Question Overview: A car is often needed for the job of a merchandiser. They may need to travel to different stores to check inventory levels or to deliver products. The ability to drive is a necessity for this position.
Sample Answer: I have a car and have no issues driving it.
Question Overview: The salary of a merchandiser can vary greatly depending on the industry and the company. The ability to negotiate a salary is important, as well as the ability to understand the value of the position.
Sample Answer: I am looking for a salary of $45,000 to $50,000 per year.