Top Retail Sales Associate Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Retail Sales Associate interview by going through these most asked Retail Sales Associate interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Interview Practice

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  • Question: Give me an example of a problem that you resolved?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to give you an example of a time when they had to resolve a problem. They should be able to tell you how they handled the situation and what the outcome was. They should also be able to tell you how they were able to resolve the problem.

    Sample Answer: I had a customer who was unhappy with the product I sold him. I was able to talk to him and find out what his concerns were. I was able to resolve his concerns and make him happy with his purchase.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to resolve a problem
    • - Problem-solving skills
    • - Communication skills

  • Question: What do you know about GNC?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to describe the company's products and services. They should be able to describe the company's mission statement and goals. They should also be able to describe the company's history.

    Sample Answer: GNC is a health and wellness company that sells vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition and health products. The company's mission is to help people live healthier lives. The company was founded in 1935 by Sol Price in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company
    • - Knowledge of the products and services
    • - Knowledge of the company's goals and mission statement

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you felt out of control.
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to describe a time when they felt out of control and how they handled the situation. They should be able to describe how they got back in control of the situation.

    Sample Answer: I was once in a situation where I was not sure what to do. I was able to remain calm and ask for help from someone who knew what to do.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle a stressful situation
    • - Ability to remain calm
    • - Ability to remain in control of the situation

  • Question: Tell me about a time you had an angry customer and how did you handle it.
  • Question Overview: A good candidate will be able to handle an angry customer with a calm demeanor. They will be able to listen to the customer and understand their concerns. The candidate should be able to empathize with the customer and try to make them feel comfortable. They should be able to apologize and offer a solution to the problem.

    Sample Answer: I had an angry customer who was upset because she was not able to get her order in time for her daughter's birthday. I apologized for the mistake and offered her a discount on her next order.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to listen and empathize with a customer
    • - Ability to apologize for any mistakes
    • - Willingness to find a solution for the problem

  • Question: If a customer cannot find an item he/she has been looking for, what would you do?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to find the item and make the sale. If they do not have the item, they should be able to find someone who does. They should be able to help the customer find what they need and make the sale.

    Sample Answer: I would ask if they were looking for a specific item or if they were just browsing. If they were looking for a specific item, I would ask if they remember where it was located. If it was a specific item, I would go find it for them. If it was just browsing, I would ask if there was anything else I could help them with.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to help a customer find an item
    • - Knowledge of other departments in the store
    • - Ability to connect with other employees in the store

  • Question: What would you do if you saw a coworker doing something they were not supposed to be doing?
  • Question Overview: The right candidate will be honest and not afraid to report a coworker if they are doing something wrong. They should be willing to report the issue to a supervisor if they do not feel comfortable talking to the coworker.

    Sample Answer: I would report it to a supervisor if I saw a coworker doing something they were not supposed to be doing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to report any misconduct
    • - Honesty
    • - Integrity

  • Question: How would you convince me to buy a Macy's credit card?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to speak of the benefits of the card and how it can help the customer. They should be able to explain the advantages of the card and how it can save the customer money. They should be able to speak of the benefits of the card and how it can help the customer.

    Sample Answer: I would explain that Macy's credit card is a great way to save money on purchases. It offers many benefits like discounts on purchases and free shipping.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain the benefits of a credit card
    • - Confidence in their sales approach
    • - Good communication skills

  • Question: What do you like to do in your free time?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to talk about their hobbies and interests. You want someone who is able to relax and enjoy themselves. If they are always working, they will not be able to enjoy their job or the time they spend with their family.

    Sample Answer: I like to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy reading and watching movies.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Hobbies
    • - Interests

  • Question: How do you see yourself advancing in the company?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to speak of their desire to advance in the company and their willingness to work hard to achieve that goal. They should be able to speak of their desire to learn more about the company and its products.

    Sample Answer: I see myself advancing in the company by working hard and learning more about the company and its products.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire to advance in the company
    • - Willingness to learn more about the company and its products

  • Question: Who is your fashion icon?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to describe someone they look up to and admire. They should be able to explain why they admire this person and what they have learned from them.

    Sample Answer: My fashion icon is my mother. She is a very fashionable woman who always looks great. She taught me how to dress for the occasion and always looks her best.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Someone they look up to
    • - Someone they admire
    • - What they have learned from them

  • Question: How do you think your personality matches with the Fossil mission?
  • Question Overview: You want to hire someone who is a good fit for your company. Look for someone who is honest, trustworthy and hardworking.

    Sample Answer: I think my personality fits well with Fossil's mission. I am honest, trustworthy and hardworking.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Good fit for the company
    • - Honest
    • - Trustworthy
    • - Hardworking

  • Question: When are you available?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be available to work a full-time schedule. They should be able to work any day of the week and any time of the day.

    Sample Answer: I am available to work full-time and am willing to work any day of the week and any time of the day.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability to work full-time
    • - Willingness to work any day of the week
    • - Willingness to work any time of the day

  • Question: Tell me about a time you worked well with a team.
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to talk about a time they worked well with a team and how they contributed to the team. They should be able to talk about their role on the team and how they helped the team succeed.

    Sample Answer: I worked well with a team when I was a retail sales associate. I was able to help my manager with sales and I was also able to help my co-workers learn about the products we sold.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work well with a team
    • - Contribution to the team
    • - Team player

  • Question: What kind of phone do you use?
  • Question Overview: A candidate that uses a cell phone will be more accessible to their customers. They should be able to use the phone to make calls, send text messages and emails. A candidate that uses a landline phone will have to rely on their cell phone for business use.

    Sample Answer: I use a cell phone.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Cell phone
    • - Landline phone

  • Question: What do you know about Goodwill?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to speak of the history of the company and how they have contributed to the community. They should be able to speak of the products and services that Goodwill offers.

    Sample Answer: I know that Goodwill is a non-profit organization that helps people find jobs and earn money. I know that they have many different products and services.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of Goodwill's history
    • - Products and services that Goodwill offers
    • - Contributions to the community

  • Question: How would you sell me a credit card?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to sell the credit card to you by explaining the benefits and features of the card. They should be able to answer any questions you may have about the card. They should be able to sell you on the card as well as the company.

    Sample Answer: I would explain all of the benefits of the credit card and how it can help you with your finances. I would also explain how it can help you build your credit and how it can help you in the future.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain the benefits of the credit card
    • - Confidence in their product
    • - Good interpersonal communication skills

  • Question: Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer.
  • Question Overview: A candidate who has a history of going above and beyond for a customer will be a great asset to your company. Look for someone who has a history of going above and beyond for customers.

    Sample Answer: I went above and beyond for a customer by staying late to help them find the product they needed. I stayed late to make sure they were satisfied with their purchase.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specific example of going above and beyond for a customer
    • - How they went above and beyond
    • - Why they went above and beyond

  • Question: What was the biggest challenge you faced in retail?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to speak of a challenge they faced and how they overcame it. They should be able to speak of a time when they did not make a sale and how they were able to overcome the situation.

    Sample Answer: The biggest challenge I faced was when I did not make a sale. I was able to overcome this challenge by asking for help from my manager and learning from the situation.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to overcome challenges
    • - Confidence in their ability to make sales
    • - Willingness to ask for help when needed

  • Question: How do you tune a bow?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to explain the steps to tune a bow. They should be able to explain the importance of tuning a bow and why it is important to do so.

    Sample Answer: I would tune the bow by checking the nock point, measuring the brace height, and checking the string follow. I would then make adjustments to the nock point, brace height, and string follow.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Steps to tune a bow
    • - Importance of tuning a bow

  • Question: Can you show us your certificates?
  • Question Overview: You want to see that the candidate has received some type of training or education in their field. Certificates are a great way to show that they have taken the time to learn more about their field.

    Sample Answer: I have certificates from my previous jobs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Education and training in the field