Top Sales Associate Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

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  • Question: What is your favorite Lush product?
  • Question Overview: As a sales associate, you are often asked to recommend products to your customers. The ideal candidate will have experience using the products they sell. They will be able to provide helpful suggestions for specific needs.

    Sample Answer: My favorite product is the Sleepy lotion. I love how it smells and how it makes my skin feel.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience using the products they sell
    • - Knowledge of the products they sell
    • - Ability to provide helpful suggestions for specific needs

  • Question: Why do you want to work in a sales team?
  • Question Overview: Working in a sales team requires a certain level of collaboration. The ideal candidate will be able to work well with others and be able to communicate effectively. The applicant's response will allow you to assess their ability to work in a team environment.

    Sample Answer: I am very excited to be working in a sales team because I know that I will be able to learn from my coworkers. I am also looking forward to being able to help my fellow sales associates.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Collaborative spirit
    • - Ability to communicate effectively
    • - Team player

  • Question: Why did you leave your last company?
  • Question Overview: When a sales associate leaves a company, it is important to know why they left. The applicant's response will allow you to determine if they were fired or if they left on good terms. If they left on good terms, you can ask them why they decided to leave. If they were fired, you can ask them what they would have done differently.

    Sample Answer: I left my last job because I was not making enough money. I would have stayed if I was making more money.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty
    • - Ability to learn from mistakes

  • Question: How would you approach a client?
  • Question Overview: As a sales associate, you must be able to approach a client in a way that makes them feel comfortable. The applicant's response will allow you to assess their communication skills and how they interact with others.

    Sample Answer: I always make sure to greet my clients with a smile and ask how they are doing. I try to engage them in conversation so that they feel comfortable with me.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Friendly demeanor
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Ability to make customers feel comfortable

  • Question: How would you sell me your purse?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to assess the applicant's ability to sell products. The ideal candidate will be able to explain the benefits of the purse and how it is different from other similar products.

    Sample Answer: I would start by asking you what you are looking for in a purse. I would then explain the benefits of this purse over others. It is made of genuine leather and has a removable strap.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to sell products
    • - Passion for products
    • - Creativity in selling

  • Question: What do you know about the company?
  • Question Overview: As a sales associate, you are the face of the company. It is important for you to know about the company's history, mission statement and goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the organization and its products.

    Sample Answer: I know that your company was founded in 1995 and has been growing ever since. I also know that your company is committed to providing high-quality products to your customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of company history
    • - Mission statement and goals

  • Question: What are your interests?
  • Question Overview: This is a great question for you to ask because it gives you insight into the candidate's personality. You want to hire someone who is passionate about something. It shows that they have a life outside of work and that they are a well-rounded person.

    Sample Answer: I am passionate about music and I play the guitar. I have been playing for over 10 years.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passionate about something
    • - Well-rounded

  • Question: What kind of music do you listen to?
  • Question Overview: Music is a great way to get into the mood to sell products. The applicant's answer to this question will allow you to assess their taste in music and their ability to connect with customers.

    Sample Answer: I listen to a lot of different genres of music, but I am most partial to country.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Music taste
    • - Ability to connect with customers

  • Question: What makes you special?
  • Question Overview: This is a great question to ask at the end of an interview. It allows the applicant to show their personality and confidence. The ideal candidate will have a few stories prepared that highlight their strengths and unique qualities.

    Sample Answer: I am special because I am a hard worker who is always willing to go above and beyond for my customers. I am also very detail-oriented and have strong communication skills.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Positive attitude

  • Question: How did you come to know about the job?
  • Question Overview: This question is important because it allows you to determine if the candidate is a good fit for your company. If they are a current employee, you can assess their work ethic and how they handle their current job. If they are applying for a position online, you can determine if they are actively seeking employment.

    Sample Answer: I heard about the job from a friend who works here.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Good work ethic
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Active job search

  • Question: What is your best quality?
  • Question Overview: This is a simple question that allows you to learn more about the applicant's personality. The ideal candidate will be able to provide a positive response that will show their strengths.

    Sample Answer: My best quality is my positive attitude. I always try to see the bright side of things and I am always willing to help others.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Positive attitude
    • - Team player
    • - Willingness to learn

  • Question: How would you sell this pen to a customer?
  • Question Overview: In retail, sales associates are often required to sell products to customers. The ideal candidate will be able to think on their feet and provide a sales pitch that is unique and memorable.

    Sample Answer: I would tell the customer that this pen is the perfect gift for the person who has everything. It is made of high-quality materials and will last for years.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Creativity in sales pitches
    • - Ability to think on their feet
    • - Passion for selling products

  • Question: What is your favorite smell?
  • Question Overview: Smells can trigger memories and emotions. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to understand their personality and interests.

    Sample Answer: My favorite smell is fresh cut grass.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Favorite smells
    • - Personality traits
    • - Interests

  • Question: Have you worked in retail before?
  • Question Overview: It is important for the applicant to have experience in the retail industry. The ideal candidate will have worked in a similar position at another store. It is helpful to know what type of experience they have had in the past.

    Sample Answer: I have worked as a sales associate for the past six years. I have also worked as a cashier and a stocker.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience working in retail
    • - Experience working with POS systems
    • - Experience with customer service

  • Question: What sales experience do you have?
  • Question Overview: This is a common question that is asked in retail interviews. The applicant's response will give you an idea of their experience selling products. It is helpful to know if they have worked in a similar position before or if they have experience in a different industry.

    Sample Answer: I have two years of sales experience. I worked at a clothing store and sold accessories.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience selling products
    • - Experience in a different industry

  • Question: What are your career goals?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to determine what the applicant's long-term plans are. The ideal candidate will have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve in their career.

    Sample Answer: My career goals are to become a store manager. I would like to learn more about the business side of retail and eventually open my own store.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career goals
    • - Long-term plans

  • Question: How do you work in a team?
  • Question Overview: As a sales associate, you will be working with other employees. The ideal candidate will be able to work well with others. They will be able to communicate effectively and share their ideas.

    Sample Answer: I have always been a team player. I enjoy working with others to achieve a common goal. I am always willing to help my coworkers out when they need it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Team player
    • - Communicates effectively
    • - Shares ideas

  • Question: How would you describe your personal style?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's response to this question will allow you to determine if they have a strong sense of self and are able to convey their personality. The ideal candidate will be able to describe their personal style in a way that is professional and still shows their unique qualities.

    Sample Answer: I would describe my personal style as classic with a touch of modern. I like to wear tailored clothing that is always in style.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Professional
    • - Unique personal style

  • Question: What is your expected salary?
  • Question Overview: When a sales associate is interviewing for a job, they should have an idea of what they want to make. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to determine if they are realistic or if they are just looking for the highest salary possible.

    Sample Answer: I am looking for a salary of $30,000.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Realistic salary expectations

  • Question: How do you get your sense of fashion?
  • Question Overview: A sales associate's appearance is a reflection of your company. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to assess their fashion sense and how they keep up with trends.

    Sample Answer: I keep up with the latest fashion trends by reading magazines and watching TV shows.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of current fashion trends
    • - Ability to dress appropriately for the workplace