Top Store Associate Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

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  • Question: How would you handle an angry customer?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's conflict management skills. The candidate should display their ability to remain calm and respectful. They should never raise their voice or use profanity. The response should highlight their ability to listen to the customer and understand their concerns.

    Sample Answer: I would listen to their concerns and try to understand what they are upset about. I would then apologize for any inconvenience and offer them a solution.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Good conflict management skills
    • - Ability to remain calm under pressure
    • - Ability to listen to a customer's concerns

  • Question: What is your weight lifting capacity?
  • Question Overview: This is a question to determine the physical strength of the applicant. The interviewer will want to know if the candidate is capable of lifting heavy items and if they are able to lift them properly. The applicant should be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

    Sample Answer: I am able to lift 50 pounds.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Physical strength

  • Question: What is an example of a good manager you had and what made them a good manager?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's knowledge of good management skills. The applicant should be able to discuss the positive characteristics of their previous manager and how they were able to lead their team. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's ability to work in a team environment and their ability to follow instructions.

    Sample Answer: My previous manager was very organized and was able to lead our team through difficult situations. He was always willing to help us when we needed it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of good management skills
    • - Ability to work in a team environment
    • - Willingness to follow instructions

  • Question: What are your strengths?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the applicant. The interviewer will be able to determine if the applicant is honest about their abilities and if they are confident in their skills. The applicant should highlight their strengths that are relevant to the position and that they are willing to improve upon their weaknesses.

    Sample Answer: My strengths include my ability to work with customers and my strong math skills. I am willing to improve upon my time management skills.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty
    • - Confidence
    • - Willingness to improve

  • Question: What is the trend for this season?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's knowledge of the current trends in the retail industry. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's fashion sense and their ability to follow trends. This question will also give the interviewer a chance to see if the applicant is aware of new products that are being offered in the store.

    Sample Answer: The trend for this season is bright colors and bold patterns.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of current trends
    • - Fashion sense
    • - Ability to follow trends

  • Question: What do you think is good customer service?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's knowledge of customer service. The candidate should be able to explain the importance of customer service and how it relates to the company. The interviewer will also be able to determine if the applicant has a good understanding of the company's mission and values.

    Sample Answer: Good customer service is when a customer feels that they were treated fairly and that their needs were met.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the importance of customer service
    • - Knowledge of the company's mission and values

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you demonstrated great customer service.
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the customer service skills of the applicant. The candidate should be able to recall a specific situation and provide details about how they handled it. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's ability to handle conflict and their communication skills.

    Sample Answer: I was working at a store that was very busy. A customer came in and was upset because they had been waiting for a long time. I apologized and told them that I would help them right away. I was able to quickly help them and they left the store satisfied.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle conflict
    • - Communication skills
    • - Ability to listen

  • Question: Are you comfortable working late when the job is done?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's work ethic. The candidate should be able to explain how they will complete their tasks and if they are willing to work overtime. The response will show if the applicant is willing to go above and beyond to ensure that the job is done.

    Sample Answer: I'm comfortable working late when the job is done. I would make sure that all of my tasks were completed before I left for the day.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong work ethic
    • - Willingness to work overtime
    • - Ability to work independently

  • Question: When are you available?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the availability of the applicant for work. The interviewer will want to know if the applicant is available for full-time work or if they are only available during certain times of the week. This question will also help the interviewer determine if the applicant has other obligations that may interfere with their work schedule.

    Sample Answer: I am available any time during the week and on weekends.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability for full-time work
    • - Availability for part-time work
    • - Availability for weekend work

  • Question: What is one thing you are proud of?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's self-esteem and how they view their accomplishments. The response should be positive and highlight a skill or accomplishment that they are proud of. The interviewer will be able to determine if the applicant is confident in their abilities and if they are willing to accept constructive criticism.

    Sample Answer: I am proud of my ability to work well with others and my ability to learn quickly.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Positive attitude
    • - Willingness to learn
    • - Ability to accept criticism

  • Question: What do you know about our company's vision?
  • Question Overview: This question will help the interviewer determine the applicant's knowledge of the company's mission and what they know about the company. The applicant should be able to discuss the company's history and how they can contribute to the company's future.

    Sample Answer: I know that you have been in business for over 50 years. I would like to be a part of your continued success.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company's history and vision
    • - Ability to understand and contribute to the mission

  • Question: How do you feel about selling mice as feeders for snakes?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's knowledge of the products that are sold in the store. The applicant should be able to explain why they feel this way and if they have ever sold mice as feeders for snakes.

    Sample Answer: I feel that mice are not appropriate for snakes as a feeder. They are too small and can be hard to digest. I have never sold mice as feeders for snakes.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the products sold in the store
    • - Ability to explain their opinion
    • - Knowledge of the company's mission

  • Question: How do you treat people?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's attitude towards others. The candidate should display their ability to work well with others and their willingness to help. The response should highlight their ability to be a team player and their willingness to assist others.

    Sample Answer: I treat people with respect and kindness. I enjoy helping others and I believe that we are all connected in some way.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work well with others
    • - Willingness to help others

  • Question: What would you do if you saw someone stealing?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's level of honesty and integrity. The candidate should be honest and never accuse the customer of stealing. They should never confront a customer without a manager or supervisor present. The response should highlight their ability to remain calm and follow protocol.

    Sample Answer: I would report the incident to my manager and call security if necessary.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty
    • - Integrity
    • - Ability to follow protocol

  • Question: What's your favorite game?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's level of interest in video games. The interviewer will want to know if the applicant has a passion for video games and if they have experience with different types of games. This question will also help the interviewer to understand the applicant's personality.

    Sample Answer: My favorite game is "Call of Duty". I love playing first person shooter games.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for video games
    • - Experience with different types of games
    • - Personality traits

  • Question: If you see a customer holding a blouse and walking around, what would you do?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine how the applicant will react to a situation that is not directly related to their job duties. The candidate should be able to identify the customer's needs and offer assistance. The response should demonstrate the candidate's ability to think quickly and identify the best solution.

    Sample Answer: I would ask if they needed help finding anything.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Ability to think quickly
    • - Willingness to help a customer

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you gave advice to someone.
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's communication skills. The candidate should be able to describe a situation where they gave advice to someone and how it was received. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's ability to listen and respond appropriately.

    Sample Answer: I recently helped a friend with a problem they were having with their boyfriend. I listened to their concerns and gave them advice on how to handle the situation.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Ability to listen and respond appropriately
    • - Knowledge of how to give advice

  • Question: Q: How do you sell more products?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the sales skills of the applicant. The candidate should be able to identify their own strengths and weaknesses and how they can improve. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's ability to work with others and their communication skills.

    Sample Answer: I would ask the customer what they are looking for and then offer suggestions based on their needs. I would also ask them if they have any questions about our products or services.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Knowledge of the products and services
    • - Ability to work as a team

  • Question: Tell me about your background.
  • Question Overview: This is a basic question to ask in order to understand the applicant's experience and knowledge. The applicant should be able to discuss their previous work experience and how it relates to the position. They should also be able to discuss their education and any other relevant information.

    Sample Answer: I have worked in retail for over five years. I have experience with customer service and inventory management. I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of previous work experience
    • - Ability to communicate effectively
    • - Knowledge of education

  • Question: What animal would you be if you could choose?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's personality. The interviewer will be able to determine if the candidate has a sense of humor and if they are able to think outside of the box. The ideal candidate will be able to relate their personality to a specific animal.

    Sample Answer: I would be a dolphin because they are intelligent and playful.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think outside of the box
    • - Sense of humor