Top Store Manager Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Question Overview: This question helps you learn more about the candidate's current job and how they handle it. You can see if they are a good fit for your store by seeing how they handle their current job. This question also helps you see if the candidate has the experience needed to do the job.

Sample Answer: I'm currently a store manager at a large retail chain. I handle all aspects of running the store, from hiring and training employees to ordering merchandise and handling customer complaints.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Detailed description of their current job
• - Knowledge of their role in the company
• - Demonstrates a desire to do well in their current job

Question Overview: This interview question gives you a chance to see if the applicant has a realistic view of what it takes to be a store manager. You can also learn if they are motivated by money, or if they have other reasons for wanting the promotion. Their answer can help you decide if they are likely to stay with the company for a long time.

Sample Answer: I love working with customers and employees, and I want to be able to help more people. I also want to be able to make more money.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Passion for the job
• - Desire to help others
• - Willingness to work hard

Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that helps you see how the candidate would respond to a difficult question. You can learn if they are honest and humble or if they try to make themselves look better than they really are. Their answer also gives you an idea of what they consider to be their biggest weakness.

Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist, so I can sometimes be too hard on myself and others.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Honest and humble
• - Honest but doesn't admit to any weaknesses
• - Doesn't answer the question

Question Overview: This interview question helps you see how well the candidate manages their time. It also tells you how organized they are and how well they can prioritize their tasks. This question is useful because it helps you see if the manager would be able to handle the demands of a busy schedule.

Sample Answer: I like to start my day by checking emails and making sure I have everything I need for the day. Then, I schedule my tasks and work on them one by one.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Prioritizes tasks based on importance
• - Lists out daily schedule
• - Shows a willingness to work hard

Question Overview: This question helps you learn how the candidate would handle employee discipline. You can see if they would fire an innocent employee to satisfy the customer or avoid disciplining a misbehaving employee just because the customer was annoying.

Sample Answer: I like to make sure everyone is following company policies and procedures. If someone isn't doing their job correctly, I'll talk to them about it and give them another chance. If they don't improve, I'll have to let them go.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Prioritizes customer care first
• - Demonstrates a desire to discover truth behind an issue
• - Shows a willingness to properly discipline employees if they were wrong

Question Overview: This interview question gives the candidate the chance to show you how they would motivate your employees. You can learn if they have a good understanding of how to inspire others. Their answer can also tell you if they have a good understanding of the importance of employee morale and motivation.

Sample Answer: I'd create an inspiring moment by giving a speech about how we can all work together to make the store better.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Passionate about inspiring others
• - Creates an inspirational moment
• - Shows a desire to improve employee morale

Question Overview: This interview question helps you see how well the applicant would handle a sudden drop in sales. It also shows you how flexible they are. You can learn if they would try to find ways to increase sales or if they would focus on cutting costs. This question also lets you know if the manager would be able to make do with fewer employees.

Sample Answer: I'd focus on cutting costs by reducing hours and laying off employees if needed. I'd also try to find new ways to increase sales and bring in new customers.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Willingness to cut costs
• - Creativity in finding ways to increase sales
• - Ability to work with fewer employees

Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the candidate is organized and efficient. You can learn if they have a system for managing their time and tasks. This question also gives you a chance to see if they have a good work ethic.

Sample Answer: I like to start my day by checking email and making sure I have everything I need for the day. Then, I like to get in a little exercise before starting my work.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Well-organized schedule
• - Prioritizes tasks and time
• - Shows a willingness to work hard

Question Overview: This question gives the candidate the opportunity to sell themselves to you. You can learn if they have the skills and experience needed to succeed in the position. This question also helps you see if they are qualified for the job, and it lets you know if they are confident enough to handle the responsibilities of a store manager.

Sample Answer: I have several years of experience in retail management, and I'm confident that my skills will help me succeed in this position.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Strong communication skills
• - Knowledge of the industry
• - Experience with similar positions

Question Overview: This interview question gives you the chance to see how the applicant manages people. You can learn if they are a good leader and if they would be a good fit for your company culture. You can also see if they have the skills needed to manage a team of employees.

Sample Answer: I like to give my employees a lot of freedom and make sure they know I'm there for them if they need help. I also like to make sure they know what's expected of them and that I'm available to help them meet those expectations.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Strong leadership skills
• - Ability to listen to employees
• - Creativity in motivating workers

Question Overview: This question is designed to test the knowledge of the candidate. REIT stands for Real Estate Investment Trust. It is a company that owns and operates income-producing real estate.

Sample Answer: REITs are companies that own and operate income-producing real estate. They are similar to mutual funds in that they are publicly traded and owned by investors.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Knowledge of the industry
• - Ability to explain complex financial terms

Question Overview: This question gives you the opportunity to learn more about the candidate's career goals. It also helps you see if they are a good fit for your store. Their answer can tell you a lot about their personality and work ethic.

Sample Answer: I've always loved cars. I've worked at Autozone for five years because I want to be part of the automotive industry.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Passionate about Autozone
• - Interest in working in the automotive industry

Question Overview: This question gives you a chance to see if the candidate is willing to travel for work. You can also learn if they are willing to invest time and money into their career. This question is also useful because it shows you how well the manager would handle a long-term assignment.

Sample Answer: I think it would be a great experience, and I'd love to do it.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Willingness to travel for work
• - Desire to invest in their career

Question Overview: This interview question is a great way to see how the candidate handles failure. You can see if they take responsibility for their mistakes or blame others. Their answer also shows you how they handle criticism and what they do to improve their performance.

Sample Answer: I didn't meet my sales goal last month because I didn't have enough time to focus on it. I'm going to make sure I have more time for sales this month.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Accepts responsibility for mistakes
• - Demonstrates a desire to improve performance
• - Shows a willingness to learn from mistakes

Question Overview: This question helps you to see how well the candidate understands their own strengths and weaknesses. It also gives you a chance to see if they are honest about their experience. This interview question is useful because it lets you see if the applicant is qualified for the job.

Sample Answer: I have a lot of experience in retail management, and I've worked in a variety of different types of stores. I've learned a lot from each position, and I'm ready to use that experience to help your store succeed.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Demonstrates a clear understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses
• - Shows honesty about their experience
• - Shows enthusiasm for the job

Question Overview: This question helps you learn more about the candidate's knowledge of your company. It also gives you a chance to see how well they can sell themselves. You can learn a lot about the applicant's personality and work ethic by seeing how they answer this question.

Sample Answer: I know that you're a leading provider of home improvement products and services. I'm very interested in working for a company that is dedicated to helping people improve their homes.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Interest in your company
• - Knowledge of your company's products and services
• - Passion for working with your company

Question Overview: This interview question gives you the chance to see if the candidate has a good understanding of what it takes to be successful. Their answer can help you determine if they have the knowledge and experience to help your store succeed.

Sample Answer: A successful retailer is one who is able to provide great customer service, keep employees happy and make a profit.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Passionate about retail
• - Understands the importance of customer service
• - Understands the importance of employee relations

Question Overview: This question gives you a chance to see how well the candidate plans for the future. You can learn if they have a detailed plan for their first month on the job. This question also helps you see if they have a realistic idea of what it takes to run a store.

Sample Answer: I'd spend my first week getting to know the staff and customers, and then I'd spend the rest of the month training new employees and working on improving sales.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A detailed plan for their first month
• - A realistic idea of what it takes to run a store
• - A willingness to learn from mistakes

Question Overview: This question gives you a chance to learn about the candidate's work history. You can find out if they have the experience needed to manage a store. It also gives you an idea of how long they've been in the industry.

Sample Answer: I've been in retail for over 20 years, and I've worked in several different stores. I've worked as a sales associate, a manager and a district manager.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Work history that shows they have the skills and experience needed for the job
• - Length of time in the industry

Question Overview: This question helps you get a better idea of the candidate's current work environment. You can learn if they are used to working in a loud or quiet environment. This question also helps you see if the candidate would be able to handle the volume level of your store.

Sample Answer: My current employer has a very quiet atmosphere. I'd prefer a louder environment.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Loud
• - Quiet