Read the most frequently asked 31 top Retail interview questions and answers PDF for freshers and experienced.
Retail Interview Questions and Answers PDF Experienced Freshers
1. What previous experience do you have in retail?
They want to check that you are familiar with the demands that come with retail jobs. This is your chance to show off your experience. If you have worked with lots of companies, focus on those that are most similar to the company that you are applying.
2. In what ways do you think you can contribute to our organization? You would have thought about your personal impact you hope to make on the new job. People will not hire just for looks and personality. It is all about getting the job done in the public service, keeping the public and your colleagues happy. If you can contribute to making that happen in some way, you would be most valued. Is there anything you could better? Anything you could introduce to make the service more effective. Any suggestion would show your careful thought about the job and the fact that you would be coming in to help to make that difference and the job a little bit more fulfilling for all concerned
3. What qualities do you think are important to this position?
A very crucial question because the response will show your own understanding of the industry, your competence in producing those qualities and your judgment of what the job requires. The top skill is communication, both listening and dealing empathetically with customer and staff concerns. If you can reach out to others in such a way that make them feel comfortable and heard. You would be a winner. A caring, helpful, inclusive, and cheerful disposition is also extremely important to make people of all races and creed feel reassured and at ease. Respect for the customer, that he/she is always right, would be crucial too in crisis times. The personal qualities would all revolve around people skills and anyone who has those, especially with a very bright and welcoming smile would be definitely favored for such a position.
4. In what ways do you think you can contribute to our organization? You would have thought about your personal impact you hope to make on the new job. People will not hire just for looks and personality. It is all about getting the job done in the public service, keeping the public and your colleagues happy. If you can contribute to making that happen in some way, you would be most valued. Is there anything you could better? Anything you could introduce to make the service more effective. Any suggestion would show your careful thought about the job and the fact that you would be coming in to help to make that difference and the job a little bit more fulfilling for all concerned.
5. What are the things that you need to check in a retail market, as a first line supervisor?
Applicant should answer that as a first line supervisor, he/she should directly supervise sales workers in a retail department. He/She would get involved in management functions such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting and ensure quality of supply apart from his/her regular supervisor work
6. How do you get more retailers / customers for your business? What are the steps you would take?
Applicant should answer that being in a wholesale market, he/she would plan and direct advertising and promotional activities to attract more retailer suppliers. Promotional activities like posters, contests, coupons, give-away to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or services from customers or retailers.
7. As a wholesaler what are the problems you would face in ensuring the commitment to your retail suppliers?
As a wholesaler, applicant should say that he/she would face production problem, growing consumption, not concentrating on important market segment, scale of operations not being proper, delivery to different stores and having some issues with suppliers and not a good relationship with suppliers. I would face these problems in reaching the target commitment to suppliers as a wholesaler.
8. As a supervisor for a wholesale market, what actions would you take to increase the profit?
Applicant should answer that as a wholesaler; he/she would interview the suppliers of wholesale market and negotiate the prices, discounts, transportation arrangements, and credit terms. Oversee the distribution of merchandize to different outlets and maintain adequate stock levels. Establish a good rapport with suppliers and supervise the retail outlet markets to get a better knowledge of supply chain management.
9. If you were a wholesaler, how would you choose a retailer to distribute your goods and services?
Applicant should answer that he/she would review the requirements of the establishments and determine quantity and the different types of purchases involved. Study the market reports, sales promotional materials, visit trade shows, factories, and product manufacturing places and understand its requirements and will select a retailer which best fits the establishment’s requirements.
10. In a fashion led clothing industry as a wholesaler and retailer, who would be your targeted customer?
Applicant should answer that being in this fashion led clothing industry, as a wholesaler or as a retailer; my target would be fashion conscious customer men and women typically between the age of 18 to 35, who would want to dress well and can spend money on that. Actually, there is no age limit as fashion is a state of mind; anybody can retain it for whatever age. However, easily targeted customers would be of this age people.
11. What are the main skill sets you have, which makes you fit in wholesale and retail market?
Applicant should answer that the main skill sets I have to be a part of this wholesale and retail market is the ability to move merchandize and drive profit out of it, whether I move large quantity of goods and services and serve high volume wholesale department store or if I’ am a wholesaler distributor to small retail outlets. Applicant should answer that he/she has that desire to do what it takes to close a deal.
12. Have you had experience of locking up a shop and dealing with stock ordering? These are a couple of examples of things that retail staff may be expected to get involved with, and they'll be keen to see how much additional training they might need to provide.
13. Can you tell of a time when you were faced with an angry customer and how you dealt with it?
Nobody goes through a retail career without having to deal with some angry (and sometimes irrational) customers. However, retail is a customer service industry and they will want to see that you are able to remain calm and deal with the complaint according to standard protocol.
14. Why do you want this retailing job?
With retail, there is sometimes a balance between coming across as good enough for the job, on the one hand, and not being seen as too qualified on the other hand. Many good candidates are rejected, in retail, because the employer thinks they will not stay in the job for any length of time. Think, therefore, about the role that you are applying for and how best to convince them that you are keen on getting the job.
15. What would you say are your weaknesses in retails job?
You probably do not want to be brutally honest in answering this question. 'I'm dreadful at time management' or 'I have anger management issues' are not advisable, especially if you are dealing directly with customers! Similarly, 'I don't think I have any weaknesses' suggests that you are not being honest, or lack self-awareness. What should you say then? There is no doubt that this can be a difficult question to answer. A common response is to take a weakness that some people might not regard as a weakness, and provide examples of what you have done to work on it.
16. Why did you leave your last retailing job?
A particularly relevant question for a retail job, given that retail staff often does not stay in one job for their whole career. The key with this question is to focus on the positive reasons for wanting to take on this new job, rather than any negatives over the previous job. Of course, there may be valid reasons why you need to change job such as your spouse has been re-located to another city.
17. Why are you the best person for this retails job?
This can be a question, which people find uncomfortable to answer, as many are uncomfortable selling themselves so directly. Try to highlight examples of what you have done in previous jobs. By focusing on these rather than just saying 'I'm a good team player', then it should not feel so hard!
18. Do you have any questions about this retails job?
Depending on the role, you might want to ask questions about career progression, opportunities, what type of tills or security system they use.
I hope that by putting a bit of effort into your preparation, you will come across really well in your interview and land that job.
19. How will you make customers feel welcome in our store?
Countless potential customers in retail shops go unnoticed every day. It is often this attitude of indifference that leads people to shop at other places. Make sure that you have a candidate that will meet and greet your customers. Interviewees, let your personality shine here. Let your interviewer know that you are not afraid to introduce yourself to customers, and that you will not be hiding in the back restocking something.
20. Are you comfortable offering our charge account to customers?
A candidate should not be shy here. Someone who tells you that they are uncomfortable when being solicited for proprietary charges by other retailers will not be successful in your organization. If that is something that you as a candidate struggle with, make sure that you portray your desire to succeed. Tell the employer that it is something that you are gaining skills on, and would love the opportunity to perfect your script.
21. This position will require some different hours. Do you have any schedule restrictions (beyond what you have listed)?
It is important that you are able to count on a person. Most support positions require early-morning, either late night or even overnight hours. Make sure the candidate understands this up front. If you are looking for a 9-5 opportunity, I can tell you right here, retail is not what you are looking for
22. Are you comfortable interacting with customers?
No retail position is totally behind the scenes, so make sure that the candidate is not afraid to answer basic questions if needed, such as where the restroom is, or where an item or department is located. A friendly personality is always necessary in retail. Make sure that shines through!
23. What is your minimum salary requirement for retailing job?
This question has to be asked. If you are speaking to an employee who is looking to make between $10 and $12, and you know that you can only realistically offer $8.50 (or that is what your commission based associates are averaging), do not go any further. It would not be fair to you or the candidate to bring them on board, train them, and then have them leave because the money just is not there.
24. Would you feel comfortable working on a commission-based pay system?
You can tell right away if someone has reservations about it. Hemming and hawing, or a vague yes are usually signs that someone is uncomfortable. If you ARE comfortable with it, but just have some more questions, do NOT be afraid to ask. You should leave the interview with a clear understanding of how you will be paid. Make sure to ask when commissions are paid, is there a penalty for not meeting sales goal, etc
25. What experience in retail have you had to qualify you for this position?
This is really about your career history but do not make it into a boring autobiography. Identify things you have done which match the current job role and describe them briefly so that your experience speaks for itself. For example, if you have been used to buying merchandise or working in the after care section make sure that the one you highlight aligns well with what you would also be doing in the new job. Pointless stressing your role as a buyer if you will be dealing with customer complaints, you can mention it briefly. Make sure you also add what you would like to learn too, even if you have no experience of it, which shows your varied interests and desire to grow. Whatever you say, honesty is of the essence here.
26. What did you enjoy most and least in your last retailing job?
This is another very good question because it helps to pin down what makes you tick, what you really like and what would put you off. This is about self-knowledge. You need to appreciate what turns you on and off and what has helped to get you to where you are today. For example, if the things you did not enjoy were allied to what you are applying for now, that would rule you out because you would be getting more of the same in another form. It also helps to draw out your sincerity in what you really desire in your life. So make sure you really know how you felt about your last job so that you can identity what you liked and disliked about it in order to get more of the enjoyable bits.
27. What interests do you have outside your work?
This shows whether you are a one-dimensional person who just plays football. For example, someone who also uses his or her brains and is not just tied to one activity. More important, sometimes companies promote a particular sport among their staff and want team players for it. For example, if you are a good golfer, that could come in handy for company golfing events and would add to your appeal. Again you have to be honest here, or it could come back to haunt you!
28. What experiences have you had in dealing with difficult customers?
The reputation of a company controls its profit margins. A bad reputation means fewer customers. If you cannot handle difficult customers, that would be a major obstacle for you in a job where dealing with irritated members of the public will be routine. Start generally but select one incident soon afterwards and describe the outcome of that. Be very clear about the circumstance what happened and how you dealt with it, especially how you resolved any tricky issues that arose. The key words here are mutual respect, listening to the customer, being calm in the face of irritation and concluding the situation positively.
29. How would your co-workers describe you?
This is one of the most important questions about how you are perceived by others, and your ability to work in a team, not how you would like them to see you. It must not sound too gushing and syrupy or too negative. A healthy balance in your personality and aptitude would go down well. Descriptions that include mainly positive observations will make you appear more realistic and human. However, stress aspects to do with your ability to do the job, not just personal things. For example, they would probably comment on your enthusiasm and keenness to learn, your knowledge of the merchandise, how you deal with customers in a very empowering way.
30. How long would you expect to work for us?
Most people seek security and companies do not wish to be recruiting every minute, often a bad fit leads to short stays. The recruitment process is a long and expensive one, especially where agencies are used to introduce the candidate, so companies seek to avoid that at where possible. The best response is to indicate that you expect to be with the company for a few years, noting that you would enjoy being part of any expansion, which will aid your personal development. If you can reassure an employer that you would be there for a reasonable time, you are more likely to be considered. Young women candidates tend to get this question more than men, because of the possibility of pregnancy later on, but that should not be a barrier to having a permanent job or be used in a bias way against them.
31. In what ways do you think you can contribute to our organization?
You would have thought about your personal impact you hope to make on the new job. People will not hire just for looks and personality. It is all about getting the job done in the public service, keeping the public and your colleagues happy. If you can contribute to making that happen in some way, you would be most valued. Is there anything you could better? Anything you could introduce to make the service more effective. Any suggestion would show your careful thought about the job and the fact that you would be coming in to help to make that difference and the job a little bit more fulfilling for all concerned.
Retail Interview Questions and Answers PDF Experienced Freshers
1. What previous experience do you have in retail?
They want to check that you are familiar with the demands that come with retail jobs. This is your chance to show off your experience. If you have worked with lots of companies, focus on those that are most similar to the company that you are applying.
2. In what ways do you think you can contribute to our organization? You would have thought about your personal impact you hope to make on the new job. People will not hire just for looks and personality. It is all about getting the job done in the public service, keeping the public and your colleagues happy. If you can contribute to making that happen in some way, you would be most valued. Is there anything you could better? Anything you could introduce to make the service more effective. Any suggestion would show your careful thought about the job and the fact that you would be coming in to help to make that difference and the job a little bit more fulfilling for all concerned
3. What qualities do you think are important to this position?
A very crucial question because the response will show your own understanding of the industry, your competence in producing those qualities and your judgment of what the job requires. The top skill is communication, both listening and dealing empathetically with customer and staff concerns. If you can reach out to others in such a way that make them feel comfortable and heard. You would be a winner. A caring, helpful, inclusive, and cheerful disposition is also extremely important to make people of all races and creed feel reassured and at ease. Respect for the customer, that he/she is always right, would be crucial too in crisis times. The personal qualities would all revolve around people skills and anyone who has those, especially with a very bright and welcoming smile would be definitely favored for such a position.
4. In what ways do you think you can contribute to our organization? You would have thought about your personal impact you hope to make on the new job. People will not hire just for looks and personality. It is all about getting the job done in the public service, keeping the public and your colleagues happy. If you can contribute to making that happen in some way, you would be most valued. Is there anything you could better? Anything you could introduce to make the service more effective. Any suggestion would show your careful thought about the job and the fact that you would be coming in to help to make that difference and the job a little bit more fulfilling for all concerned.
5. What are the things that you need to check in a retail market, as a first line supervisor?
Applicant should answer that as a first line supervisor, he/she should directly supervise sales workers in a retail department. He/She would get involved in management functions such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting and ensure quality of supply apart from his/her regular supervisor work
6. How do you get more retailers / customers for your business? What are the steps you would take?
Applicant should answer that being in a wholesale market, he/she would plan and direct advertising and promotional activities to attract more retailer suppliers. Promotional activities like posters, contests, coupons, give-away to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or services from customers or retailers.
7. As a wholesaler what are the problems you would face in ensuring the commitment to your retail suppliers?
As a wholesaler, applicant should say that he/she would face production problem, growing consumption, not concentrating on important market segment, scale of operations not being proper, delivery to different stores and having some issues with suppliers and not a good relationship with suppliers. I would face these problems in reaching the target commitment to suppliers as a wholesaler.
8. As a supervisor for a wholesale market, what actions would you take to increase the profit?
Applicant should answer that as a wholesaler; he/she would interview the suppliers of wholesale market and negotiate the prices, discounts, transportation arrangements, and credit terms. Oversee the distribution of merchandize to different outlets and maintain adequate stock levels. Establish a good rapport with suppliers and supervise the retail outlet markets to get a better knowledge of supply chain management.
9. If you were a wholesaler, how would you choose a retailer to distribute your goods and services?
Applicant should answer that he/she would review the requirements of the establishments and determine quantity and the different types of purchases involved. Study the market reports, sales promotional materials, visit trade shows, factories, and product manufacturing places and understand its requirements and will select a retailer which best fits the establishment’s requirements.
10. In a fashion led clothing industry as a wholesaler and retailer, who would be your targeted customer?
Applicant should answer that being in this fashion led clothing industry, as a wholesaler or as a retailer; my target would be fashion conscious customer men and women typically between the age of 18 to 35, who would want to dress well and can spend money on that. Actually, there is no age limit as fashion is a state of mind; anybody can retain it for whatever age. However, easily targeted customers would be of this age people.
11. What are the main skill sets you have, which makes you fit in wholesale and retail market?
Applicant should answer that the main skill sets I have to be a part of this wholesale and retail market is the ability to move merchandize and drive profit out of it, whether I move large quantity of goods and services and serve high volume wholesale department store or if I’ am a wholesaler distributor to small retail outlets. Applicant should answer that he/she has that desire to do what it takes to close a deal.
12. Have you had experience of locking up a shop and dealing with stock ordering? These are a couple of examples of things that retail staff may be expected to get involved with, and they'll be keen to see how much additional training they might need to provide.
13. Can you tell of a time when you were faced with an angry customer and how you dealt with it?
Nobody goes through a retail career without having to deal with some angry (and sometimes irrational) customers. However, retail is a customer service industry and they will want to see that you are able to remain calm and deal with the complaint according to standard protocol.
14. Why do you want this retailing job?
With retail, there is sometimes a balance between coming across as good enough for the job, on the one hand, and not being seen as too qualified on the other hand. Many good candidates are rejected, in retail, because the employer thinks they will not stay in the job for any length of time. Think, therefore, about the role that you are applying for and how best to convince them that you are keen on getting the job.
15. What would you say are your weaknesses in retails job?
You probably do not want to be brutally honest in answering this question. 'I'm dreadful at time management' or 'I have anger management issues' are not advisable, especially if you are dealing directly with customers! Similarly, 'I don't think I have any weaknesses' suggests that you are not being honest, or lack self-awareness. What should you say then? There is no doubt that this can be a difficult question to answer. A common response is to take a weakness that some people might not regard as a weakness, and provide examples of what you have done to work on it.
16. Why did you leave your last retailing job?
A particularly relevant question for a retail job, given that retail staff often does not stay in one job for their whole career. The key with this question is to focus on the positive reasons for wanting to take on this new job, rather than any negatives over the previous job. Of course, there may be valid reasons why you need to change job such as your spouse has been re-located to another city.
17. Why are you the best person for this retails job?
This can be a question, which people find uncomfortable to answer, as many are uncomfortable selling themselves so directly. Try to highlight examples of what you have done in previous jobs. By focusing on these rather than just saying 'I'm a good team player', then it should not feel so hard!
18. Do you have any questions about this retails job?
Depending on the role, you might want to ask questions about career progression, opportunities, what type of tills or security system they use.
I hope that by putting a bit of effort into your preparation, you will come across really well in your interview and land that job.
19. How will you make customers feel welcome in our store?
Countless potential customers in retail shops go unnoticed every day. It is often this attitude of indifference that leads people to shop at other places. Make sure that you have a candidate that will meet and greet your customers. Interviewees, let your personality shine here. Let your interviewer know that you are not afraid to introduce yourself to customers, and that you will not be hiding in the back restocking something.
20. Are you comfortable offering our charge account to customers?
A candidate should not be shy here. Someone who tells you that they are uncomfortable when being solicited for proprietary charges by other retailers will not be successful in your organization. If that is something that you as a candidate struggle with, make sure that you portray your desire to succeed. Tell the employer that it is something that you are gaining skills on, and would love the opportunity to perfect your script.
21. This position will require some different hours. Do you have any schedule restrictions (beyond what you have listed)?
It is important that you are able to count on a person. Most support positions require early-morning, either late night or even overnight hours. Make sure the candidate understands this up front. If you are looking for a 9-5 opportunity, I can tell you right here, retail is not what you are looking for
22. Are you comfortable interacting with customers?
No retail position is totally behind the scenes, so make sure that the candidate is not afraid to answer basic questions if needed, such as where the restroom is, or where an item or department is located. A friendly personality is always necessary in retail. Make sure that shines through!
23. What is your minimum salary requirement for retailing job?
This question has to be asked. If you are speaking to an employee who is looking to make between $10 and $12, and you know that you can only realistically offer $8.50 (or that is what your commission based associates are averaging), do not go any further. It would not be fair to you or the candidate to bring them on board, train them, and then have them leave because the money just is not there.
24. Would you feel comfortable working on a commission-based pay system?
You can tell right away if someone has reservations about it. Hemming and hawing, or a vague yes are usually signs that someone is uncomfortable. If you ARE comfortable with it, but just have some more questions, do NOT be afraid to ask. You should leave the interview with a clear understanding of how you will be paid. Make sure to ask when commissions are paid, is there a penalty for not meeting sales goal, etc
25. What experience in retail have you had to qualify you for this position?
This is really about your career history but do not make it into a boring autobiography. Identify things you have done which match the current job role and describe them briefly so that your experience speaks for itself. For example, if you have been used to buying merchandise or working in the after care section make sure that the one you highlight aligns well with what you would also be doing in the new job. Pointless stressing your role as a buyer if you will be dealing with customer complaints, you can mention it briefly. Make sure you also add what you would like to learn too, even if you have no experience of it, which shows your varied interests and desire to grow. Whatever you say, honesty is of the essence here.
26. What did you enjoy most and least in your last retailing job?
This is another very good question because it helps to pin down what makes you tick, what you really like and what would put you off. This is about self-knowledge. You need to appreciate what turns you on and off and what has helped to get you to where you are today. For example, if the things you did not enjoy were allied to what you are applying for now, that would rule you out because you would be getting more of the same in another form. It also helps to draw out your sincerity in what you really desire in your life. So make sure you really know how you felt about your last job so that you can identity what you liked and disliked about it in order to get more of the enjoyable bits.
27. What interests do you have outside your work?
This shows whether you are a one-dimensional person who just plays football. For example, someone who also uses his or her brains and is not just tied to one activity. More important, sometimes companies promote a particular sport among their staff and want team players for it. For example, if you are a good golfer, that could come in handy for company golfing events and would add to your appeal. Again you have to be honest here, or it could come back to haunt you!
28. What experiences have you had in dealing with difficult customers?
The reputation of a company controls its profit margins. A bad reputation means fewer customers. If you cannot handle difficult customers, that would be a major obstacle for you in a job where dealing with irritated members of the public will be routine. Start generally but select one incident soon afterwards and describe the outcome of that. Be very clear about the circumstance what happened and how you dealt with it, especially how you resolved any tricky issues that arose. The key words here are mutual respect, listening to the customer, being calm in the face of irritation and concluding the situation positively.
29. How would your co-workers describe you?
This is one of the most important questions about how you are perceived by others, and your ability to work in a team, not how you would like them to see you. It must not sound too gushing and syrupy or too negative. A healthy balance in your personality and aptitude would go down well. Descriptions that include mainly positive observations will make you appear more realistic and human. However, stress aspects to do with your ability to do the job, not just personal things. For example, they would probably comment on your enthusiasm and keenness to learn, your knowledge of the merchandise, how you deal with customers in a very empowering way.
30. How long would you expect to work for us?
Most people seek security and companies do not wish to be recruiting every minute, often a bad fit leads to short stays. The recruitment process is a long and expensive one, especially where agencies are used to introduce the candidate, so companies seek to avoid that at where possible. The best response is to indicate that you expect to be with the company for a few years, noting that you would enjoy being part of any expansion, which will aid your personal development. If you can reassure an employer that you would be there for a reasonable time, you are more likely to be considered. Young women candidates tend to get this question more than men, because of the possibility of pregnancy later on, but that should not be a barrier to having a permanent job or be used in a bias way against them.
31. In what ways do you think you can contribute to our organization?
You would have thought about your personal impact you hope to make on the new job. People will not hire just for looks and personality. It is all about getting the job done in the public service, keeping the public and your colleagues happy. If you can contribute to making that happen in some way, you would be most valued. Is there anything you could better? Anything you could introduce to make the service more effective. Any suggestion would show your careful thought about the job and the fact that you would be coming in to help to make that difference and the job a little bit more fulfilling for all concerned.
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