Question Overview: Assistant managers provide customer service to customers entering the store. They greet customers, answer questions about products and assist with purchases. They also take care of customer complaints and resolve issues in a timely manner. The assistant manager must be able to handle difficult customers and resolve issues in a positive manner.
Sample Answer: I believe that good customer service is when the customer leaves the store with a smile on their face and a product they are satisfied with.
Question Overview: The assistant manager must be able to identify his or her strengths and weaknesses. The candidate must be able to explain how they can improve their weaknesses and use their strengths to benefit the company.
Sample Answer: My strengths include my ability to work well with others and my ability to analyze data. I am also a quick learner. My weaknesses are that I am not as organized as I should be and I tend to procrastinate.
Question Overview: Assistant managers handle customer complaints and resolve them in a timely manner. They also keep track of customer feedback to improve the customer experience. The candidate must be able to determine if the complaint is valid and provide a solution to the problem.
Sample Answer: I would listen to the customer's complaint and determine if it is valid. If so, I would offer a solution to the problem and follow up with the customer after the solution is implemented.
Question Overview: Assistant managers are often promoted to store manager positions. They must have a clear vision of where they want to be in the future and how they will get there. The candidate must have a plan for the future and be able to communicate it to the interviewer.
Sample Answer: I see myself as a store manager in 5 years. I will continue to work hard and gain more experience in the retail industry.
Question Overview: Assistant managers relocate to new cities for a variety of reasons. They may be following a spouse who is transferred to a new city for work. They may be seeking a new job in a new city. They may be seeking a new job in the same city but in a different retail store. The candidate must have a positive attitude and be willing to relocate.
Sample Answer: I am willing to relocate to any city that has a retail store that needs an assistant manager. I am willing to relocate because I enjoy working in the retail industry and want to expand my career opportunities.
Question Overview: Assistant managers face obstacles daily when managing a retail store. They must be able to overcome these obstacles and devise solutions to improve business practices. The candidate must be able to identify the problem and find a solution that works.
Sample Answer: I had to overcome a problem with a vendor who was late with an order. I called the vendor and asked them to deliver the product on time. I also asked them to provide a discount for the late delivery.
Question Overview: Assistant managers oversee changes in the business. They make sure that the changes are implemented in the correct manner and that the business is running smoothly. The candidate must be able to communicate with employees and customers about the changes and how they will affect the business. The assistant manager must also be able to motivate employees to work harder during the change period.
Sample Answer: I was involved in a change that required me to train new workers on a new system. I made sure that all workers were trained properly and that the new system was implemented correctly.
Question Overview: Assistant managers leave their previous jobs for a variety of reasons. They may be looking for a new challenge, a higher salary or a better work environment. The candidate must be able to explain why they left their previous job and how the new position will benefit them.
Sample Answer: I left my previous job because I was looking for a new challenge. I am excited to join your team and contribute to your company's success.
Question Overview: The candidate must explain a failure and how he or she learned from the experience. The candidate must also explain how the failure was a positive learning experience.
Sample Answer: I failed to complete a project on time and it cost my company money. I learned to manage my time better and complete tasks on time.
Question Overview: Assistant managers make decisions on a daily basis. They must be able to make decisions based on the current situation and their own experience. The candidate must have the ability to make decisions that are in the best interest of the company and the customer.
Sample Answer: I had to make a decision when a customer was dissatisfied with a product. I offered a refund or a replacement product.
Question Overview: Assistant managers are responsible for coaching employees to handle customer complaints. They must also coach employees to handle customer complaints and resolve the issue. The assistant manager must be able to resolve the issue and coach the employee to handle customers in the future.
Sample Answer: I would first listen to the employee's side of the story and then speak with the customer. I would then coach the employee on how to handle customers in the future.
Question Overview: Assistant managers face a variety of difficult situations. They must be able to resolve issues with vendors, employees and customers. They must also be able to handle the unexpected and resolve problems quickly. The candidate must have a positive attitude and be able to work well with others.
Sample Answer: I was faced with a situation where an employee was stealing from the company. I handled the situation by confronting the employee and reporting him to the police.
Question Overview: Assistant managers are required to work long hours and weekends. They are expected to be available at all times. The candidate must be able to work on short notice and be willing to take on additional responsibilities when the manager is not available.
Sample Answer: I am available to work long hours and weekends. I am willing to take on additional responsibilities when needed.
Question Overview: Assistant managers work in retail stores and manage teams of workers. They are responsible for the overall performance of the store and must be able to work well with others. The candidate must be able to work alone or with a team. The assistant manager must be able to handle stress and work long hours when necessary.
Sample Answer: My dream job is to be a store manager. I enjoy working with others and making sure the store is running smoothly.
Question Overview: Assistant managers must be able to explain their actions to the store manager when they fail to meet the expectations of the company. The candidate must be able to admit his or her mistakes and take responsibility for them. The assistant manager must also be able to explain how he or she will improve in the future.
Sample Answer: I was unable to meet a deadline for a project. I explained that I was unprepared for the task and that I would prepare better in the future.
Question Overview: Pac Sun is a clothing store that sells clothing and accessories for teens and young adults. The candidate must be familiar with the brands carried by the store and be able to identify them.
Sample Answer: Pac Sun carries brands such as Hurley, Roxy, Billabong, Quiksilver, Volcom and DC Shoes.
Question Overview: Assistant managers are responsible for improving the customer's experience by providing excellent customer service. They greet customers, answer questions and resolve complaints. The candidate must have a positive attitude and be able to work with customers who are upset or angry. The assistant manager must be able to handle difficult situations and resolve them in a timely manner.
Sample Answer: I worked at a retail store that was undergoing renovations. Customers were upset about the construction noise and the lack of parking spaces. I greeted customers and offered them coupons for free items to make up for the inconvenience.
Question Overview: Assistant managers work in a retail store and oversee daily operations. They are responsible for managing employees, organizing sales and inventory and communicating with vendors. The candidate must be able to work well with others and be a team player.
Sample Answer: I have three years of experience as an assistant manager in a retail store. I managed 100 employees, organized sales and inventory and communicated with vendors.