Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to effectively manage all types of employees, from specialists to generalists. This question tests the candidate's ability to handle a situation with a specialist who is underperforming. The candidate should be able to assess the situation, determine the cause and implement a solution.
Sample Answer: I'd first try to determine the cause of the underperformance and then address it. If it was a lack of training, I'd provide it. If it was a lack of motivation, I'd find out why and address that too.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager is a high-stress position that can involve long hours and multiple sudden dilemmas. A candidate should be healthy and strong enough to safely endure this. He or she should also know how to delegate tasks to avoid taking on unnecessary stress and adequately attend to his or her own self-care, like taking breaks, to prevent bad decision-making and burnout.
Sample Answer: I'm in excellent health because I know how to take care of myself while taking care of my responsibilities. I thrive in active environments, viewing problems as challenges.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to handle pressure well. He or she should be able to remain calm and focused under pressure and not make rash decisions.
Sample Answer: I've been in stressful situations before and I know how to remain calm and focused. I've also learned that it's important to delegate tasks to others when the pressure is on.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to effectively manage a team of employees. He or she must be able to identify and address problems, like drama or gossip, and prevent them from spreading.
Sample Answer: I'd talk with the employees involved and find out what's going on. If it's just a misunderstanding, I'd try to clear it up. If it's something more serious, I'd talk with the employees involved and find out what's going on. If it's just a misunderstanding, I'd try to clear it up. If it's something more serious, I'd talk with the employees involved and find out what's going on. If it's just a misunderstanding, I'd try to clear it up. If it's something more serious, I'd talk with the employees involved and find out what's going on. If it's just a misunderstanding, I'd try to clear it up. If it's something more serious, I'd talk with the employees involved and find out what's going on.
Question Overview: The retail industry is a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. A candidate should have at least a few years of experience in the industry to demonstrate an ability to adapt to change.
Sample Answer: I've worked in retail for five years, and I've seen many changes in that time. For example, I've seen the rise of online shopping and the decline of brick-and-mortar stores.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager is a people person, and this question tests the candidate's ability to communicate effectively about his or herself. The candidate should be able to clearly and concisely explain his or her strengths, weaknesses, goals and personality.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who's always willing to learn new things. I'm also very friendly and outgoing.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager is a high-level employee who should expect to be treated as such. He or she should expect to be paid well, with a fair and transparent pay scale and benefits package. The candidate should expect to be treated with respect and dignity, with a clear understanding of his or her role and responsibilities.
Sample Answer: I expect to be treated with respect and dignity, with a clear understanding of my role and responsibilities.
Question Overview: A candidate should be a lifelong learner, always seeking to improve his or her skills and knowledge. A candidate should be able to identify a time when he or she learned something new and explain how it happened.
Sample Answer: I've always been interested in learning new things, so I've taken classes in everything from basic computer skills to advanced business management.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager should have a solid track record of employment, ideally with a growing company. A candidate should have left his or her last job for a good reason, like a promotion or a better opportunity. A candidate should not have left due to poor performance or conflict with management.
Sample Answer: I left my last job because I was promoted to assistant store manager.
Question Overview: A candidate should be able to demonstrate his or her value to the company. This can be done by highlighting past achievements, like exceeding sales goals, or by describing how the candidate's skills and experience will benefit the company.
Sample Answer: I've been a top salesperson for every employer I've worked for, and I've been recognized as a top performer in my industry. I've also been a manager for three years, and I've consistently received positive reviews.
Question Overview: A candidate should be familiar with the company and its products, services and history. He or she should be able to discuss the company's mission and values, its current products and services, its future plans and its competitors.
Sample Answer: I know Fossil was founded in 1984 by Tom Kartsotis with a vision to create a watch that would last forever. Fossil has since grown into a global lifestyle brand with over 500 retail stores in North America, Europe and Asia.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to implement new programs and policies, but he or she must also be able to deal with resistance from employees who don't want to change. A candidate should have a plan for dealing with this resistance, whether it involves a one-on-one conversation, a group meeting or simply waiting for the employee to come around.
Sample Answer: I'd first try to have a one-on-one conversation with the employee. If that didn't work, I'd bring the employee into a group meeting with other employees. I would also explain the new program in detail to all employees.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be a skilled salesperson. A candidate should be familiar with common types of software systems for tracking inventory and monitoring sales. The candidate should be comfortable planning and performing merchandising, marketing and product display efforts and teaching those skills to team members.
Sample Answer: I've helped my last employer beat sales goals by 30% for eight consecutive quarters through a combination of improving merchandising and analyzing sales and inventory data.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to motivate and lead a team of employees. This question is designed to assess the candidate's ability to handle a situation in which his or her team members are not performing up to expectations.
Sample Answer: I'd sit down with each employee individually and find out what was wrong. I'd then devise a plan to help them improve their performance.
Question Overview: Assistant store managers must be able to lead a team of employees to achieve a specific goal. A candidate should be able to describe a situation in which he or she led a group of people to achieve a specific goal.
Sample Answer: I led a team of employees to achieve a sales goal by creating an incentive program that rewarded individual and team performance.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if it means working long hours or taking on extra tasks. A candidate should be able to distinguish between what is truly necessary and what is simply a matter of preference.
Sample Answer: I believe in doing whatever it takes to get the job done. I don't believe in doing a job "good enough" when it can be done better.
Question Overview: A candidate should be able to demonstrate his or her sales skills and knowledge of the product.
Sample Answer: I'd tell you that this lotion is made with natural ingredients and is safe for all skin types. I'd tell you that it's made in a state-of-the-art facility and is guaranteed to be free of any harmful chemicals. I'd tell you that it's a great value at only $10 for a bottle that will last for several months.
Question Overview: A candidate's ability to work with a struggling colleague is a good indicator of his or her ability to work with all types of people. A candidate should be able to recognize the signs of a struggling worker and, if possible, help the worker improve.
Sample Answer: I'd first try to understand what was causing the problem and then offer suggestions for improvement. If that didn't work, I'd talk to my manager about the issue and suggest a solution.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager should be familiar with the company's products, services, history and culture. He or she should know how the company is positioned in the marketplace and how it differentiates itself from competitors. He or she should know the company's mission statement and values.
Sample Answer: I've been a customer of your company for years and I'm very familiar with your products and services. I've also read your company history and reviewed your corporate values.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to work well with his or her team members. He or she must be able to help them with their tasks and resolve their problems. A candidate should be able to demonstrate this ability in a professional manner, without making the co-worker feel like he or she is being treated as a subordinate.
Sample Answer: I helped my co-worker by taking over her shift so she could attend a family emergency.