Top Retail Sales Associate Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

Interview Practice

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  • Question: If a customer cannot find an item he/she has been looking for, what would you do?
  • Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to find the item and make the sale. If they do not have the item, they should be able to find someone who does. They should be able to help the customer find what they need and make the sale.

    Sample Answer: I would ask if they were looking for a specific item or if they were just browsing. If they were looking for a specific item, I would ask if they remember where it was located. If it was a specific item, I would go find it for them. If it was just browsing, I would ask if there was anything else I could help them with.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to help a customer find an item
    • - Knowledge of other departments in the store
    • - Ability to connect with other employees in the store

  • Question: What do you know about GNC?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to describe the company's products and services. They should be able to describe the company's mission statement and goals. They should also be able to describe the company's history.

    Sample Answer: GNC is a health and wellness company that sells vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition and health products. The company's mission is to help people live healthier lives. The company was founded in 1935 by Sol Price in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company
    • - Knowledge of the products and services
    • - Knowledge of the company's goals and mission statement

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you felt out of control.
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to describe a time when they felt out of control and how they handled the situation. They should be able to describe how they got back in control of the situation.

    Sample Answer: I was once in a situation where I was not sure what to do. I was able to remain calm and ask for help from someone who knew what to do.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle a stressful situation
    • - Ability to remain calm
    • - Ability to remain in control of the situation

  • Question: Give me an example of a problem that you resolved?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to give you an example of a time when they had to resolve a problem. They should be able to tell you how they handled the situation and what the outcome was. They should also be able to tell you how they were able to resolve the problem.

    Sample Answer: I had a customer who was unhappy with the product I sold him. I was able to talk to him and find out what his concerns were. I was able to resolve his concerns and make him happy with his purchase.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to resolve a problem
    • - Problem-solving skills
    • - Communication skills

  • Question: How do you see yourself advancing in the company?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to speak of their desire to advance in the company and their willingness to work hard to achieve that goal. They should be able to speak of their desire to learn more about the company and its products.

    Sample Answer: I see myself advancing in the company by working hard and learning more about the company and its products.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire to advance in the company
    • - Willingness to learn more about the company and its products

  • Question: Tell me about a time you had an angry customer and how did you handle it.
  • Question Overview: A good candidate will be able to handle an angry customer with a calm demeanor. They will be able to listen to the customer and understand their concerns. The candidate should be able to empathize with the customer and try to make them feel comfortable. They should be able to apologize and offer a solution to the problem.

    Sample Answer: I had an angry customer who was upset because she was not able to get her order in time for her daughter's birthday. I apologized for the mistake and offered her a discount on her next order.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to listen and empathize with a customer
    • - Ability to apologize for any mistakes
    • - Willingness to find a solution for the problem

  • Question: What would you do if you saw a coworker doing something they were not supposed to be doing?
  • Question Overview: The right candidate will be honest and not afraid to report a coworker if they are doing something wrong. They should be willing to report the issue to a supervisor if they do not feel comfortable talking to the coworker.

    Sample Answer: I would report it to a supervisor if I saw a coworker doing something they were not supposed to be doing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to report any misconduct
    • - Honesty
    • - Integrity

  • Question: What do you like to do in your free time?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to talk about their hobbies and interests. You want someone who is able to relax and enjoy themselves. If they are always working, they will not be able to enjoy their job or the time they spend with their family.

    Sample Answer: I like to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy reading and watching movies.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Hobbies
    • - Interests

  • Question: How would you convince me to buy a Macy's credit card?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to speak of the benefits of the card and how it can help the customer. They should be able to explain the advantages of the card and how it can save the customer money. They should be able to speak of the benefits of the card and how it can help the customer.

    Sample Answer: I would explain that Macy's credit card is a great way to save money on purchases. It offers many benefits like discounts on purchases and free shipping.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain the benefits of a credit card
    • - Confidence in their sales approach
    • - Good communication skills

  • Question: How did you solve a complex problem?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to describe how they solved a complex problem. They should be able to explain how they approached the problem, what steps they took to solve it and how they were able to resolve it.

    Sample Answer: I solved a complex problem by taking the time to research the issue and gather all the information I could about it. I then came up with a solution and presented it to my supervisor.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specific steps taken to solve a complex problem
    • - Ability to explain the steps taken
    • - Ability to resolve the problem

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to lead.
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to talk about a time when they had to lead a group of people. They should be able to talk about the situation, how they handled it and the outcome. The candidate should be able to speak of a time when they had to lead a group of people. They should be able to talk about the situation, how they handled it and the outcome.

    Sample Answer: I was in charge of a group of volunteers at my church. We were working on a project that involved painting the church building. I had to make sure everyone was on task and working together. I had to motivate them and keep them focused on the job at hand.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to lead others
    • - Confidence in their leadership skills
    • - Ability to motivate others

  • Question: What is the most difficult problem you have faced in your life?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to talk about a problem they have faced and how they overcame it. They should be able to explain how this problem has made them a better person.

    Sample Answer: The most difficult problem I have faced in my life was when I was in high school and my parents were going through a divorce. I had to learn how to deal with the situation and help my family through it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to overcome a difficult problem
    • - Ability to learn from the experience
    • - Ability to use the experience to help others

  • Question: What’s your favorite brand?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to speak of the brand's features and benefits. They should be able to speak of the company's history and its reputation in the market. The candidate should be able to speak of the product's features and benefits.

    Sample Answer: My favorite brand is Nike. I know that they have a wide variety of products for different sports. I know that they have a wide variety of products for different sports. I know that they have a wide variety of products for different sports. I know that they have a wide variety of products for different sports. I know that they have a wide variety of products for different sports. I know that they have a wide variety of products for different sports. I know that they have a wide variety of products for different sports. I know that they have a wide variety of products for different sports. I know that they have a wide variety of products for different sports.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the brand
    • - Knowledge of the company
    • - Knowledge of the product

  • Question: What do you know about Goodwill?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to speak of the history of the company and how they have contributed to the community. They should be able to speak of the products and services that Goodwill offers.

    Sample Answer: I know that Goodwill is a non-profit organization that helps people find jobs and earn money. I know that they have many different products and services.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of Goodwill's history
    • - Products and services that Goodwill offers
    • - Contributions to the community

  • Question: What is your personal style?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to describe their personal style and how it is effective in a sales position. They should be able to describe how they would approach a customer and how they would handle objections.

    Sample Answer: I am very confident in my approach. I am able to connect with customers and handle objections.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence in their approach
    • - Ability to handle objections
    • - Ability to connect with customers

  • Question: How do you make a customer to buy more than just a pair of pants?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to explain how they would make a customer buy more than just a pair of pants. They should be able to explain how they would make the customer buy a shirt, shoes, and other accessories to go with the pants. They should be able to explain how they would make the customer buy more than one pair of pants.

    Sample Answer: I would ask them what colors they like and what style they are looking for. I would then show them different styles and colors of pants that match their preferences. I would also show them shirts and shoes that match the pants.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to sell multiple items to the same customer
    • - Ability to sell accessories with the product
    • - Ability to sell more than one pair of pants

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an unsatisfied customer.
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to talk about how they handled the situation. They should be able to talk about how they tried to make the customer happy and how they were able to turn the situation around.

    Sample Answer: I had a customer who was unhappy with their purchase. I was able to get them a refund and make them happy.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle a difficult situation
    • - Confidence in their ability to handle a difficult situation
    • - Willingness to help a customer

  • Question: What can you bring to the company?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to speak of their experience and how they can contribute to the company. They should be able to speak of their past work experience and how it can help the company. The candidate should be able to speak of their strengths and how they can help the company.

    Sample Answer: I have more than three years of retail sales experience. I have received recognition on several occasions for the number of sales I made at my previous job.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience
    • - Skills
    • - Strengths

  • Question: What skills do you have that are relevant to the role?
  • Question Overview: The candidate should be able to speak of their skills that are relevant to the position. They should be able to speak of their ability to communicate with customers, their initiative, their ability to make sales and their ability to work as a team.

    Sample Answer: I have excellent communication skills and I am very good at making sales. I am also good at working as a team and have the initiative to get the job done.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skills
    • - Initiative
    • - Ability to make sales
    • - Ability to work as a team