Top Store Associate Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

Interview Practice

Search Store Associate Questions:


  • Question: Tell me about a time when you demonstrated great customer service.
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the customer service skills of the applicant. The candidate should be able to recall a specific situation and provide details about how they handled it. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's ability to handle conflict and their communication skills.

    Sample Answer: I was working at a store that was very busy. A customer came in and was upset because they had been waiting for a long time. I apologized and told them that I would help them right away. I was able to quickly help them and they left the store satisfied.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle conflict
    • - Communication skills
    • - Ability to listen

  • Question: What is an example of a good manager you had and what made them a good manager?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's knowledge of good management skills. The applicant should be able to discuss the positive characteristics of their previous manager and how they were able to lead their team. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's ability to work in a team environment and their ability to follow instructions.

    Sample Answer: My previous manager was very organized and was able to lead our team through difficult situations. He was always willing to help us when we needed it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of good management skills
    • - Ability to work in a team environment
    • - Willingness to follow instructions

  • Question: What do you think is good customer service?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's knowledge of customer service. The candidate should be able to explain the importance of customer service and how it relates to the company. The interviewer will also be able to determine if the applicant has a good understanding of the company's mission and values.

    Sample Answer: Good customer service is when a customer feels that they were treated fairly and that their needs were met.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the importance of customer service
    • - Knowledge of the company's mission and values

  • Question: What is your weight lifting capacity?
  • Question Overview: This is a question to determine the physical strength of the applicant. The interviewer will want to know if the candidate is capable of lifting heavy items and if they are able to lift them properly. The applicant should be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

    Sample Answer: I am able to lift 50 pounds.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Physical strength

  • Question: How would you handle an angry customer?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's conflict management skills. The candidate should display their ability to remain calm and respectful. They should never raise their voice or use profanity. The response should highlight their ability to listen to the customer and understand their concerns.

    Sample Answer: I would listen to their concerns and try to understand what they are upset about. I would then apologize for any inconvenience and offer them a solution.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Good conflict management skills
    • - Ability to remain calm under pressure
    • - Ability to listen to a customer's concerns

  • Question: When are you available?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the availability of the applicant for work. The interviewer will want to know if the applicant is available for full-time work or if they are only available during certain times of the week. This question will also help the interviewer determine if the applicant has other obligations that may interfere with their work schedule.

    Sample Answer: I am available any time during the week and on weekends.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability for full-time work
    • - Availability for part-time work
    • - Availability for weekend work

  • Question: Are you comfortable working late when the job is done?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's work ethic. The candidate should be able to explain how they will complete their tasks and if they are willing to work overtime. The response will show if the applicant is willing to go above and beyond to ensure that the job is done.

    Sample Answer: I'm comfortable working late when the job is done. I would make sure that all of my tasks were completed before I left for the day.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong work ethic
    • - Willingness to work overtime
    • - Ability to work independently

  • Question: What is the trend for this season?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's knowledge of the current trends in the retail industry. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's fashion sense and their ability to follow trends. This question will also give the interviewer a chance to see if the applicant is aware of new products that are being offered in the store.

    Sample Answer: The trend for this season is bright colors and bold patterns.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of current trends
    • - Fashion sense
    • - Ability to follow trends

  • Question: What are your strengths?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the applicant. The interviewer will be able to determine if the applicant is honest about their abilities and if they are confident in their skills. The applicant should highlight their strengths that are relevant to the position and that they are willing to improve upon their weaknesses.

    Sample Answer: My strengths include my ability to work with customers and my strong math skills. I am willing to improve upon my time management skills.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty
    • - Confidence
    • - Willingness to improve

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone that you didn't get along with.
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine how well the applicant will work with others. The candidate should highlight their ability to work with others and how they handle stressful situations. The response should demonstrate their ability to work with others and their ability to resolve conflicts.

    Sample Answer: I had a co-worker that I didn't get along with. We were both very competitive and would often argue over who was doing more work. I learned that it was important to communicate my feelings and concerns to my co-worker.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Ability to resolve conflicts
    • - Ability to work in stressful situations

  • Question: What do you like to do in your free time?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's interests outside of work. The interviewer wants to know if the applicant will be a good fit for the company. The answer should be positive and relate to the company's values. The interviewer will also want to know if the applicant has any hobbies that may interfere with their work.

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

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Positive attitude
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Willingness to learn new skills

  • Question: Give an example of a time you had to complete a task that was difficult, but you had very little time to complete and it had to be good quality how did you handle this situation.
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's ability to work under pressure. The candidate should be able to provide a situation in which they had to complete a task in a short amount of time. They should also be able to explain how they were able to complete the task and the quality of their work.

    Sample Answer: I had to create a presentation for my boss that was due the next day. I had very little time to complete it, but I was able to finish it on time and it was very well received by my boss.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work under pressure
    • - Ability to meet deadlines
    • - Ability to work quickly and efficiently

  • Question: What are your scheduling needs?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's availability and flexibility. The interviewer will be able to determine if the applicant is willing to work different shifts and days. The applicant should be aware of the business's needs and be able to work with the store manager to create a schedule that works for both parties.

    Sample Answer: I am available any day of the week and I am willing to work overtime if needed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Flexibility
    • - Willingness to work different shifts
    • - Ability to work on weekends

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team.
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine how the applicant will work with others. The candidate should demonstrate their ability to work as a team and communicate with others. The response should highlight their ability to listen to others and their willingness to help.

    Sample Answer: I have worked on several projects in school where I had to work with others. I was able to listen to their ideas and incorporate them into my own.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Teamwork skills
    • - Ability to communicate with others
    • - Integrity and willingness to help

  • Question: If you got an offer from another company, and then we called and told you that you had been hired here where would you choose?
  • Question Overview: This is a common question to ask in an interview. The applicant should be able to discuss the benefits of working for the company and how they would be a valuable asset. The candidate should also discuss their reasons for wanting to work for the company and what makes them excited about the position.

    Sample Answer: I would choose to work here because I believe that I would be able to grow in this position. I have been interested in retail for a long time, and I am excited about the opportunity to work with you.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Knowledge of the company's mission
    • - Desire to work for the company

  • Question: What would you do if a customer hurt themselves in the store?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's reaction to a stressful situation. The candidate should have a plan to handle this type of situation and know when to ask for assistance. The response should demonstrate their ability to remain calm and assess the situation.

    Sample Answer: I would call for an ambulance and make sure the customer was comfortable. I would also make sure that my co-workers were aware of the situation.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • - Good judgement and knowledge of company policies
    • - Ability to assess the situation and ask for help

  • Question: What can you bring to the team?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's knowledge of the company and their ability to work as a team. The candidate should be able to discuss their strengths and how they will contribute to the team. The interviewer will be able to assess the applicant's communication skills and how they will fit into the corporate culture.

    Sample Answer: I have a lot of experience in customer service and I know that our customers are our number one priority. I am a hard worker and I am always willing to learn new things.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Team player
    • - Ability to work well with others

  • Question: Why do you think this job would be a good fit for you?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer wants to know why the applicant is interested in the position. The applicant should be able to explain how their skills and experience will benefit the company. The response should also include how they will be able to contribute to the team and what they hope to gain from the job.

    Sample Answer: I have a lot of experience working with customers and I am very good at problem solving. I would like to use my skills to help your business grow.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Knowledge of the company's mission and values
    • - Willingness to learn new skills

  • Question: What do you mean by efficiency?
  • Question Overview: This question is used to determine the applicant's understanding of the concept of efficiency. The candidate should be able to explain how they will use their time to complete tasks and how they will prioritize their work. The response should also include the importance of following company procedures and policies.

    Sample Answer: Efficiency means completing tasks quickly and with the least amount of effort. I would complete my tasks in a timely manner and follow procedures to ensure that I am working efficiently.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the concept of efficiency
    • - Ability to prioritize tasks
    • - Knowledge of company procedures