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-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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: A candidate's answer to this question can be revealing. It can demonstrate a candidate's interests, hobbies, personality and values. It can also reveal whether the candidate is a good fit for the job.
Sample Answer: I like to read, play video games and go to the movies.
Question Overview: A candidate should be able to handle a difficult situation with tact and professionalism. He or she should be able to calmly and clearly communicate expectations and consequences for failure to meet them. The candidate should also be able to recognize when a situation is beyond his or her control and delegate it to a superior.
Sample Answer: I'd calmly ask the rep to step into the office. If he or she continued to act out, I'd ask him or her to leave the store.
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: A candidate should be able to discuss the benefits and power of Pier 1 Credit Card. He or she should also be able to discuss the benefits of using the card.
Sample Answer: I think it's a great way for customers to save money on their purchases.
Question Overview: This is a question about moral and ethical decision-making. The candidate should be able to explain how he or she would make a decision and what factors would be considered.
Sample Answer: I'd make sure that the law is fair and just and that it protects the innocent while punishing the guilty.
Question Overview: A team environment is a collaborative one, and a good assistant manager knows how to motivate team members to work together toward a common goal. He or she should be able to inspire team members with a vision of success and the means to achieve it.
Sample Answer: I'd first listen to what each team member wants and needs from the job. Then I'd work with them to create a plan for achieving their goals.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager must be able to resolve conflicts between employees. He or she must be able to listen to both sides, understand the issues and find a solution that satisfies both parties.
Sample Answer: I'd first make sure I understood both sides of the issue. Then I'd try to find a solution that satisfied both parties.
Question Overview: An assistant store manager is a community leader, and the candidate should have experience in community service. A candidate should have a record of volunteering or working with local schools, charities or other community organizations.
Sample Answer: I've volunteered at my local food bank and helped organize a neighborhood clean-up day.
Question Overview: A candidate should identify a strength that is relevant to the position and that he or she can demonstrate through past experience.
Sample Answer: My greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. I've been able to work with a wide variety of personalities and get them all on the same page.
Question Overview: This question is designed to test a candidate's ability to think on his or her feet and to gauge the depth of his or her knowledge of the company's products. It is also designed to test a candidate's ability to think critically and to make decisions.
Sample Answer: I really like Nike shoes. They're comfortable, stylish and affordable.