Retail Sales Associate Interview Questions

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Retail Sales Associate interview questions and answers.

  1. What distinguishes you from other retail sales associates interested in this position? See answer
  2. How would you use your skills and previous experience to increase our sales? See answer
  3. How do you stay motivated at work? See answer
  4. Why do you want to work for us? See answer
  5. How do you handle discussions with difficult customers? See answer
  6. What would you consider to be your biggest strength? See answer
  7. What is your biggest weakness? See answer
  8. Do you have any questions for us? See answer
  9. Have you operated a cash register before? Are you comfortable doing so again? See answer
  10. How would you inform customers of temporary sales and discounts? See answer
  11. What would you do if a customer was stealing from the store? See answer
  12. How would you help a customer who was looking for a gift for someone? See answer
  13. Have you closed a store in the past? See answer
  14. What do you do if you don’t know the answer to a customer’s question?
  15. What do you do if a customer is concerned about a product and doesn’t know whether they should buy it?
Show more questions Show fewer questions

Hire your next Retail Sales Associate today.

Post a job

Hire your next Retail Sales Associate today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Retail Sales Associate Interview Questions and Answers

What distinguishes you from other retail sales associates interested in this position?

A promising sales associate will have knowledge of your company and your competition. These people will have some education to back them up and will have a clear sales approach. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Experience in sales
  • Methods for improving sales
  • Demonstrates a passion for sales

Example:

"I have the perfect balance between professional and personal experience to excel at this job. I have three years' sales experience prior to applying here and have surpassed all expectations for any employer I've worked with."

How would you use your skills and previous experience to increase our sales?

A potential candidate should have a clear image of what they bring to the table and how their skills can improve your business. Promising candidates also have knowledge of how to improve your sales in the future. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Strategy for increasing sales
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Clear idea of how previous work applies to the new position

Example:

"I've had the extraordinary opportunity to work with incredible employers. I've learned how to contribute to a positive workplace culture and how to motivate the people around me to be the best they can be."

What do you do if you don't know the answer to a customer's question?

The best candidates are those who know their strengths and limitations. You want to have an honest employee in these situations. Keep in mind that the person you hire will be the face of your company and will be your customers' first impression of your company. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Demonstrates honesty 
  • Demonstrates integrity 
  • Knows how to provide help when they don't know the answer

Example:

"I believe in being transparent with my customers. If I don't know the answer to something, I tell them honestly. If my supervisor is around to provide some insight, I'll ask them what to do. If they're not, I'll try to find other solutions with my client in mind."

What do you do if a customer is concerned about a product and doesn't know whether they should buy it?

The right person for the job will know how to provide customers with confidence in their products. They know why customers are hesitant about products and how to ease those concerns. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Can get to the root of customer concerns
  • Demonstrates good interpersonal skills
  • Shows confidence in managing customer concerns

Example:

"The first thing I would do is listen to their concerns and find out why they're having them. The key is being patient and showing the customers that I care. From there, I acknowledge their concerns and explain why the product will surpass their expectations."

How do you stay motivated at work?

There will be times when retail sales associates don't feel motivated. Hire a candidate who can work through this and who can find ways to motivate themselves. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Shows the ability to self-audit
  • Demonstrates the ability to continue working when they aren't motivated
  • Expresses gratitude for the job

Example:

"I stay motivated by performing a self-audit and finding the reason I'm not motivated at work. From there, I can find solutions to motivate myself more effectively. Nevertheless, I always provide the same quality of work."

Why do you want to work for us?

The answer to this question tells you whether the candidate has researched your company. The right candidate will give you a brief overview of past experience and what brought them to you. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Shows enthusiasm for this position
  • Provides an overview of work experience
  • Discuss values

Example:

"I want to work here because your company matches my overall values. I only work for people I believe in, and the moment I walked into your store, I knew I wanted to work as a retail sales associate for you."

How do you handle discussions with difficult customers?

You need to hire a candidate who knows how to balance customer service with setting boundaries. The right candidate will know how to have difficult conversations with customers. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • prioritises customer service
  • Navigates difficult conversations with customers
  • Shows enthusiasm for the role

Example:

"Difficult customers are generally that way for a reason. The best thing to do is to listen to them and find out why they're having concerns. From here, we can work our way through them and find a solution that will make everyone happy."

What would you consider to be your biggest strength?

The answer to this question will tell you a lot about the candidate. The way they perceive themselves and what they consider to be their greatest strength will determine how they may fit into your team. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Shows excitement towards the job
  • Understands the open job position
  • Provides real-life situations

Example:

"My biggest strength is that I'm well-organised. When I'm handed tasks, I know how to prioritise them to get everything done efficiently and in a timely fashion. Last year, we had a big sale, and I was put in charge of organizing the entyre process."

What is your biggest weakness?

Candidates who answer this question honestly have a clearer image of themselves and how they navigate teams. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Shows the ability to compensate for faults
  • Can make good decisions from bad outcomes
  • Can provide real-life examples

Example:

"I'm incredibly stubborn. That means when I put my mind to something, I won't stop until I've accomplished what I set out to do. While that sounds like a good thing, it can be challenging. I once sent my field supervisor 13 emails about a new marketing strategy."

Do you have any questions for us?

This question is a good way to determine whether candidates are truly interested in the position. It also provides you with the opportunity to see the candidate's level of dedication and whether you've performed your duty as an interviewer. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Interest in the job position
  • Creative questions
  • Knowledge of the position of retail sales associate

Example:

"You mentioned before that there are many sales during the year. I'd like to know more about when these sales occur and how high performers are compensated for their hard work."

Have you operated a cash register before? Are you comfortable doing so again?

This question determines whether an applicant is qualified to manage some of the general tasks involved in being a retail sales associate. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Demonstrates enthusiasm about basic tasks
  • Shows time management skills
  • Previous experience working with a cash register

Example:

"I've worked a cash register before. I appreciated the opportunity because it allowed me to have more physical contact with customers, which is my favourite part of the job."

How would you inform customers of temporary sales and discounts?

The candidate will need to inform customers of any discounts and sales as they happen. They should have experience doing so and a clear strategy in mind. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Enthusiasm about customer service
  • Demonstrates ability to explain services to customers
  • Experience in marketing sales towards customers

Example:

"I'd do this by creating posters and physical marketing sources to promote the sale. I would also have someone stationed at the front of the store to explain the sales and discounts to our customers."

What would you do if a customer was stealing from the store?

Retail sales associates will sometimes need to show assertiveness when dealing with difficult customers. The right candidate will have a plan in place for when they catch someone stealing. Here is what to look for in a good answer

  • Demonstrates knowledge of company policies
  • Shows assertiveness
  • Demonstrates experience working with customers who steal

Example:

"I've faced these experiences before. When a customer steals, my first reaction is to consult our company's policies. Next, I may ask the customer to return the articles or to leave the store. If the situation escalates unnecessarily, I call the police."

How would you help a customer who was looking for a gift for someone?

Retail sales associates need to know how to find particular products depending on their clients' needs. The ideal candidate will have enough knowledge of your products to help customers find what they need. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Demonstrates knowledge of retail store
  • Shows interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrates ability to provide solutions

Example:

"When a customer is looking for a particular item, my first task is to find out more about the person who will receive the gift. If the person prefers accessories, for example, I'll direct the customer towards the purses and rings. To do this, I need to listen attentively to my customers and present them with solutions."

Have you closed a store in the past?

This question will inform you of whether a candidate has been involved with the daily operations of retail businesses. The ideal candidate will have experience closing stores in the past and can be trusted to close your store when necessary. Here is what to look for in a good answer:

  • Shows previous experience closing stores
  • Demonstrates experience in daily operations of stores
  • Shows a willingness to take on additional responsibilities

Example:

"At my previous place of employment, I would help my supervisor with additional tasks like closing the store and managing paperwork. I'm definitely comfortable doing this and appreciate the additional responsibility."

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

Hire your next Retail Sales Associate today

Post a Job

Explore Interview Questions by Title

No search results found