Retail sales interview questions, with answers and a "just looking" drill

I shop here, and I like that the staff know the products and don't push. I'd like to be that person for other customers. I also noticed your shift supervisors started on the floor, and I'd like to grow into a role like that.

Making the customer's visit easier: noticing when someone needs help, giving honest advice, and making sure they leave with the right thing, even if it's the cheaper one. If they'd come back and ask for me, I've done it right.

"No problem, take your time." Then something useful rather than "Can I help you?", like "Those just came in this week" or "Are you shopping for yourself or for someone else?" If they want space, I'd tell them where I'll be and check back in a few minutes, without hovering.

Let's say this rain jacket. Before I tell you about it, what would you mostly wear it for? ... Walking the dog every morning, whatever the weather. Then what matters is staying dry and not overheating when you walk fast. This one's waterproof and has vents under the arms. Want to try it on over your sweater and see how it fits?

Only when it actually helps with what they're buying, and only one. If someone's buying a new phone, a case makes sense, so I'd say, "Most people protect a new phone right away. Would you like to see a case that fits?" If they say no, that's fine. Pushing a second time makes people trust everything else I've said less.

I'd let them explain, acknowledge that it's frustrating, and tell them what our policy allows, such as store credit or looking up the purchase another way if the store can. I wouldn't argue, and I wouldn't make an exception I'm not allowed to make. If they were still unhappy, I'd call my manager rather than let it escalate on the floor.

I'd acknowledge everyone, even with a quick "I'll be right with you", so nobody feels ignored. I'd help the person in front of me as quickly as I can without rushing them, and call for backup if the line kept growing. Most customers are patient if they know they've been seen.

I'm available evenings after 5 and all day on weekends, and I can work extra over the holidays. I have class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings until May. I'd rather tell you now than ask for changes later.

At the café where I worked, we lost two people the week before a big holiday. We agreed who would cover which shifts, and I trained a new hire on the register during quiet times. We got through the week without closing early, and our manager thanked us at the team meeting.

I'd start by checking whether something's going on, because there's often a reason. If it kept happening, I'd ask them directly and kindly, like "Can you take the fitting rooms while I do the floor?" If it still affected customers, I'd talk to the manager, focusing on the work, not the person.

I like them, because they give me something to aim for during a shift. I'd hit them by helping more customers well, not by pushing people. In my last job I kept track of how many customers I helped each shift and how many add-ons I sold, and I got better at both by watching how the best person on the team talked to people.

I'd follow the store's policy, which usually means not confronting them. I'd stay calm, note where they went if it's safe to, and tell my manager or loss prevention immediately. My job is to stay safe and get the right person involved.

The trail running shoes on the back wall. I bought a pair last year, and they're the first ones that haven't given me blisters on long runs. I'd find them easy to recommend to the right customer, and I'd be honest with someone who just wants a casual shoe.