5 Assistant Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Changes in a retail store design require assistant managers to read a schematic diagram and set up departments according to the plans. Knowledge of the schematic diagrams ensures that the design is created and implemented in the retail space correctly. Assistant managers fill in for store managers and set up the designs in the manager's absence. Advanced understanding of the diagrams is a trait of the right candidate. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience following schematic diagrams
• Implementation and creation of store displays and department changes
• Ability to take charge in the manager's absence

Assistant managers run the retail store in the manager's absence. The candidate must have skills in daily operations and be able to complete all daily tasks handled by the store manager. He or she oversees a large volume of workers, manages expense reports and provides customer service to customers entering the store. Assistant managers complete daily sales paperwork, assists with inventory acquisitions and keeps the staff motivated with high production levels. Ideal candidates work well alone or with teams. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience managing a retail store
• Knowledge of daily operations of a retail store
• Ability to work well with managers and teams

Assistant managers place orders for new products to fill the retail store. They communicate with existing vendors and set up new accounts when unique products are available. The candidate must be able to represent the company in a positive manner at all times and follow up with vendors and send damaged goods back after receiving proper credit or acquires replacement products. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience ordering inventory from vendors
• Experience setting up new accounts with vendors and managing existing vendors
• Superior communications skills

Employee evaluations streamline how the business operates and identify weaknesses. The process requires the assistant manager to determine if more training would help workers who are failing to complete tasks properly. The assistant manager also coaches support staff and sales associates. They set up new training programs when business changes are implemented. The employee evaluations establish if the worker is eligible for a raise or promotion based on merit. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience in completing employee evaluations
• Examples of identifying company weaknesses and strengths efficiently
• Experience managing and coordinating training for new and existing employees

Assistant managers generate reports and spreadsheets to evaluate current sales totals and evaluate current profit margins. The reviews require knowledge of how to analyze the data and use it to improve business practices. The job duties include managing products that aren't selling as expected and replenishing orders of top-sellers when feasible. The assistant manager reviews expenses and overhead costs for the store and devises strategies to lower and control these costs. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience reviewing sales totals, profits and losses
• Analytic skills that improve business practices and sales
• Experience controlling overhead costs and expenses