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Store Clerk Interview Questions

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  1. What would you do if you had a long line of customers and knew there was no one at the store to back you up? See answer
  2. How do you think you ought to treat customers who shop at our retail establishment? See answer
  3. We rely on our store clerks to show up on time and complete their scheduled hours. What would cause you to miss a shift? See answer
  4. What do you consider as the most valuable skills of a store clerk? See answer
  5. Why are you interested in applying for the position of a store clerk at our retail location?
  6. Describe any previous work you’ve done that involves counting money, accepting checks and maneuvering point of sale equipment.
  7. What are the most important responsibilities of our store clerk position?
  8. What measures will you recommend to help us increase revenue if you get this role?
  9. Inventory management is a big part of this role. Do you have any experience managing or maintaining inventory?
  10. This job can be stressful during peak hours. How will you deal with the pressure?
  11. In your experience, when is the right time to approach a customer?
  12. What do you consider as excellent customer service?
  13. What are your plans for the future?
  14. Can you handle cash if the electronic payment terminals are down?
  15. Have you ever shopped at this store? How will you rate your experience?
  16. Imagine a situation where a customer wants to return a dress with the price tag removed and clear signs of use. How will you manage the situation?
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6 Store Clerk Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

Why are you interested in applying for the position of store clerk at our retail location?

A:

Asking this question helps you identify which candidates for the store clerk position are suited for the task and which are merely looking for a job. Your applicant should have a basic understanding of the duties and skills necessary for the position. The store clerk is the face of your establishment. You want to hire a personable clerk that follows directions and can represent your business well. What to look for in an answer:

  • A genuine interest in working for your store’s brand
  • Knowledge of expected duties
  • A friendly and accommodating demeanor
Example:

“I love the products you sell and look forward to helping your customers get them too. Applying here seemed like a perfect fit.”

Q:

What would you do if you had a long line of customers and knew there was no one at the store to back you up?

A:

There will be stressful times at work. You need to identify how your applicant manages circumstances that are outside of their control. This question will inform the candidate that these times may come, and their answer will give you an idea of whether they can handle the ordeal in a professional manner. You want a store clerk who can think under pressure. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience with similar stressful situations
  • Ability to remain personable, friendly and sympathetic toward impatient customers
  • Clear and articulate solution
Example:

“In my last job, I would take a deep breath first. Then, I would take one customer at a time, apologizing for the delay.”

Q:

Describe any previous work you’ve done that involves counting money, accepting checks, and maneuvering point of sale equipment.

A:

If your candidate has never worked retail before as a store clerk, they may have little experience here. Lack of experience is acceptable because you will offer training. What you are looking for is confidence in their answer. You don’t want to hire someone who breaks down at the thought of counting money or handling electronics. What to look for in an answer:

  • Confidence that they can handle accepting all kinds of payment forms
  • Relaxed, stress-free countenance
  • Ability to demonstrate some cash experience
Example:

“This is my first job cashiering, but I always handled the money box at our garage sales, even keeping track of everyone’s share.”

Q:

How do you think you ought to treat customers who shop at our retail establishment?

A:

Your candidate should be able to articulate what they think good customer service looks like in action. Unless you operate a niche market that requires a certain personality type, your store clerk should be kind to all, respectful and patient. The demeanor of your candidate is also important. What to look for in an answer:

  • An understanding of good customer service
  • Desire and ability to be friendly
  • A smiling face and cheerful countenance
Example:

“As a store clerk, I’ll be the first and last person customers see. I will smile and treat them with respect at every opportunity.”

Q:

We rely on our store clerks to show up on time and complete their scheduled hours. What would cause you to miss a shift?

A:

Punctuality and follow-through are important to your business. You want to try your best to identify areas in your candidate that might cause them to miss scheduled hours. Some common concerns are unreliable vehicles, sick children, personal health issues and a lack of motivation to work. If your candidate mentions one of these things, it could be a red flag for ongoing missed shifts. Ask more questions to clarify the situation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Honest reflection on why they might miss a shift
  • A strong interest in working for your business
  • Desire and enthusiasm to work all shifts
Example:

“If I’m on the schedule, I’ll always work my entire shift. The only thing that I can think of would be an unexpected illness.”

Q:

What do you consider as the most valuable skills of a store clerk?

A:

A store clerk's duties require being detail-oriented and having a good understanding of the job duties. This question can help interviewers identify candidates who have the requisite skills to perform store clerk responsibilities effectively. A skilled store clerk candidate will possess essential skills to serve customers and increase revenue. The candidate's answer should emphasize:

  • A deep understanding of store clerk skills
  • Knowledge of customer service
  • Time management strategies
Example:

“For me, the most important skills a store clerk must have include attention to detail, effective time management and excellent customer service skills. Store clerks must also have expert data entry skills and be proficient with equipment used in the store. Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to resolve conflicts are also vital to the success of a store clerk.”

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