Interview questions for store managers

Combined with a sample of suitable retail interview questions, this Store Manager interview profile provides an overview of what to look for in candidates.

Interview questions for store managers

The most promising Store Managers should have researched your company at a high level. It is important for them to know how many stores you have, where you are headquartered, and who your customers are. It is necessary for them to be aware of your competitors and be able to discuss what your company can do to compete effectively. Additionally, they should be able to identify the range of factors that affect sales in your store. If you are interviewing a manager, consider asking specific questions. In terms of day-to-day operations, they should be strategic, persuasive, communicative, and have a high level of stamina

 They spend long hours on their feet. It is essential that they have experience building and training teams. For example, they should be able to demonstrate how they would instruct someone to set up a cash register, manage inventory, or close the store. Additionally, they should be able to discuss ways to motivate their colleagues to reach sales goals and deliver outstanding customer service. You will hire a Store Manager who either has previous experience in store management or who you promote from within your own store. It is possible to turn a peer into a boss if you are considering candidates for an internal promotion. When you interview them, make sure you address this issue. Maintaining professional relationships with retail associates is an important skill for your Store Manager. In difficult situations, such as reprimanding and terminating employees, the leader should be someone their team trusts to make the right decision.

Questions related to operations and situations

• Is there a major competitor for us?
• When performed incorrectly, what tasks directly impact sales?
• At our competitors’ stores, a product is selling well, but not at ours. Could you please explain why this is the case?
• Describe your previous store’s inventory management process. How should this be accomplished?
• In your store, how would you address shrinkage?
• As a store manager, what is the most important decision you make every day?
• If you were teaching a colleague how to close the register, how would you proceed?
• Is it a good idea to be friends with your coworkers?
• Describe a time when you were able to resolve a conflict between colleagues.
• What is your colleagues’ opinion of you as a manager?
• When you were employed at your last job, how many people did you fire? Is there a reason why you terminated their employment?
• If you had an employee who was frequently late, what would you do?
• If an employee refused to comply with a new policy, what would you do?
• When it comes to motivating employees, what strategies do you prefer?