Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time you had to handle a difficult customer.
2. Describe a situation where you had to motivate a team that was not performing well.
3. How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?
4. Give me an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision.
5. How do you handle conflict with employees?
6. What is your leadership style?
7. What are your salary expectations?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method is a powerful tool for answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This framework helps you structure your answers to clearly and concisely communicate your experiences and skills. By outlining the situation, the task you were given, the actions you took, and the results you achieved, you can effectively demonstrate your capabilities to the interviewer.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about a time you had to handle a difficult customer.
Example Answer: “I once had a customer who was extremely upset about a product they had purchased. They were yelling and demanding a refund, and other customers were starting to get uncomfortable. I calmly approached the customer and listened to their concerns. I apologized for their inconvenience and offered to exchange the product or issue a full refund. I also offered them a discount on their next purchase as a gesture of goodwill. The customer was initially resistant but eventually calmed down and accepted the refund. The other customers were also reassured by my handling of the situation and felt comfortable continuing their shopping experience.”
Why this is a strong answer: This answer effectively uses the STAR method. It describes the situation (an upset customer), the task (handling the situation), the action (listening to the customer, offering solutions, and providing a discount), and the result (the customer calmed down and accepted the refund, and other customers felt comfortable). It also demonstrates the candidate’s ability to remain calm under pressure, resolve conflict, and provide excellent customer service.

2. Describe a situation where you had to motivate a team that was not performing well.
Example Answer: “I was managing a team of sales associates who were not meeting their sales targets. I noticed that they were lacking motivation and seemed uninspired. I organized a team-building event where we engaged in activities that fostered communication and collaboration. I also set individual goals for each team member and provided regular feedback and support. I celebrated their successes and recognized their efforts, which boosted their morale. As a result, the team’s performance improved significantly, and they exceeded their sales targets in the following month.”
Why this is a strong answer: This answer effectively uses the STAR method by describing the situation (unmotivated team), the task (motivating the team), the action (organizing a team-building event, setting individual goals, providing feedback and support, and celebrating successes), and the result (improved team performance and exceeding sales targets). It also showcases the candidate’s ability to identify team issues, implement solutions, and provide effective leadership.

3. How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?
Example Answer: “I am a highly organized individual who uses a combination of methods to manage my time effectively. I utilize a daily planner to schedule my tasks and prioritize them based on urgency and importance. I also utilize technology like project management software to track deadlines and progress. I break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. I also delegate tasks when possible to maximize efficiency. This approach allows me to stay on top of my workload and ensure that I meet all deadlines.”
Why this is a strong answer: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s organizational skills and time management abilities. It highlights their use of tools and techniques, such as daily planners, project management software, and task breakdown. It also showcases their ability to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities, which are key skills for a Store Manager.

4. Give me an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision.
Example Answer: “I once had to make the difficult decision to terminate an employee who was consistently underperforming and not meeting company standards. I had previously provided coaching and support, but their performance did not improve. After careful consideration and documentation, I made the decision to terminate their employment. It was a difficult decision, but I knew it was necessary for the overall success of the team and the company. I handled the situation professionally and with empathy, providing the employee with resources and support during the transition.”
Why this is a strong answer: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to make tough decisions and handle difficult situations. It outlines the situation (underperforming employee), the task (making a decision), the action (providing coaching, documenting performance, and ultimately terminating employment), and the result (ensuring the success of the team and company). It also highlights the candidate’s professionalism and empathy in handling the situation.

5. How do you handle conflict with employees?
Example Answer: “I believe in open and honest communication when addressing conflict. I would first try to understand the perspectives of all involved parties. I would then work to find a solution that is mutually beneficial and fair to everyone involved. I would also encourage the employees to work together to resolve the conflict and find a way to move forward. My goal is to create a positive and productive work environment where everyone feels respected and valued.”
Why this is a strong answer: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle conflict effectively. It outlines their approach to conflict resolution, which includes open communication, understanding different perspectives, finding mutually beneficial solutions, and fostering a positive work environment. It also highlights their commitment to fairness and respect for all employees.

6. What is your leadership style?
Example Answer: “My leadership style is collaborative and empowering. I believe in building strong relationships with my team members and creating an environment where they feel valued, respected, and supported. I encourage open communication and actively listen to their ideas and suggestions. I empower my team by delegating tasks and giving them the autonomy to make decisions. I also provide regular feedback and support to help them grow and develop their skills.”
Why this is a strong answer: This answer provides a clear and concise description of the candidate’s leadership style. It highlights their collaborative, empowering, and supportive approach. It also showcases their ability to build relationships, encourage communication, delegate tasks, and provide feedback and support.

7. What are your salary expectations?
Example Answer: “Based on my experience and the responsibilities of this role, I am seeking a salary range of [insert salary range]. However, I am open to discussing compensation further and am more interested in finding a company where I can contribute my skills and grow my career.”
Why this is a strong answer: This answer provides a clear and concise salary expectation while also demonstrating the candidate’s interest in the company and its opportunities for growth. It avoids stating a specific number and instead provides a range, which allows for flexibility in negotiations. It also emphasizes the candidate’s interest in the company’s culture and growth potential, which are important factors for employers.