Retail Interview Preparation Guide

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They want to check that you are familiar with the demands that come with retail jobs. This is your chance to show off your experience. If you have worked with lots of companies, focus on those that are most similar to the company that you are applying.

Candidate should answer that as an employee of a wholesale market, I would ensure what are my customer or retailers priorities and ensure that I address those issues first and I would consider the budgetary constraints. Overall, I would take a holistic approach to ensure my end customers and my retailers get that extra distinctive edge for using our products. Its not only on working for the product betterment, but to improve on each and every touch of customer, from contact strategies, day to day account management, choice of information channels and accuracy of billing.

Applicant should answer that as a supervisor he/she would analyze actual spend vs. forecast and plan future sales and retail storage. Provide sales adjustments/discounts reporting and analysis, which could be helpful in further analysis of the business. As a supervisor I would ensure, that I keep a track of all the finances and expenses incurred during the process of transportation, salaries and wages of drivers and other helpers in loading and unloading the goods and services. Maintain a ledger for the cost involved in storage and maintenance of goods and services.

Applicant should answer that store management is a very critical think, especially if you are not able to transport everything on the same day or a given deadline; you need to store the goods and services properly until it is transported to the correct destination or to the proper retailer. It involves managing and refining the goods, forecasting the process, inventory and product strategies, and their impact on store level performance.

Applicant should answer that he/she would directly supervise and co-ordinate the transportation activities and material moving machine and vehicle operators and take a physical count of the goods being transported and check with the actual numbers. He/She would also keep a track of it and would cross check with his retailer suppliers for the exact number of goods and services being transported.

Applicant should answer that as a first line supervisor, he/she should directly supervise sales workers in a retail department. He/She would get involved in management functions such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting and ensure quality of supply apart from his/her regular supervisor work.

Applicant should answer that being in a wholesale market, he/she would plan and direct advertising and promotional activities to attract more retailer suppliers. Promotional activities like posters, contests, coupons, give-away to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or services from customers or retailers.

As a wholesaler, applicant should say that he/she would face production problem, growing consumption, not concentrating on important market segment, scale of operations not being proper, delivery to different stores and having some issues with suppliers and not a good relationship with suppliers. I would face these problems in reaching the target commitment to suppliers as a wholesaler.

Applicant should answer that as a wholesaler; he/she would interview the suppliers of wholesale market and negotiate the prices, discounts, transportation arrangements, and credit terms. Oversee the distribution of merchandize to different outlets and maintain adequate stock levels. Establish a good rapport with suppliers and supervise the retail outlet markets to get a better knowledge of supply chain management.

Applicant should answer that he/she would review the requirements of the establishments and determine quantity and the different types of purchases involved. Study the market reports, sales promotional materials, visit trade shows, factories, and product manufacturing places and understand its requirements and will select a retailer which best fits the establishment’s requirements.

Applicant should answer that being in this fashion led clothing industry, as a wholesaler or as a retailer; my target would be fashion conscious customer men and women typically between the age of 18 to 35, who would want to dress well and can spend money on that. Actually, there is no age limit as fashion is a state of mind; anybody can retain it for whatever age. However, easily targeted customers would be of this age people.

Applicant should answer that the main skill sets I have to be a part of this wholesale and retail market is the ability to move merchandize and drive profit out of it, whether I move large quantity of goods and services and serve high volume wholesale department store or if I’ am a wholesaler distributor to small retail outlets. Applicant should answer that he/she has that desire to do what it takes to close a deal.

These are a couple of examples of things that retail staff may be expected to get involved with, and they'll be keen to see how much additional training they might need to provide.

Nobody goes through a retail career without having to deal with some angry (and sometimes irrational) customers. However, retail is a customer service industry and they will want to see that you are able to remain calm and deal with the complaint according to standard protocol.

Again, this is all about establishing the importance that you place on customer service. It may also be an opportunity for you to show how you used your initiative and went the extra mile to help a customer.

With retail, there is sometimes a balance between coming across as good enough for the job, on the one hand, and not being seen as too qualified on the other hand. Many good candidates are rejected, in retail, because the employer thinks they will not stay in the job for any length of time. Think, therefore, about the role that you are applying for and how best to convince them that you are keen on getting the job.

You probably do not want to be brutally honest in answering this question. 'I'm dreadful at time management' or 'I have anger management issues' are not advisable, especially if you are dealing directly with customers! Similarly, 'I don't think I have any weaknesses' suggests that you are not being honest, or lack self-awareness. What should you say then? There is no doubt that this can be a difficult question to answer. A common response is to take a weakness that some people might not regard as a weakness, and provide examples of what you have done to work on it.

A particularly relevant question for a retail job, given that retail staff often does not stay in one job for their whole career. The key with this question is to focus on the positive reasons for wanting to take on this new job, rather than any negatives over the previous job. Of course, there may be valid reasons why you need to change job such as your spouse has been re-located to another city.

This can be a question, which people find uncomfortable to answer, as many are uncomfortable selling themselves so directly. Try to highlight examples of what you have done in previous jobs. By focusing on these rather than just saying 'I'm a good team player', then it should not feel so hard!

Depending on the role, you might want to ask questions about career progression, opportunities, what type of tills or security system they use.

I hope that by putting a bit of effort into your preparation, you will come across really well in your interview and land that job.