Sales Associate Interview Preparation Guide

Download PDF

Main task of an assistant is to interact with customers around the store. The assistant answers any queries they might have, locates products on the shelves and explains how to use the products for best results. The goal is to try to make the customer's experience in the store as easy and efficient as possible.

If you can say yes on any level, discuss any such experience, even if you only trained a few persons to perform basic tasks. Do not exaggerate, but be confident and precise. Any training you were involved with serves to demonstrate good managerial skills.

A thorough understanding of the products, including how they work, the differences between them and how they are cataloged is crucial. At the same time one must be able to interact with customers in a friendly and efficient manner. Good memory, quick thinking, basic math, and customer-oriented communication skills are among the most important qualities.

Sales assistant has experience keeping the shelves stocked with products at all times. Assistants do not typically order merchandise themselves. But they scan inventories and catalogs continuously and inform senior personnel when stocks are low.

Sales assistants keep the counters stocked, orderly, and clean. They put price tags where necessary. They can usually also arrange products on the shelves in such a way as to promote sales. In addition, they might create special signs which make products easier to find and promote sales as well.

I have been always fascinated by the buzz of a retail environment. There is so much that is going on and it is this busy bee nature of the work that drove me to choose retail as my choice of career. I enjoy working with people and I am good at endorsing products.

The retail world poses many problematic situations at times. It is not always easy to please customers and keep within the limitations set by the company. While servicing a customer, I was propositioned for a certain amount in dollars if I could unveil my company's pricing strategy. The customer was actually a spy competitor. I figured this much out and politely told him that I am not at a liberty to answer his question. I offered him a discount on the washing machine he was looking at and politely turned him away. He was almost screaming obscenities at me!

Always begin by apologizing that the product did not turn out what they expected it to be. Then, if the item is returnable I process a refund otherwise I politely explain the policy to the clients and am usually able to calm them down.

I possess all skills and abilities your job advertisement states plus I have extensive experience in the retail and customer service arena.

Tip: Do not give any negative comments regrading previous employer.
Due to my family relocation at San Diego, I was unable to continue my job.

Last holiday season the staff was short and it happened that I had five clients waiting in a queue to be attended and the lady standing foremost was taking too much time in deciding. I did not panic, what I did was I explained the product details to her patiently and suggested appropriate products for her skin type. Still she wasn't able to make her mind so I handed her a catalog to study while I attended other customers.

Any sales assistant has experience keeping the shelves stocked with products at all times. Assistants do not typically order merchandise themselves. But they scan inventories and catalogs continuously and inform senior personnel when stocks are low.

My exceptional interpersonal skills, convincing power, and ability to create effectual displays make me an ideal candidate for this job.

I am generally okay with any work schedule and am willing to do extra shifts as and when needed.

I love the challenge of understanding and catering for the client's needs in retails.

I am a people's oriented person, multilingual and great negotiator.

Yes, I am very well versed in point of sales system and retail software.

I am aware that you deal in technology and electronics ranging from small items like mobile phones, irons to massive items like 3D televisions. You also provide home electrician and electronic repair services.

The ability to understand what you are selling and who you are selling to are the two most important things. Complete product knowledge and the ability to relay that information to the customer who wants to buy it is not the easiest of jobs but is necessary in order to be successful as a sales associate. Additionally, I sales associate needs to be very focused on delivering quality services and ensuring that any conflict is managed in a professional manner.

While working at Tesco, I was given two targets - the store's sales target and my own. I was expected to meet either the end of six month. Within four months, I had met both by a 100% and awarded an immediate raise!