The interview process is cumbersome for both candidates and interviewers.
That is because the need for perfection is high on both sides – and so are our expectations.
Interviewers tend to ask the most difficult questions so that they can check the mettle of the candidates.
And candidates usually get intimidated and provide wrong or incoherent answers.
However, this can be avoided with little research and preparation.
If you are appearing for a Shop Assistant interview, make sure you have researched the company so that any related questions can be answered intelligently.
You will also need to ensure that you know the details of the shop management.
Related: Shop Assistant Resume
Shop Assistant Interview Questions and Answers
1. What are the key tasks of a shop assistant?
A shop assistant maintains the stock in shelves, remains updated regarding product details and pricing, greets customers, assists them in decision making, and maintains inventory levels.
2. What qualifies you for this position?
I am a customer service-oriented and highly experienced individual who has excellent record-keeping skills. I also have an unbeaten track record of enhancing the outlook of display areas.
3. What did you dislike at your previous job?
I like the challenge. The Job was excellent, but too easy since they sold a single product at a fixed price, there wasn’t much challenge and thrill in it.
4. What makes you the best candidate for a shop assistant position?
My core strength lies in meeting and exceeding periodic sales targets. I can effectively handle sales staff schedules, shop displays, and accounting procedures efficiently and possess the capability of carrying out marketing activities to increase the shop’s existence in the market.
5. What have you done in the previous job that has contributed to your knowledge as a shop assistant?
I enrolled myself in an after-hours management program spanning six months so that I could learn the intricate details of shop management. At the end of those six months, I was presented with a diploma in management studies, and I now have significant insight into managing the daily operations and problems associated with handling work inside a shop.
6. What cash handling experience have you had so far?
I have hands-on experience in collecting cash, checks and performing credit card transactions. I am also well versed in operating and handling the POS system, cash registers, and cash tills.
7. Tell me one of your significant accomplishment or contribution to the role?
At the first shop I joined, they had no merchandise tracking system. I introduced an online inventory system that kept track of merchandise about to be short and enabled timely replenishing of shelves.
8. How do you deal with customers who are just not willing to wait for their turn?
In such scenarios, I usually give them some relevant pamphlets, promotional materials, or product comparisons to reading as they wait for their turn or ask them politely to wait for their turn.
9. The tasks of a shop assistant are repetitive. How would you keep yourself motivated for the same work every day?
The core tasks might be repetitive, but it involves dealing with different customers every day, which in itself is a very diverse experience and counters the monotony of work.
10. What is the critical factor in selling a product? Price, specifications, value, or marketing?
Definitely Marketing! The customer is usually not able to judge the specifications in detail or to reflect on price against value until he or she uses the product, so product promotion in the target market is the crucial factor in selling anything.
11. If I came to the shop and bought two items, one worth 5.3$ value and the other worth 8.3$ and gave you a 20$ bill, what would be the change you’ll give me?
I shall return you 6.4 dollars along with the receipt.
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