Stock clerks make sure that merchandise is properly moved around and managed within a department or grocery store.
When hiring managers to interview people for this position, they see if the applicant knows the work, and can handle the stress associated with it.
Hence, the interview process will include questions to determine the individual’s knowledge of stock management, and their ability to handle different situations within a busy retail environment.
During the interview process for a stock clerk position, an applicant will be asked about their ability to perform full-scale inventory assessments and provide high-quality customer services.
Knowledge of accurately maintaining the company database as it relates to stock and inventory items will also be tested during the interview.
Some questions that you may encounter during a stock clerk interview are provided here:
Stock Clerk Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I began working as a stock intern about 2 years ago. After 6 months on the job, I was asked to work as a stock clerk, and that is what I have been doing since then. The work keeps me busy, and I enjoy it immensely.
2. What duties have you performed in the role of a stock clerk?
During the time that I have worked as a stock clerk, I have been actively receiving and unpacking merchandise, marking items with prices, and stocking shelves. In addition, I have been busy assisting customers by transferring large items to their vehicles, or to cash counters. Also, my work involves counting and storing items to help maintain accurate inventory, and keeping detailed records of merchandise.
3. What skills do you have to offer to us?
I am a highly organized individual, who possesses in-depth knowledge of recording inventory data both manually, and electronically. Efficiently receiving, counting, and verifying incoming orders is also an area of strength. Apart from this, I am highly skilled in packing and unpacking items for storage, and operating machines to help move stock items.
4. What do you like most about your work?
I thrive when I can work in a capacity that allows physical mobility. Since working as a stock clerk means that you have to be on your feet most of the day, I love working in this role.
5. What do you dislike about your work?
I wouldn’t say that I dislike anything about my work. However, slow workdays aren’t something that I am very fond of.
6. How do you handle work-related stress?
I take frequent mental and physical breaks to ensure that stress does not bother me too much. In fact, I hardly ever feel the burden of stress since I know how to manage it.
7. What is the one main skill that you feel a store clerk should possess?
I feel that organizational skills are imperative to successfully working as a store clerk.
8. How do you handle adversity at the workplace?
Where I work, there are many other stock clerks. Adversity is a given. When such an incident happens, I make sure that I concentrate on the positives, and not dwell on negativity.
9. What is your greater strength?
My main strength is my ability to go the extra mile when work demands it.
10. What is your greatest weakness?
I have overcome many weaknesses since the time I began working. One thing that I am working on now is feeling down when something negative happens. Since I am generally a positive individual, this feeling demotivates me.
11. What is your customer service experience?
I have a solid customer service experience, where I have been in contact with customers to help them locate merchandise. Delivering chosen items to customers’ vehicles, or to the cash counter is also something that I have good exposure to.
12. In your opinion, how important is customer services?
Customer services are exceptionally important as customers are a company’s main asset.
13. Tell me of a time when you accomplished something great.
The retail store that I am working for was once short-staffed, and I was asked to fill in for a sales representative. Even though I had never worked at this position before, I managed to handle the work perfectly – I made a sale worth $5000 and received great praise for my immediate boss, and the sales manager.
14. Recount a time when you did something by going the extra mile.
I was once asked to handle a large shipment, which was the work of 4 stock clerks. Since I was the only one on the shift, it was my responsibility to ensure that the work was done. After 2 back to back shifts, I managed to stock items from the shipment successfully.
15. What do you like to do outside of work?
I love painting. It has been my passion to paint on canvas since I was a teenager.
16. What would you do if a coworker got angry with you?
Even though I am an easygoing person, one cannot control other people’s reactions. If a coworker got angry with me, I would make sure that I ask them what triggered it, and would then try to resolve the issue as best as I can.
17. Do you like working in a team environment, or independently?
Working as a stock clerk requires working in a team environment. I love working in a team environment where needed, and independently when the work requires me to.
18. Why do you want to work for our retail store specifically?
It has always been my dream to work for a well-organized retail environment. Since I feel that yours is not only well-organized but also boasts a solid management system, I want to work for you.
19. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
My 5-year plan is to work as a merchandiser, overseeing the work of stock clerks.
20. If we hire you, when can you join us?
If I am hired, I can join as soon as my present employer lets me go.
21. Do you have any questions for me?
Yes. I am interested in finding out more about the tools and resources you use to handle stock moving work.