10 Questions To Ask In A Retail Job Interview

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The retail sales industry is one of Canada’s largest, employing more than 2.1 million Canadians. These job roles can provide good opportunities for jobseekers, and help retail employers meet the needs of their customers. Given the effect on the COVID-19 pandemic on recruitment and the retail industry, it is more important than ever to build trust and respect between jobseekers and employers. There are 10 questions to ask in a retail job interview which provide jobseekers and employers with important information, establish a professional relationship based on honesty, and help both parties decide if this is the right job opportunity.

10 Questions To Ask In A Retail Job Interview

1. What Is Your Availability?
2. Do you have previous leadership or supervisory experience?
3. What is your history with customer service?
4. Are you aware of and comfortable with the physical demands of the job role?
5. Can you describe a stressful professional situation and how you handled it?
6. Did any current permanent employees begin in seasonal roles?
7. Are you prepared to pay overtime and holiday wage rates?
8. What is the policy regarding last minute shifts?
9. Have you hired enough staff to meet customer demand?
10. What precautions have you taken to ensure employee health and safety?

Questions To Ask Jobseekers

What Is Your Availability?

This is a very basic question, but it is an important one nonetheless. Retail shifts are often not like typical 9-5 office jobs, with shifts happening in the morning, afternoon, evening and even overnight. It is always a good idea to establish availability and shift preferences right away. Many people have set schedules outside of the workplace, involving family and personal obligations, and may only be available during certain periods. People also have different sleeping cycles, and know that they work better at different times of the day. Knowing that someone is a morning person will make it easier to schedule them for an opening shift and leave closing the retail location to night owls.

Do you have previous leadership or supervisory experience?

Leadership is one of the most valuable assets and traits that employees can possess. This extends to those who are not officially employed in a supervisory or managerial role. Retail jobs can require decisive thinking and problem solving abilities, and people who are willing to step up and make decisions will excel in the role. Employers should identify people who have previous leadership experience when conducting a retail job interview as they will absolutely make the team stronger.

What is your history with customer service?

Retail sales jobs are all about customer service. Customers come in looking for specific products, and employees must be prepared to help them find what they need. Customer service skills are not something that comes naturally to every person. Some people tend to be more introverted than others, and need more experience developing communication skills. There is nothing wrong with having a more introverted personality, but for retail jobs in particular it is important to establish that a potential employee will be comfortable interacting with customers. A history of customer service is beneficial, but should not be considered an absolute necessity especially for entry level positions.

Are you aware of and comfortable with the physical demands of the job role?

The retail sales industry is very physically demanding. Employees are expected to stand and walk for long periods, lift and stock heavy items, and move in a variety of ways over the length of their shift. Employers should be prepared to spell out exactly what the physical demands of the job role will be, such as climbing ladders or frequent squatting, and what guidelines and protocols are in place to ensure this is performed safely. This allows jobseekers to make the right decision for their physical health.

Can you describe a stressful professional situation and how you handled it?

Retail jobs can be very stressful. It requires the ability to interact with people, solve problems and adapt on the go to any challenge that may arise. Retail jobs are not for everyone, and it’s important to establish that jobseekers understand the stress involved in the job and are prepared to handle it. Asking for specific examples of stressful situations during a retail job interview will let you know that job applicants have the skills and experience to address stressful situations successfully without negatively impacting the customer or their own well-being.

Questions To Ask Employers

Did any current permanent employees begin in seasonal roles?

Seasonal job roles can be a good opportunity for people who already have full or part-time employment and wish to supplement their income. Many jobseekers, it’s important to note, are also looking for permanent job opportunities that will continue beyond the weeks leading up to the new year. By asking about the possibility of seasonal positions transitioning to permanent positions during a retail job interview, it can help to judge the long-term benefits of accepting the job. If there are current employees who began working in seasonal positions, it is proof that the company is open to hiring the right candidates for full or part-time roles.

Are you prepared to pay overtime and holiday wage rates?

There are legal rates governing overtime and holiday wages which businesses are legally required to pay their employees. In Ontario, for example, once an employee has worked 44 hours in a single week they are entitled to overtime pay regardless of their status as a full or part-time employee. Additionally, employees who work on statutory holidays such as Christmas Day and Boxing Day are automatically entitled to this increased wage rate on these days. This overtime pay is equal to 1.5x their regular hourly rate, and is also known as “time and a half”. Retail jobs, especially those that are seasonal, can have flexible working hours in order to meet staffing needs. Jobseekers should establish that if workers are asked to work extra hours which then qualify them for overtime or stat holiday pay, the retail business owners acknowledge their legal obligation to pay these rates. 

What is the policy regarding last minute shifts?

While it is important for a potential employee’s availability to be discussed beforehand, as mentioned above, it is almost inevitable that there will be last minute shift changes and adjustments. People get sick or have emergencies that must be dealt with, and managers and supervisors will reach out to other employees to feel this gap. Employees should never feel pressured into accepting last minute shifts, especially if it falls into a period when they have established their unavailability. Asking this question during a retail job interview establishes that an employer has a plan for filling last minute shifts and will not rely on pressuring employees into sacrificing their personal time and work-life balance in order to rush back into work.

Have you hired enough staff to meet customer demand?

Customer service is at the core of all retail jobs, regardless of the season or time of year. What does change depending on the season is the level of demand due to the sheer number of customers. It is important that business owners recognize that staffing needs to reflect the different amounts of customer interaction which will take place throughout the year. If you are considering taking a role at a store specializing in outdoor gear just before the spring or a seasonal job at the start of the winter holiday season, it is a good idea to ask employers if they have planned for the increased number of customers who will need service. This is a sign that employers are committed to avoid overwork which can quickly lead to burnout.

What precautions have you taken to ensure employee health and safety?

When people imagine a dangerous job, they probably imagine miners, construction workers and other similar roles. It would surprise people to know that workers in the retail industry have higher rates of injury than those who work in manufacturing, construction, and the mining and oil industry. Employers should recognize the physical risks which are present in retail jobs, and applicants should check that measures are in place to prevent injuries and dangerous situations. Steps employers can take include a firm Health and Safety Policy, proper workplace safety training, acknowledging the right of employees to refuse to perform dangerous work and commitment to upholding all mandated COVID-19 safety protocols.

Retail jobs can provide good opportunities for jobseekers who are looking for a role which requires salesmanship, customer service and communication skills. Seasonal jobs are also good opportunities for people to earn extra income, gain experience and possibly find permanent employment once the seasonal period has ended. By understanding 10 questions to ask in a retail job interview, jobseekers and employers will have a better understanding of their requirements, goals and needs. This will work to create a base of understanding, trust and cooperation that will lead to a better retail work environment for all.