Founded in 1956 in Beverly, Massachusetts, by Alfred Marshall, Marshalls has risen to become one of the largest American chains of off-price department stores. These stores are owned by TJX company and have clicked 1000 in different locations.
If you are interested in working with Marshalls, we are here to help. We will cover some of the most common questions asked in Marshall interviews to increase your chances of landing the job you are eyeing. Take note that you also have to work on other aspects of your interview, such as grooming and confidence in answering questions. Take a look at the following questions:
Know Some Facts About Marshalls
Knowing some basic facts about Marshalls is essential as some questions will try and test your research and preparation skills. Make sure you have general information about the company, such as knowing when the company started, its location, and other essential information.
Marshall’s Dress Code
When deciding what to wear for the interview, emulate the staff’s dress code as much as possible. Please get to know the company’s dress code on a day-to-day basis. Generally, formal dressing is the best option when attending an interview. Select darker colors and dress in business casual clothing if you are applying for an entry-level position. Choose smart business attire if applying for a managerial or supervisory role.
Marshalls Hiring Procedure
Marshalls’ hiring process begins when you fill out and send an application form. Once your application reaches them, the hiring manager reaches out for a phone interview. If you meet the qualifications, they will organize a face-to-face interview. If you meet their specifications and pass the interview, they will hire you and immediately schedule an orientation for you.
As soon as you send an application to Marshall’s, it would be best if you prepared to convincingly answer questions in a way that will impress your recruiters. Below are sample questions and tips on how best to frame your responses.
1. Why Do You Want To Work At Marshall’s?
Thanks to your amazing catalog, I am one of your most loyal customers. You have some of the best furniture, lighting equipment, and clothing brands retailing at thrilling prices. It would be a great honor to work at any of your establishments. I am also interested in meeting a new team and overcoming new challenges that will help in my career, which Marshall has been known for years to offer.
2. Why Should We Consider You For This Position?
I believe that my amazing skillset is one of the main reasons you should consider me for this position. I have worked in different retail establishments as a cashier and customer care representative and thus acquired several customers care and cash handling skills. I will ensure that your client base is satisfied and well-catered for at all times. I have also been your loyal customer for twenty years and even marketed you to my friends, which I believe is a plus.
3. What Do We Sell?
I have been your customer for some time now and know most of your offerings. First, you offer household products such as furniture, lighting equipment, and bed and bath products. You also stock many men’s clothing and apparel, which I must admit I love. Marshall also offers women’s and general family apparel, which are amazing, just like other products.
4. What Do You Love About Us?
It is well-known that you have some of the best prices for clothes and home products. I have always enjoyed shopping at your stores and referring you to my friends, who, like me, find your store amazing. I also love your top-notch customer service. Your employees treat everyone with respect and care. I have never had a dull shopping experience here.
5. We Value Every Customer. Can You Share With Us Your Customer Care Experience
I have first-hand witnessed how amazing you treat your customers, given that I am a regular shopper. It is what keeps me coming back. I am happy to report that I have extensive customer care experience. I have worked in several retail stores in the United States and Canada and handled diverse customers. I know how to satisfy them with their purchases and keep coming back for more. I am always ready to go above and beyond for customers, which I believe will be handy here.
6. You Have Just Mentioned You Are Always Ready To Go Above And Beyond For Customers. Can You Mention An Experience?
I once had an old customer who couldn’t find what she was looking for since we had changed the store’s arrangement after a survey. Even before walking to me to ask for assistance, I went to her and walked her to the shelf before picking for her what she wanted and carrying it to the cashier. I even helped her call an Uber from her phone, which she highly appreciated. I caught her smile as she waved back, which made me happy.
7. Which Aspect Of This Job Do You Find Fulfilling?
I generally love the retail experience as it allows me to meet many amazing people who are sometimes encouraging. However, the most fulfilling aspect is getting to serve others. I love impacting other people’s daily lives, however small. I feel happy and fulfilled whenever I go above and beyond for someone or help them locate an item. I am willing to help all your customers around the store and ensure they are happy at the end of the day.
8. What Is The Main Challenge That You Foresee In This Role?
I have always wanted to work in such an establishment as it would allow me to meet new challenges and better my career. However, I also know that I would have to adjust given that I haven’t worked in such a large establishment. On the bright side, I am appreciative and receptive to change, which will greatly help me. I am also hardworking and diligent, which makes me believe I will adjust fast and conquer given a chance.
9. How Do You React To Feedback?
Every sales assistant expects feedback from the customers. Even though the feedback is mostly good, one should also prepare for negative or ‘harsh’ comments. I have learned not to take anything personally but instead focus on making changes, however small, to better my career and the way I handle customers. I also normally ask them to tell me how I can serve them better, which has been increasingly helpful. Feedback has helped me be better at this job, which I appreciate.
10. How Would You Deal With An Angry Client?
For transparency and competence, I would first get to the bottom by asking the customer to share their concern. In my previous role in an IT company in the customer care department, I encountered a client who was upset because the e-commerce website they had requested did not turn out as they had hoped.
Despite sharing their instructions and preferences, the IT staff failed to grasp the customer’s instructions and came up with something slightly different. The outcome upset the client so much that he started shouting and scolding everyone. I took the initiative to calm him down and assured him that we would fix the problem.
We went over each page together, and I could note all the changes they wanted. I tried to be calm while documenting all the changes needed. I convened a meeting with the IT department staff. Together we redesigned the website as per the client’s specifications making the necessary adjustments. After several days, we came up with a new design that thrilled the client on seeing the final design. From then on, he remained loyal to our company and even referred some of his associates to us.
11. How Do You Know That A Customer Is Contented?
Knowing that a customer is content is not a hard affair. Such customers will either whisper a thank you or register their pleasure on their faces. Whenever a customer’s face beams with pleasure after getting the help they deserve, they are pleased. I am glad I have always had amazing feedback from my customers, who even greet me whenever they return to the retail establishments. It’s always a must for me to please my customers.
12. Do You Consider Yourself A Good Salesperson?
Yes. I believe that I am one of the best salespersons around. I have managed to meet and even exceed most of the sales targets I have had in my career life, which assures me of my prowess in this field. I know how to interact well with customers and win them over. Most of the time, I create loyal customers, judging from the number of purchases they make afterward. I am confident that I will do the same in this work if given a chance.
13. What’s Your Worst Retail Experience?
I once dealt with drunk customers in my career, which I believe was my worst retail experience. They got all violent in the establishment, and the police got involved. When the former arrived, the customers refused to arrest and threatened to break the electronics we were selling. It took the police officers ten minutes to pin them down, an experience I never want to relive in my life. Other customers were dumbfounded the entire time, and some even listed our store on review sites, calling it violent and not fit for shopping. I have had other bad ordeals, but it remains the worst.
14. Mention A Time That You Failed In This Role And The Lesson You Learned
I have failed a few times in my career life. However, I am happy that instead of letting such experiences define me, they have made me better. As a retail sales manager, I once failed to check up constantly on the team, leading to poor results and non-meeting targets. I was too engrossed with other duties that I failed to perform routine check-ups. However, I salvaged the situation in the end through hard work and increased team motivation. Even though only a few people in management noticed, I knew that things would have been better had I begun being thorough early enough. This experience taught me to take all my duties seriously.
15. How Do You Handle Situations Where You Have To Work Under Intense Pressure?
Immediately after graduating from college, I got a job in a manufacturing firm. My supervisor assigned me a last-minute project with a short turnaround time in one of my assignments. Since I was a recruit, I had a lot to prove and was under pressure due to my inexperience.
Before beginning, I took the time to outline a schedule and map out a workable strategy. As I got to work, I kept in touch with the manager, constantly communicating my progress and enquiring and getting clarifications to ensure I was on the right track. Keeping the lines of communication open helped me get much-needed assistance whenever I got stuck. Despite the short time frame, I could meet the deadline and complete the task accurately. That client was very appreciative and became a loyal repeat shopper.
16. Comment About Your Availability
I am happy to report that I do not have any engagements making me busy at the moment, meaning that I am available for this job from tomorrow. I cleared from my former workplace a week ago and have been actively looking for a job. I will be willing to take up this role anytime and work hard for the betterment of this establishment. I am confident that I will make a positive impact here.
17. Can We Rely On You?
Having worked in such retail businesses before, I understand that you need an employee base that you can rely on, owing to everything that takes place here. I am glad that I am reliable, an attribute that my former colleagues and employer enjoyed about me. I’ll report to work early, carry out all my roles diligently and ensure that I am constantly productive throughout the day. You can also trust me to meet this organization’s targets and push others toward reaching their potential.
18. Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?
I left my last job in search of new challenges and for career advancement purposes. After staying in the same role for over five years, I found it wise to try something else to avoid the looming comfort zone. Therefore, I chose to leave and give someone a chance also to learn all the valuable lessons I did while working for them. I am confident that this job will allow me to meet new challenges and workmates and advance in my career, given that this entity greatly believes in career advancement.
19. What’s Your Ideal Workplace?
I believe that I can work anywhere as long as the management is supportive. I want to feel motivated, heard and valued, which can only happen with supportive management. I also enjoy working in establishments that enjoy and support teamwork. This method of work enhances creativity and generally makes a workplace more productive. I am happy that this establishment fancies productivity. I am sure I will not feel out of place or have reservations if and when I get this role.
20. What’s Your Take On Employee Theft?
As a sales manager, I have dealt with multiple cases of employee theft. My philosophy remains the same- no one should steal from the company and walk scot-free, so I normally ensure that those who steal from the store are dealt with accordingly and as stipulated by the workplace policy. Employees must be disciplined and learn to work hard for their share instead of collaborating with those handling inventory to steal or blatantly take from the company. Your establishment is lauded for disciplined and law-abiding employees; therefore, I am sure this will not be a problem here.
21. How Do You Intend To Blend In With Your New Team?
I have never encountered a problem blending into a new team or setting. At the start of my career, I consciously decided to invest heavily in my interpersonal and people skills, which has born great fruits. I know how to build a rapport with people in new settings without sounding corny or appearing like I am pushing it too far. I also ensure that I am productive as early as possible to avoid instances of people feeling that I am draining them or taking advantage of their effort. I will thrive here if given a chance.
22. How Would You Handle A Difficult Customer?
Success in this field requires one to appreciate all types of customers, which I am prepared to do. I have had the chance to handle an array of customers, some different, others angry, and a good number disappointed. However, I always believe that everyone deserves empathy and a chance to be listened to and their concerns acted upon. Therefore, I give difficult customers time to vent out and, depending on their issues, find a way of helping them. Most of the time, they need to be dealt with politely.
23. How Will You Motivate Your Team?
I know the importance of team motivation since I have felt it many times in my career, so I normally work hard to ensure that any team I am dealing with or part of is always motivated. Fortunately, team motivation is not as complicated as people think. You only need to make your team members feel listened to and valued and lead by example to have a highly motivated team. Motivation also requires that employees are given all the tools and resources they need to succeed.
24. How Would You Handle A Conflict With Another Employee?
From time to time, there are bound to be disagreements in the workplace. But, the issue isn’t the disagreement but how you choose to handle it.
In one of my roles as a junior staff member, I confronted my supervisor because I missed a deadline and wanted an extension on a project I was handling. The problem arose from overscheduling issues caused by the human resource department. I had multiple meetings that took most of my time and kept me away from completing this task. I had to dedicate my lunch hour and free time to the project, but it was just not enough.
I had to sit my supervisor down and explain why I needed the additional time. I shared my progress and what I had left to finish, and how much time I would need. To this, he was more receptive and agreed to give me an extension on the task. I could dedicate time and complete the task by adhering to the highest quality standards, which greatly impressed the customer upon seeing the final product.
25. Are You A Team Player?
Yes. I am a team player, which I believe is one of my greatest attributes. I know how to fit in team settings and work together with others for the realization of different targets and set objectives. I can also inspire and motivate all my team members to be good at their work, which has helped me in this career. I am confident I will fit well into your team and positively impact this workplace.
26. How Do You Handle Confidential Files?
From my experience working with different departments, I have learned to handle confidential information discreetly and only share it with relevant individuals. For instance, in my last role as a supervisor, I only shared documents with employees or stakeholders that needed the information for work-related projects. When sending a file to multiple emails, I secure the documents using passwords or give access rights to only specific staff members. Any sensitive documents appearing on a shared computer must have password attachments.
27. Who Is Your Role Model and Why?
My most outstanding role model is my mother. As a single mother of three, I witnessed her work hard and overcame insurmountable hurdles to be a successful chef. She raised the three of us single-handedly, making sure we lacked nothing. She also instilled values of hard work and discipline in me and my siblings, and because of her influence, I could complete school at the top of my class.
28. What Does a Quality Product or Service Mean to You?
I believe quality is doing more than expected and maintaining high standards in everything I do. It means going the extra mile that others find uncomfortable or unnecessary. Giving my best is important as it’s the best way to market a product. It leads to fantastic reviews and favorable word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers who will become repeat customers and refer their acquaintances.
From previous experience, I would always follow up on customer concerns. In one instance, I helped a stranded customer complete an online transaction that consumed considerable time. I gave her my undivided attention until the transaction successfully ended. She was so grateful that she became our biggest customer. She also referred family and friends to us.
29. How Do You Handle Multiple Tasks?
Though multi-tasking can be demanding, I am at my best when handling several tasks simultaneously. I tend to dwell on a solution that takes too much time to tackle a single assignment. When managing multiple jobs, I focus on the best course of action and immediately find a solution. I am more productive and able to accomplish more within a shorter time.
30. Give An Instance Where You Had To Set Goals And Were Able To Achieve Them?
In a past role as a sales representative, my goal was to improve my skills and be more productive. My objective was to increase sales while utilizing my time more productively. With discipline and effort, I raised my sales by 10%, which improved the overall profits for the company. I also devised ways of spending less time doing more work. I achieved this by utilizing technology and modern software, which have been helpful.
31. What Are Your Long-Term Goals?
My long-term goal is to manage a department store at one of the Marshall branches within the country. I hope to realize this by starting at an entry-level position where I hope to learn more about the business. After a year, I hope to rise through the ranks and manage a small team which will help me develop my leadership skills and give me the needed experience to be considered for promotion.
I know that opportunity always meets preparation, so I intend to adequately equip myself by enrolling in additional courses and workshops that will help sharpen my skills. I also plan to take management courses shortly, which will give me a good chance of getting a managerial position. Your company is well organized, and I know it is the ideal place to achieve my goals.
32. What Is Your Viewpoint Towards Work?
Since my role demands that I work quickly to ensure deliveries get to customers on time, I have to put in a lot of effort and dedication to meet deadlines. Apart from speed, I must treat each package professionally to guarantee quality and prompt delivery. Whether clearing stock, or scheduling appointments with suppliers, I always dedicate my full attention to my responsibilities at work. Every task is unique, so I approach every situation with an open mind and consider it an opportunity to learn and grow.
33. Describe A Situation When You Erred At Work And How You Resolved It?
Once while working as a new manager, I became too eager to make a lasting impression by taking up more work than I could handle. Because of this, I constantly felt overwhelmed and tense throughout the day. Things kept moving from bad to worse as it impacted my health. I discussed the matter with my mentor, who advised me to delegate more tasks to my team, which I did. Work processes improved, saving time while increasing productivity.
My team was thrilled about the new changes, allowing them to exercise their abilities. Some even admitted they were idle and happy to be more productive. It also gave me time to focus on core tasks and other responsibilities.
34. What’s Your Response When Given A Task Beyond Your Capabilities?
When I know I don’t have adequate skills to complete an assignment, I first examine it and determine the aspects I can achieve. Then, I look to colleagues with more experience for guidance. If I struggle to complete the task, I discuss it with my boss to delegate it to someone with more experience. Delegation helps prevent stagnation which affects the team’s workflow processes. From there, I commit to educating myself through learning resources to empower me to complete a similar task in the future.
35. Describe An Instance Where You Felt Like Giving Up But Chose Otherwise?
Soon after graduating, I got my first job in an IT firm. My responsibilities were overwhelming as I was green and lacked the adequate skills to complete tasks effectively. Everyone in my department had their share of work, and no one could dedicate themselves to guiding me.
I became so frustrated and often wrote resignation letters but had no guts to hand them over to my supervisor. I approached my mentor, whose advice helped me put everything in perspective. I enrolled in an online evening class where I self-taught on areas where I was weakest. While the task took me longer to complete, it was a success, and the client was delighted with the outcome. That experience helped me develop resilience and vowed never to give up no matter the challenges I face at work.
26. What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job?
Working in a team has always brought out the best in me, and I believe this role demands working in a group. Having held a managerial position has enabled me to study personalities and place individuals in situations where they can excel as per their skills and experience.
37. Why Should We Hire You?
I have the expertise and adequate experience listed in the job description. I believe I can effectively handle this role which will positively impact your company. Apart from my professional background, I have a passion for the industry which drives me to succeed in any position I undertake.
38. What Is This Role’s Most Significant Setback, And How Will You Overcome It?
Ecommerce strategies are gradually evolving, and sometimes it becomes challenging to keep up. I intend to tackle this by staying abreast with the latest approach through online courses, subscribing to relevant newsletters, and attending seminars and industry-related workshops. Networking and collaborating with experts in this field will empower me to utilize the latest technology in our business processes.
39. How Do You Determine An Ideal Management Style?
I believe delegating tasks and responsibilities within a team is the best way each person can own a project while eliminating laxity within the group. It also helps team members to thrive in their best skills and improve in weaker areas.
40. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job For A New One?
I am searching for growth opportunities. Having worked in an entry-level position for two years, I feel it’s time to move to the next level as I have adequately prepared myself academically and in my skill-set.
41. How Do You Prioritize Tasks?
Before handling any tasks, I first highlight and outline every activity. I then draft a to-do list where I highlight urgent matters first. I plan my weekly duties to know which tasks need my immediate attention. I also have a checklist where I delegate responsibilities to relevant team members, ensuring we meet all our laid-out targets.
42. How Would Your Colleagues Describe You?
My colleagues label me a born leader. I often take charge of projects and initiate communication between departments to ensure work flows seamlessly.
43. How Do You Balance Work And Family?
I have learned to minimize distractions and focus on my work whenever I am at work. Setting and achieving deadlines helps me be more productive at work and eliminates the need to carry work home frequently. When work is too much, and I have to work late, I always compensate for family time during my off days.
44. How Do You Handle Defeat?
First, I accept that I have weaknesses and can’t be good at everything. However, I strive to improve in areas where I am weak by collaborating with experienced colleagues or enrolling in classes to improve. If it’s a mistake on my part that led to the defeat, I analyze the situation, draw lessons from it and commit to doing better in the future.
Conclusion
These are some common questions you will likely be asked in your upcoming interview. Ensure you prepare adequately and know what to expect to increase your chances of landing the job. Remember also to groom well. You have got this, and we wish you all the best!
