Old Navy is one of the largest clothing and accessories retail stores in the United States. It has opportunities for several professionals, including customer care jobs and management positions. In case you are attending an Old Navy Interview, these are some of the questions that you should expect:
1. Tell Us about Old Navy
The interviewer is assessing what you know about Old Navy. There are lots of things that you can talk about, including their products, accessories, management, year of formation and work culture, among many others. Just make sure that whatever you mention is factual, and you’ll be good to go. Remember, this is the only way the interviewer will know that you have been interested in this organization.
Sample Answer
Old Navy is a clothing and retail store with headquarters in San Francisco, California. It opened its first store in Colma and has grown over time to owning over 1100 stores. It first entered Canada in 2001. ( Mention as much information as you can. You can also add that its parent company is The Gap)
2. Why Do You Want to Work For Us?
Why do you want to work for Old Navy? This is a chance to convince the interviewer that you have good intentions. Mention your interests, skills and some of the contributions you intend to the workplace if given an opportunity. Remember, several other qualified candidates are eyeing your role. Be outstanding. You can also find something praiseworthy about the organization and mention it to the interviewer.
Sample Answer
I am passionate about fashion and clothing. Since this is one of the biggest clothing and retail stores in the US and its environs, I will get the chance to pursue my interest as it will bring me closer to the source. I am also planning to have my fashion line in future, and therefore, working here will help me learn about a few dynamics.
3. Why Should We Hire You?
Even though this is a common question in interviews, the wrong answer can disqualify you. It would be best if you treated it as a chance to sell yourself and convince the interviewer that you deserve the job. This is where you tower over your competitors. Mention some of the relevant positive attributes, skills and qualities that you possess.
Sample Answer
This is my tenth year in customer service. I know how to deal with a wide range of clients, which will help me value your customers. I am also passionate about fashion and clothing and therefore better positioned to help customers in their shopping expeditions. I am optimistic that my services will contribute to value addition in this store.
4. What Hours Can You Work?
The interviewer wants to know about your availability. Are you flexible enough? Will you create time if called upon? Remember, the more flexible you are, the better your chances of landing the job. However, be honest with the interviewer. Do not promise that you will always be available and fail to deliver later.
Sample Answer
I am still in school, where I mostly have morning classes. I will therefore be available in the afternoon and evening only. I can also work over the weekends and during holidays. Also, I only have a few semesters left and will be available full time once I finish school.
5. What Motivates You in this Field?
Every job comes with challenges that can be highly demotivating. You should therefore have a source of motivation or inspiration that keeps you reporting to work every day. Be wise not to mention material reasons, even if your primary motivation is the money that comes with this job. Your reason should be geared towards self or workplace advancement.
Sample Answer
I am mainly motivated by meeting deadlines, targets and goals as well as mentoring others. I also love learning new things and overcoming new challenges. Additionally, I find it highly rewarding working as part of a team and knowing that I can’t fail my teammates because we all rely on one another.
6. Can You Stand for Long Periods?
This is an important question in retail jobs that require you to be on your feet for a long time. Look at the job description and know how to frame your answer. If the job requires you to walk around helping customers, then convince the interviewer that you don’t have a problem standing for longer durations.
Sample Answer
I perfectly understand what the job description requires. I do not have a problem being on my feet for longer durations, given that it was also a requirement in my last job. I usually wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes and stay hydrated throughout the working hours.
7. Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?
You must have encountered this question severally in the interviews you have attended. Your reason will tell the interviewer the type of employee you are. Do you have a valid, positive motivation, or were you forced to resign because of incompetence? Be honest since such information is not hard to come by if the interviewer wants to. Do not also badmouth your previous employer or complain about the commute.
Sample Answer
My last job was incredible. I got to expand my retail experience and learn lots of things. However, I felt that I had outgrown it after five years and wanted new challenges, which I believe this job will offer.
8. Define Excellent Customer Service
Customers are the backbone of any business. No business can be profitable and remain operational if it doesn’t appeal to customers. How you treat customers is therefore crucial if you intend to work in such an establishment. Talk positively about this and convince the interviewer that you will make customers feel like coming back.
Sample Answers
Excellent customer service is being friendly and attending to the needs of the customers. They should meet friendly staff and shouldn’t wait for longer durations during checkout. Customers should leave the establishment looking forward to their subsequent return.
9. Share With Us Your Greatest Weakness
You shouldn’t try to avoid this question. We all have flaws by us being humans. Do not also state a strength as a weakness. Whatever you mention should not also be a deal-breaker. Additionally, include what you are doing to overcome it to show the interviewer that you acknowledge it and are willing to change.
Sample Answer
My greatest weakness is being a loner. I take time to open up to people as I am used to my own company. I also prefer solving things on my own. I may therefore have a problem asking for help. However, I am overcoming this by being part of different social circles that will help me socialize, open up more, and seek help.
10. Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
This question can be challenging to answer since anticipating what the interviewer expects to hear can be difficult. However, we urge you to try as much as possible and align your goals to that of Old Navy. You can also look at the institution’s career progression route and identify a position you would like to hold in the next five years.
Sample Answer
I believe that I have a calling for management, given my love for challenges. I would therefore love to try it out in the next five years. However, I am more focused on gaining experience and necessary skills at the moment, which I believe will come in handy when it’s time to try management.
11. Do You Prefer Working Alone or in a Team?
Old Navy requires you to work with a team of other sales associates, which means less room for independent work. Therefore, you should be a good team player. The hiring manager will always determine whether you can work well with others before giving you the job. You can also choose to include an experience where you succeeded in a group setting.
Sample Answer
I prefer working in team settings because I know how to get along well and interact with others. I also love when other people challenge me to maximize my skills. However, I can also work alone well and deliver if the job demands. (Convince the interviewer that you don’t have a problem with bot approaches)
12. Mention any Experience You Have in Retail
The interviewer wants to know if you have any tangible experience in retail. This is pretty important since it tells the interviewer whether you will be ready to assume your roles as first as possible or need training. It would be best if you were honest about your current skills. You can also mention that you can quickly learn if you have no experience.
Sample Answer
Unfortunately, I don’t have any experience working in retail, partly because I have been in school. However, I am familiar with the required skills given that I have gone through the job description. I am also a first learner and won’t need much time and resources to train.
13. Mention a Time When You Went Above and Beyond for a Customer
One of Old Navy’s core values is to offer excellent customer service to customers. You should therefore expect the interviewer to be interested in how you will handle customers. You need to think about a situation you went above and beyond to meet a customer’s need. Make the interviewer believe that you will boost customer loyalty.
Sample Answer
During a shift at my former workplace, a customer accidentally dropped their doughnuts on the floor. I cleaned up the mess and gave her a free doughnut to make up for the dropped one. My heart warmed up when I saw the smile on her face. She became a repeat customer after that.
14. How Will You Benefit Our Company?
This is also another chance to sell yourself and convince the interviewer that you will be an excellent addition to the workplace. Ensure that you highlight your passion for going all out and meeting goals. Think through your answer and ensure it is detailed since the employer may be looking for someone they want to promote to a higher position.
Sample Answer
I will give my best shot and ensure that every job is done to perfection. I know how to work well with others and deliver excellent results. I have personal goals that push me to work harder and give my all. I hope to take advantage of all the opportunities that this company will bring my way. ( You can also identify a specific thing about Old Navy that you wish to focus on. Just convince the interviewer that you will contribute positively to the workplace.)
15. What Did You Dislike About Your Previous Job?
It would help if you were careful when handling such questions since they will reveal your attitude to the interviewer. Do talk negatively about your former company or store. Avoid badmouthing your former employer or colleagues, or you risk losing the job you are interviewing for. Also, avoid any pinpoint and instead focus on what you want to achieve at Old Navy.
Sample Answer
I loved my former job. I wouldn’t be where I am at the moment if not for it. I had a supportive manager and team of able colleagues. I don’t, therefore, have anything negative to say. However, I left to make a change for proper career growth, which I believe I will achieve here.
16. Do You Often Shop With Us?
You need to be honest with the interviewer and tell them how frequently you shop at Old Navy. You can also mention the attractive sales that keep you coming back. Remember, no famous retail organization will give you a job if you haven’t been their regular customer as it may be translated as disinterest in their products.
Sample Answer
Yes. I usually shop with you monthly since I hate missing your end month great sales. I also frequent your store during holidays and iconic events such as Mother’s Day since it has many gifts. (Whatever answer you choose to give, convince the interviewer that you shop with them frequently)
17. Do You Consider Yourself a Trustworthy Person?
No employer wants someone who can’t be trusted. Working at Old Navy means that the store will be charging you with lots of goods and cash. Therefore, you must be a trustworthy person who can take care of the store’s property and not try to benefit from them. You can choose to give an experience to confirm that you are a trustworthy person.
Sample Answer
I am a trustworthy person. I pride myself on the fact that people can trust me and feel safe around me. I know what is vested in my hands in this management role and will work tirelessly to protect them and deliver excellent results if given this job.
18. What Is Your Take on Shoplifting?
Shoplifting is a menace in the retail industry. There are several reports of people leaving the store with goods they haven’t paid for this costing these establishments millions of dollars. You need to have a firm stand against this menace and convince the interviewer that you will tirelessly work to prevent it. Remember, an unsaid task when working at Old Navy is guarding the merchandise on sale.
Sample Answer
I strongly oppose shoplifting. I normally implore sales associates and customer care attendants to be on the lookout for any shoplifting activities that may occur. I believe that everyone should pay for the store’s goods regardless of their financial standing or condition. I usually let shoplifters face the full wrath of the law if I catch them.
19. Mention Your Favorite Stores Where You Shop
This question will help the interviewer determine if you enjoy going to retail stores. However, be careful. Do not mention any of Old Navy’s competitors. You can list stores that deal with home goods, sporting merchandise or big stores that do not threaten Old Navy. You can also choose to mention Old Navy’s affiliated brands.
Sample Answer
I love shipping. I particularly enjoy sourcing hods at Target and Walmart. I also shop at the Banana Republic, which happens to be your affiliate.
20. Do You Know Our Competitors?
The interviewer wants to know if you understand the market dynamics surrounding the interviewing company. Take some time and learn more about Old Navy and its competitors. Also, make sure that you only mention the worthy ones. Focus on the organisations that give this entity a run for its money, and you will be fine.
Sample Answer
You have a competitive advantage over several similar retail companies and therefore have a few competitors. The main ones include Uniqlo, J. Crew, Kohl’s and Victoria’s Secret.
Conclusion
We have come to the end of our article. These 20 questions should help you pass your Old Navy Interview and get the position you are anticipating. Make sure that you answer the questions confidently and give an excellent first impression.
