Interview Guide – Retail Manager
Before the interview:
Room set up:
- Make sure you have organised a quiet and professional location.
- Make sure you will have no interruptions.
- Turn your mobile phone off.
- Pre-read the applicants resume.
- Have a printed copy of their resume in front of you.
- Print this document off.
Applicants name
Date of Interview
1. What were you responsibilities in your most recent role?
2. What do you know about our business and what interests you in this role?
3. What did you like most about your last/current role?
4. Is there anything you would like to change or have changed in your last/current role?
5. What extra training or development activities have you are undertaken or are undertaking currently?
6. Service. In this role, customer service is vital. What does customer service mean to you?
7. Service. Can you give an example of when you have given, or been given outstanding service?
8. Financial. In this role, you will have involvement in the financial operations of the business. Can you tell me
how much experience you have in this arena? Give some examples of your understanding of the financial aspects
of the business.
9. Financial. Can you explain what you would do to improve the number of transactions a business has, and
what initiatives you have or would undertake to drive GP%.
10. Management. In this role, you will be managing a team. How do you handle different personalities in a team
environment?
11. Management. Can you explain how you determine who to delegate different tasks to? Give an example.
12. Management. This role requires managing staff including recruitment and counselling. What experience
have you had in this area?
13. Management. Retail Management includes controlling the staff roster. What experience have you had doing
this? Are you familiar with managing the wages as a percentage of sales?
14. Management. What is the best way to deal with conflict between you and staff, or you and your Manager?
Provide an example?
15. Suppliers. Describe what you think is the best way to maintain the balance between the best deals and
having a good working relationship?
16. Suppliers. Describe what you think is the best way to manage the relationship between Suppliers, the
business owner/manager, the Stock Controller and you?
17. Promotions. How do you manage the implementation of catalogues? What processes should be employed?
18. Stock Take. Describe the optimal stock take process.
19. KPI’s. What Key Performance Indicators to you think should apply to the role of Retail Manager?
20. Tell me three reasons why we should offer this role to you?
21.
What skill gaps do you think you might have?
22.
What is your salary package / wage expectation?
23.
What is your working hours and roster would you expect in this role? (Working weekends for example)
24.
What notice are you required to give your current employer?
25.
Do you have any holidays or other commitments planned?
26.
Do you have any questions/comments?
27.
Do I have permission to contact your referees?
Yes
No
Formal interview conclusion
- Thank the candidate for their time.
- Explain that you have made notes and will be discussing the application with your Manager(s)/Owner.
- Explain that there are a few more steps in the process.
o The most likely candidate will undertake a ProScan© survey.
o A final interview may take place with the Manager/Owner of the business
- Inform the candidate of:
o Expected start date for the role.
o Job Description and expectations.
o Working hours.
o Salary/wage guide (not an actual salary/wage, but a guide)
o Any other relevant requirements of this position
- Ensure you take the printed copy of their resume and your notes.
- Explain that the next step will be a follow up phone call or e-mail by (name the date).
- Farewell.
Interview Comments: