The experience of shoe shopping may be one of your favorite activities, as it is for me. With all the styles and colors to pick from, what else could light up your day with so much eye candy?
When it comes to shoes, Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) is the place to be. You could lose your mind with aisle after aisle of shoe heaven delight! For shoe fans, DSW has an extensive range of fashionable, designer footwear options at a competitive price, but it’s not just their shelves that are bursting with variety. There are also a variety of jobs at DSW, from sales associates to cashiers to managers to merchandise handlers.
Whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or planning a career change, come along with me as we dive deep into the art of preparing for those interview questions. With the right attitude and preparation, you’ll be a shoe-in for a job at DSW.
Here’s a quick look at what we will be focusing on:
- Interview Preparation
- Items to bring to the interview
- How to dress for the interview
- Interview Questions/Answers
- Questions to ask the interviewer
- Interview timeline
Interview Preparation
Research the Company
When I say to research the company, I don’t mean to imply memorizing facts and statistics about DSW. Dig deeper than most by learning the company culture, goals, mission, and values. Discover what makes them tick by visiting their website, social media channels, and current news articles.
Know the Position You Are Seeking
Read the job description in detail to fully understand the skills, qualifications, and experience they need. Then, you can match your background to the open job and confidently discuss it. Prepare concrete examples from your prior work experiences.
Practicing Answering Common Interview Questions
Nothing will boost your confidence like preparation. Make sure to keep answers concise and to the point. Do a mock interview to help you perfect your responses before the real thing. Remember, it is about having a solid response and delivering it with clarity.
Items To Take to the Interview
- Form of identification – Examples are a current driver’s license, passport, or state ID.
- Several copies of your resume – Multiple interviewers or misplaced copies may occur. This will display your organization and keep things flowing.
- References – Have a list ready, but don’t provide it unless asked. The references should provide the person’s name, your professional relationship (like whether they were your supervisor or coworker), and their contact information.
- Questions to ask the interviewer – Interviewing is a two-way street. This means that while they are interviewing you, you are interviewing them. Therefore, ask some probing questions to ensure the position is the right fit for you.
Interview Attire
First impressions matter, specifically at the interview stage. For an interview with DSW, dress professionally yet fashionably since fashion is the cornerstone of their business.
Keep accessories to a minimum, and ensure you are comfortable in your attire to maintain confidence and composure.
Business casual is appropriate for men and women, but more specifically:
Men: Pair a well-pressed button-down shirt with slacks and loafers, a nice watch, and belt
Women: A blouse teamed with a skirt or slacks or even a stylish dress, a nice watch, and modest earnings
For more detail on interview dressing, see Job Interview Attire Tips for Men: Dress for Success or A Woman’s Guide To Style for Job Interviews.
Interview Questions/Answers
- How Well Do You Understand the Role?
For a Sales Associate role, you may be asked this question for instance:
“What do you think are the primary responsibilities of a Sales Associate at DSW?”
Your response should include the following key points:
- Customer service that is second to none
- A customer-centric approach to sales
- Cleanliness in the store
- Handle products with care
- Skills & Abilities Assessment Questions
Again, as a Sales Associate, you may be asked:
“Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult customer. How did you ensure they left satisfied?”
Your response should include the following key points:
- Ability to solve problems
- Maintaining patience
- Attitude that focuses on customers
- Interview Questions Related to Behavior
Another Sales Associate question may be:
“Tell me about a time when you had to work in a team to achieve certain results. What was your role, and what did you learn?”
Your response should include the following key points:
- Demonstrating teamwork
- Ability to communicate
NOTE: Behavioral interview questions are perfect for using the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation – Task – Action – Results.
Questions To Ask the Interviewer
At the end of your interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. Always prepare at least 4-5 questions that show your sincere interest in the job. Often, you may not need to wait until the end, but you can sprinkle your questions throughout the interview.
Here are a few good questions to get you started:
- “Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?” or “How does DSW foster a collaborative environment?”
- “What growth opportunities might be available to someone in this role?” or “Can you share more about the career development resources offered at DSW?”
- “What does success look like for this position?” or “Can you describe a typical day for someone in this role?”
In asking questions, you are not simply trying to get an answer but also to show that you are keen to learn and add value to the company. It is also useful in assessing whether or not you would be a good fit for the company.
Interview Process
Screening Process
Upon submitting your job application, you will receive a phone call from an HR recruiter. This is called a phone screening. What are they screening for, you may ask. They will ask about your skills, abilities, and enthusiasm for the role. Additionally, by asking questions about your work history, retail experience, and availability, they can determine if you would be a good fit for the role. This is what they are screening for.
Face-to-face interview
If the HR representative determines you are a match, you will be invited for an in-person interview at one of their stores. The tone will be relaxed yet professional. Interviewers will ask questions about your knowledge of the role, how you would handle specific scenarios, and your enthusiasm for retail work.
Follow-Up Interviews
There may be more than one interview, especially if you are going for a management position. Higher-level managers will conduct these to determine your possibility for leadership.
The DSW Job Interview: More Questions and Answers
- Question & Answer concerning your experience:
“Can you give an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer?”
As a retail employee, I once handled a customer who wanted a product we didn’t stock. The extra effort required by this resulted in a very grateful and loyal customer. Instead of telling the customer we didn’t have it, I contacted nearby stores, located the item, and arranged for pickup.
- Question & Answer about your qualifications and skills:
“What skills are most important in a retail setting?”
Retail requires high customer service skills, teamwork, organizational skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to change.
- Questions and Answers about specific roles and situations:
“Tell me about a conflict you had with a coworker and how you handled it.”
A coworker slacked off in a past retail job, so I talked to her honestly about it. We balanced our work, which boosted cooperation. I value open communication for problem-solving and fostering teamwork.
“Explain why you enjoy working in retail and especially footwear?”
I’m a people person who enjoys helping customers in retail, particularly in the world of footwear, where the right pair of shoes enhances style and confidence.
DSW Job Interview Response Timeline
The waiting game is never easy. You are anxious and excited to hear something.
DSW typically gets back to you within one to two weeks following your final interview. This can vary, of course, depending on the role, number of applicants, and other factors.
If a couple of weeks have passed and you have not heard, a courteous email is in order. This should be sent to the person who coordinated the interview, i.e., HR manager or recruiter. In this correspondence, you should reiterate your interest in the job and appreciate their consideration.
If DSW proceeds with you, you’ll discuss a job offer and salary. If not, seek feedback for improvement. Every interview is a learning opportunity.
Good luck! Be proactive, remain patient, and stay positive during your post-interview phase.
Last Thoughts
An interview with DSW offers a unique opportunity to join a company committed to footwear fashion and community engagement. Our discussion uncovered the importance of preparation, showcasing your passion for the industry, and aligning your values with the company’s mission.
The DSW interview process is not just about demonstrating your skills; it’s about becoming a part of a vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive workplace. As you embark on your journey to secure a position at DSW, remember that success lies in meeting professional expectations and embracing the spirit of shoe enthusiasts who thrive in this welcoming and innovative environment.
Next Steps
The importance of practice for your DSW interview cannot be overstated. Don’t wing it; let’s nail that interview together. Our career coaches are here to help you refine your responses, boost your confidence, and provide personalized advice tailored specifically to DSW.
