Scoring an interview in supermarkets does not mean you’ll quickly get the job. Even when questions are less challenging and more practical, you must consider who you’re competing with – people struggling to find a job that fits their college degree and suffering from unemployment.
Moreover, supermarkets can be the last choice for people who live in small towns with fewer job opportunities. You must be more prepared than ever to answer the interview questions thrown by the hiring officer.
Don’t worry because we’ve got you covered! We listed some of the most common questions you might encounter when getting interviewed for a job at the supermarket.
What Made You Apply For A Job At the Supermarket?
After the usual introductory questions that involve telling more about yourself, the first question you might get asked is the reason behind applying.
Here’s the thing, don’t give the interviewers the impression that the supermarket is your last and only option. Always look presentable, confident, and vibrant.
What you can do is point out what you love about working at a supermarket. Talk about the values or the knowledge you can gain from the experience. Why not include that you love working for the people in your local community?
Include a side note of how you value food, which is one of the reasons why you decided to apply for a job at the supermarket. This can also be the time to discuss your exceptional skills, including attention to detail and proper communication.
Talk About Your Experience in the Retail Industry
You’ve probably included in your resume your work experiences. And if you tried working at the supermarket, they will likely ask why you left your previous job. Keep in mind that this is not the best time to badmouth your previous company and bosses.
Don’t mention anything negative. You can also share about your key tasks in your previous job. This helps your hiring officer know what professional skills you possess and how these can fit the current position you’re applying in.
But if you don’t have any previous experience, you must not worry. This can also be the best time to assert your dedication to the job. Research the strongest skills you must possess and understand the job description.
What Can Serve As Your Motivation For This Repetitive Job?
Let’s face it. Jobs at the supermarket are commonly repetitive, mainly because the grocery stores are open daily for eight hours.
One of the simplest yet effective answers is to tell the officer you enjoy doing routine tasks and repetitive jobs. Why not say you’re not a fan of evolving tasks because you can easily get confused?
Additionally, you can also mention the people you’ll meet daily. Tasks may be repetitive, but the customers are not. You will have more opportunities to meet new people and possibly form new friendships.
Or you can totally be honest. If you don’t like repetitive jobs, telling them the truth is fine. But end your answer by telling them this does not mean you won’t cherish the position when hired. Tell the hiring officer that it would definitely be a great help and an opportunity if you get the job.
What Can Be Your Potential Weakness?
This can go in two ways. The first option is to tell the interviewer you don’t think you have any weaknesses that can affect the job. It’s why you considered applying. Then, talk about the other flaws that can help the officer understand you better.
Another option is to mention one weakness that will matter to the job. But don’t take this the negative way. Turn things around, and mention how getting the job can help you improve and eliminate that weakness.
Who’s Your Ideal Boss?
Heads up! This question does not mean you must discuss any religion, gender, or age! Referencing to such can lead to miscommunication that can backfire any minute.
You can be better by saying that a perfect boss does not exist. Moreover, talk about the essential skills you seek in a team leader. Mention that you value open communication where the boss listens to the feedback and opinions of his workers.
Another way to ace this question is to talk about acceptance. Tell the interviewer that the key to accepting your boss is to accept him and his true personality.
What’s Your Daily Routine as A Grocery Store Worker?
Interviewers often ask this question to test whether you understand the daily duties of a grocery store worker. This is also why researching a grocery worker’s daily schedule can help you ace this question.
You can begin by clocking in at work and switching to your work attire. Then talk about rechecking the stocks at the grocery and cleaning everything to keep them organized and in order.
After cleaning, check whether the shelves are completely stocked up with your products. At the same time, look for items beyond their expiration dates. When everything is in order, it’s time to open the supermarket and serve the customers.
What’s An Outstanding Customer Service For You?
Supermarkets are all about having reputable customer service that responds well to customer demands, needs, and complaints. And because grocery stores advocate for the famous “customer is always right” line, talk about prioritizing them and attending to their needs as soon as possible!
You can also mention not letting them wait because this can be a common source of their complaint. Talk about how having excellent customer service can increase a supermarket’s returning clients and loyal guests.
What’s Your Expected Salary?
Before answering this, you might have probably known that salaries at supermarkets are not the highest. They are more on the lower end, so you cannot expect too much. When asked this question, manage your expectations and be realistic.
But if you didn’t research this, you can always inform the interviewer you’re unaware of the standard salary. But, don’t stop there! Mention you’re free to accept however high or low the starting salary is.
Start Working at the Supermarket
Question possibilities are endless. But knowing these common questions can help you become prepared when called for an interview. Always look and feel prepared, and don’t get intimidated by the interviewer.
The next time you score an interview, go back to this guide and ace those questions!