Tell me about yourself.

"I love clothes, and love the wide array of fashion Bloomingdale's offers. Designer coats for a hundred dollars, and high-end fashion coats for $1500. Fashion is what I am most passionate about and largely defines who I am. So that's why I am here. Wanting to be immersed in what I love the most."

Your interviewer wants to get you out of interview mode to assess your personality and how well you might fit into their culture. As they state online, "Every Macy's, Inc. colleague has a unique point of view and their own authentic experiences, which make them truly individual and amazing. When we bring our amazing selves to work, we create a more abundant and wider array of ideas and energy for all." Be your amazing self and showcase your personality.

Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.

"Last week I noticed that my manager had not completed the schedule for the following week. Some of the staff were complaining that they didn't have their work schedule yet. Rather than going to my manager with the complaint, I offered to take on some of her workload so that she would have the time to complete the schedule. We worked together for a couple of overtime hours that day and were able to catch her up on everything. It felt good to help but also benefited me by way of organization."

Display to the interviewer that you can do more than the bare minimum. As they state on their website, "We will always strive to make Bloomingdale's like no other store in the world." Show that you can react appropriately when you see that your employer has a need that goes beyond your usual day-to-day expectations. Align yourself with what they are looking for in their ideal employees. As they state online, they are looking for candidates who are "welcoming, friendly, and engaged; keeping excitement alive on the sales floor and always putting the needs of the customer first."

"Just yesterday I had a customer make a purchase, and I noticed that she was struggling with her bags. She had a stroller, a couple of kids, and a lot of bags to carry. I offered to help her out to her car, and she gratefully accepted. It felt excellent to go above the call of duty that day."

Do you have any issues with adhering to our dress code?

"I have worn a uniform for work at restaurant XYZ and when I was a retail manager for company ABC. I have seen how fashionable the retail employees at Bloomingdale's dress. Strong, stylish, and professional."

Many retail-based organizations require their employees to wear a uniform or adhere to a dress code. Although there is no information available on their website, several employee review sites suggest that "the dress code at Bloomingdale's is smart casual for in-store employees and business casual for management and corporate positions. Associates on the sales floor must wear all black, gray, or navy blue, depending on the department. You can wear shoes of any color you wish." Talk to the interviewer about any times that you have been required to adhere to a dress code. Share your thoughts. Be sure to keep your answer positive and remember even though there is a dress code, it doesn't mean it can't be fashion forward.

"I think dress codes are a great way to provide a feeling of professional unity in the workplace."

This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. What does your availability look like?

"I am happy to offer a flexible schedule, and to work overtime as needed. I do take an evening college course on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I would not be available those days, after 5 PM."

Most retail positions on their website require an "ability to work a flexible schedule with retail hours, including day, evening, weekends, and/or holidays." Assure the interviewer that you can commit to a wide range of hours. If there is anything in your schedule that may hinder your availability, be sure to address this.

"I understand that this role will include working evenings, weekends, and holidays. I am available to work anytime and am happy to work overtime as well."

What do find most challenging about working in retail? What aspect is your favorite?

"I have worked in retail for the past eight years. My most challenging position was with Company ABC. I found it so challenging because it was a different industry than I was accustomed. I learned a great deal during that time. This position was also my favorite because it was such a great challenge. I like to be pushed beyond my boundaries. It keeps me motivated to be better."

Walk the interviewer through your career history in retail. Be sure to highlight your favorite, and most challenging, aspects of the job. Sometimes, challenging and rewarding can be one and the same. As they state on their career's pages, "Twenty-four hours goes by in a heartbeat, especially at a fast-paced, dynamic work environment like Bloomingdale's. No matter what function or discipline you work in, there's not really a template of what every day will look like. Every day is different. That's what makes our work challenging, and it's also what makes it fun. There's enough flexibility and responsibility to keep your work, your life and your work-life exciting."

"My most challenging position, and also my most favorite position, would be my current role. I would not normally choose to leave; however, I need to find a position related to my newly acquired degree. In my current position, the hours are great, my co-workers are nice, and I receive fair compensation."

In this role, you'll need strong transactional math skills. How comfortable do you feel about handling cash and counting back change?

"I did very well in computers and with math during High School and am comfortable with th skills required when it comes to accepting cash, balancing a cash float, and performing inventory-related tasks."

Basic math skills are an asset in any retail based role, especially when it comes to protecting your employer's assets. Familiarize yourself with the requirements of the job. "Frequent use of computers and other technology, necessary to perform job functions, including handheld equipment, cash register and ability to process register transactions." Assure the interviewer that you are comfortable handling cash transactions and performing the skills required to be successful at your job.

"My technical skills and math skills are strong, and I am confident that I can meet your expectations when it comes to this."

What do you hope to learn from this job at Bloomingdale's?

"I am looking to lay the foundation for the rest of my career with this position. I looked at a lot of job postings and had interviewed some very carefully selected places, but you are by far my front-runner. I want to learn not only the fundamentals of sales but also become comfortable with both sides of the business. I appreciate that you want me to start with the basics of the inside sales before moving into outside sales."

Share what you are looking to get out of the experience, and what drew you to applying for this position. Bloomingdale's states that their "colleagues' unique perspectives are valued and career opportunities are tailored to their passions and skills." Review the job description, career opportunities for growth from within, and get a better idea of what you potentially could have to look forward to. Discuss how this position will help you in your career!

"I hope to gain stronger skills in communication and customer service. I understand that retail can be challenging because of the multiple personalities you are faced with on a daily basis. I believe this will help my confidence to grow, and my sales skills as well."

Describe your ideal employer.

"My ideal employer is one that brings charisma and passion to their work. I work best with organizations who have a penchant for learning and promote their employees based on performance."

A job search isn't just a one-sided hunt. There is a particular type of candidate they are looking for. They are interested in "attracting and Retaining Talented Colleagues. We strive to work with the best and brightest talent in the industry by fostering a dynamic culture where colleagues can thrive and be their best each day." Identify why you feel this is a good fit for you. Tell the interviewer about your ideal employer, and how they fit the mold. Be specific and be sure to keep the conversation positive. Avoid speaking poorly of any previous managers or organizations.

"My ideal employer is reliable, has a good reputation, and treats me like a unique individual versus just a number."

Why do you feel Bloomingdale's is the right move for your career?

"I have been passively seeking a new position for quite some time and haven't jumped on anything yet because I want to make sure it's the right fit. I feel that this job is right for me, at this point in my career, because it offers an opportunity for me to utilize my recent education in Communication while giving me an opportunity to advance in my management skills."

Discuss with the interviewer why you are looking to make a change, and how this particular role fits well with the changes that you are seeking. Be sure to give a more in-depth answer than the typical 'I am looking for growth,' answer that so many interviewers hear. Identify the recruitment efforts they've made, through the value propositions they've advertised on the career's site, and suggest how those appealed to you; "Develop Your Career: We care about our colleagues by investing in their knowledge, skills, and abilities; by ensuring rewarding opportunities for growth and advancement; and by providing fair compensation for a job well done. We inspire our colleagues to learn and grow as leaders across our many business areas. Plus, colleagues have access to resources like fully funded education programs, from high school completion, to English language skills, and college degrees." Be thoughtful and draw upon the research you have done on the company.

"This job will fit perfectly surrounding my school schedule. I hope once I complete my education that I can be given full-time hours for the summer. I am excited to work for Bloomingdale's because of the flexibility you offer students, as well as the growth potential."

Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion requesting a change in an organization.

"Last year when I was managing our weekend shift, I noticed a pretty solid opportunity for us to save on overtime hours. I created a presentation and gave it to my manager who took it to upper management. The changes were implemented, and I was very proud of the suggestion that I made."

In addition to being able to handle change, can you also recognize when change is required and be confident and comfortable enough in your communication skills to present that to your organization? As they state online, Bloomingdale's advertises that "Regardless of position, we believe all colleagues have a voice and access to share their thoughts with every level of leadership. Our colleagues are passionate, driven, entrepreneurial and collaborative, while having a lot of fun along the way." Talk to the interviewer about how you fit this mold and share a time when you were able to suggest a positive change in the workplace.

"The store where I currently work is a family run shop where they operated based on trust and didn't have a loss prevention plan. We were having some problems with theft because of it. I suggested that we install a couple of cameras inside the store to deter anyone from stealing. So far, we have seen a 56% decline in the overall loss."

How do you handle situations where your supervisor doesn't communicate well?

"Whenever I have had a supervisor who does not properly communicate with me, I try to learn their style of communication and emulate it. Sometimes you have to relate to others in their style to be understood."

Even though you cannot force others to communicate with you in a way that you would always prefer, it is not unfair to expect your leaders to perform as expected. According to their job descriptions, their leaders are expected to "effectively communicate and present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, and all levels of internal and external business partners." Regardless, this isn't always the case. Talk to the interviewer about a time that you showcased excellent communication skills with a supervisor who was less skilled than you. This will advertise your leadership potential and make you a more desirable candidate.

"I have had great supervisors in my previous positions; however, if faced with a communication challenge like this, I would ask the supervisor how I could improve communication between us. Rather than placing blame, I believe it's always more effective to ask for growth recommendations."

Have you researched our company values? What makes you the best candidate for Bloomingdale's?

"I have researched your core values online and appreciate that you put your customers first while empowering your employees at the same time. I think that I would be the best person for this job because I have a great appreciation for what Bloomingdale's, Inc. is achieving in the retail marketplace."

It is incredibly important to research the company's core values and mission statement before you interview with them. For example, Bloomingdale's states that they are "committed to a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Embrace a culture of learning through self reflection, constructive candor and continued personal growth. Collaborate for impact. Trust and leverage the talent of others to make better decisions. The right answer is more important than being right. Appreciate effort, recognize results and root for each other. Approach each day with energy and good humor." Once you've explored further, discuss with the hiring manager why you think you are the top choice for this role with Bloomingdale's.

"Yes, I have researched your company, and I feel that my retail marketing education, as well as the fact that I am bilingual, makes me a solid candidate for this role."

Tell me 3 qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with Bloomingdale's.

"I have a lot of qualities that transfer well into a retail-based position. The top ones would include my strong organization skills, my ability to have a conversation with anyone comfortably, and my solid work ethic/level of honesty."

Before your interview, it is essential that you review the company's culture as well as the job description to give yourself a keen understanding of the qualities they desire in their successful candidate. Bloomingdale states that their "company's core values" are "acceptance, respect, integrity, and giving back." Tie these desired qualities into your answer to display you are a fit for the role.

Try to include a variety of words that the interviewer does not hear all the time. Be unique! Here are some ideas: - Adaptable - Considerate - Diligent - Intuitive - Persistent - Resourceful - Sincere - Witty

What do you know about Bloomingdale's and our sister company?

"Blooming dales has been around since the Nineteenth century, and eventually merged with Macy's. Bloomingdales has affordable and high-priced luxury clothing, and stands apart from most department store companies."

Before your interview, read up on everything you can about the company. Pretend you are getting a head start on your onboarding and take every advantage of showcasing your outstanding work ethic. For example, Bloomingdale's is considered a luxury department store chain founded in 1861 by Benjamin and Lyman Bloomingdale, in the U.S.. In 1930 it was acquired by Federated Department Stores, which later acquired Macy's in 1994. Eventually, in 2007, they renamed their company Macy's, Inc. Today, Bloomingdale's and Macy's are considered sister brands.

Do you have reliable transportation?

"I have reliable transportation. I have a well-maintained vehicle, and I am comfortable with the amount of travel required to get to your office every day."

Even if you're not expected to drive for the job, you will need to have some form of reliable transportation. If you take the bus or ride a bike, that works too! Merely share that you have the means to get to work consistently and on time.

"I take public transit; however, I find it to be very reliable. I was late to work only once last year, and that was due to a snowstorm which stalled all of our employee's commute - including those with personal vehicles. Rest assured, I am reliable and will always come to work on time."

Why do you want to work for Bloomingdale's?

"I have researched Bloomingdale's, Inc. a great deal and am very happy with the positive reviews I came across, online. I would love to work for a company with such a great reputation."

Identify what appeals to you about their work culture, values, and environment. Showcase your research by detailing what you found in your research that made you excited to work for Bloomingdale's. "We are fueled by a culture of belonging and the belief that what we do and how we do it have equal weight. We strive to be the preferred employer in retail across all Macy's, Inc. nameplates, Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury, through an unwavering passion and commitment to our colleagues who bring their amazing selves to work each day." Display your enthusiasm for the job by assuring the interviewer you have researched the organization and the role.

"I want to work for Bloomingdale's because I shop here all of the time. I love your product, and your company culture seems great too."

How would you describe your personality?

"I would describe my personality as approachable, light-hearted, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me."

Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your traits vs. your integrity. Many of the traits of their ideal candidates are clearly stated in their recruiting efforts; "Our colleagues are passionate, driven, entrepreneurial and collaborative." Explore similar buzzwords that accurately define some of your more attractive traits.

"I am confident, friendly, and a go-getter. Are these personality traits that you are looking for in your next hire?"

What would your most recent employer say about your character and honesty?

"My most recent employer and all others would say that I have strong character and always choose honesty first. I have solid references who will attest to that as well."

Honesty is incredibly important when you are working in a retail environment. Not only do you want to showcase that you can be trusted with their assets and their reputation, but your customers will rely on your honesty and character as well, especially when helping them make style decisions concerning their sense of fashion. As Bloomingdale's states online, "we have to be fair and honest in all our dealings with our co-workers, customers, business partners, shareholders, competitors and the communities in which we live and work. Failure to act with integrity will cost us dearly, in terms of loss of image and reputation, and ultimately, performance." Assure the interviewer that you can be trusted and speak to how your character is defined by their same principles.

"My most recent employer would say that I am a person of integrity. I fully believe in honesty at all times."

How would you handle a customer who was behaving aggressively towards you or a co-worker?

"If I had a customer who was being aggressive and disrespectful, I would calmly but firmly ask them to calm down. If security needed to be called, I would do so. Everyone needs to remain respectful, and I would not hesitate to ask a customer to offer that respect, in return."

Retail and customer service based roles will often require diplomacy when it comes to working with the public. One of the keys to this is ensuring you are treating everyone with respect, including yourself. "Respect is about building strong and trustful relationships, between one another, between our colleagues and the company and with our partners and stakeholders. We treat people with fairness and are committed to honest communications." Discuss with the interviewer how you would handle an aggressive customer, and the methods you'd employ to deescalate such a situation diplomatically.

"Most places that I have worked have procedures in place for these kinds of scenarios, and I am happy to follow the procedures put in place by Bloomingdale's."

How would you handle a customer who was arguing with you about our very clear return policy?

"Return policies are meant to be followed; however, there may be some exceptions allowed from time to time. I feel that having a satisfied customer is most important and sometimes refusing a return is not worth the bad word of mouth or risk of negative online review. There is a fine balance between being accommodating and being a pushover. If I were unsure of the best decision, I would ask my supervisor for clarification."

As a retail employee, you will may across customers who might argue with store policy. Assure the interviewer that you would handle such a situation according to their values while exhibiting integrity. "Integrity is about acting with the highest ethical standards and nurturing a speak-up environment. It guides each of our actions, with one another, our customers and our partners." Showcase your calm and poise, your above average communication skills, and how you would go about trying to keep your customer happy, while protecting the assets of the company as well.

"I have some dispute resolution training from my previous retail position and fully believe that flexibility needs to be offered in extreme situations."

Do you consider yourself to be a creative person, capable of creating an attractive retail merchandising display?

"I have a strong creative flair and enjoy creating attractive displays. I think I have enough experience in retail to understand what attracts a customer and what prompts them to purchase. The displays I have seen in your stores are fascinating, and I would love to be a part of that creative flair."

Do you have examples of displays that you have created? Do you have unique ideas that you can share with Bloomingdale's regarding their current merchandising? How would you describe your creativity, in relation to the qualities they advertise they are looking for in a candidate? "Since our beginning, we've been doing things differently, as both a company and a retailer. We're innovative and dynamic. We're sleek and sophisticated. But we're also collaborative and friendly. We're a big company, yes, but we're also a company where you have the unique opportunity to make an individual impact." Show the interviewer that you are interested in the creative aspect of creating an attractive retail display, and that you are anxious to make a creative impact where ever you can.

"I believe that with some training, I could very easily create some attractive displays. I have a natural flair for the creative and look forward to exercising that."

How does your customer service skills align with Bloomingdale's?

"I have a rule always to treat my customers how I would want treatment in a store or establishment. Customer service is vital to a company's success."

Retail environments are competitive, and most businesses closely guard their reputation, which can be harmed with even one honest mistake. So examine their mission statement of how they aim "to guide and inspire our customers to make style a source of creative energy in their lives." Determine the ways in which this describes you, and align your mission with theirs, in your own words. Discuss with the interviewer how you ensure, with consistency, what you do to ensure your customers receive the best service from what you have to offer.

"I ensure that my customers' needs are met by actively listening to them and also asking the right questions. Treat others as you want to be treated. It's a good rule to live by."

What would you do if you discovered that a co-worker was stealing product or money?

"My reaction to employee theft would differ if I were a retail associate or a retail manager. If I were a manager and caught an employee stealing, I would terminate them immediately. If I were an associate, I would report the incident according to company protocol. I would avoid approaching the employee as I would not want to make it a personal issue."

With such questions, it is important to look up and review their code of ethics and conduct, which more often than not can be found with a quick search engine search. Loss prevention initiatives are incredibly important to every company in the retail sector. "Our Compliance and Ethics program promotes a company culture of ethical conduct by emphasizing our company's core values of acceptance, respect, integrity, and giving back. Our Compliance and Ethics program is also designed to ensure compliance with company policies and applicable laws, while guiding our actions towards one another, our customers, and our partners." Discuss with the interviewer how you would diplomatically handle a situation surrounding employee theft, according to their policy guidelines.

"I value honesty so if I saw a co-worker stealing; I would tell my manager immediately. Do you have a process in place for reporting these types of situations?"

How many days were you late or absent from work last year?

"I had zero unexcused absences last year. In total, I took 12 vacation days out of my 15 allotted days. I was sick just 2, and a note from my Doctor accompanied those. Once I was late due to a terrible snow storm, and I always try to be 10 minutes early for my shift."

A part of being a diligent employee is to ensure that you are always on time and present when expected. If you have ever had attendance issues that were within your control to avoid, accept responsibility for your mistakes, and showcase how you've grown and learned from those experiences, and what you've done to improve in this regard. This will help align you with their principles; "We are quick to make decisions, learn from mistakes and understand how to be of service to others. We do what we say we will do. We are transparent. We collaborate and place trust in our colleagues willingly. We listen, learn and root for one another. We work in service to one another and to our customers. We welcome feedback and learn from it. We are curious and look beyond our walls for inspiration and ideas. We are optimistic and resilient." Suggest that you've learned it's better to be 10 minutes early rather than cutting it too close or showing up right on the dot.

"I am very committed to my employer and am only absent in events of sickness or the odd family emergency. I do my best always to be available and present when expected."

What's your experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment?

"I have only ever worked in diverse and inclusive environments. It is where I feel most at home."

Macy's, and Bloomingdales take great pride in their diversity and inclusion values. "At Macy's, Inc., we're on a mission to create a brighter future with bold representation for all. We call it Mission Every One. We'll direct $5 billion of our spend through 2025 to our people, partners, products and programs to create a more equitable and sustainable future. The history of progress shows that when people feel confident to own their story and pursue their dreams, they change the narrative for all." Familiarize yourself with all the actionable steps they've taken, and showcase how well prepared you are for your interview by discussing them with enthusiasm.

What type of work environment do you most enjoy working in?

"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the mentality is positive and teamwork is encouraged. I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic."

Are you pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments? Do you feel you could adapt to working from one department to another? Have you experienced a position where the atmosphere wasn't conducive to your productivity? Bloomingdale's advertises they are looking for candidates who support one another, and who deliver universal customer service, wherever they are: "We are passionate about our customers, love fashion and enjoy being part of a team. Our store colleagues, whether out on the sales floor or behind the scenes in support, deliver an experience like no other for our customers. We are constantly reinventing the department store experience with everything from designer merchandise to exciting and innovative visual presentations and one-of-a-kind celebrity events. Become a part of the dynamic team that provides fashion, fun and a little taste of New York City throughout America." Be sure to know the type of environment offered in this position before the interview. Come prepared.

Rather than focusing on the negative, try spinning your answer into a positive focus: "I do best in a supportive environment where there is room to grow, the ability to ask questions, and healthy co-worker relationships."

How can Bloomingdale's motivate you on the job?

"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I do like to know that my efforts are noticed. In my current position, we have a leaderboard and I do like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of personal competition for me as well."

Every employer should know how each staff member is best motivated. But it is more important for you to know yourself, and have a clear, emotionally intelligent perspective of what motivates you. "Our strong culture is a competitive advantage. We take great pride in the work we do and how we do it. We work with the best and brightest talent in the industry and achieve great things together. We take pride in our relationships with each other and our customers. We value transparency and honest conversations. We thrive in a dynamic, collaborative and inclusive environment. We celebrate together on occasions big and small and show up for one another during times of need. We believe in the power of community. We prioritize and support the well-being of our colleagues, because when we take care of our colleagues, they take care of our customers." Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you find motivation on the job.

"I am very much self-driven and self-motivated. As long as I am being treated with respect and feel appreciated, you will get the best work from me."

How do you feel about performance incentives?

"I feel that performance incentives are a great idea. They keep an employee motivated to do a great job and ensure that they are on top of their KPI's. The majority of people are very enthused about being rewarded for their successes."

Bloomingdale's acknowledges on their site that performance incentives can be very motivating. "Every job matters and every colleague has a role to play in driving our success. We recognize our colleagues for driving performance and living our values and behaviors through programs like our Path to Growth incentive, Macy's Make Magic Awards, Bloomingdale's Golden B and Best of the Best Awards, Bluemercury's #OneTeam Award, Spot Bonuses and more." Talk to the interviewer about your feelings regarding performance incentives, and which of their rewards most appeal to you.

"I do not require performance incentives, to do a great job; however, small perks are always nice to have!"

How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?

"I am very much an over-achiever and find that the best way for me to be recognized for a job well done is through words of kindness and recognition. I am easily encouraged, and the best reward for me is to know that my hard work is noticed."

We all like recognition in some way for our accomplishments in the workplace. Yet, rather than suggesting you are in it for the money more than the culture, growth opportunities, or environment, align your sentiment with what they offer in such circumstances: "It takes all colleagues working together with focus and determination to meet our goals, and we believe all colleagues should benefit from our success. We reward colleagues for investing in their own development, seeking out varied experiences and applying the skills they gain to help us achieve results. Please continue to Total Rewards to learn about how our compensation philosophy is directly tied to the achievement of financial plans and enterprise and function-specific priorities." Share with the interviewer how you were drawn to what they have to offer and how their recruiting efforts spoke to you on a personal level.

"As a sales professional, I am driven by a challenge. Sales contests, for example, are a great way to motivate me. I am always striving to be the best, and to be recognized for it."

Are you interested in potentially moving into a leadership role?

"I would be very excited about obtaining a role in leadership within Bloomingdale's, Inc. in the future. I am prepared to express my interest through hard work and taking on leadership duties as you feel I am ready."

Bloomingdale's advertises they are looking for those who are interested in developing their careers. "We care about our colleagues by investing in their knowledge, skills, and abilities; by ensuring rewarding opportunities for growth and advancement; and by providing fair compensation for a job well done. We inspire our colleagues to learn and grow as leaders across our many business areas. Plus, colleagues have access to resources like fully funded education programs, from high school completion, to English language skills, and college degrees." Leadership at the retail level can open up many career options, such as store management, district level leadership, and even corporate opportunities. Talk to the interviewer about any interest you have in gaining a leadership role down the road.

"I have been in an unofficial leadership role for the past three years of my career. I believe that a management role with Bloomingdale's would be a great next step in my career."

What type of manager brings out the best in you?

"I have worked with a wide range of personalities and management styles with great success. If I could express a preference, I feel that I am best with a manager who allows me autonomy while still investing time in me through mentorship and training. Can you describe the management style here?"

The interviewer wants to see that you are self-aware and understand the type of manager or employer that brings out the best in you. Additionally, they are curious whether you have a firm sense of their culture and the types of leaders they try to grow and hire. "Fueled by the power of relationships. Build meaningful relationships without customer, our partners, and each other. Attract passionate, curious leaders who respect diversity of background, thought, and opinion. Engage the communities we serve. What's important to our customers is important to us." Some individuals prefer a close working relationship with a lot of accountability, while others prefer space and autonomy. Examine what their leaders bring and determine how their management style appeals to you.

"In the past, I have worked best with managers who are strong mentors but also offer autonomy when it comes to the tasks they know I am well versed in."

What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it?

"My current sales position is highly commission based, so my colleagues and I are quite competitive. Despite being competitive, we have a great work environment where we help each other when someone is struggling to meet their quota. We coach each other on sales techniques and share success stories. The result has been a positive work environment with healthy competition."

Whether you have been in friendly work competitions with others, or with yourself, detail an occasion where you rose to the challenge and were excited to push yourself to be at your best. Showcase that you can thrive in a competitive environment. Think of a time when you were racing others to over-achieve. Align your sense of friendly competition with theirs: "We must win with the customer and consider them in all decisions. We are passionate and competitive. We are demanding of ourselves, proud and humbled to be part of a winning team. We commit to acting with speed and agility. We own our business and results. Driven by our desire to win. Be entrepreneurial. Play to win, take risks, and be agile. Learn from both your successes and mistakes. Balance creativity and commerce. Leverage both analytics and intuition to accelerate innovation. Value our rich heritage, but don't let history prevent us from achieving our best future. Always act with integrity, humanity, humility, and respect." It is a definite plus if you have cheered on your competitors and helped them along the way. Finally, be sure to mention your successful outcomes.

"Last year I worked at a high-end jewelry store where sales goals were intense, and the rewards were high. I am geared for healthy competition, so when we had contests, it greatly motivated me. I ended up winning 7 of the 12 contests! I won an iPad, cash incentives, and concert tickets. It was great."

What are your salary expectations?

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example, while familiarizing and comparing it with all of their offerings. "We've raised the minimum pay rate for colleagues at Macy's, Inc. businesses to $15 per hour, furthering our mission to be the preferred employer where we operate by offering competitive pay and benefits. Our healthcare and benefits programs help colleagues focus on their wellbeing with medical plan options from multiple insurance carriers, paid time off, parental leave, 401k contribution matching, colleague discounts, and more. Joining our team means getting more than just a paycheck." Be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.

"I am currently making $22/hour with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."

How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?

"I stay calm and composed when issues arise. My dad got rear ended one time when driving me to school. I texted my friend to see if she could tell my teacher what happened. I explained the situation to my teacher when I got to class. If this happened on my way to work, I would call ahead of time to ensure someone could cover my shift."

Proper planning will get you far, but sometimes life happens, and you'll need a plan B, or at the very least, to respectfully inform your team that you may be late, so that they can plan for such a contingency. "We must treat co-workers as we would like them to treat us, with respect and dignity." Think about some of the variables in your life that could affect your ability to arrive on time for work. Sick children, traffic, car breakdowns... the list goes on. It may not be possible for everything to work out so smoothly, getting your shift covered or still making it to work on time. Your interviewer is looking to see that you are proactive and that you can handle the stress of unexpected situations that can arise, and in even such embarrassing circumstances, you are always a team player.

"I hope never to be late! When I started working at a restaurant at sixteen years old, we were taught the adage of 'if you're on time, you're late,' so I've worked to implement that into my life. I always try to arrive 15 minutes early, but there are unforeseen circumstances that can arise. I handle surprises using common sense and keeping courtesy to others top of mind."

How would you handle it if your co-worker did not show up for their shift?

"I am more than willing to cover a shift for a co-worker if I am able. I don't mind accepting overtime hours and do consider myself to be a team player."

Being flexible in your schedule showcases your value as a retail-based employee. You want to relay how you would always support the other members of you team and go above and beyond. "Our success will be built on amazing individuals working together." Assure the interviewer that you are a team player.

"If a co-worker failed to show up for their shift, I would pick it up if possible. I always strive to be a team player."

Bloomingdale's Interview Questions

Go Back

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.
3. Do you have any issues with adhering to our dress code?
4. This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. What does your availability look like?
5. What do find most challenging about working in retail? What aspect is your favorite?
6. In this role, you'll need strong transactional math skills. How comfortable do you feel about handling cash and counting back change?
7. What do you hope to learn from this job at Bloomingdale's?
8. Describe your ideal employer.
9. Why do you feel Bloomingdale's is the right move for your career?
10. Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion requesting a change in an organization.
11. How do you handle situations where your supervisor doesn't communicate well?
12. Have you researched our company values? What makes you the best candidate for Bloomingdale's?
13. Tell me 3 qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with Bloomingdale's.
14. What do you know about Bloomingdale's and our sister company?
15. Do you have reliable transportation?
16. Why do you want to work for Bloomingdale's?
17. How would you describe your personality?
18. What would your most recent employer say about your character and honesty?
19. How would you handle a customer who was behaving aggressively towards you or a co-worker?
20. How would you handle a customer who was arguing with you about our very clear return policy?
21. Do you consider yourself to be a creative person, capable of creating an attractive retail merchandising display?
22. How does your customer service skills align with Bloomingdale's?
23. What would you do if you discovered that a co-worker was stealing product or money?
24. How many days were you late or absent from work last year?
25. What's your experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment?
26. What type of work environment do you most enjoy working in?
27. How can Bloomingdale's motivate you on the job?
28. How do you feel about performance incentives?
29. How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
30. Are you interested in potentially moving into a leadership role?
31. What type of manager brings out the best in you?
32. What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it?
33. What are your salary expectations?
34. How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?
35. How would you handle it if your co-worker did not show up for their shift?

Bloomingdale's Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.

3. Do you have any issues with adhering to our dress code?

4. This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. What does your availability look like?

5. What do find most challenging about working in retail? What aspect is your favorite?

6. In this role, you'll need strong transactional math skills. How comfortable do you feel about handling cash and counting back change?

7. What do you hope to learn from this job at Bloomingdale's?

8. Describe your ideal employer.

9. Why do you feel Bloomingdale's is the right move for your career?

10. Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion requesting a change in an organization.

11. How do you handle situations where your supervisor doesn't communicate well?

12. Have you researched our company values? What makes you the best candidate for Bloomingdale's?

13. Tell me 3 qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with Bloomingdale's.

14. What do you know about Bloomingdale's and our sister company?

15. Do you have reliable transportation?

16. Why do you want to work for Bloomingdale's?

17. How would you describe your personality?

18. What would your most recent employer say about your character and honesty?

19. How would you handle a customer who was behaving aggressively towards you or a co-worker?

20. How would you handle a customer who was arguing with you about our very clear return policy?

21. Do you consider yourself to be a creative person, capable of creating an attractive retail merchandising display?

22. How does your customer service skills align with Bloomingdale's?

23. What would you do if you discovered that a co-worker was stealing product or money?

24. How many days were you late or absent from work last year?

25. What's your experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment?

26. What type of work environment do you most enjoy working in?

27. How can Bloomingdale's motivate you on the job?

28. How do you feel about performance incentives?

29. How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?

30. Are you interested in potentially moving into a leadership role?

31. What type of manager brings out the best in you?

32. What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it?

33. What are your salary expectations?

34. How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?

35. How would you handle it if your co-worker did not show up for their shift?