32 Kmart Interview Questions & Answers
1. How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
How to Answer
The management team at Kmart is focused on nurturing a positive work environment and strong team, so they'll be sure to offer you feedback on your work as well as recognition of your accomplishments. Share with the interviewer how you would want credit for your hard work. Through gifts? Financial perks? Public recognition? Kind words? Title promotions?
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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."
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"As a sales professional, I am driven by a challenge with a financial perk. Sales contests, for example, are a great way to motivate me."
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2. How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?
How to Answer
Promptness is an important quality for Kmart employees. Make sure the interviewer knows that you plan for traffic, bad weather, and other situations that could make you late for your shift. Your interviewer is looking to see that you are proactive and that you can handle the stress of unexpected situations that could affect arriving to work on time.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I hate being late and always do everything I can to avoid it -- if I'm not five minutes early, I feel like I'm already late! Winters here can make travel hard, so I always make sure to give myself extra time when there's snow or ice."
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"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 unforeseen circumstances sometimes arise. I handle surprises using common sense and keeping courtesy to others in mind."
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3. Do you have reliable transportation?
How to Answer
If you are offered a position at Kmart, it's important that your managers can count on you to arrive to work consistently and on time. Let the interviewer know about your transportation plans, whether that includes driving, walking, taking public transit, or biking.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I have a well-maintained vehicle, and I am comfortable with the amount of travel required to get to the store every day."
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I take public transit and find it to be very reliable. I always plan for unexpected delays and take an earlier bus if I know it's a heavy-traffic day. I always make sure I'm at least 5-10 minutes early for my shifts."
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4. What do you hope to learn from this job at Kmart?
How to Answer
Employees at Kmart have the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills. Share what you hope to get out of your time at Kmart. Review the job description and information about related careers to help you get a better idea of what you have to look forward to. Discuss how this position will help you in your career.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I am looking to lay the foundation for the rest of my career with this position. I hope to increase my already strong skills in sales as well as learn more about how to run a store -- someday, I hope to become a store manager or even open my own small retail shop."
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5. How do you feel about performance incentives?
How to Answer
Performance incentives can be very motivating, and you may have opportunities to take advantage of such incentives in your position at Kmart. Talk to the interviewer about your feelings regarding performance incentives.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I think performance incentives are a great idea -- they keep me motivated to do a great job, and I like knowing that I'm a part of helping our team keep on top of our KPIs. I'm extremely motivated by being rewarded for my successes."
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6. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
Do some research to determine how you can expect to be compensated at Kmart, and use your current earnings to discuss your expectations. Be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I currently make $15 per hour and work between 15 and 20 hours per week. I'm hoping to stay in the same range or slightly higher."
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7. How can Kmart motivate you on the job?
How to Answer
The management team at Kmart wants to know how best to motivate every member of their team. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you find motivation on the job.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I like to know that my efforts are noticed. In my current position, we have a leader board -- I like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of personal competition for me as well."
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8. Describe to me your ideal employer.
How to Answer
A job search isn't just a one-sided hunt. You must also feel that a job at Kmart is a good fit for you. Tell the interviewer about your ideal employer. Be specific and be sure to keep the conversation positive. Avoid speaking poorly of any previous managers or organizations.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"My ideal employer is one who brings charisma and passion to their work. I work best with organizations that encourage learning and promote their employees based on performance."
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9. We need reliable people on our team at Kmart. How many days were you absent from work last year?
How to Answer
Being a Kmart employee means being reliable and consistent. Make sure the interviewer knows that you respect your coworkers and managers enough to always show up for your assigned shifts. You can be honest about a time you missed work; be sure to mention that you followed all of the protocols for calling off of work.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I know that my managers and coworkers rely on every team-member to show up for their shifts on time and prepared to work -- when one person doesn't show up for their shift, everyone else has to work harder. I've never been absent from work without a good reason, and I always make sure to call well in advance so that my managers can cover the shift. I've never had an unexcused absence from work."
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10. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?
How to Answer
Your interview is about helping you determine if the work environment at Kmart is right for you. Are you pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments? Have you experienced a position where the atmosphere wasn't conducive to your productivity? Make sure you're familiar with the environment at Kmart.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the energy is positive and teamwork is encouraged. I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic."
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11. Personality fit is important to us at Kmart. How would you describe your personality?
How to Answer
When you work at Kmart, you are one part of a larger team; your personality will play a part in whether the interviewer believes you would be a good fit for this team. Talk to the interviewer about your personality traits -- such as introverted, friendly, or confident -- as opposed to your character traits -- such as reliable, honest, or hard-working.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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."
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12. How do you handle a situation where your supervisor does not properly communicate information to you?
How to Answer
The environment at Kmart is fast-paced; though supervisors have the best intentions, some information may fall through the cracks. Describe your communication preferences and tell the interviewer how you have handled interactions with supervisors in the past.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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."
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13. What type of manager brings out the best in you?
How to Answer
Managers at Kmart work hard to ensure a healthy team, which starts with supporting individual associates. 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. Some individuals prefer a close working relationship with a lot of accountability, while others prefer space and autonomy. If you are unsure of your preference, try to leave your answer as open as possible.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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?"
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14. Why is this job with Kmart right for you at this time in your career?
How to Answer
A position at Kmart will provide you with plenty of benefits in the present while also allowing for opportunities to move up in the company in the future. Discuss with the interviewer why you are looking to make a change and how this particular role fits well with the changes that you want to make. Be thoughtful and draw upon the research you have done on the company.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I have been interested in seeking a new position for quite some time but 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, especially at this point in my career, because it offers an opportunity for me to utilize my recent education in Communications while giving me an opportunity to advance in my management skills."
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15. What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?
How to Answer
Retail environments like Kmart may offer opportunities for friendly competition with your coworkers and other stores in your district and region. Tell the interviewer about your experience in competitive environments, whether you were racing others to achieve the highest sales, working towards a promotion, or eagerly trying to win a new contract. Show the interviewer that you rose to the challenge and that you were excited to push yourself to be the best. It is a definite plus if you have cheered on your competitors and helped them along the way. Be sure to mention any successful outcome.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"My current sales position is highly commission-based, so my colleagues and I are quite competitive. Even when we're competing,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."
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16. Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion requesting change in an organization.
How to Answer
The most successful organizations are always growing and adapting to better serve their customers, and Kmart is no exception. In addition to being able to handle change, can you also recognize when change is required and be confident enough to present that to your organization? Talk to the interviewer about a time when you were able to suggest a change in the workplace.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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."
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17. This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?
How to Answer
Retail jobs like a position at Kmart require a wide range of hours that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and split shifts. 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.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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."
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18. At Kmart we like to hire strong achievers. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.
How to Answer
At Kmart, customer service always comes first. Display to the interviewer that you can do more than the bare minimum. Show that you can react appropriately when you see that your employer has a need that goes beyond your usual day-to-day expectations.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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."
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19. Take me through your experience in retail. What was the most challenging position you have held? Which was your favorite, and why?
How to Answer
From clothing to electronics to health and beauty, Kmart is all about creating great customer experiences. If you have experience in retail, walk the interviewer through your past positions and highlight your favorite and most challenging positions. If you don't have retail experience, that's okay! Draw on some other professional experiences, and let the interviewer know that you're excited to make the transition to retail.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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."
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20. Have you researched our company values? What makes you the best candidate for Kmart?
How to Answer
Having a knowledge of the Kmart brand and customer is incredibly important -- any information you know about the company's values will set you apart from other candidates. Spend some time exploring the Kmart website and becoming familiar with their core values and mission statement: 'To make shopping fun for everyone.'
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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 Kmart is achieving in the retail marketplace."
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21. You will be responsible for a large amount of cash and valuable merchandise at Kmart. What would your most recent employer say about your character and honesty?
How to Answer
Honesty is incredibly important in a retail environment like Kmart, where employees handle a multitude of cash transactions. Assure the interviewer that you can be trusted by speaking about your character. Draw on the opinion of others to solidify your answer.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I would never steal from any store, especially my place of work! I know how important it is that my managers and coworkers can trust me with the store, merchandise, and cash. During my exit interview at my last job, my manager, Ricardo, told me that he found me extremely trustworthy and would hire me again if I ever wanted to return to the company."
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22. In a retail environment, staff turnover is often high. How would you handle it if your co-worker did not show up for their shift?
How to Answer
Employees at Kmart must be adaptable and flexible. Assure the interviewer that you are a team player and would be willing to step in if your manager needed a shift covered at the last minute.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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 I consider myself to be a team player."
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23. Working in a retail environment, you will sometimes come across rude customers. How would you handle a customer who is aggressive towards you or a co-worker?
How to Answer
In a service-focused role like a sales position at Kmart, you will likely encounter customers who make your job less than pleasant. Retail and customer service based roles will often require diplomacy when it comes to working with the public. Discuss with the interviewer how you would handle an aggressive customer.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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."
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24. Tell me 3 qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with Kmart.
How to Answer
Before your interview, take some time to find out more about what Kmart looks for in an employee, and find ways to honestly demonstrate how you meet those needs. For instance, Kmart employees must 'ensure our future by earning the trust of those we serve' and 'contribute to the success of a global retail leader through teamwork, integrity, and positive energy.' Describe how you are uniquely suited for some of the job requirements.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"Jelisa, my team leader at my former job, recently told me how much she appreciated my hard work and my willingness to do tasks that other team-members weren't excited about, like taking out the trash or volunteering to come in for early-morning inventory shifts. I have a generally sunny disposition, and I love meeting new people -- so connecting with customers would come easily to me!"
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25. At Kmart we firmly believe in grooming our employees into management roles as they show potential. Are you interested in potential leadership roles with us?
How to Answer
Many seasonal or entry-level employees at Kmart go on to explore other 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.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I would be very excited about obtaining a role in leadership within Kmart in the future. I'm confident that my hard work, attention to detail, and strong communication skills will make me well-suited for a leadership position in the future as you feel I'm ready to take on more responsibility."
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26. In our retail stores we take pride in our merchandising and displays. Do you consider yourself to be a creative person, capable of making an attractive retail display?
How to Answer
If offered a position at Kmart, you may be asked to contribute to the design and construction of store displays. Do you have examples of displays that you have created? Do you have unique ideas that you can share with Kmart in regards to their current merchandising? Let the interviewer know if you are interested in creating displays and if you have any special skills to contribute to their design or construction.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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, and I'm eager to learn more! I would love to be a part of the creative process of making displays."
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27. This position requires you to wear a uniform to work. Have you worn a uniform in the workplace before? How do you feel about this?
How to Answer
A Kmart, it's important for customers to know who they can turn to if they have a question about a product or need help finding an item -- and uniforms help accomplish that goal. Talk to the interviewer about any times that you have been required to wear a uniform. What are your thoughts on this? Be sure to keep your answer positive and avoid speaking poorly of the practice surrounding uniforms.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I have worn a uniform for work at restaurant XYZ and when I was a retail manager for company ABC. I have seen the uniforms worn by the retail employees at Kmart and see that it adds a strong level of professionalism."
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28. In this role you will be required to handle customer transactions. On a scale of 1-10 how strong are your mathematical skills?
How to Answer
Strong math skills will be an asset in your position at Kmart. Assure the interviewer that you are comfortable with the skills associated with handling math-related tasks.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I did very well in math during high school and am comfortable with the math required to accept cash, balance a cash float, and perform inventory-related tasks."
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29. We have a strong employee honesty program in place at Kmart to prevent loss. What would you do if you discovered that a co-worker was stealing product or money?
How to Answer
Kmart takes loss prevention and employee theft very seriously. Loss prevention initiatives are an important part of ensuring that Kmart stays competitive in their market. Discuss with the interviewer how you would handle a situation surrounding employee theft.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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."
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30. At Kmart we have a very clear return policy. How would you handle a customer who was arguing with you about a potential return?
How to Answer
As a Kmart employee, you will come across customers who want to argue with store policy. Assure the interviewer that you can handle a situation like this with poise while making the customer happy and keeping the needs of the company in mind as well.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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."
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31. What do you know about Kmart? Why do you want to work for us?
How to Answer
It's important that you understand the mission and aesthetic of Kmart. Spend some time on the Kmart website, take a look at their different departments and offerings, and get a feel for their brand. The interviewer will be impressed with any knowledge you have about their seasonal promotions or ongoing events. What did you find in your research that made you excited to work for Kmart?
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I have researched Kmart 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."
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32. Kmart puts customer service first. How do you ensure that you always put the customers' needs first?
How to Answer
Like most retail environments, Kmart competes with other companies in their market -- which means that business can go down with one honest mistake. Discuss with the interviewer how you ensure that your customers receive the best service from you.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 17th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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."
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