What do you know about the many ways in which Kohl's takes care of its employees?

"My favorite thing about how Kohl's takes care of its employees is how the company keeps them mission-focused. Instead of talking about specific positions, I love that your career site leads with how a career at Kohl's helps families lead fulfilling lives. That's so important for inspiring your team to bring its A-game every day - when people are focused on the higher purpose, I believe it gives the work they do meaning, and that's very important to me."

This is your chance to highlight any advance research you've done and speak to the ways Koh's nurtures and develops its employees, along with any relevant benefits the company offers. Be prepared to speak in general terms about your understanding of the Kohl's team culture.

"I've done some research in preparation for this interview, and I'm encouraged by many of the benefits I see from working for Kohl's. From store discounts and wellness centers to traditional health care coverage, 401K matching and paid time off, it's clear that Kohl's values its employees and wants them to be healthy and content. In addition, benefits like adoption assistance and associate groups can help Kohl's team members reach their personal and professional full potential."

Would you say you focus more on reasons why change will not work rather than adapting to new changes?

"When a change occurs in the workplace I initially try to balance the pros and the cons before reacting. Overall I would say that I prefer to focus on why the changes will work. I am a positive person by nature, and as long as the reasons behind change and the potential benefits of implementing that change are clearly communicated by leadership, I've found that most team members will be generally accepting."

When a change occurs in the workplace do you view it positively or do you resist the change? Talk to the interviewer about how you adapt to change.

"I am happy to adapt to changes as long as they make sense and help with productivity. I am a team player and will always choose the positive side of things rather than dwelling on potential difficulties. I'm also very pragmatic and understand the concept of 'adapt or die.' I know that any successful organization must continually adapt to its environment in order to ultimately thrive, so change within the workplace is entirely expected."

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 gain a slight increase. According to my research, this seems consistent with the market."

The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example. Be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.

"I would like to earn slightly above where I am now. I am currently making $100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth. If that is out-of-range for this position, I would hope we could discuss alternative benefits and/or a path to reach that salary goal."

What can you tell me about the Kohl's Greatness Agenda?

"I really enjoyed researching the Kohl's Greatness Agenda. From what I've learned, it is a strategic framework built on five pillars: amazing product, incredible savings, easy experience, personalized connections and winning teams. What I love about the Greatness Agenda is that it gives every team member a very clear road map about what the organization is trying to achieve and challenges each employee to find ways to help. make those goals a reality."

This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you have researched the company and what makes its culture unique. Show a general familiarity with the Greatness Agenda and how you might contribute to its success.

"The Greatness Agenda is basically the Kohl's overall strategic plan. It provides a North Star for every employee to help them define how their particular skills, expertise and job requirements can help the company reach every one of the five pillars of the plan. As a member of the Kohl's team, I would find the Greatness Agenda helpful in guiding how I set goals that are most impactful for the company."

When have you worked among a diverse group of people?

"The diverse nature of the Kohl's business is one that I'm most excited about. I'm accustomed to being around people who aren't exactly like me, and I've been able to learn from exposure to a lot of different perspectives. However, I believe that being part of an even broader community will be a life-changing experience that I will relish."

Are you accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals? Assure the interviewer that you are enthusiastic about and can handle an environment that offers diversity.

"In my current company, we have a very diverse group of people that range in age, race, experience, gender, and more. I embrace it fully, and I believe I can make a positive impact within an inclusive and nurturing community like the one Kohl's espouses."

What do you know about our company culture?

"I have researched your company through your website and your social media channels. First, I love that your culture is so mission-focused. By keeping your team members focused on innovation in order to empower families to lead fulfilled lives, your leadership goes a long way toward shaping a positive, fulfilling corporate culture. Within that framework, your team members are allowed to innovate, solve problems, have fun and serve the end customer the best ways they can."

Company culture and fit is a very important factor when considering a career move. Assure the interviewer that you have put thought, research, and consideration into how the company culture will work for you.

"I love that Kohl's is clear on its overall goal: to be the most rewarding and connected omnichannel retailer in America. With that in mind, the culture strikes me as ambitious, yet service-oriented. I'm excited that the way Kohl's seeks to reach this goal is by focusing on its customers and creating product assortments that excite them - and by building genuine, lasting relationships with them."

Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything."

On a scale of 1-10, how skilled are you in communication? Why did you choose that particular rating for yourself?

"I will rate myself an 8.5 because I consider myself a strong communicator. It is the foundation of all success in business. I am always striving to be a better communicator so I leave the rest of the scale as an aspirational measure."

Sales performance is very important to Kohl's. How do you plan to contribute to our profitability?

"I plan to contribute to your profitability through hard work, strategy, tenacity and paying close attention to the needs of customers. I have solid results in my most recent position and look forward to bringing these same successes to Kohl's."

Talk to the interviewer about your sales targets, results, and contributions in the past. Be sure to highlight your biggest wins and talk about the ways you will bring the same performance to Kohl's, if hired.

"My first step would be to examine current performance against KPIs and then develop a 30-, 60- and 90-day plan for how I can help the company achieve, and even exceed, tahem. I have a solid history of identifying strong lead measures that help support overall organizational strategies, and then leading a team to achieve those measures."

Kohl's has won many corporate-level awards for sustainability. How important is this to you in an employer?

"I have really enjoyed learning about how Kohl's seeks solutions that encourage long term sustainability, which ensures that Kohl's is able to leave a smaller footprint. This kind of commitment is very important to me; I try to be a responsible consumer, and I would appreciate working for a company that also seeks to operate in the most responsible and least wasteful or damaging way possible."

Show the interview that you've familiarized yourself with how Kohl's has been recognized for sustainability efforts, and also be prepared to discuss how these efforts connect with your own personal values.

"I was really impressed when I read about the awards Kohl's has received from entities like Dow Jones, Energy Star and the EPA. While these awards are impressive and inspire confidence each on its own, when taken in aggregate they exemplify the level and the breadth of Kohl's efforts toward being a responsible corporate citizen and employer of supply chain resources."

What career path interests you the most in this company?

"What interests me most about your company is that there are so many options when it comes to career growth. Ideally, I would like to earn my way into a Territory Sales role, then a Regional Manager position. Eventually, a Director of Sales or Marketing position would be ideal. Of course, I understand that this will take many years of dedication and hard work."

This is where it is really important to have completed some research on the interviewing company. Be sure to envision where you can see yourself fitting, and growing, with the organization prior to your interview. Do some research on what a career path could look like with this particular company.

"I am interested in a variety of paths with your company. I could absolutely see myself working in your sales and marketing department as I further my knowledge on your product and collections."

Kohl's puts emphasis on hiring people who fit into our workplace culture. How would you describe your personality?

"I would describe my personality as approachable, energetic, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me. I would also classify myself as bold - I'm willing to take risks in order to achieve higher and better results, ultimately for the good of the company and the good of the consumer."

Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your personal traits vs. your integrity. This would include buzzwords such as introverted, energetic, and confident.

"It may seem like an odd combination, but I would describe myself as both logical and imaginative. I'm imaginative in the sense that I'm always looking for new ways to approach consumer issues and new ideas to test out. And then I'm logical in the sense that I want experimentation, data and results to know for sure that what my imagination comes up with is truly feasible."

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

"Last year when I was managing dispatch for my company 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 enough to present that to your organization? Talk to the interviewer about a time when you were able to make a suggestion for change in the workplace.

"Our company did not have a strong policy when it came to workplace harassment and bullying. I was able to work with the leadership team to create a new program which has been readily welcomed by our staff."

When have you had to adapt to change?

"In my current role there is a lot of turnover when it comes to our management team. I have had to adapt to 3 new managers in the past 4 years. It is not the ideal situation but I am able to adjust for the good of the team."

Being able to adapt to change in the workplace is a very important skill to possess. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have had to adjust to changes on the job. How did you handle the change? Was it a positive reaction?

"Last year our company was sold to a competitor and a lot of our management team changed hands. It was a lot of change to handle in a short time."

If you were hired today, what would you accomplish first?

"When we were speaking earlier, about sales targets in this position, you mentioned that most new sales professionals hit their KPI's after 120 days. If I were hired today, my goal would be to exceed my KPI's after the first 90 days. I plan to make a positive impact very quickly."

When you start a new position it is important to set a goal on how you will make a positive impact quickly after being hired. Tell the interviewer what your impact goal is, should you be the successful candidate.

"If I were hired today I would place my focus where you have the greatest need. In my opinion, the biggest impact I can make is through being a dedicated employee."

What can you tell me about what Kohl's stands for?

"I know that the Kohl's purpose, as a company, is to inspire and empower families to lead fulfilled lives-to let your customers know that the things that make their lives better are within their reach. I believe this is a simple and powerful mission - to make Kohl's a place where customers know they can count on getting the things they need to make their lives run more smoothly. The basic things like home and garden products, clothes for the whole family, shoes and the special touches that make a house a home."

This is your opportunity to showcase some of the research you've completed in preparation for your interview. Take some time to read through the Kohl's website for information about the company's culture and values so that you can speak confidently about them.

"I believe Kohl's stands for reliability and dependability among its customer base. From what I've read about working at Kohl's, it seems like the company does an outstanding job of keeping its mission of inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives front and center for all of its team members. Doing this lends a higher purpose to the day-to-day experiences of every team member and keeps them focused on what matters. This is the kind of environment in which I believe I can be successful."

What is the most significant achievement you have on the horizon?

"The most significant achievement on the horizon for me is the completion of my Advanced Excel and SAP courses. I have learned a great deal, and have a few modules to go. I look forward to applying these new skills to this role with Kohl's."

When you show that you have goals and achievements on the horizon, you are letting the interviewer know that you put thought into your career and what you bring to your employer. Employees who do not have goals set just beyond their reach are typically disengaged and unmotivated. This achievement does not need to be complicated. It can be as simple as finishing a beautiful Powerpoint presentation, finishing work-related coursework, or reaching a sales target.

"For the last two years I have been working toward my master's degree in fashion merchandising while also working full time. This effort has been challenging and rewarding all at the same time. My graduation date is this May, so that is the most significant achievement on the horizon."

The fashion industry is fast paced and unpredictable. Your work schedule may reflect that unpredictability. Are you flexible in your schedule?

"I am happy to make myself available for work most times, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. I do have an evening course for the next 8 weeks on Thursdays; however, that is the only restriction currently on my schedule."

Assure the interviewer that you are capable of working an unpredictable schedule. If you have any restrictions in your schedule, this is a good time to talk to the interviewer about it.

"I have a few restrictions in my schedule; however, I am happy to accommodate most days. I am unavailable to work on weekends but from my research I believe you are closed on weekends anyways. Could you share with me the hours expectations for this position?"

Tell me about some of the ways Kohl's is shaping the omnichannel shopping experience.

"It's really impressive to see what Kohl's is doing to make sure the consumer shopping experience is seamless, no matter how the consumer interacts with the company - in a store, inline, through the Kohl's app, etc. Kohl's is shaping the experience by ensuring that shoppers can fulfill their needs whenever and wherever they choose."

The consumer landscape is always changing and trends in this space change faster than in many other industries. Talk to the interviewer about what you've learned about how Kohl's is continually working to innovate and further shape the ultimate consumer shopping experience.

"Kohl's continues to differentiate itself through making the shopping experience quick, seamless, convenient and user-friendly for consumers. Whether it's the neighborhood Kohl's store, the selection and exclusive deals at kohls.com, accessing the store through the Kohl's app or even one of the new Off/Aisle stores, Kohl's is providing the level of access, customer service and selection that are leading the consumer industry."

What questions do you have for me?

"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? Also, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?"

It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the Kohl's website and other online resources to ensure the queries you have are not mundane, or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of items you could have found the answers for from merely watching a video on their company site! Here are some sample questions: - When would you like to have this position filled? - How long has this role been vacant? - Is this a replacement search or a newly created role? - What is your favorite part about working at Kohl's ? - What is Kohl's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months? - Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you? - What do you see as the most significant change in this industry over the past three years? - Is there any reason why you would not hire me?

"A few questions come to mind, so thank you for asking. What's the next major project Kohl's is looking to tackle? I know you're seeking to expand this particular department, so I wonder what is next."

Our industry is fast-paced, competitive, and stressful. How do you cope with high levels of pressure?

"I have been working in fast-paced, stressful environments for the past 10 years. When I am under pressure, my performance is the best. It's like a runners high for me. My current references will attest to my strong ability to perform under pressure."

Assure the interviewer that you are capable of handling the stressful and fast-paced world of fashion. Share how you cope with high levels of pressure and be sure to comment on your ability to handle stress in previous positions. You can also draw on your references.

"I handle stress very well and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure to not get distracted. Staying on deadline is very helpful and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."

Do you have any post-secondary education related to the fashion industry?

"I have a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design. This Degree has helped me immensely in the understanding of fashion trends, design, and style."

Walk the interviewer through your post-secondary experience. How has your education assisted you in your fashion-related career? You can keep your answer brief and to the point.

"Although I do not yet have a completed post-secondary degree, I have a completed certificate in Social Media Marketing. This knowledge is transferable to any industry, including fashion. I look forward to utilizing my knowledge in this area at Kohls"

What type of work environment allows you to be the most productive?

"I understand from researching Kohl's that your work environment is highly collaborative. I come from a similar environment and have found that I can be very productive when there is the 'buzz' of a team around me. I love the synergy of brainstorming with smart colleagues who are at the top of their fields. I find that they challenge me to really bring my A game, and I appreciate that extra boost of creative energy that comes from sharing ideas with others."

Are you able to be productive in any environment? Are there particular types of situations that you find distracting? Discuss your preferences with the interviewer. Be sure to research the kind of environment offered in this position before the interview.

"I work well in a high pressure, demanding environment that requires you to work smart and make your mark. I am competitive in nature and love to be challenged on a personal and professional level. I am excited and motivated by winning, whether that be winning over a new client, exceeding my KPIs or being recognized for a job well done. I am also motivated and energized by a strong team that supports and challenges one another."

Some of the most important work we do at Kohl's is within our communities; what can you tell me about what Kohl's has accomplished in this area?

"I think Kohl's is very well-known for giving back to the communities it serves. I'm especially interested in the Kohl's partnerships with various children's hospitals across the country, and I'd love, if hired, to get involved with this effort. From Kohl's Cares merchandise that raises funds for hospitals to the company's volunteer programs, Kohl's has this important value threaded throughout its culture and its customer service."

Display to the interviewer that you have done some research to find out how Kohl's interacts with the communities it serves. Show that you can connect the company's philanthropic and community efforts with your own personal values.

"I love the Kohl's reputation for giving back to the community. In fact, as a consumer, I always make sure to purchase any of the Kohl's Cares merchandise whenever I have the opportunity. But in addition to the merchandise, I know that Kohl's offers a wide range of programs that provide crucial education and resources to help families lead healthier and safer lifestyles. I loved reading that in the past year, Kohl's has organized more than 30,000 community events nationwide and that your associates contributed nearly 500,000 volunteer hours. I'd really love to be part of this volunteer culture."

At Kohls we have thousands of applicants per year. Why should we choose you for this position?

"You should hire me for this position because I can guarantee you that nobody else has followed your brand as closely as I have. I am passionate about fashion and see this as much more than just a job. Working for Kohl's would change my path and I plan to make a positive impact immediately."

What makes you a stand-out candidate for this opportunity? Why should the interviewer give you the position over another candidate? Make your answer unique and memorable. Show confidence and don't be afraid to brag about yourself!

"In addition to my recently acquired degree in Fashion Design, I also have a background in film. I am a world traveler as well. These 3 factors combined, make me an incredibly well-rounded candidate who will offer you a perspective and insight that others cannot."

Have you progressed in your career as you have expected?

"Overall, my career has progressed a touch slower than I would have liked. I have held a couple of positions that didn't offer the growth and learning that I was expecting; however, I have have made a point to learn as much as I possibly can, no matter the specific position or implied career path. I feel that this particular position is a reasonable next step to take my career in a satisfying direction."

Career progression can be a touchy subject, especially if you feel that your career hasn't progressed as well as you would have liked. Talk to the interviewer about your career progression and what you would like to see in the future.

"I am very happy with my career progression thus far. I've been so fortunate that great opportunities have come my way at the best times, and I've been positioned in such a way as to be able to take advantage of them. Overall, I believe that this position with Kohl's is a positive fit for me at this stage in my career, plus the kind of team environment and ambition-focused culture I'm seeking. "

Your current employer has a strong reputation in the fashion industry. Why do you want to work for Kohls?

"I am intrigued by the company culture at Kohl's, and I believe it matches my own very well. You put customers first, you act with integrity and you are known for building great teams. I'm at a point in my career where I believe I can both contribute to and learn a great deal from this kind of service- and team-focused culture."

Discuss with the hiring manager the ways in which you feel that working for Kohls will provide you with the aspects you are currently missing in your position.

"I have had my eye on openings with Kohls for quite some time. I have heard excellent things about working here which is why I am so excited about the opportunity to join your team. My reason for seeking a new opportunity is not out of dissatisfaction for my current company but more so for continued growth and career advancement."

Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?

"What makes a great team member is not that they agree with everything but the level of respect and positive thought that goes into the person's communication style. It's okay to disagree; however, you have to communicate your thoughts professionally and ultimately comply with the leader's decision on a particular issue."

The interviewer wants to know that you can be diplomatic in the workplace, even when you may not agree with your leader. Show the interviewer that it is possible for you to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader from time to time. Explain that you believe everyone is entitled to their own professional opinion, yet capable of maintaining respect for each other at the same time. Show that even if you disagree with the final decision they make, you support the direction the team is heading.

"I have had team members disagree with decisions that I have made as a manager, and it does not bother me unless they are disrespectful about the situation. I think it's great to face challenging thoughts in the workplace and I welcome varying trains of thought. In fact, I believe that sometimes disagreeing with the leader is the strongest sign of a good team member. If someone disagrees with me because they have the greater good of the team and/or the company in mind, then I want to hear that. And as a strong leader, I need to hear it."

Kohls Interview Questions

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1. What do you know about the many ways in which Kohl's takes care of its employees?
2. Would you say you focus more on reasons why change will not work rather than adapting to new changes?
3. What are your salary expectations?
4. What can you tell me about the Kohl's Greatness Agenda?
5. When have you worked among a diverse group of people?
6. What do you know about our company culture?
7. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
8. Sales performance is very important to Kohl's. How do you plan to contribute to our profitability?
9. Kohl's has won many corporate-level awards for sustainability. How important is this to you in an employer?
10. What career path interests you the most in this company?
11. Kohl's puts emphasis on hiring people who fit into our workplace culture. How would you describe your personality?
12. Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion requesting change in an organization.
13. When have you had to adapt to change?
14. If you were hired today, what would you accomplish first?
15. What can you tell me about what Kohl's stands for?
16. What is the most significant achievement you have on the horizon?
17. The fashion industry is fast paced and unpredictable. Your work schedule may reflect that unpredictability. Are you flexible in your schedule?
18. Tell me about some of the ways Kohl's is shaping the omnichannel shopping experience.
19. What questions do you have for me?
20. Our industry is fast-paced, competitive, and stressful. How do you cope with high levels of pressure?
21. Do you have any post-secondary education related to the fashion industry?
22. What type of work environment allows you to be the most productive?
23. Some of the most important work we do at Kohl's is within our communities; what can you tell me about what Kohl's has accomplished in this area?
24. At Kohls we have thousands of applicants per year. Why should we choose you for this position?
25. Have you progressed in your career as you have expected?
26. Your current employer has a strong reputation in the fashion industry. Why do you want to work for Kohls?
27. Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?

Kohls Interview Questions

1. What do you know about the many ways in which Kohl's takes care of its employees?

2. Would you say you focus more on reasons why change will not work rather than adapting to new changes?

3. What are your salary expectations?

4. What can you tell me about the Kohl's Greatness Agenda?

5. When have you worked among a diverse group of people?

6. What do you know about our company culture?

7. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

8. Sales performance is very important to Kohl's. How do you plan to contribute to our profitability?

9. Kohl's has won many corporate-level awards for sustainability. How important is this to you in an employer?

10. What career path interests you the most in this company?

11. Kohl's puts emphasis on hiring people who fit into our workplace culture. How would you describe your personality?

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

13. When have you had to adapt to change?

14. If you were hired today, what would you accomplish first?

15. What can you tell me about what Kohl's stands for?

16. What is the most significant achievement you have on the horizon?

17. The fashion industry is fast paced and unpredictable. Your work schedule may reflect that unpredictability. Are you flexible in your schedule?

18. Tell me about some of the ways Kohl's is shaping the omnichannel shopping experience.

19. What questions do you have for me?

20. Our industry is fast-paced, competitive, and stressful. How do you cope with high levels of pressure?

21. Do you have any post-secondary education related to the fashion industry?

22. What type of work environment allows you to be the most productive?

23. Some of the most important work we do at Kohl's is within our communities; what can you tell me about what Kohl's has accomplished in this area?

24. At Kohls we have thousands of applicants per year. Why should we choose you for this position?

25. Have you progressed in your career as you have expected?

26. Your current employer has a strong reputation in the fashion industry. Why do you want to work for Kohls?

27. Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?