30 Lowes Interview Questions & Answers
1. Tell me about a time when you did not have enough time to complete all assigned tasks. How did you prioritize?
How to Answer
Start off by telling the interviewer that you are typically an organized person and achieve everything on time. Share how you usually organize your work.
You might share that you keep a to-do list of all the objectives that you must complete, keep your electronic calendar up-to-date and that you spend 5-10 minutes at the beginning of your day reviewing your schedule for the day as well as prioritizing your to-do list for that day.
Next, share a time when you failed to get an assigned task done on time due to something outside of your control. Perhaps you were sick, an emergency arose, or someone else called in sick for the day changing your priorities. Share how you prioritized your time with the goal of achieving the deadline, and share why you were not able to reach it on time.
Finally, be sure to wrap it up by reiterating that you are usually a deadline driven person, and you almost always complete everything on time.
1st Answer Example
"Not long ago we received an unexpected shipment from a large supplier, on a Saturday afternoon, which is also our peak customer time. We had to hurry up to receive the stock and ensure the inventory count remained accurate despite shoppers taking the items off the palette. It was a hectic couple of hours, but we prioritized by having four employees count while four received; double the usual workforce that we have on new arrivals."
2. Tell me about your last manager, what did you like and dislike about their leadership style?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you only speak positively about your past manager. Think about the things that you enjoyed about this person and their leadership style. You might talk about how they had regular team huddles to provide ongoing communication about process changes or upcoming events. You might share how they regularly had fun activities going on to keep the team engaged. Keep the focus on the positive things.
Next, think about one thing you wish your manager would have done differently. Tell the interviewer that you would have liked to see your manager conduct this one thing differently, and be sure to explain why you think this alternative way would have been better. This allows the interviewer to see that you remain positive while offering constructive feedback. Positivity is key!
1st Answer Example
"My last manager was great. He had a no-nonsense personality to him. He never played favorites. He would dive in if we needed help. He rubbed a lot of people the wrong way because he wasn't overly personal with his employees, but that never bothered me."
3. Explain to me how you would perform a tile remodeling job, from start to end, as if I were a customer.
How to Answer
It's time to role play! The steps to tiling a floor are:
- Clean the floor, so there is no debris underneath the tiles
- Find the center of the floor by using chalk lines (find the midpoint of each wall and connect the lines for the crosspoint)
- Lay out the tiles using spacers to ensure it will look the way you want it to as well as to determine where to start tiling. It is best to start tiling from the center of the room where the chalk lines meet.
- Mix the mortar according to the directions on the bag
- Spread the mortar on a small square section of the floor in an even layer, and begin laying the tiles placing two spacers between each tile to ensure they maintain consistent spacing
- At each wall, use a tile cutter to cut tiles for the correct fit
- After everything is tiled, you need to stay off the tile to allow it to set
- Once the tiles are set, spread the grout between the tiles ensuring all gaps are filled
- As you go, use a damp sponge to remove any excess grout from the tiles
- Let the tiles dry for 24 hours afterward
4. Why do you want to work at Lowe's over Home Depot?
How to Answer
Think about areas where Lowe's excels over Home Depot. Or, what things do you like about Lowe's over Home Depot? These things will make great ways to respond to this question. You might say, 'I prefer the brighter environment inside of Lowe's over Home Depot.' Or, perhaps you will say, 'I typically get better customer service at Lowe's.' Whatever your reason is, now is the time to share it!
1st Answer Example
"I have always preferred Lowe's over Home Depot because of the cleanliness of the store and how well-organized it is. The staff always treats me great at Lowe's as well."
5. What department at Lowes would you enjoy working in the most?
How to Answer
Be honest with the interviewer about which department(s) you would enjoy the most. The interviewer wants to place you where you want to be to ensure you are happy as an employee. If painting is your thing, that's great! If you are an electrical fan, that's wonderful! Be willing to share whatever area of the store you desire to work in.
1st Answer Example
"I would love to work with appliances or in kitchen design. I think it would be fun to interact in a more personal manner with customers and help plan their kitchens."
User-Submitted Answer
"Electrical"
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Try expanding on this, explaining why you most enjoy electrical, or why you consider it your specialty.
6. Have you ever worked on a house before? What was your project?
How to Answer
Think about a recent home project you have done. This can be anything from remodeling your home to putting on new light plate covers or painting in your apartment. Tell the interviewer, 'Yes, I have!' Follow this with a high-level overview of what project you tackled. If you used a DIY class at Lowe's to learn how to do your project, be sure to mention it!
If you have no remodeling or home improvement experience, do not worry! You can honestly say you don't, but you have a strong passion for home improvement. Tell the interviewer you hope to one day own a home and be able to work on it yourself.
1st Answer Example
"Yes, I have helped remodel my parents and grandparents bathrooms with my father. It was a great learning experience. When I own a home one day, I hope to pick up knowledge from working at Lowes and be able to do my home improvement projects."
7. How well would you say you know our departments and what we sell?
How to Answer
Be honest with the interviewer about your knowledge of departments and what is sold. If you have a lot of knowledge and experience, that is great! If not, just tell the interviewer that you do not know a lot and you look forward to learning. You might say that you know the basics and that Lowe's offers plumbing, bathroom, electrical, flooring, hardware, kitchen, paint, and tools department. You might also mention that you know the high-level of products sold at Lowe's such as tools, washers/dryers, kitchen appliances, tools, paint, patio furniture, flowers, plumbing, and many many more!
1st Answer Example
"I've shopped at each department but a few. I haven't shopped in the electrical or plumbing sections. I am a frequent visitor to the appliance department; I love viewing the new refrigerator units!"
8. Do you shop at Lowe's?
How to Answer
If you do not regularly shop at Lowe's, we recommend that you visit their store before your interview, so you understand the company culture and shopping experience before arriving at your meeting. When asked this question, you can say, 'Yes, I have shopped at Lowe's!' If you regularly visit Lowe's, that's great! Tell the interviewer that you are a regular, and specify why you like the store so much.
1st Answer Example
"Yes, I have shopped online at Lowes and in-store. I've always been a fan of your company and enjoy each trip I make to Lowes."
9. What do you know about tools?
How to Answer
Be honest with the interviewer about your knowledge of tools. If you have a lot of knowledge and experience, that is great! If not, just tell the interviewer that you do not know a lot and you look forward to learning all about tools. The interviewer will likely ensure you receive extra training when you start to help you learn the ins-and-outs of tools.
1st Answer Example
"When I helped remodel my parents' bathroom, I familiarized myself with an electric drill, a reciprocating saw, a miter saw, and a few others. I wouldn't say I am an expert at all tools, but I am familiar with the basic ones."
10. What steps do you take to solve a problem?
How to Answer
Start off by telling the interviewer that once you recognize a problem, you like to analyze the problem and all possible solutions. Next, share that you pick your best solution, and implement it. Finally, be sure to mention that you like to take note of the outcome of your choice because this helps you continually learn to ensure you keep making good decisions in the future.
1st Answer Example
"I try to analyze the situation best myself and calculate each option in fixing the problem. If I am unsure of a solid solution, I will seek advice. After I implement any idea, I carefully analyze the outcome and take notes on whether it was successful or not."
11. Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone you didn't get along with?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you handle conflict appropriately in the workplace. If you have never dealt with conflict in the workplace, that is great! That might only work for a basic retail position at Lowe's. If you are interviewing for a higher-level job, you will need to recall a situation in which you handled a conflict with a co-worker.
Start off by sharing with the interviewer that you typically get along with your co-workers great, but from time-to-time, you might disagree with someone. Next, think of a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker. Tell the interviewer a brief overview of why you disagreed. Tell the interviewer that instead of continuing to be frustrated, it was better to talk about the situation to resolve it. Finally, be sure to mention that you and the person continued to have a respectful relationship following the conversation due to the way that you handled the situation.
1st Answer Example
"I get along with my co-workers and supervisors well, but there was one time when I worked with an individual whom I didn't get along with. The person seemed to disappear each time we were asked to pull in shopping carts from the parking lot. It wasn't a big deal, and I knew the supervisors saw his behavior. So I just let it be and continued to do my job."
12. If you found a twenty dollar bill in the parking lot, what would you do?
How to Answer
You would turn the money in at the member service desk or to a store manager! The interviewer needs to hear that you are honest and ethical. In this situation, the best thing to do is to turn the money in, and it is what the interviewer expects to hear from you. Be sure to mention that the person who dropped the cash may desperately need that $20 today, and turning it in will give them a better chance of finding the money.
1st Answer Example
"Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what I believe so, for that reason, if I were to find money in the parking lot, I would turn it into the service desk. Someone may need it! I hope that this honesty will always come back to me one day, should I lose something of value."
13. How do you define good customer service?
How to Answer
Start off by telling the interviewer that excellent customer service means having a positive attitude, and creating a unique experience for customers while doing what it takes to ensure customers come back to your store. Tell the interviewer that excellent customer service is dropping what you are doing to happily assist a customer, greeting them when they walk through the door and asking them if you can help them find something.
1st Answer Example
"To me, good customer service means being friendly, available, willing to help, and also know a lot when it comes to the products you sell. All of these factors amount to a very positive experience for a customer."
14. Why should we not hire you?
How to Answer
This interview question is similar to 'What are your weaknesses?'. This question can be tricky to answer because you do not want to be a hundred percent honest and lay out all the reasons the interviewer should not hire you. Start your answer by saying there is no reason not to hire you. This reply displays confidence to the interviewer. Then focus on one skill which you still need to improve. Tell the interviewer you are weak in this one area but are actively looking to improve yourself there.
1st Answer Example
"I understand that you are looking for 6+ years of management experience, and I possess just 3. With that said, I have a great amount of training in management and some notable successes that I look forward to applying to my role here at Lowe's."
15. Tell me about a time when you had to be a leader. How was the outcome?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear about a positive experience you have had with leadership. Think about a time when you led a sports team, led a college project, managed a store, or coached a little league team. These are all great examples! Tell the interviewer who you were leading, and share that you enjoyed the experience. Discuss the positive outcome that the group had, and explain that you would gladly lead again!
1st Answer Example
"I have always been a great leader, and I thoroughly enjoy being a team leader. I have been in an assistant manager role in my company for two years now and love to lead by example and train new employees."
16. Why do you want to work at Lowe's?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you are looking forward to working at Lowe's. Lowe's is focused on helping people create great homes. Tell the interviewer why you look forward to being a part of something as an employee of Lowe's. Recognize that you would be helping families take on DIY projects. Be mindful that you would be educating them on selecting great new gadgets for their homes. And, acknowledge that you would be the setting for people to make selections for creating their dream home! Be excited to share that you would get to be a part of something great by being an employee at Lowe's!
1st Answer Example
"Lowe's is one of the leaders in home-improvement retail. I love the store layout and the products you sell compared to your competitors. Lowe's is one of my favorite places to shop, so I believe I would enjoy working here."
17. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for customer service?
How to Answer
Talking about a time when you calmed an upset customer can be an excellent example for this question. Be ready to talk about the time you went above and beyond with handling a customer complaint. Explain how you listened to every word the customer had to say. Next, describe how you apologized to the customer with a calm voice and sincere heart. Finally, be sure to tell the interviewer what solution you offered the customer. Perhaps you did not charge them for a meal if it was in a restaurant. Maybe you offered a new dish for them to try. Be sure to close with how happy the customer was when they left!
Or, you may approach the question with something you have done during the ordinary course of the day to go above and beyond for your customers. For example, if you work at a grocery store, you might share that you walk the customers out to their car when customer levels allow and assist them with loading the groceries in their vehicle.
1st Answer Example
"I like to go above and beyond whenever possible. When a customer receives an unexpectedly high level of service, they are sure to come back. This means greeting them within the first 5 seconds of them entering the store, offering to help, asking questions, and getting to know their needs. When I worked in the paint department of Home Depot, I would often ask the customers if I could see pictures of their projects so that I could have a better understanding of their needs, and the entire scope. These are just a few ways in which I went above and beyond."
18. Name your three best qualities?
How to Answer
Think about the traits which people have repeatedly commended you. What are the typical qualities that you have received praise for at work, in school, or within your family? These things make great examples! Some examples might include your joyful attitude, your kindhearted spirit, your ability to help others, your knack for striking up a conversation, or your patience.
1st Answer Example
"Some of my best qualities include my attention to detail, my high level of reliability, and the fact that I love to learn. This means that I research a lot, and then apply my new knowledge at work. These skills will benefit Lowe's greatly, and I look forward to making an impression on your customers!"
19. What would you do if a coworker asked you to help them steal?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that they can trust you to report theft and dishonesty in the workplace. Some businesses have trouble with employee theft, and they need to make sure that they are hiring someone who is honest and trustworthy. Talk to the interviewer about the steps you would take if you caught a co-worker stealing.
1st Answer Example
"I am sure that you have an internal policy for employee theft so I can assure you that I would follow the required steps to report the theft. I am a trustworthy person with a strong track record of honesty with my previous employers."
20. Where do you see yourself in the Lowe's organization in two years?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you have realistic career progression expectations within Lowe's.
Tell the interviewer that you are excited about joining the team at Lowe's, and you anticipate that you will likely be in the same job in two years that you are hired for. If a promotion or another opportunity is available before then, that is great! But, you recognize that it takes time for promotions and internal job changes to occur, so in two years, there is a good chance you will still be in the same job title, and that is okay with you! Be sure to mention that your goal is to learn as much as you can, so when the opportunity arises, you can be promoted.
If you are a student, tell the interviewer that you plan to stay at Lowe's through graduation in the role that you are hired into, and then share what career or further education you hope to be pursuing following graduation. If Lowe's offers careers in your field, such as management, be sure to mention that you would be open to considering a career in your area at Lowe's if one is available upon graduation.
1st Answer Example
"My two-year plan is to join Lowe's and earn my way into a floor manager position. I have a great deal of experience with team management, customer dispute, and inventory. I believe you will see me well-suited for a management role in a short amount of time."
21. How do you expect to make a difference at Lowe's?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you are excited about working at Lowe's and have thought about how you can make a positive impact while working there. Think about what kind of impact you could make.
Possible things that might come to mind are:
- Creating a favorable environment for customers by smiling, asking them if you can help them find something, and providing them with excellent service.
- Building business relationships with your co-workers, so everyone looks forward to coming to work each day.
- By helping to ensure a place where parents and children come to buy supplies for their first DIY project!
Whatever comes to mind that you are passionate about, share it with the interviewer!
1st Answer Example
"I plan to bring my exceptional customer service skills with me to work at Lowe's every day. Also, I want to be a great influence on your staff by bringing a positive and reliable work ethic with me to the job every day."
22. Describe a time when you disliked company rules in your last job?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you are not a rule breaker, and you support the rules the company has put into place. Start off by telling the interviewer that you follow all of the company rules and are supportive of the leadership decisions the company makes regarding regulations. After all, there had to be some logic to their professional decision!
1st Answer Example
"If I could change one decision the leadership team made, it would be the implementation of a 45-day return policy. I felt that was a long time for many of our products, but I remind myself that they know what they are doing!"
23. What do you know about working in retail?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you understand the industry of Lowe's company. Think about your experiences in retail stores. What have you observed? What types of things are the employees working on? You might mention that customer service is very important to keep your members coming back to your store. You might share that organization/tidiness is necessary to keep the store visually appealing. You might discuss that there are many moving pieces such as merchandise being ordered, new displays being built, stocking merchandise every day, cashiering, ensuring lines are not too long, member service, sales analysis, and general operations. Be prepared to discuss 5 or 6 things that you have recognized about the retail setup.
24. Tell me about your experience in working in retail.
How to Answer
If you have experience, start off by giving the interviewer a high-level overview of your experience by sharing where you have worked, your job title, and how long you were employed there. Add a sentence or two about what your job duties were in each role as well. Be sure to mention that you really enjoy this industry, and you look forward to continuing to work in retail industry roles.
1st Answer Example
"I have worked in the fast-food industry for the last seven years, while it is not exactly retail I believe it is pretty similar. I have experience with customer service and cash handling."
25. How well do you handle customer complaints?
How to Answer
Addressing customer complaints is an essential part of customer service, and the interviewer wants to hear that you are okay talking through a customer's complaint. Start off by telling the interviewer that you do not mind addressing customer complaints, and you recognize that most customers have good intentions when coming forth with a complaint. Tell the interviewer that you take time to listen to everything the customer has to say first to ensure you truly understand what they are upset about. Next, share that you make eye contact with the customer and sincerely apologize to them. Finally, be sure to mention that you offer to correct any mistakes that were made or take the appropriate action to rectify the situation such as making a new beverage for a customer who tried something new today and didn't care for it.
1st Answer Example
"I handle customer complaints like an expert! I do have some training in customer dispute resolution and have trained other retail sales reps on the same. When a customer is upset, I find that it's best to listen, repeat back to them for the sake of understanding, and then ask them what kind of resolution they would like to see. Apologizing also helps."
26. Do you prefer working in a team environment or alone?
How to Answer
Lowe's is very much a team environment. Start off by telling the interviewer that you prefer the team environment, and you are great at working alone too! If you had to choose one over the other, you would pick a team environment.
1st Answer Example
"I prefer working in a team environment, but I can work independently as well. At my previous job, it was common to work on display cases with a team but work alone while stocking particular aisles. "
User-Submitted Answer
"I have had jobs both solo and team environments, and although I do work well alone, I prefer to be in a team environment."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Good answer! You show a great balance here. Could you add in why you prefer a team environment? (Learning, community, social aspect, etc.)
27. What are some of your weaknesses?
How to Answer
Pick weaknesses that are not a core skill for this position. You can be candid in your answer; recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness.
Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar at a nearby community center. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!
1st Answer Example
"My knowledge of plants is limited. I would have to take on additional training if I was placed in lawn and garden. I enjoy the outdoors though so I would welcome that training with open arms!"
User-Submitted Answer
"I am a people pleaser; I tend to lend assistance at the expense of my own task."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It's tough to find a balance sometimes. It's important when you answer this question to also briefly discuss how you plan to overcome or improve this weakness.
28. What is your best personal trait?
How to Answer
Think about the one thing that people repeatedly commend you for; this is your answer to this question! Start off by sharing the one trait, and tell the interviewer that people often tell you this is your strength.
1st Answer Example
"My best trait is my ability to relate to people. My co-workers often mention that they admire this trait. I enjoy helping people."
User-Submitted Answer
"I am a hard worker."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Try giving an example of ways that you exude this trait in the workplace. Bring your answer to life a bit further for your interviewer.
29. Why do you feel you will be better suited for this job than the rest of the applicants?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear the one unique thing that sets you apart from every other candidate who has applied for this position.
Talking about ourselves in this way can be challenging. We recommend reaching out to a few colleagues, family members, and friends. Ask them for their opinion. You'll probably be surprised at the consistency in their responses! Their answers will give you insight into how to answer this question. Tell the interviewer what sets you apart, and explain how your co-workers, family members, and friends have encouraged you with your gift in this area.
1st Answer Example
"I love working in retail, plus I have experience working in construction. I have a friendly and personal attitude so I believe I would be a great addition to your team here at Lowe's!"
User-Submitted Answer
"I have twenty-three years of experience as an electrical professional and enjoy teaching people aspects of the trade."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Nice! And with 23 years' experience, who wouldn't want to learn from you :) Can you speak a bit about your customer service philosophy as well, since Lowe's is customer-experience centric.
30. When was the last time you contributed to a team effort and what was your role?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you enjoy being a part of a team and that you contribute to the success of the team. Start off by sharing the last time you added to a team effort. Perhaps it was a massive project at work. Maybe it was on a basketball team. Or, you might have led a Girl Scout troop. All of these make great examples! Discuss how you made efforts to contribute to the team and be sure to mention how successful the team was!
1st Answer Example
"I contribute to team efforts on a daily basis, as a department manager. I hold a team huddle every morning, and outline expectations for the day, including my own. I want my team to know that I am also carrying the bulk of the work versus being the type of manager who barks out orders. I am the mentor, the encourager, and the pacesetter in team efforts."