How to Answer: What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Pottery Barn job interview.
2. 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 Pottery Barn may offer opportunities for friendly competition with your coworkers and with 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. Finally, be sure to mention any successful outcome.
Written by Jordan Henry on March 9th, 2023
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."
Written by Jordan Henry on March 9th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"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 our monthly sales contests really motivated me. I ended up winning 7 of the 12 contests! I won an iPad, cash incentives, and concert tickets. It was great."
Written by Jordan Henry on March 9th, 2023