Tell me about your greatest work related accomplishment.

"The greatest accomplishment in my career was graduating from college as an honors student while still working full time in a related field. I was top of my class, and working full time. This showed me that I am able to dedicate myself to my career, and reach the goals that I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and be recognized for my dedication."

Talking about your greatest accomplishment will give the interviewer a strong idea of where you place your values. It will also show the interviewer more about your personality, how you like to be motivated, and how to coach you in the future. It is okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your career accomplishments!

"I have many accomplishments that I am very proud of. Overall, I would say that my greatest work accomplishment is the positive reputation that I have in this industry."

How do you feel about Saks Fifth Avenue's performance incentives?

"In general, 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."

Performance incentives can be very motivating. Talk to the interviewer about your feelings regarding performance incentives.

"I think performance incentives are important for driving people to get results. For me, personally, they give me some skin in the game and get my team engaged in making an impact towards the results."

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. Currently, I make $25/hour plus benefits and a 10% commission on all sales. My target income for the coming year is $65,000. 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."

How do you manage a large workload?

"When I have a large workload on my plate, I do not stress over the tasks that are in front of me. Rather, I make a simple plan of which tasks are a high priority and which tasks are a low priority. The higher priority tasks, I complete first. Through this system, I am able to focus on my tasks individually, rather than stress out by the multitude of tasks ahead of me."

Start off your answer by clarifying you never let a large workload stress you out. Each morning you review your tasks using a task manager application (if you do not have one I suggest google searching 'task manager application' and giving one a try). Continue to discuss how you complete each task by priority level and, before you know it, your large workload is completed.

"I work best when I have a large workload because it keeps me active, keen, and attentive on the project at hand. I also use Trello to keep my team and I on task."

When have you worked among a diverse group of people?

"The global nature of the Saks Fifth Avenue 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 truly being part of the global economy 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 able to 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 the commitment to all types of style and beauty, no matter what they look like or where they're from, is one of my favorite aspects of the Saks Fifth Avenue brand."

What do you know about our company culture?

"I can tell you that the Saks Fifth Avenue culture is all about people and about creating delightful experiences for the customer that he or she can't get anywhere else. It's about luxury and grace, sophistication and elegance. I love that Saks has built a team of proud innovators in the retail landscape, always enhancing the customer experience in delightful ways. I'd love to be part of the next wave of innovation that shapes the retail landscape."

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.

"From what I can tell, the Saks culture is built around helping people - that includes every customer that is enthralled and enchanted by the high-end selection and personal customer service inherent to every Saks interaction, or the team of people who make it all possible. As a company with a rich history, Saks has changed the luxury retail game--and your team members know they're part of a legacy of creative challenges, retail growth and exciting new ideas. I believe that working for Saks means working with a world-class team, and I can't wait to get started."

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."

How can Saks Fifth Avenue motivate you on the job?

"I believe that, for the most part, I am intrinsically motivated. However, I am often encouraged by verbal recognition of my impact, along with compensation-based rewards. This could be a competition for a gift card or a contest where I can earn a bigger holiday party budget for my team. My competitive side keeps me motivated as well, so I love being challenged by high performers around me."

Your motivation may be that the idea of success and achievement drives you. Perhaps you are working toward career advancement. Take some time to think about what truly motivates you.

"In such a competitive industry, I want to work for the best and with the best. I am motivated by a company that sets high performance standards, and by colleagues who work hard to meet them. I love being challenged by my peers to deliver my very best work."

Would your former or current boss describe you as a worker who gladly goes the extra mile to complete their tasks?

"My former boss would definitely describe me as an employee who goes the extra mile. In my most recent position, I was always available on my email and many of my service clients had my cell phone number just in case of an after-hours emergency. When you call my reference he will be happy to expand on that for you, I am sure."

You can absolutely say that you will go the extra mile but it's best to give a real life example to the interviewer about a time when you did just that. Offer up your references as well and discuss with the interviewer what you feel your most recent employer would say about you.

"I go the extra mile whenever possible because that's what great employees do! I have received very positive feedback from all of my previous employers."

What can you tell me about how Saks Fifth Avenue fits into the overall HBC family of brands?

"It seems like a positive and beneficial move for Saks to have joined the HBC brand family. HBC is the oldest company in North America and is widely recognized as a diversified global retailer, focused on driving performance of high-quality stores and their omni-channel offerings, as well as unlocking the value of real estate holdings. With the rich heritage of Saks paired with these kinds of resources, the results can't help but be positive for both."

This is where it is really important to have completed some research on the interviewing company. You'll need to show that you understand Saks Fifth Avenue's parent company and how Saks fits into its overall brand portfolio.

"Saks was a great addition to the HBC portfolio - joining legacy brands like HBC and Lord and Taylor, plus retail lines from Germany and Brussels, provides a nice cosmopolitan flavor to the Saks luxury appeal. I'd guess that HBC's real estate holdings and partnership with Simon Properties also opens a great many doors for prime Saks store locations, which is also a plus."

Think about a difficult boss, professor or other person. What made him or her difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?

"I once worked at a locally owned shop where the owner was very demanding. When the owner would walk into the store, employees would announce over their headset system that the owner was in the building, so that everyone could be prepared for his entrance into their department. The owner had great intentions; however, his people skills were a little rough. I could see that he meant well, and I recognized that he wanted to do a lot of good things. When we interacted, I always took his feedback with the understanding that he didn't mean things as harshly as he might say them."

Show the interviewer that you work well with most personalities even though you recognize there are some folks out there who are quite difficult to please. Think about that one person at work who is seen as hard to please. Perhaps there is someone at work who tries to intimidate others. Talk to the interviewer about what made this person challenging and what their relationship was to you. Avoid speaking poorly of anyone and be sure to end your response on a positive note.

"I once worked with a peer who was very difficult in meetings and with interacting in groups of others. I took it upon myself to help this person interact better with others. When she would bark orders, I would reiterate what she was trying to say to the group in a more professional manner. It took some time, but she learned to behave in a way that made people want to work with her."

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."

How can you help support Saks Fifth Avenue's goal to build the finest retail experience on the Web?

"Saks is already known for taking its best-in-class selling techniques and luxury merchandise and transferring them from the in-store experience to the digital experience. I appreciate Saks' desire to continue its push for innovation in the digital space. For me, the key to a strong and successful website is continuous improvement in user experience, which means constant testing of new features and canvassing of your audiences. As features like AI and Augmented Reality continue to develop, they may also hold lessons for how to keep upgrading the Saks customer experience."

Show the interviewer that you understand Saks' goals related to its web presence and that you have the strategic insight and skill to help get it there.

"The Saks experience is already fairly seamless between the in-store and online sales experience for the customer. Saks currently offers the same in-store categories on its site, as well as exclusive products and content, which can help drive people to the website. Saks.com delivers an enhanced, personalized shopping experience, and it's obvious that Saks is committed to providing the same legendary service and style on its site as is found in all Saks Fifth Avenue stores. Because Saks holds innovation at its core, I believe the company should continue to test new technologies and how they contribute to a pleasant and upscale consumer shopping experience."

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."

At Saks Fifth Avenue we encourage our customers to create their own style. How would you describe your personal style?

"I would describe my personal style as 'casual chic' because I love large cable knit sweaters paired with leather leggings and a pair of great booties. My personal style is important to me because it's an expression of my mood on a day to day basis. It's how I can best express myself."

Having your own personal style is very important in fashion. Talk to the interviewer about how you define your style and what it means to you.

"I think it's important for everyone to have their own personal style and wear what they feel most comfortable in. If I could describe my personal style I would say it's ladylike with a touch of bohemian. My style icons include Kate Middleton and the Olsens."

How do you believe Saks at Your Service sets Saks Fifth Avenue apart within the fashion industry?

"The Saks at Your Service feature of the Saks Fifth Avenue business model offers customers a truly luxury shopping experience. Offering everything from complimentary makeup lessons to holiday concierge services and personal stylists, this offers Saks an additional way to personalize its offerings and make its customers feel like they are the store's only customer during any interaction. It effectively brings to life the Saks commitment to indulgence and one-of-a-kind experiences."

This is a great opportunity to show that you've done your homework and understand the personalized level of service Saks Fifth Avenue offers its customers. Talk about how this approach sets the brand apart within its market space.

"I have actually used Saks at Your Service, and I absolutely love it. Having a personal stylist help consumers find the best options for them is an ingenious way not only to make each customer feel like he or she is the only one in the world, but also to increase the amount of individual sales. the addition of Saks on Demand now also gives shoppers the ability to do their shopping in the privacy of their own homes, which again reinforces the luxury and individuality of a Saks shopping experience."

At Saks Fifth Avenue, we greatly value teamwork. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.

"You're absolutely right - effective teamwork is an essential part of a company's success. Last month our company asked upper management to complete a full inventory audit. There were 4 of us total, and so we broke the audit requirements into shifts, which had to take place when the warehouse was closed. In the end, there was one additional shift that nobody wanted to take. I volunteered to do that shift to show my dedication to my job and my co-workers. The gesture was appreciated, and the audit was completed on time."

It is essential to show the interviewer that you are a team player. Talk about a time that you were recently expected to achieve a goal in a team setting. How did you go over and above to ensure that your contribution was felt?

"The most recent team-based project that I was a part of was while I was earning my business degree. I worked on a final project with four others, and I found myself stepping into a leadership role where I delegated tasks and helped the team maintain a good pace. In the end, we hit our deadline and received a top grade."

Tell me about your last experience in a Saks Fifth Avenue store.

"I can tell that your customer service employees receive a great deal of training in the Saks high-touch, luxury approach. I've always had a positive customer experience at any of your stores, and I shop at Saks quite frequently. My last visit, I was having trouble finding a specific product. As soon as I came across a customer service employee, they knew what I was looking for and found it for me right away. I was impressed with how knowledgeable and friendly she was, and I would hope to emulate that, should I be hired."

The interviewer would like to hear a personal connection between you and the Saks Fifth Avenue brand. Show that you can describe your experience in a Saks store within the context of the company's values. Keep your reply positive and upbeat!

"During my last visit to a Saks store, I made a huge purchase. Once I arrived home, I realized that I had grabbed the wrong color of one of my favorite products. It was no problem for me to make the exchange later that week. Your staff was warm and accommodating, and that served to increase my brand loyalty to Saks."

At Saks Fifth Avenue we seek to hire those who want a long-term fit. What is your long-range career objective?

"I have some pretty lofty career goals. I want to make a big impact within an industry, to push technology and press for always bigger, better ideas. After researching Saks and learning more about this position, I feel that this role fits beautifully with my future aspirations. The company shares the kind of growth mindset and ambitious passion for success that I value personally."

Onboarding new employees is a time consuming and costly endeavor so the interviewer wants to make sure that this role will be a long-term fit for you. Be open with the interviewer about your dreams within Saks Fifth Avenue on a long-term basis. Share what promotions you hope to eventually receive and discuss what you wish to learn from being a part of their organization. The key to answering this question is to express to the interviewer that you plan to be employed by the company for many years to come.

"This particular position is a goal that I have set my sights on for quite some time. I believe it is the next step in a long and fulfilling career in the technology/engineering industry. The industry leadership that Saks offers, as well as its culture of ambition and reinvention, are key for me, and I feel confident I will gain skills in this role that will make me successful."

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 runner's 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 from U of V. 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 Saks Fifth Avenue"

Do you have experience in managing online sales?

"Yes, absolutely - a couple of years ago I worked as a sales manager for a local furniture store. Our sales were slower than usual, so I started an Instagram account for the store where we would feature particular pieces. We garnered quite a strong following, and we did see an increase in walk-in traffic over time. I am also well versed in managing web-based sales as my current employer has a strong e-commerce presence."

For most fashion brands, online sales and marketing have become incredibly important. Talk to the interviewer about your experience and understanding when it comes to social media and online marketing efforts. Has there ever been a time that your online sales efforts have made a significant impact on your employer?

"I fully respect the fact that online sales are a key connection between Saks Fifth Avenue and the fast-paced world of consumer fashion. As such, those who drive online sales need to be tech-savvy, knowledgeable and incredibly responsive. Given my experience running both social media marketing and online sales initiatives in my current position, I feel confident I could step into the online sales team seamlessly and manage the process consistently with Saks' values."

What part of your career brings you the most stress?

"The part of my career that brings me the most stress is when the schedule is running behind for no good reason other than lack of hustle on my team's part. I like to be on time with our schedule to ensure that our clients are assisted properly."

Stress can often be a regular part of the day to day work experience. Talk to the interviewer about which areas of your career are the most stressful. Ensure that your answer does not include a factor that would make you appear unfit for the position. (IE: a bus driver should not find driving to be the most stressful part of the job).

"I find that the primary stressor in my current position is the fact that my team is not as reliable as I would like. For this reason, I am seeking a new opportunity, within a professional environment, with a team who values their jobs as much as I do."

At Saks Fifth Avenue 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 Saks Fifth Avenue 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."

When did you realize that you wanted a career in fashion?

"I have had an interest in fashion ever since I was a small child. I would create outfits for my dolls and do fashion shows with my friends. My passion for the industry has been present from the beginning."

The interviewer would like to know what led you to a career in fashion. Talk about your passion for the industry and where it all started. You can draw on some personal points but try to keep your answer brief and to the point.

"I realized in my teens that fashion was so much more than just the clothes you wear. In 9th grade I did a presentation on the evolution of fashion. The research I conducted really opened my eyes to the statements that designers make through their collections. I was hooked!"

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

"The opportunity to work for Saks Fifth Avenue is invaluable for my career development. The Saks success story has innovation at its core, which I'm very attracted to. You're known for impactful in-store art exhibitions, world-famous window displays and exclusive salons and restaurants. It's truly a retail experience like no other, and I'd like to learn from and contribute to the very best."

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

"I have had my eye on openings with Saks for quite some time. Saks Fifth Avenue is curator of the world's finest fashion collections and a showcase for the very best designer ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, jewelry, menswear, cosmetics and gifts. Your name is synonymous with luxury, customer service and indulgence."

What do you find unique about the Saks Fifth Avenue culture within the fashion industry?

"From the time of its inception, Saks Fifth Avenue has been something special within the fashion industry. Always a step ahead, always leading with product and service differentiation among its peers. From the beginning, Saks was an instant icon of style and luxury. Saks has always sought to deliver a retail experience like no other, and with innovation at its core, the company continues to do just that."

The interviewer would like to know that you have a true interest in the background of the company and what makes it unique within the fashion industry. Take the time to research Saks Fifth Avenue's history and some of its more unique differentiators.

"Everything from the arrangement of your indulgent products to the layout of Saks' many departments is calculated to surprise and delight your customers, cultivating the best possible shopping experience around. Luxury, beauty, personalization, warmth and welcome, plus knowledgeable associates that you can trust to steer you toward your most stylish self are just a few of the characteristics that define the Saks shopping experience."

Saks Fifth Avenue Interview Questions

Go Back

1. Tell me about your greatest work related accomplishment.
2. How do you feel about Saks Fifth Avenue's performance incentives?
3. What are your salary expectations?
4. How do you manage a large workload?
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. How can Saks Fifth Avenue motivate you on the job?
9. Would your former or current boss describe you as a worker who gladly goes the extra mile to complete their tasks?
10. What can you tell me about how Saks Fifth Avenue fits into the overall HBC family of brands?
11. Think about a difficult boss, professor or other person. What made him or her difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?
12. Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion requesting change in an organization.
13. How can you help support Saks Fifth Avenue's goal to build the finest retail experience on the Web?
14. If you were hired today, what would you accomplish first?
15. At Saks Fifth Avenue we encourage our customers to create their own style. How would you describe your personal style?
16. How do you believe Saks at Your Service sets Saks Fifth Avenue apart within the fashion industry?
17. At Saks Fifth Avenue, we greatly value teamwork. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.
18. Tell me about your last experience in a Saks Fifth Avenue store.
19. At Saks Fifth Avenue we seek to hire those who want a long-term fit. What is your long-range career objective?
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. Do you have experience in managing online sales?
23. What part of your career brings you the most stress?
24. At Saks Fifth Avenue we have thousands of applicants per year. Why should we choose you for this position?
25. When did you realize that you wanted a career in fashion?
26. Your current employer has a strong reputation in the fashion industry. Why do you want to work for Saks Fifth Avenue?
27. What do you find unique about the Saks Fifth Avenue culture within the fashion industry?

Saks Fifth Avenue Interview Questions

1. Tell me about your greatest work related accomplishment.

2. How do you feel about Saks Fifth Avenue's performance incentives?

3. What are your salary expectations?

4. How do you manage a large workload?

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. How can Saks Fifth Avenue motivate you on the job?

9. Would your former or current boss describe you as a worker who gladly goes the extra mile to complete their tasks?

10. What can you tell me about how Saks Fifth Avenue fits into the overall HBC family of brands?

11. Think about a difficult boss, professor or other person. What made him or her difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?

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

13. How can you help support Saks Fifth Avenue's goal to build the finest retail experience on the Web?

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

15. At Saks Fifth Avenue we encourage our customers to create their own style. How would you describe your personal style?

16. How do you believe Saks at Your Service sets Saks Fifth Avenue apart within the fashion industry?

17. At Saks Fifth Avenue, we greatly value teamwork. Tell me about a contribution you made to the last team you worked on.

18. Tell me about your last experience in a Saks Fifth Avenue store.

19. At Saks Fifth Avenue we seek to hire those who want a long-term fit. What is your long-range career objective?

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. Do you have experience in managing online sales?

23. What part of your career brings you the most stress?

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

25. When did you realize that you wanted a career in fashion?

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

27. What do you find unique about the Saks Fifth Avenue culture within the fashion industry?