Sherwin Williams Interview
Questions

30 Sherwin Williams Interview Questions

By: Ryan Brown

Question 1 of 30

Why do you believe our stores have been as successful as they have been, against the big-box retailers?

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This is a question I have thought of in the past, as I live in Cleveland Ohio (home of Sherwin Williams) and see their retail locations pop up across the suburbs and outskirt towns of Northeast Ohio, which is, how does Sherwin Williams compete against the likes of Lowes, Menards, and Home Depot? A few reasons could be; that they must be a preferred destination for contractors and professional painters. Even with the paint costs typically higher than that of a box store. One could conclude that professionals must find their paint to be superior to those of a box store. Also, the convenience of a phone call to a known Sherwin Williams worker, a person that will likely be familiar to your own product needs and will have your paint supplies ready to go when requested, is a huge perk.

First Example

"Your superior paint products attract contractors and professionals to choose your paint over the big retail locations. Plus, the personalization they have with your workers would be an added bonus."

Second Example

"I think the convenience of your retail locations and the premium paint products you sell, outweigh the cheaper costs of the big box retail locations. As a person that has painted several years, I would always purchase Sherwin Williams because I know it's a one-coat application and a better product than the products found elsewhere."

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Question 2 of 30

Why did you decide to apply at Sherwin Williams?

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Most companies will want to know you have an interest in their company as to the reason why you applied there. Typically, they want a response that relates to them directly. Either you really enjoy the products the company sells, or know the company culture is something you admire. You can also cite how the company is known for promoting employees within.

First Example

"I heard Sherwin Williams promotes from within and it's very likely you can be a store manager within five to ten years. I think working for your store and your company will be an amazing growing experience for me and my career goals."

Second Example

"I have worked as a professional painter for thirty years and have always used Sherwin Williams paints. I am winding down my personal business and am looking to stay in the painting industry and thought your store would be a perfect fit for me. I think I will be a great asset to your company and your customers, as I should be able to help your customers find exactly what they are looking for. I can even give my humble recommendations based on my personal experience."

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Question 3 of 30

When have you worked with a customer that desired a lot of attention? How did you handle your interactions with that customer?

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Working at Sherwin Williams, you will come across a wide variety of customers. Some of those customers may be professional painters, contractors, or even a local homeowner looking to complete their first painting project in twenty years. Each customer may require a large amount of attention to accomplish their painting objectives. Describe your previous retail experience where you had to devote a large portion of your time handling one customer. Be sure to remain positive in your story-telling and describe how even though you spent a significant time with that customer, you knew it was worth it because you made the customer happy and loyal to your store.

First Example

"When I was working at the local hardware store, a young person, who just recently purchased a house in the community, came in looking to buy a leaf rake. What seemed like a simple purchase, ended up taking a while as the customer learned they might be interested in a leaf blower instead. We chatted about their yard size, and how many trees were on their property. The customer ended up purchasing the leaf blower. They came back a few months later and I asked them how their leaf blower performed, and they were definitely happy they made that purchase!"

Second Example

"This will be my first retail job, but I believe I have plenty of customer experience under my belt through my interactions with my family. I am usually helping my grandparents with their home project needs and I often have to be patient with them and explain the various tools and procedures that will be used when completing their home projects for them. They have a lot of trust in me but they tend to ask a lot of questions as well!"

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Question 4 of 30

Besides paints, what other products do we sell?

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Sherwin Williams sells many products through their company. By visiting their website, you can get a quick idea of the products they sell. Some of the products include Stains, Paint Supplies, Sealers, and various Coatings. They also sell specialty paints, such as paints for Airplanes and Marine vehicles.

First Example

"I know your company sells a variety of paint supplies and paint equipment, such as rollers, brushes, tape, and spray equipment in your retail locations. Outside of your retail locations, I know you service other industries such as the Aerospace industry."

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"In your retail locations, you sell paint supplies, such as paint brushes, rollers, and spray equipment."

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Question 5 of 30

Tell me about any remodeling projects you have worked on before.

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If you haven't discussed this in your interview yet, the interviewer is trying to find your experience in home improvement. Which typically leads to a decent knowledge of paint supplies. Depending of course, on how much home remodeling experience you have. Sherwin Williams will of course train all their new employees, so do not fret if you have no remodeling experience.

First Example

"Yes, I have remodeled over five houses with my father. He purchases fixer-uppers that he later rents out. So I am quite familiar with all of your painting products and your competitors."

Second Example

"I, unfortunately, do not have any remodeling experience. Being a homeowner is a goal of mine, and I hope to learn all about painting so I can apply that knowledge to myself in the future."

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Author of Sherwin Williams Answers and Questions

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown, is the creator of MockQuestions. He has over ten years experience creating interview questions. His website has helped over 10 million job seekers in their interview preparation.

Published: 08/23/2018

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About Sherwin Williams

The Sherwin-Williams Company is an American Fortune 500 company in the general building materials industry. The company primarily engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers primarily in North and South America and Europe. The company is mostly known through its Sherwin-Williams Paints line.
Founded by Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams in Cleveland, Ohio in 1866, the company operates through four segments: Paint Stores Group (known as Sherwin-Williams Stores), Consumer Group, Latin America Coatings Group, and Global Finishes Group.