Wal-Mart Interview
Questions

6. Do you prefer working in a team environment or alone? This question is not a trick one! The interviewer is trying to get a feel for your personality and how you interact with others. You may work well without the need for much management or direction, or perhaps you are better driven by a collaborative and team led environment. Either way, be honest with the interviewer about your preferences without leaning negatively, either way. At Wal-Mart, you should enjoy working in a team environment, unless you plan on stocking shelves. So if its stocking shelves, that can be a plus, because most of them work in one aisle by them self. Tell the interviewer; you enjoy working in teams. Cite an example, of when you last worked in a team environment. Here is an answer example: "Whether I am doing an independent project, or working in a team environment, I always give my best. I enjoy the camaraderie of working in a team, but I can be successful working autonomously as well." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i enjoy working in teams unless the position requires that i work alone." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Not bad but try to be more conversational when it comes to team-work based questions. I have provided an example, below. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "I enjoy working in teams and being in a collaborative environment. If there are tasks that require me to work alone, I can do well with those also."7. What are some of your weakness? Never answer with, 'I don't have any weaknesses.' Pick a weakness that you have, that you can demonstrate to the interviewer that you consistently work on that weakness, and you are trying to improve yourself upon that weakness. 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. Here is an answer example: "I would say the area I need to focus on improving would be my Retail POS proficiency. I am proficient, and it does not hinder my ability to do my job successfully, but it's certainly something that I need to work on improving, and am always asking for other managers to show me their tips and tricks."8. How do you expect to make a difference at Walmart? This question is an excellent opportunity to show some enthusiasm! Demonstrate to the interviewer that you would make sure every customer was adequately taken care of and enjoyed their trip to Wal-Mart. You are willing to work your hardest and make sure Wal-Mart will always be a place where customer satisfaction is guaranteed, and friendly service can be expected. Here is an answer example: "I will make a difference by being the smiling face that every customer wants to see when they enter into a Wal-Mart. I am very punctual and am very much a sponge when it comes to taking feedback and implementing it. I am a quick learner and easy to manage." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would make a difference at walmart because it is important that i work my hardest. i will always make sure to have a positive attitude along with a smile, and it is important that every customer is attended to and feels the friendliness." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Excellent! Walmart is all about service with a smile so, this answer should make the interviewer very happy. I have reworded it in a way that will help the interviewer to picture you in the role. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "I will make a difference at Walmart by always having a positive attitude and a smile, and working my hardest every day. I look forward to delivering warm and friendly service to Walmart customers."9. Tell me about a time when you had to be a leader. How was the outcome? If you're having trouble thinking about a time when you had to be a leader, think back to any school or mini work project that you were asked to take charge in. Maybe at a past job you were responsible for reorganizing a section of the inventory. You may have asked for help in doing, so, and that made you a leader. Tell the interviewer how you asked an employee to help, and you knocked the job out in three hours less time than you were expected to. Also, a great leader takes charge and isn't afraid to get to work. Be sure to describe your experience as doing just that. Here is an 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."10. How would your references describe you? For each reference that you provide, you should know the impact you made for that person. For instance, Bob Smith would describe me as a hard worker, because I worked hard for his roofing business last summer, in the dry heat, never missing a day of work. Here is an answer example: "In my recent performance reviews and discussions, my manager describes me as a hard worker, motivated, and consistent employee. I always strive to exceed expectations when I can. My current manager is happy to speak on my behalf as a positive reference as well." Here is an anonymous answer example: "my reference would say that i am always positive, hard-working, on time, and a fast learner." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: These are exceptional qualities to have! Good answer!11. When was the last time you contributed to a team effort and what was your role? One thing to always remember about a job interview is that its a conversation. For most questions, the interviewer wants to see if you are capable of just holding a conversation with them. So do not stress out if you haven't contributed to any team efforts. Just recall any past work experience and describe how you worked with your coworkers throughout each shift, and how it was vital every coworker was on top of their game, so production was at its peak. Here is an answer example: "In my current role there is a great deal of collaboration amongst the team. We work together when new inventory arrives, and often put our heads together when it comes to increasing sales or promoting a fun new product. When working in a team setting, I often take the lead as I am personable and very organized."12. What unique qualities about yourself would you bring to our company? There are some things that your resume cannot do. Showing off your great personality is one of them, for instance! Talk to the interviewer about some of your unique qualities and be sure to tie these qualities into how they will benefit the company, should they hire you. Here is an answer example: "I have a unique ability to strike up a conversation and build rapport with nearly anyone. This skill is a great help when it comes to customer service and sales. My up-selling percentages are always very high." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i am a very positive person even when i am having a hard day, i will always stay positive, and i'm a very friendly person most people tend to get happy when they are around me." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Being friendly and positive are wonderful qualities. The interviewer should be very happy to hear that you will bring a positive outlook to the Walmart environment.13. Describe a time when you had to sacrifice quality to complete a job? The interviewer wants to know that you understand quality should always come first. When answering this question, make sure you demonstrate to the interviewer you would never sacrifice quality to get any job done faster. That is all this question is really about. Picture yourself as a Wal-Mart customer. Would you prefer something be done fast, or right? Here is an answer example: "I do not think that it is an option to sacrifice quality, especially when you are working with the public. The items that Wal-Mart sells must be safe, quality, and affordable. The customers need to feel that their best interest is always top of mind." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would not sacrifice quality because i must do my job right." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: You sound firm in your belief that quality should always come first. The interviewer should appreciate such a confident answer!14. Why do you feel you will be better suited for this job than the other applicants? Bragging about yourself in an interview can be tough to do, but this is your time to shine! Which characteristics and career accomplishments have made you a stand-out candidate? Perhaps you have received some academic awards or have been given individual accolades in your most recent position. There is nobody like you, and now you need to express that to the interviewer. Describe your passion for Wal-Mart. How you would enjoy working there. Tell them how you are responsible, and how you are a hard worker. For bonus points, remind the interviewer that Wal-Mart is an excellent organization for advancing in your career, and you look forward to taking advantage of those opportunities. Here is an answer example: "I believe I'm the best candidate for your company because of my decade of experience at your competitor. I have experience in the specific department in question, as a team leader, and I look forward to building on those leadership skills with your organization. I know I can make an immediate, and long-term, impact."15. What would you do if a coworker asked you to help them steal? The interviewer would like to know how you would react if put in an awkward, or potentially harmful situation like being asked by a co-worker to steal with them. Theft can occur in many ways in the workplace and is not necessarily reserved to blatantly taking a product. Ensure that you are aware of the different ways a co-worker may try to pass stealing off as 'no big deal.' - Timecard fabrication, also known as 'buddy punching' where you punch in for a coworker who is not present - 'Borrowing' money from the cash register - Falsifying vendor or expense accounts - Taking items from the lost and found - Stealing data or documents containing trade secrets - Taking expensive office supplies like ink, or adding personal items to supply orders - Billing hours to clients that they did not work Of course, you already know how to answer this question! Express that you would never engage in this type of behavior and discuss how you would go about reporting this type of situation. If this has happened to you in the past, you can talk about the case. Here is an answer example: "Stealing is wrong, no matter which way you slice it. I have zero tolerance for unethical behavior and would report the situation immediately." Here is an anonymous answer example: "if a coworker asked me to steal i would not engage in that type of behavior and we would have a discussion about reporting this incident." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: This answer showcases your honesty and integrity. It could also be great to refer to the training you will receive if hired. I have provided an example, below. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "If a coworker asked me to steal, I would not engage that person. I would report the incident according to Walmart policies."16. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss. Even though you may have a great relationship with your employer, there may be times where you don't see eye to eye. Think of a conflict or disagreement you had with your boss where you responded well, either by suggesting a compromise or taking a calm, relaxed stance when you could have answered in a heated tone. Agreement puts you in a high position with your boss, because it shows your desire to work together and highlights your creative problem-solving abilities. Here is an answer example: "I had a boss that regularly forced overtime on employees at the last minute with no opportunity to make personal arrangements. I spoke with him at length about morale, and eventually, he started giving the notice sooner, making everyone's lives easier."17. Why should we not hire you? 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. Here is an answer example: "I think that if there were any reason to pass on hiring me, it would be because I am newer to my career. However, you will see that between my volunteer experience, my athletic background, and the fact that I speak three languages, I will make up very quickly for the years of experience you feel I may not bring." Here is an anonymous answer example: "there would be no reason not to hire me." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Confident! I like it! Try adding in a small weakness that you are well on your way to overcoming. I have provided an example, below. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "Hiring me would be a good decision. One reason not to hire me could be that my customer service experience comes from a smaller retail store; however, this smaller environment also means that I received a great deal of personal training and was able to make strong connections with regular customers who shopped at my store."18. How do you handle working in challenging team environments? The interviewer would like to see that you can adapt to working in a team environment, where difficulties may be present. Pick a recent team project that generated successful results but was an overall challenge. Give the interviewer a short overview of the project, including what the final goal of the project was. Next, share the challenges your group faced. Avoid criticizing any individuals in the group. Discuss how you rose to the occasion by coming up with alternate solutions whenever you met a roadblock. Here is an answer example: "My job is one big exercise in collaboration and teamwork! I know that I have to rely on my coworkers to be the sales professional that I can be, and they need me to be on the top of my game for them to be their best. We cannot achieve anything alone: we have to work collaboratively and split tasks to have the department hit targets and exceed goals."19. What is your best personal trait? This question should be easy! Don't overthink it, and describe what you believe makes you shine. For instance, perhaps you love analyzing problems. Maybe you have a passion for making things better, and more efficient. Whatever your answer may be, be prepared to describe a scenario in which you have applied that trait in the workplace. Here is an answer example: "I believe that my best personal trait is my attention to detail and my great memory. This trait especially compliments my career in retail since I can remember pricing, product features, customer names, and specials!" Here is an anonymous answer example: "my best personal trait is personality." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: This sounds like you're answering the question with the question. Try adding in a more memorable trait. I have provided an example, below. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "My best trait is my ability to make people feel comfortable through my warm and inviting personality."20. What are some of your weaknesses? 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! You can apply this equation: 'I sometimes have troubles with ABC, and I am working to overcome this by doing XYZ.' Here is an answer example: "I do not enjoy talking in front of large groups of people, therefore when I have to give instructions to a large team, I have to spend an hour beforehand writing notes and making sure my presentation is rehearsed."21. Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with. Wal-Mart employs a massive range of people, in all types of job titles. The interviewer wants to be assured that you can handle the variety of personalities you will be faced with including, the sometimes unpleasant ones. Keep your answer simple and avoid overdramatizing any event. Speaking negatively of others will always look unfavorable towards you. Telling the interviewer that you get along with everyone is not an appropriate or believable response either. Focus on a time when your work style was different than another person, but perhaps you still had to complete a project together. Discuss, in a positive tone, how you made it work! Here is an answer example: "There will always be co-workers that are difficult. It's part of what keeps things interesting. Much of my job is finding common ground with people and positively relating to them. This requirement does not end with the customer, but rather is an important part of dealing with coworkers, whether in a management position or not. As far as obnoxious behavior, I ignore it as much as possible. There is a point where I will make it clear in a firm way that the topic at hand is bothersome or inappropriate and ask that it not be discussed in the workplace. The majority of the time, I focus on the good in people, even if they drive me nuts."22. What do you know about working in retail? The interviewer would like to know more about your work in retail as well as what is pushing your interest towards working in a retail environment. Be realistic and also mention that you understand its a demanding, and tough job. List the reasons why you are then qualified and are able to handle the work involved. Customer satisfaction is the key at any retailer, and you understand what it takes to provide excellent customer service. Here is an answer example: "I am aware that retail is a demanding job, but I am not afraid of a little bit of hard work! I know that this role is very customer-focused and there are a lot of moving parts from the time you open your store, to when you close. I am familiar with handling transactions, and the importance of upselling."23. How would you improve Walmart if you were CEO? Everyone can give a simple answer, such as, 'The bathrooms need to be cleaned more consistently.' Or, 'Wal-Mart needs more cashiers during busy times.' Instead, show the interviewer you think a little deeper than that. How would you improve sales, or reduce employee retention? Here is an answer example: "If I were CEO of Walmart, I would start with the reducing the cost of production on the higher priced, lower margin products."24. Where do you see yourself in the walmart organization in two years? The interviewer is checking to see how motivated you are to be working at Wal-Mart. Always tell them that you aim for growth and learning. Maybe you hope to be an assistant manager or a shift manager. Perhaps you are excited about this opportunity, and you are willing to work your hardest to reach those positions. Here is an answer example: "I am very thankful for this position and if I am hired, and will put in my best effort throughout my entire tenure. I plan on being at Wal-Mart for the foreseeable future as long as your store will continue to employ me. If there is advancement into a management role, in the future, even better!"25. How do you motivate your fellow team members? You don't have to be a manager or a team leader to motivate others. Offering a listening ear or providing words of encouragement can make a world of difference to your coworkers. Sometimes, just being a positive influence and showing up to help, can also make a difference. If you have worked in a leadership role, think of ways you helped set clear goals or helped individuals cultivate a new skill. Reflect on your experience and share how you have encouraged others to keep up the good work! Here is an answer example: "I motivate my fellow team members by coming to work with an exceptional attitude every day. I won't allow anyone's bad mood to let me down. That influence alone has helped many of my coworkers get through their day on a more positive note." Here is an anonymous answer example: "encourage them and always being positive." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: It sounds like you are a very motivating person to be around. Good answer! In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "I motivate my fellow team members by encouraging them to be positive at all times."26. Why are you looking for a new job? The interviewer wants to be sure that they will be able to meet your needs and not become a repeat of this current desire to leave your job. It's okay, to be honest, but be careful not to overshare. It is best if you can focus primarily on your future wish list vs. dwelling on what is going wrong in your current position. Here is an answer example: "Since my company went through a merger, I have been looking for a new role. The quality of production has declined, and I am no longer proud to represent the product that is being put out."27. What was your least favorite job? Why? Most people have had a job that they don't particularly love. Think about your least favorite situation and break down for the interviewer what made it so tiresome. Perhaps the responsibilities were mundane, or the co-workers were unfriendly. Discuss with the interviewer what made the job so complicated, and what you did to make it better for yourself. The interviewer wants to see that you are proactive in situations like this rather than just giving up and quitting. Here is an answer example: "Many years ago, I worked as a waitress at a local sports bar. I liked the job because of the customers, but I didn't feel appreciated by my boss. He was negative, even during the busiest and most challenging shifts. I did my best and worked hard, but moved on when I had the opportunity. I learned that having a boss who is encouraging and motivating can make such a world of difference!"28. What business growth efforts have you noticed Wal-Mart partaking in as of late? This question is designed to see how much you know about Wal-Mart, and how much thought you put into their company before coming in for your interview. If you know little about retail and the current trends in retail, do not feel embarrassed. That is okay! Not many people understand all the complexities of the retail industry. Show that you understand a little bit by talking about a new advertising method you have seen as of late, for instance. Here is an answer example: "I see Wal-Mart heavily focusing on their e-commerce business to better compete with Amazon."29. How well do you handle customer complaints? The interviewer would like to know that you are comfortable handling customers at their best, and at their worst! Regardless of their level of happiness, every customer should generate your full interest. If your customer is unhappy, listen and carefully analyze the situation. Explain that you want every Wal-Mart customer to be happy! Here is an answer example: "I am good at handling customers who are unhappy. I do have some training in customer relationships and dispute management, from my previous retail position. Do you have additional training that I could take? I look forward to learning more about your process and procedures here at Wal-Mart."30. When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level? The interviewer would like to know about a time when you were creative with company resources. If you have an expense account or resource allowance, it is very respectful to the company to be as thoughtful with that allowance as possible. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have been able to stretch company resources. Here is an answer example: "I recommended to our head office that we swap from paper bags to cloth bags that we sell. Just like a grocery store, we now offer large canvas totes for $2. They have great designs and are reusable, multi-purpose bags. Some clients complain, but overall, most people love it! This action saved our company $50,000 this year, and we are doing our part for the planet."