30 Wal-Mart Interview Questions (with Answers)

Wal-Mart Interview Questions

1.

How would your references describe you?

2.

Why would you like a position at Walmart?

3.

What are some of your weaknesses?

4.

What would you do if a coworker asked you to help them steal?

5. 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. Example #1: "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: "by greeting and giving excellent customer service, using my knowledge and experience to answer customer's questions." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Good start! Digging a bit deeper, will you commit to learning Walmart procedures and products so that you can best answer customers' questions? Try to add in something that is a standout, and not so general. 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." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i will make a difference by coming in wal-mart with my smiling face and greeting every customer that walks through the door. i’m a very dependable person and a fast learner and i’m also able to take constructive criticism when needed and work harder at my goals" In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Awesome! These are wonderful reasons to hire you. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "I will make a difference by coming into Wal-Mart with a smile on my face. I will greet every customer who walks through the door. I’m a very dependable person and a fast learner. I’m also able to take constructive criticism when needed and work hard to achieve my goals."6. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for customer service. If you have no retail experience or job experience, tell the interviewer something amazing you did on a group project at school before. If you have job experience, tell the interviewer anything special you did that was above and beyond what you were asked to do. Example #1: "Going above and beyond is very important to do when working in retail. The grocery store where I currently work presents many opportunities for me to perform that extraordinary act of kindness This includes helping seniors with their groceries, offering to help customers find a product, or even show them different ways to cook some of the produce they may be unfamiliar with."7. 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. Example #1: "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."8. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating. The interviewer would like to know how you rate your communication skills. First, on a scale of 1-10, discuss how skilled are you in communication. Try to avoid giving yourself a 10, and nobody is perfect, and you do not want to come across as overly confident or someone who has no room for feedback and improvement. Alternately, avoid giving yourself too little credit. You do not want to paint the picture that you are a communication dud! Try to remain in the 7.5-9.5 range while staying honest and accurate. Use an example of your excellent communication to back your answer. Example #1: "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."9. How would you deal with an angry customer while you were busy completing tasks? Just remember, no task is more important than the customer unless safety is on your mind. So any job that you are currently working on, you must be willing to stop and help the customer. If you have never been yelled at by a customer in retail before, consider yourself lucky, but almost everyone has. It is a simple procedure, just remember to stay calm, and try to solve the problem without getting emotions involved. It's always best to ask for help from a manager in any situation that involves an angry customer. Example #1: "If I had an angry customer I would treat them well by listening to what they had to say and asking what I could do to make them turn into a happy customer again. I think most people simply want to feel that they are being heard." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i leave the task that i am doing and, the first thing i would say is i'm sorry and pay closer attention to why he is angry, ask the customer what he needs and try to helping." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: It sounds as though you have had some customer service training. Good answer! In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "If I came across an angry customer while completing my tasks, I would leave the task to pay closer attention to the customer. I would apologize for the situation and ask what I can do to help. I received formal customer service training at 'Company ABC,' and I look forward to applying my knowledge to this role at Walmart."10. 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! Example #1: "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."11. 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! Example #1: "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."12. 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. Example #1: "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."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? Example #1: "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. 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. Example #1: "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."15. Tell me about a time there was a serious conflict on your team. How did you resolve it? Analyze the situation and it it is very minor, let it go. If it involves something that could hurt Wal-Mart, such as theft, or they are being disruptive, then you need to take action. Whether that is trying to calm the employees down, or seeking a manager to help solve the problem. When cooperating with groups of people from different backgrounds and various work styles, conflict is inevitable. Think of an example of when your team experienced a conflict. Be sure to highlight how you skillfully handled these conflict issues. Example #1: "We recently had two employees fighting over a customer. One associated insisted they greeted them first and the other insisted they did not poach. To solve the issue, I split the commission between the two of them. Neither was happy about the situation, but it made them more aware, moving forward, of the whereabouts of their customer." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i've never had a serious conflict with my team, but if i did, i would try to talk to them in an attempt to fix wherever problem there is. if it happened to be severe, i would report to my closer manager." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: These are very good action steps to take, should conflict be present in the workplace. The interviewer should appreciate your desire to help and create a harmonious work environment.16. 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. Example #1: "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."17. 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. Example #1: "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."18. 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. Example #1: "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."19. 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. Example #1: "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. Here is an anonymous answer example: "my great qualities are-i am friendly and respectful with customers. i treat them to feel happy and comfortable." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: This is nice to hear! Can you give an example of a time when you displayed these qualities in the workplace, above any of your colleagues? Talk about a time that these qualities made a significant difference.20. 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. Example #1: "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."21. 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. Example #1: "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."22. 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. Example #1: "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."23. 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! Example #1: "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."24. 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. Example #1: "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."25. 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. Example #1: "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!"26. 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? Example #1: "If I were CEO of Walmart, I would start with the reducing the cost of production on the higher priced, lower margin products."27. 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. Example #1: "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."28. 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. Example #1: "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!"29. 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. Example #1: "I see Wal-Mart heavily focusing on their e-commerce business to better compete with Amazon."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. Example #1: "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."

5.

How do you expect to make a difference at Walmart?

6.

Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for customer service.

7.

Why do you feel you will be better suited for this job than the other applicants?

8.

Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

9.

How would you deal with an angry customer while you were busy completing tasks?

10.

How well do you handle customer complaints?

11.

How do you motivate your fellow team members?

12.

Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.

13.

Describe a time when you had to sacrifice quality to complete a job?

14.

Tell me about a time when you had to be a leader. How was the outcome?

15.

Tell me about a time there was a serious conflict on your team. How did you resolve it?

16.

Do you prefer working in a team environment or alone?

17.

What are some of your weakness?

18.

When was the last time you contributed to a team effort and what was your role?

19.

What unique qualities about yourself would you bring to our company?

20.

Why should we not hire you?

21.

What is your best personal trait?

22.

How do you handle working in challenging team environments?

23.

Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with.

24.

What do you know about working in retail?

25.

Where do you see yourself in the walmart organization in two years?

26.

How would you improve Walmart if you were CEO?

27.

Why are you looking for a new job?

28.

What was your least favorite job? Why?

29.

What business growth efforts have you noticed Wal-Mart partaking in as of late?

30.

When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level?

Wal-Mart Interview Questions

How would your references describe you?

Wal-Mart Interview Questions

How would your references describe you?

Why would you like a position at Walmart?

What are some of your weaknesses?

What would you do if a coworker asked you to help them steal?

How do you expect to make a difference at Walmart?

Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for customer service.

Why do you feel you will be better suited for this job than the other applicants?

Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

How would you deal with an angry customer while you were busy completing tasks?

How well do you handle customer complaints?

How do you motivate your fellow team members?

Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.

Describe a time when you had to sacrifice quality to complete a job?

Tell me about a time when you had to be a leader. How was the outcome?

Tell me about a time there was a serious conflict on your team. How did you resolve it?

Do you prefer working in a team environment or alone?

What are some of your weakness?

When was the last time you contributed to a team effort and what was your role?

What unique qualities about yourself would you bring to our company?

Why should we not hire you?

What is your best personal trait?

How do you handle working in challenging team environments?

Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with.

What do you know about working in retail?

Where do you see yourself in the walmart organization in two years?

How would you improve Walmart if you were CEO?

Why are you looking for a new job?

What was your least favorite job? Why?

What business growth efforts have you noticed Wal-Mart partaking in as of late?

When have you used an inventive method to stretch company resources beyond the normal level?