At West Elm, we like to hire strong achievers. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.

"At my current job, I recently had a customer who was at a total loss about what she was looking for: she was living on her own for the first time and had always relied on roommates and partners for home furnishings in the past. I spent some time talking to her about her interests and passions -- she loves traveling, painting, and gardening -- and then I went around the store and put together a 'mini-display' of items I thought she would love. It was really fun to help her get started building her own decor aesthetic, and it felt great to exceed her expectations that day!"

At West Elm, we're on a mission to make it easy for our customers to express their personal style at home and in the world, which starts with hiring top talent for our stores -- employees who exceed customer expectations every day by presenting innovative solutions and possibilities for their home decor needs. How would you exceed customer expectations as a sales associate at West Elm?

"Just yesterday I had a customer make a purchase, and I noticed that she was struggling with her bags. She had a stroller, a couple of kids, and a lot of bags to carry. I offered to help her out to her car, and she gratefully accepted. It felt excellent to go above the call of duty that day."

"While working for an interior designer in San Diego, I often had to complete tasks within an hour's deadline. I could work efficiently without losing the quality of my work, and I could provide a beautiful design to win the client."

Tell me about a time you were under stress or pressure at work. How did you respond?

"At my last job, I was the Manager on Duty for the first time one night when all of the electricity suddenly went out in the building. We were in the middle of customer transactions, there were several customers in the fitting rooms, and it was already dark outside so we didn't even have the benefit of natural light. It was obviously a stressful situation! The first thing I did was check in on my coworkers to make sure they were okay. I gave them some simple instructions to talk to the customers they were with and assure them we were working to find a solution. I called the building manager from my cellphone; once she was on her way, I called the store manager and let her know about the situation. Eventually the lights came back on, and we were able to finish up the customers' transactions without a problem, and I was really proud of the way I took charge and kept a level head during that situation."

The retail industry is fast-paced and ever-changing, so it's good to be adaptable and quick-thinking when unexpected situations crop up that cause you stress on the job. When was the last time you encountered an especially stressful situation at work? What did you do?

"I fully believe that challenge and change are opportunities for growth: some of my best ideas have come as a result of being in stressful, unfamiliar situations at work. I enjoy being pushed to solve a problem or exceed my own limits, so stressful situations make me feel kind of excited!"

"While working as a home organizer, the team was running late trying to complete a project and we could tell the client was ready to have us out of the house. We spent the day primarily organizing the children's playroom and by the end of the day, the three young kids came to play with their toys again. As a social media manager, I had not taken the final photos yet. I was able to have the kids focus on one of their toys while quickly getting our final shots and wrapping up the project."

What do you hope to learn from this job at West Elm?

"I love learning new things, so I'm energized by any opportunity to get more information about West Elm's products and partners so that I can share that information with our customers. I love that so many of West Elm's products are locally-made, so it's exciting to me to learn more about our local artisans and have the opportunity to connect with them."

At West Elm, we value imagination, diversity, and giving our people the opportunity to explore, grow, and shape our future and their own. There are countless opportunities to learn during your time with West Elm, so talk to the interviewer about what you're most excited to learn in this position.

"I hope to gain stronger skills in communication and customer service. I understand that retail can be challenging because of the multiple personalities you are faced with on a daily basis. I believe this will help my confidence to grow, and my sales skills as well."

"I'm excited to learn more about the products and how to pull from an endless inventory of beautifully crafted pieces of all different styles to create the dream room for every client."

How do you feel about West Elm's partnerships?

"The organizations that West Elm has partnered with only further cement the fact that they are really serious about being an ethical, responsible company. I'm a huge fan of the Forest Stewardship Council, so I was really excited to see them on the list of West Elm's partners! It makes me feel even better to know that many of West Elm's products come from well-managed forests that aid in preservation, protecting biodiversity, and upholding social responsibility standards."

We believe that working together makes us better at what we do, which is why West Elm partners with organizations who share our mission and passion whenever we can. Did you do any research about our non-profit and corporate partners? What stands out to you about these partnerships?

"I didn't realize that West Elm was partnered with so many outstanding organizations! It's a really impressive list. I specifically loved reading about Craftmark. I think it's important that retailers never appropriate other cultures and artisans' work, so it makes me feel good that many of the products that West Elm carries are handmade by artisans around the world, and that money goes directly back to those artists."

"I had no idea West Elm has so many partnerships with local artisans! It's so incredible that the company highlights and supports small businesses. I'm particularly excited about the partnership with Minted. I ordered all of my wedding mail with them and I have bought a few beautiful paintings that currently hang in my living room."

What are your salary expectations?

"I currently make minimum wage, and I'm happy to begin a position at West Elm in that same range. I'm hopeful that my hard work and attention to detail will earn me a promotion or pay increase after some time."

At West Elm, you can expect your wages to start out between $10-$13 per hour with plenty of opportunities to grow your career and earn more as you prove your hard work, passion for the company, and dedication to the team. Talk to the interviewer about how you expect to be compensated at West Elm.

"I currently make $11 per hour and generally work between 25 and 30 hours per week. I'm hoping to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

"I currently make $25 an hour, and I'm happy to begin a position with West Elm in that same range or slightly higher."

How can West Elm motivate you on the job?

"I feel most motivated when I'm working with like-minded individuals who are all working for a common goal. It's important to me that I get along with my coworkers and have plenty in common with them. When I feel like I'm a part of a team instead of just a cog in a machine, that's when I feel most motivated to do my best work."

The management team at West Elm values each employee as a unique individual, not just what they produce. We're looking for passionate, motivated sales associates to continue our legacy of elevated customer service, and we want to motivate you to do your best work. Talk to the interviewer about ways that you stay motivated on the job.

"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I do like to know that my efforts are noticed. In my current position, we have a leaderboard and I do like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of personal competition for me as well."

"I feel most motivated while working in a positive environment that encourages learning and growing and where there is a sense of comradery amongst coworkers."

Describe to me your ideal employer.

"It's important to me to work for a company whose words match their actions, especially in terms of environmental protection. This industry definitely takes its toll on the planet, which is why I'm so enthusiastic about working for West Elm where so many of the products are Fair Trade Certified. That's the kind of company I'm excited to work for."

There's a lot to love about a job at West Elm: from our commitment to ethical and responsible practices to our love of our communities. We're looking for sales associates who are just as passionate as we are about making our local and global community a better place. What do you look for in a company? What do you think makes an employer great to work for?

"I really like that West Elm doesn't settle for the good work they've already done -- they want to continue to push themselves to do even more. I really like that they've set challenging goals for their percentages of handcrafted, Fair Trade, and locally-sourced products. I want to work for a company that doesn't settle for the status quo and is constantly pushing itself to do better, so I'm excited about the chance to work at West Elm."

"I really like that West Elm is a company that evolves and strives to be better, while also being dependable in supplying beautiful products."

We need reliable people on our team at West Elm. How many days were you absent from work last year?

"I had zero unexcused absences last year. In total, I took 12 vacation days out of my 15 allotted days. I was sick just 2, and a note from my Doctor accompanied those. Once I was late due to a terrible snow storm, and I always try to be 10 minutes early for my shift."

A part of being a diligent employee is to ensure that you are always on time and present when expected. It's great to even be 10 minutes early rather than just showing up right on the dot. Talk to the interviewer about your attendance.

"I am very committed to my employer and am only absent in events of sickness or the odd family emergency. I do my best always to be available and present when expected."

"I am very committed to my work, and I try to only be absent due to sickness or a family emergency. I always try to arrive early before every shift."

What type of work environment do you dislike working in?

"I want to work somewhere that is warm, inviting, and friendly, where every customer and employee feels welcome. I've worked in stores in the past that don't have a hospitable culture, where employees were sniping at each other and there was constant, negative competition. I don't last long in those environments because I prefer to work in an atmosphere of respect, encouragement, and teamwork."

Working at West Elm isn't just about punching the clock: we want our employees to be passionate about what they do here. Talk to the interviewer about environments that you have disliked working in in the past or describe your ideal company culture.

"I do best in a supportive environment where there is room to grow, the ability to ask questions, and healthy co-worker relationships."

"I strive in a positive environment where I am working amongst supportive coworkers, I feel comfortable asking questions, and I am encouraged to be creative and open-minded."

Personality fit is important to us at West Elm. How would you describe your personality?

"I'm such a social person, especially when I have the opportunity to build a community -- I love meeting new people, hearing their stories, and connecting people with each other. This has obviously been an advantage in the retail industry at large, but I'm especially excited to bring my community-building personality to West Elm, where I know it will really be valued."

We're always looking for smart, imaginative people who feel a connection to West Elm, our customers, and our stories to join our team. What elements of your personality make you uniquely suited for this role?

"I'm a really diligent, self-motivated person. I don't need a lot of external influence to do my best work, go the extra mile, and make genuine connections with customers. When I love what I'm doing, I'm a total perfectionist, so I bring an extra attention to detail to everything I do."

"I am a highly motivated person and a bit of a perfectionist when I love what I'm doing. I love connecting with people and I will go the extra mile to ensure the people I work with are happy."

What attracts you to working for a home furnishings retailer like West Elm?

"I'm really enthusiastic about helping people find exactly what they're looking for to turn their house into a home. Not everyone is really in touch with their personal style, and I think it would be really fun and rewarding to help customers finally feel confident in their home furnishing choices."

We're looking for employees who are passionate about home design to be brand ambassadors for West Elm. Our products are all designed to spark our customers' imaginations, present inventive solutions, and reveal possibilities in the home. Talk to the interviewer about what makes you want to work for a company that specializes in helping customers express their personal style at home with unique, authentic, and responsible products.

"Simply put, I love decorating. I've helped countless friends set up their apartments and homes after they've moved to new spaces -- it's so much fun to me. I'm really hoping to do that as a career someday, and I'm hoping that the connections and experience I gain at West Elm will set me up for success in the future."

"I love design. I've lived in so many different cities now and I have always loved making my new space feel like home. I enjoy expressing myself throughout my home design and I would love to help others do the same."

What type of manager brings out the best in you?

"Two of my former managers stand out to me, and they both had very different managerial styles. One was very warm, engaging, and really encouraged collaboration with the team. She did small things every quarter to build a collaborative spirit, from group bonding expeditions to intimate dinner parties. I loved working for her because I knew she cared about me and my coworkers as individuals. The other manager who stands out to me was extremely efficient and passionate about her work; she really believed in the company and worked extremely hard to help the business achieve its goals. Her passion and enthusiasm made me want to work as hard as she was -- she really inspired a shared vision for her team."

West Elm is committed to building the strongest teams in retailing. To that end, we work hard to create a culture that celebrates and leverages our associates' unique talents and perspectives. Talk to the interviewer about positive relationships you've had with managers in the past. What made these relationships so successful?

"I have worked with a wide range of personalities and management styles with great success. If I could express a preference, I feel that I am best with a manager who allows me autonomy while still investing time in me through mentorship and training. Can you describe the management style here?"

"My current employer stands out to me. She is devoted to producing top results with her business and she inspires the team to do so too. She's very easy to talk to and she's someone I genuinely love to work with. She trusts us to make decisions that would be in the client's best interest and supports our reasoning for doing so."

Why is this job with West Elm right for you at this time in your career?

"I'm really hoping to open my own small business someday soon -- I'm a trained woodworker, and I spend my free time on projects for my family and friends. I would love to branch out into creating my own brand and selling the items I make, but I know I have a lot to learn about this industry, what customers are looking for, and how to go about making a name for myself here. I'm hoping that this position will help me make connections with customers and merchandisers in this industry -- and maybe West Elm will even be interested in my pieces sometime in the future!"

At West Elm, we work hard to create a culture that celebrates and leverages our associates' unique talents and perspectives, and fosters the development of rewarding and satisfying careers. We're invested in your future and want you to be, too. Talk to the interviewer about your personal career goals and how this position at West Elm can help you achieve those goals.

"I'm truly looking for a company to grow with for many years -- at this point in my life, I'm very motivated to find a job that I love at a company I feel aligned with. I'm really interested in merchandising, so I'm hoping that after some time I'll be able to prove myself capable of moving into an assistant merchandiser role with the company."

"For 25 years, I followed my passion of dancing ballet professionally and I feel satisfied with all the opportunities I've had to perform and to meet so many wonderful teachers, renowned artists and coaches, and most of my friends. I'm excited to pursue another passion of mine and to learn more about the fascinating world of design."

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

"January and February are super slow months at the store where I currently work, as I'm sure is the case in most of the retail industry. I was trying to think of ways that we could encourage customers to come into the store during these cold months after the holiday season when people aren't eager to spend more money. I had an idea to partner with a local animal shelter and host an adoption event in our store -- our building is pet-friendly anyway, and my community loves their pets, so it felt like a good way to generate traffic and help out our local shelter at the same time! I took the idea to my boss, and she was really excited about the idea. The event went really well, we had a record number of customers in the store for that calendar day, and my manager is going to make it a quarterly event!"

At West Elm, our brand, our stores, and our story is constantly evolving, and we value innovative and creative solutions to the new problems that are presented to us as we grow. Talk to the interviewer about a time you made a suggestion to an employer. How was your idea received? What was the result?

"The store where I currently work is a family run shop where they operated based on trust and didn't have a loss prevention plan. We were having some problems with theft because of it. I suggested that we install a couple of cameras inside the store to deter anyone from stealing. So far, we have seen a 56% decline in the overall loss."

"While dancing for a professional company, I advocated for equal pay for female dancers. The company brought in several male guest artists for a production and they were paid substantially higher than the female dancers who have been with the company for years. I advocated for the directors to recognize equal responsibilities and to adhere to an equal pay agreement."

How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?

"I'm a pretty self-motivated person, so I don't require a lot of recognition when I do good work -- I think it's just part of my job to do my best! When I accomplish something really big, like the completion of a long-term project, it's nice to feel celebrated a little bit. Small gift cards to local restaurants are always a nice gesture because then I can go out and celebrate my accomplishment with my partner or my girlfriends."

We believe that our people make the difference at West Elm: they define our brand and drive what our customers see and experience. We're eager to recognize the hard work of our strong employees, so talk to the interviewer about how you appreciate being recognized for the unique things you add to a team.

"I am very much an over-achiever and find that the best way for me to be recognized for a job well done is through words of kindness and recognition. I am easily encouraged, and the best reward for me is to know that my hard work is noticed."

"I don't require a lot of recognition when I do good work, however, I do appreciate being recognized for completing a major accomplishment through words of kindness."

This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?

"I am happy to offer a flexible schedule, and to work overtime as needed. I do take an evening college course on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I would not be available those days, after 5 PM."

Most retail positions require a wide range of hours that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and split shifts. Assure the interviewer that you can commit to a wide range of hours. If there is anything in your schedule that may hinder your availability, be sure to address this.

"I understand that this role will include working evenings, weekends, and holidays. I am available to work anytime and am happy to work overtime as well."

Take me through your career history. How has your work experience prepared you for this role at West Elm?

"I've been working in retail for about three years, primarily for apparel retailers. While I enjoy the work, meeting goals, and connecting with customers, I feel defeated by the toll that fast fashion takes on our environment. That's the main reason I'm excited to interview here; I'm passionate about preserving our planet, and I want to work somewhere that I can feel good about. I'm also excited to share product information with customers because I think that informed consumers have the ability to really change the industry."

Whether you're a seasoned retail professional or are just starting out in the industry, West Elm is looking for sales associates who are passionate about our commitments, products, and customers. Talk to the interviewer about how some of your past jobs have prepared you to succeed in this role at West Elm.

"I've only been working in retail for about six months, but I really love it so far -- it really feels like I could make a career in this industry. In my current role, I've gotten a lot of experience making strong connections with customers and building relationships with my coworkers, but I'm ready for a new challenge. I think moving into a home furnishings role would be just the challenge I'm looking for."

Have you researched our company commitments? What stands out to you about the West Elm model?

"The main reason I applied for this position at West Elm is that I love how dedicated they are to their commitment to the planet and to ethical behaviors in every area of their organization. I'm especially impressed with the fact that they're the first home retailer to offer Fair Trade products -- that's something that really matters to me as a shopper, and it's even more important to me to work for a company that values the planet and people."

At West Elm, our values come alive in the work that we do and in our products, and they live on with our customers. When we began in 2002, we made a commitment to responsible sourcing and manufacturing, and we've built upon that foundation to make commitments to handcrafted, fair trade, organic, sustainably sourced, local, and/or recycled items. We believe these commitments are better for our customers, our employees throughout our supply chain, and our planet. It's important that our employees feel the same passion for these commitments that we do. What do you think about these commitments?

"I think it's great that West Elm is so committed to ethical and sustainable practices, especially the handcrafted items that come from all over the world, where workers are paid fair wages and women can build careers as paid artisans. A lot of companies say that they're trying to make the world a better place, but I really feel like West Elm is doing it."

You will be responsible for a large amount of cash and valuable merchandise at West Elm. What would your most recent employer say about your character and honesty?

"I've consistently formed strong, trusting relationships with my supervisors in the past. In fact, during my exit interview from my last job, my manager told me that she really valued my integrity and would hire me back onto her team if I ever decided to return to the company."

At West Elm, we put a lot of value in integrity and honesty, and we need to know that we can trust each of our sales associates to treat our merchandise and cash with respect. Talk to the interviewer about how your former employers would describe your character.

"My most recent employer and all others would say that I have strong character and always choose honesty first. I have solid references who will attest to that as well."

In a retail environment, staff turnover is often high. How would you handle it if your co-worker did not show up for their shift?

"I am more than willing to cover a shift for a co-worker if I am able. I don't mind accepting overtime hours and do consider myself to be a team player."

Being flexible in your schedule is valuable as a retail-based employee. How would you handle it if your co-worker did not show up for their shift and you were asked to cover? Assure the interviewer that you are a team player.

"If a co-worker failed to show up for their shift, I would pick it up if possible. I always strive to be a team player."

Working in a retail environment, you will sometimes come across rude customers. How would you handle a customer who is rude towards you or a co-worker?

"One of the things I love most about West Elm is that it truly feels like a local, community store, which means that the majority of the customers are truly my neighbors. I always want to treat customers in a friendly, neighborly, hospitable way, even if they're having a bad day or being rude. I don't change my strategy at all in those situations: I continue to give elevated, personal service to the customer."

Our sales associates are the heart of the West Elm brand, and the position requires finely-tuned people skills that will keep our customers coming back again and again. Talk to the interviewer about how you would turn a negative customer interaction into a positive one, specifically if a customer were rude to you.

"I really believe in being a brand ambassador when I'm at work, so I always do my best to make sure customers' needs are met regardless of their attitude. If a customer is rude or aggressive toward me, I treat them with kindness and hospitality. It's never okay to react in a negative way to a customer who is upset or having a bad day. Being a brand ambassador sometimes means swallowing your pride when a customer is rude to you."

Tell me 3 qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with West Elm.

"If I had to choose three words, I would say: Creative, Collaborative, and Ambitious. I've always been a creative person, and I love to use my creativity to solve problems and connect with my customers and coworkers. I've found that I always do my best work when I'm on a team that openly collaborates to accomplish tasks, complete projects, and solve problems. And I have a lot of dreams for myself; my ambition keeps me grounded and helps me accomplish a lot with a great eye for detail and diligence."

We're passionate about our local and global community at West Elm, and that passion is reflected in our products, our partnerships, and our talented team of in-store sales associates. We're always looking for passionate, energetic team members who bring their unique sensibilities and sales style to the job. What three words would you choose to describe yourself?

"First off, I'm really passionate about my community: I love to shop locally, support small businesses, and engage with the people in my neighborhood. That's one of the reasons I'm most interested in working at West Elm, actually! I also tend to be sensitive to the needs of others around me, which makes it easy for me to anticipate customers' needs and build strong relationships with my coworkers and managers. Finally, I would describe myself as a lifelong learner. I love to research and discover new things, so I'm always eager to learn more product information that I can share with my customers -- and I feel like there will be plenty of opportunities to learn about West Elm's partners, collaborators, and suppliers, so I'm looking forward to that!"

At West Elm, we firmly believe in grooming our employees into management roles as they show potential. Are you interested in potential leadership roles with us?

"I've been in retail for about two years, and I'm really eager to move into a leadership position sometime soon. I was recently up for a promotion to manager-in-training at my current job, but a coworker was promoted instead. I'm really happy for her because she definitely deserved the promotion as well, but now I'm in a position where I'm excited to move to a new store and start with a fresh slate. I'm looking forward to proving my leadership capabilities with my hard work, diligence, and ability to form genuine connections with my coworkers and customers."

We're looking for passionate employees with an entrepreneurial spirit to join our team at West Elm. We value imagination, diversity, and giving our people the opportunity to explore, grow, and shape our future -- all qualities that we believe make a good leader. Talk to the interviewer about any interest you have in pursuing a leadership position with us in the future.

"My managers in the past have told me that I have natural leadership abilities, and I've been promoted into store leader roles a time or two. Though I've never been a manager, I know that my experience with added leadership responsibilities has already laid a great foundation for me to become a manager at some point in the future, and I'd be excited to pursue any opportunities with West Elm."

In our retail stores we take pride in our displays. Do you consider yourself to be a creative person, capable of making an attractive retail display?

"I would love to help out with any element of display creation! I'm a very creative person by nature, and I enjoy building things, so I'm always happy to assist in any construction efforts. I have some experience from college with building sets for theatrical productions, so I have some experience in the area."

At West Elm, we're tirelessly seeking new ways to inspire our customers, and creating our gorgeous in-store and window display installations is a big part of that. Our display and merchandising coordinators work hard to nail the whimsical, warm, organic, and engaging aesthetic of these displays. Talk to the interviewer about any interest you have in assisting in the construction and installation of our displays.

"I'm actually really interested in working my way into a display coordinator role at some point in the future. I'm currently working to earn my M.F.A. in sculpture -- my first passion -- so I'm always looking for potential careers that would allow me to use my masters degree. I would love to help out in any way I can, and it would be great to talk to your display coordinator about their career path."

This position requires you to adhere to a dress code. How do you feel about this?

"I've worked retail jobs in the past that required a strict uniform, so an easy, open dress code like this one would be a breath of fresh air! I'm confident that I can adhere to the dress code and bring my own unique sense of style and creativity to my wardrobe that will flow easily with the aesthetic of West Elm."

If hired, we'll expect you to adhere to our dress standards while still being able to perform some of the physical duties inherent in your role, like helping lift large or heavy objects and restock items on the floor. The West Elm dress code isn't strict: we just expect our employees to be professional, but you're free to add your own unique creativity and individuality to your work clothes -- we love our employees to be themselves! Are you confident that you can adhere to the dress standards here?

"I think that dress codes are a great way to provide a feeling of unity in the workplace, and it makes getting ready for work really easy!"

Tell me about a time you disagreed with a supervisor. How did you approach that situation?

"A few years ago when I was working at a small, privately-owned boutique, our owner/manager decided to change our return policy. We had very reliable customers who appreciated how open and easy our initial return policy was, and all of the sales associates were concerned that the change would deter our customers from being as consistent. A lot of my coworkers were complaining about the change without talking to my manager directly, and the environment was getting really toxic. Instead of contributing to the toxicity, I asked my manager if we could talk and then I told her all of the reasons I was worried about the change. She listened to and answered my concerns, and we had a really respectful, open exchange about it. I understood her perspective much better after we talked, and I was able to help explain the change to my coworkers as well."

At West Elm, we're committed to building the strongest team in retail through strong communication and an open exchange of ideas. We even encourage differences of opinion, as long as both parties are respectful and kind in their disagreements. Have you ever disagreed with a decision that your supervisor has made? How did you approach that situation?

"About a year ago at my current store, my manager promoted a very new, seasonal sales associate to a display coordinator position, which is a position that reports directly to the store manager. All of my coworkers and I were really stunned by the promotion because many of us had been working in the store for several years longer than the employee who received the promotion. I was really upset about it, personally, because I had been at the store for over two years at that point and felt like I had put in the time and work to be in line for a promotion. I took a few days to process and organize my thoughts, then I scheduled a meeting with the store manager. I told her how the promotion looked to me and to my coworkers, and that I felt like my contributions weren't being appreciated. She was really kind about it but held her ground about her decision. I was disappointed, but ultimately I know that she's the boss and knows what she's doing. I'm glad that I took the initiative to talk to her about the impact of her decision, though."

We have a strong employee honesty program in place at West Elm to prevent loss. What would you do if you discovered that a co-worker was stealing product or money?

"I don't think there's every any excuse for that kind of behavior. I've unfortunately been in a situation in the past where I had to talk to my manager about a coworker stealing. It was hard to do because I don't want to be involved in someone losing their job, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I would do it again."

Integrity and strong character are two things we look for in our employees at West Elm, but it's always possible that an employee could take advantage of our products and cash. Talk to the interviewer about how you would respond if you suspected or discovered a coworker was stealing from the store.

"Honesty is really important to me, so I would be really upset and angry if I found out that one of my coworkers was stealing from the store. If I only had a suspicion and had a relationship with the coworker, I would probably go to my coworker first and find out if my suspicions were true. If I was reasonably sure, I would go to my manager and let her know what I had observed or suspected and let her handle it from there."

At West Elm, we have a very clear return policy. How would you handle a customer who was arguing with you about a potential return?

"I absolutely believe that great service has to be consistent for every customer, even if they're upset, frustrated, or arguing about a policy. I'm a very patient person, so usually I just let the customer get out their frustrations and try to really listen to what they need. I think it's important to keep the customer happy but also stick to store policy, so if they were really upset, I would talk to my manager and see if we could offer them a special case 'peace offering,' like a small coupon or merchandise card, so that they feel like they left the store cared for and understood."

At West Elm, our focus is on consistently providing each of our customers with great customer service, whether they're in our store to browse, buy, or process a return or exchange. From time to time, customers may take issue with our return policy and argue that they should be able to make a return on an ineligible item. Talk to the interviewer about how you handle situations like this.

"If the customer questioned the general terms of the return policy, I would let them know that the policy here adheres to the industry standard: returns can be processed within 30 days with a receipt. If they took exception to a specific part of our policy, I would try to walk them through exactly why we're not able to process the return. For instance, if they were trying to return a monogrammed or made to order item, it makes sense that we're unable to accept the return of such a personalized piece. Most of the time, customers just want a reasonable explanation when they're frustrated about a policy, so I try to give customers as much information as I can so they understand where the company is coming from."

What do you know about West Elm? Why do you want to work for us?

"I'm really impressed with the way that West Elm operates -- they put such a high value on sustainability and partnership with non-profits in their communities and in the world. I love working in the retail industry, but I get really disheartened by the negative environmental impact of some of the unethical manufacturing practices in the industry. But at West Elm, I know I would get to continue doing what I love while feeling confident that the company I work for is having a positive impact on the world."

Founded in Brooklyn in 2002, West Elm is focused on the intersection of modern design, affordability, and community. Everything we sell is made with one goal in mind: to help our customers express their personal style at home and in the world. Talk to the interviewer about what caught your attention about West Elm and why you want to work for us.

"What first caught my attention about West Elm is that they're so community-focused -- they're always hosting events or starting new collaborations with local artisans that I already love. I really love this community, and it makes me happy to know that a large organization like West Elm loves my community, too."

West Elm puts customer service first. How do you ensure that you always put the customers' needs first?

"I love everything having to do with home furnishings, so I'm excited about the opportunity to engage with the West Elm customer! My customer service policy is to always greet customers with a smile and try to engage them in genuine conversation. I never want a customer to feel like I'm 'selling' to them; instead, I want them to feel that I have a genuine interest in helping them find what they're looking for."

At West Elm, we're tirelessly seeking out new ways to inspire our customers, whether it's creating in-store installations, sharing style tips, hosting in-store events, developing collaborations with artists, or discovering hand-crafted treasures from far-flung places. We want sales associates who have a passion for helping people express their style and their story at home. Talk to the interviewer about your own customer service strategy and how you ensure that customers leave the store feeling inspired.

"My goal is to always exceed customer expectations. I look for small ways in every customer interaction to catch the customer by surprise with extraordinary service, whether that's offering to help them carry their bags to the car or putting together a collection of items I think they might like."

West Elm Interview Questions

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1. At West Elm, we like to hire strong achievers. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.
2. Tell me about a time you were under stress or pressure at work. How did you respond?
3. What do you hope to learn from this job at West Elm?
4. How do you feel about West Elm's partnerships?
5. What are your salary expectations?
6. How can West Elm motivate you on the job?
7. Describe to me your ideal employer.
8. We need reliable people on our team at West Elm. How many days were you absent from work last year?
9. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?
10. Personality fit is important to us at West Elm. How would you describe your personality?
11. What attracts you to working for a home furnishings retailer like West Elm?
12. What type of manager brings out the best in you?
13. Why is this job with West Elm right for you at this time in your career?
14. Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion requesting change in an organization.
15. How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
16. This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?
17. Take me through your career history. How has your work experience prepared you for this role at West Elm?
18. Have you researched our company commitments? What stands out to you about the West Elm model?
19. You will be responsible for a large amount of cash and valuable merchandise at West Elm. What would your most recent employer say about your character and honesty?
20. In a retail environment, staff turnover is often high. How would you handle it if your co-worker did not show up for their shift?
21. Working in a retail environment, you will sometimes come across rude customers. How would you handle a customer who is rude towards you or a co-worker?
22. Tell me 3 qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with West Elm.
23. At West Elm, we firmly believe in grooming our employees into management roles as they show potential. Are you interested in potential leadership roles with us?
24. In our retail stores we take pride in our displays. Do you consider yourself to be a creative person, capable of making an attractive retail display?
25. This position requires you to adhere to a dress code. How do you feel about this?
26. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a supervisor. How did you approach that situation?
27. We have a strong employee honesty program in place at West Elm to prevent loss. What would you do if you discovered that a co-worker was stealing product or money?
28. At West Elm, we have a very clear return policy. How would you handle a customer who was arguing with you about a potential return?
29. What do you know about West Elm? Why do you want to work for us?
30. West Elm puts customer service first. How do you ensure that you always put the customers' needs first?

West Elm Interview Questions

1. At West Elm, we like to hire strong achievers. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.

2. Tell me about a time you were under stress or pressure at work. How did you respond?

3. What do you hope to learn from this job at West Elm?

4. How do you feel about West Elm's partnerships?

5. What are your salary expectations?

6. How can West Elm motivate you on the job?

7. Describe to me your ideal employer.

8. We need reliable people on our team at West Elm. How many days were you absent from work last year?

9. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?

10. Personality fit is important to us at West Elm. How would you describe your personality?

11. What attracts you to working for a home furnishings retailer like West Elm?

12. What type of manager brings out the best in you?

13. Why is this job with West Elm right for you at this time in your career?

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

15. How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?

16. This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?

17. Take me through your career history. How has your work experience prepared you for this role at West Elm?

18. Have you researched our company commitments? What stands out to you about the West Elm model?

19. You will be responsible for a large amount of cash and valuable merchandise at West Elm. What would your most recent employer say about your character and honesty?

20. In a retail environment, staff turnover is often high. How would you handle it if your co-worker did not show up for their shift?

21. Working in a retail environment, you will sometimes come across rude customers. How would you handle a customer who is rude towards you or a co-worker?

22. Tell me 3 qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with West Elm.

23. At West Elm, we firmly believe in grooming our employees into management roles as they show potential. Are you interested in potential leadership roles with us?

24. In our retail stores we take pride in our displays. Do you consider yourself to be a creative person, capable of making an attractive retail display?

25. This position requires you to adhere to a dress code. How do you feel about this?

26. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a supervisor. How did you approach that situation?

27. We have a strong employee honesty program in place at West Elm to prevent loss. What would you do if you discovered that a co-worker was stealing product or money?

28. At West Elm, we have a very clear return policy. How would you handle a customer who was arguing with you about a potential return?

29. What do you know about West Elm? Why do you want to work for us?

30. West Elm puts customer service first. How do you ensure that you always put the customers' needs first?