35 Zalando Interview Questions & Answers
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Adaptability Questions
- 3. Behavioral Questions
- 4. Career Goals Questions
- 5. Communication Questions
- 6. Compatibility Questions
- 7. Customer Service Questions
- 8. Diligence Questions
- 9. Discovery Questions
- 10. Diversity Questions
- 11. EQ Questions
- 12. Experience Questions
- 13. Leadership Questions
- 14. Performance Based Questions
- 15. Problem Solving Questions
- 16. Salary Questions
- 17. Stress Questions
- 18. Teamwork Questions
Accomplishment
1. Tell me about a recent accomplishment you're proud of.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your most recent accomplishment will be an indicator of your current level of experience. Why this was significant for you may give them a better understanding of the direction you are taking your professional growth, what you have to offer as a candidate, and what you aim to accomplish next.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Although there is nothing wrong with being proud of furthering your career goals and ambitions, it is important to appeal to your audience, your recruiter, who serves as an ambassador to Zalando. Therefore, when offering an example of a recent accomplishment you made at work, remember to give recognition to those on your team who aided in accomplishing your recent milestone. As they say on Zalando's website, "Close collaboration with you is the key to our joint success!"
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Answer Example
"I have a strong creative flair and really felt that building attractive displays was something I would excel at. So I'd been asking to build one for a while. When they at last informed me that I could build one on the next merchandising round, I was super excited and started asking all sorts of questions to get ready. I also did some reading online as well, on how to maximize their effect to increase sales. So, when I was told which featured products I'd be displaying, I went all in, and introduced some untested signage which I felt would help. When I was done, I was very proud of what I'd created and received some praise from my leadership team on a job well done. Even better, was when the displays came down and they told me my display had outperformed the last five merchandising rounds, and asked if I was willing, they'd like me to go at it again. That was indeed a proud day."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Adaptability
2. Would you be willing to travel or relocate for work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is interested in how adaptable you are, and how far you are willing to go to advance your career. How you answer could inform them of how your career goals align with your personal and professional priorities. This will also offer insights into whether the incentive of working abroad for up to 30 days a year or their relocation assistance program, played any part in enticing you to pursue this opportunity. "International relocation assistance, plus support with all municipal services, makes for an easy start."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
What You Need to Know
Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the details and requirements of the position. Determine whether travel or relocation is required. Explore career advancement opportunities that exist within the company that intrigues you such as positions you aren't quite yet qualified for, but aspire towards, and the locations in which those positions are available. Lastly, carefully evaluate your personal priorities, such as needing to stay close to your extended family, and be honest and transparent with where your priorities lie.
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Answer Example
"I am very flexible. I love to travel, whether regionally or internationally, and would definitely consider any opportunity that was presented as the right opportunity. I also really appreciate the added perk of being able to work 30 days a year abroad, and the relocation assistance. Very nice."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Behavioral
3. How would your coworkers describe you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is curious to learn more about how self-aware you are, and whether your image of yourself aligns with how others perceive you. Throughout your interview, they'll be taking notes on your responses, while documenting how consistent your narrative is from answer to answer. And, they'll also likely compare how consistent your definition of how others perceive you aligns with how they perceive you.
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
What You Need to Know
Take note of all the defining qualities and personality traits Zalando uses to describe their teams. After spending time on their jobs site, you'll notice they use terms, such as ambitious, open-minded, respectful, kind, and collaborative. Then, reflect on the remarks your previous coworkers have made about you or your character, and revisit the comments made in your previous performance reviews. Then take note of the ways in which those align with how Zalando sees the people that define their company.
"We are united in our ambitious entrepreneurial spirit and love of collaboration. We respect each other's differences, as open-mindedness, mutual respect, and kindness are essential traits in the people who thrive in our teams. There is no space for big egos or micromanagement."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Answer Example
"I'm fairly confident they'd say I am extremely curious, and when I am not asking questions, I am actively listening. They say I am constantly tuned in, and that I am always in-the-know, and relied upon by my teams as a trusted resource of information who is transparent at all times. They say I am a team player, with a positive personality, and a good attitude, am approachable, light-hearted, confident, friendly, and a go-getter. I also brought a list of references who will attest to this as well."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Behavioral
4. What does integrity mean to you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer needs to ensure your principles and brand of integrity align with theirs. How you answer should inform them of whether you are familiar with their code of conduct which is available on their website, or even whether you were familiar with the code of conduct with your current or previous employer.
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
What You Need to Know
Here are some excerpts from Zalando's Code of Conduct, which can easily be located on their website. "Principles guide our actions. We uphold the highest standard of integrity. Integrity and trust are the fundamental cornerstones of all our interactions. We collaborate and build long-term, sustainable relationships with our partners and third parties, adhering to the highest standards of integrity. We continue to earn our partners' trust through our focus on win-win-win outcomes (for customers, partners and Zalando)."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"I pride myself on my strength of character, am guided by my integrity, and am extremely honest, yet filtered of course, and would never share anything that might be harmful to others. I lean towards doing the right thing at all times because if I didn't, I would feel like I was, first and foremost, betraying myself."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Career Goals
5. Why do you want to work for Zalando?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is trying to assess the risk of hiring you as a candidate. Throughout your interview, they will be trying to determine whether you would prove to be an asset or a liability. With this question, they are trying to determine whether you want to work for them for the right reasons, rather than looking for any job anywhere until something better comes along.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 7th, 2023
What You Need to Know
"What Makes Us Special? Scale, impact, drive, and trust. Working at Zalando gives you the best of both worlds - the stability and opportunities of a big player with the attitude and speed of a start-up. We constantly strive to improve and innovate. What you and your team input translates quickly into business impact. We trust each other. That's why we make sure everyone at every level is heard and can initiate and drive change."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 7th, 2023
How to Answer
While doing your homework on the company, take note of all of their recruiting efforts. Highlight those which appealed to you most, and which may have motivated you to pursue the opportunity. Not only does this showcase your work ethic in that you took the time to respectfully prepare for the interview, but reveals the work you put into it. It also informs the recruiter which of their effort yielded results, which is useful information for them. After all, recruiting target talent requires crafting an effective marketing campaign, which costs time and resources. So telling them why it appealed to you and made you want to work for them, could help them save more money in the future.
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Answer Example
"I've been a loyal customer for about a decade now, and have only ever had positive experiences with the company. After considering pursuing a position here, I started doing more research on the company, and what I learned about your values and culture convinced me I wanted to work here. Also, your incentives, such as a 40% employee discount, were very enticing, because I shop here all the time."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Career Goals
6. What type of work environment are you looking for?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question should reveal something about your experience as a professional, by informing them about your level of self-awareness, and whether you have honed in on the optimal conditions to enhance your productivity. Lastly, it might reveal how adaptable you are to working in any environment, whether among others in a more collaborative environment, or alone on more solitary projects.
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
What You Need to Know
Zalando advertises they offer a "hybrid working model with 60% (or more) remote per week, actual practice is up to each team to best support their collaboration. You can enjoy free drinks and fresh fruit baskets daily, promoting a healthy and energised work environment. Across the company, we apply expert advice on healthy workplaces to design current and future offices and fulfillment centers. We focus on various initiatives to make our workforce healthier, so that they can help shape our future. It is clear that the work environment will change through the growing use of technology. Therefore, we closely analyze the skills that are in high demand now and for which demand is on the rise."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
How to Prep
Be self-reflective, and try to define where you would classify yourself on the scale of being an extrovert, ambivert, or an introvert. Do you prefer organized chaos or meticulous order? Do you prefer one environment over another, and are you adaptable and happy to do whatever it takes to further the goals of the team? Then, familiarize yourself with the working environments that Zalando offers, and whether they feel like the best fit for you.
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Experienced Example
"I work best in meritocratic work cultures, where opportunity is awarded based on performance. Ideally, a supportive work environment where there is room to grow, the freedom to ask questions, voice concerns, and to share ideas. So long as the mentality is positive, the teams work well together, and every teammate is valued for being a unique individual, where everyone is encouraged equally, you'll find I can be productive in any environment in such a work culture. Another reason Zalando feels like a good fit."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Career Goals
7. Why is this job with Zalando right for you at this time in your career?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is aimed at determining whether you are confident in your experience level as a professional to be awarded this opportunity. It also stands to offer some context for your reason for currently seeking employment. Discuss with the interviewer why you are looking to make a change, how this particular role fits into your career plan, and where you hope it will take you professionally.
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
What You Need to Know
Take note of all of the value propositions they advertise in their recruiting efforts, and which most appeal to you. Determine why you feel you are ready for this next stage of your career, and where you hope it may take you next. "Our success as a company and the success of our employees are based on effective and unbiased performance management. We see performance management as a commitment to a mutual promise, an eagerness to identify strengths while continuing to learn, develop, and grow. We ensure fairness and transparency when it comes to salaries, promotions, and development opportunities."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Entry Level Example
"This job will fit perfectly surrounding my school schedule. I hope once I complete my education that I can be given full-time hours for the summer. I am excited to work for Zalando because of the flexibility you offer students, as well as the growth potential."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I've had my eye on working with Zalando for some time now. Every time I have searched for a position with the company, there hasn't been one that felt like the right fit. They've either been in the wrong field, below my skill level, or beyond my skill level. Although I love the company I currently work for, I am not as excited by it as I would be working here and kept my eye out until something that seemed perfectly suited to me came along. I figured when that happened, the timing would be right. This position feels like a great launching point for a career with Zalando, so here I am."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Career Goals
8. Where would you like to take your career in the next five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is curious whether you have a five-year career plan, and how your long-term plans align with what this opportunity offers. How you answer may also offer insights into whether this opportunity aligns with your goals, or if you even have a career plan at all. Their target talent is career-centric and emotionally invested in working for Zalando, showcasing their familiarity with what they have to offer and how it aligns with their pursuits.
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
What You Need to Know
Zalando offers their employees "tailored development opportunities. You get the best from a flat organizational structure, approachable leaders, and transparent communication coupled with benefits of direct brand collaborations, interdisciplinary projects, and exposure to many different experts and teams, which make your development opportunities almost limitless. Together with your team and leads, you can tailor your personal career path to fit your interests and passions as they evolve and take advantage of our extensive development platform. Find your fit. Explore our open positions and sign up to our Talent Community newsletter for updates on events, networking opportunities, and new job openings."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 7th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Thank you. I regularly update my five-year career plan, most recently before applying to this position. Through this process, I've realized the importance of flexibility and adaptability. Unexpected opportunities may arise that weren't part of the original plan. While I recognize that my goals may evolve, my current aspirations are to utilize my 30 days of working abroad working here, and ideally by then I would have relocated to the Berlin headquarters. I'd be in a management role, and developing a new five-year plan within the company."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Career Goals
9. How can Zalando motivate you on the job?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is curious whether working in an environment that you enjoy motivates you and offers job satisfaction, whether you are motivated by the career opportunities within Zalando that lie ahead, or if you are only in it for the money, which suggests a lack of loyalty and being up for the highest bidder. How you answer should reveal whether you would be a sustainable employee or a liability.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Zalando advertises that they invest in the development of their peers. "Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review. Be part of a great network and learn from internationally accomplished experts and self-organized, autonomous teams. Keep moving and stay fresh, with intensive mentoring, extensive on-boarding, and personal branding support focused on leadership, as well as diverse career opportunities throughout the company."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 7th, 2023
Experienced Example
"When I think about job satisfaction, I think about being equally rewarded for my merits as anyone who puts their all in. I am very much self-driven and self-motivated. Being treated with equal respect and appreciation fuels my passion to put my all in. I am motivated by being included in what's happening behind the scenes and being trusted to follow through, support, and spread the vision among my teams. I am also motivated by being awarded with responsibility and opportunity to advance accordingly."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Career Goals
10. Do you prefer predictability with your work or constantly varying your tasks?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is trying to get a sense of whether you are capable of stepping outside of your comfort zone and can quickly adapt to facing new challenges. In other words, are you constantly aiming to develop your skills, or do you prefer cruising along within the bounds of the status quo? How you respond might fuel further questions on how well you cope with stress and your level of initiative.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Your answer could potentially offer your interviewer further insight into what you have to offer Zalando as a company. They are looking for innovators over those who cruise along at the status quo. "Zalando's future is not designed yet. This is why we look for people who are innovative enough to break through the status quo, brave enough to fail, and smart enough to win. Working for us, you will be provided with the trust to make decisions, the freedom to achieve mastery, and the opportunity to grow."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Answer Example
"I am adaptable, go where I am needed, and am happy to help the team with any task. I enjoy hunkering down and doing repetitive work doesn't bother me or get me down. I also love social interaction. But balance is good, and there is nothing wrong with mixing it up now and again."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Communication
11. Tell me about a time you had to explain something complicated in simple terms.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The example you provide to this question should provide your interviewer with a deeper understanding of your communication skills. How well a representative is able to communicate and articulate complicated matters into simpler terms can often prove essential when interacting with their customers. Therefore, how you answer this question may offer insights into whether they can trust you to represent their company to their customers.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Spend time reviewing their website and you'll find that they place a great deal of emphasis on how you should communicate when acting as a representative of their company. They'll rely on you to "break complex problems up into bite-size pieces and are able to explain them to stakeholders and engineers. Keep it simple. As Zalandos, our individual actions and words collectively shape our culture and our future."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I had a customer who wanted to return a product, but was having difficulty with how to go about printing a return label from our website. After a few moments, I realized they weren't going to understand terms such as settings and menu. So I described everything pictorially, and walked them through, navigating each screen, holding their hand by offering them specific walkthrough instructions for every step. When it came time to print their label to return their product, I asked them if I could share their screen, took a snapshot of their return label, and emailed it to their local shipping center. Then I told them all they had to do was bring the product to the shipping center, mention that I emailed them the return label, and they should be good to go."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Communication
12. How do you approach communication breakdowns with your leaders?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Zalando describes their leadership culture as having strong listening and communication skills while being open, transparent, and encouraging, and consistently taking responsibility for their actions. But before your interviewer makes any hiring decisions, they need to ensure whomever they bring on board will contribute to this culture, rather than being a detriment to it. Therefore, how you answer this communication question should offer your interviewer further insights into how skilled a communicator you are. It also serves the dual purpose of potentially revealing whether you have issues with those in positions of authority.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
On their website, Zalando states that they love dialogue. "As Zalandos, we all take responsibility for our own respectful and ethical behavior, internally and externally. Use your talent for communication and your passion for problem-solving. We are tolerant and honest with each other." Some of the key components to effective communication are asking questions, nondefensive/situational presentation, adapting your communication style to others, active listening, and communicating back what was being communicated to you to ensure the message they sent is indeed the message they intended you to receive. This requires emotional maturity, patience, tolerance, and respect.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Experienced Example
"There is one supervisor I work with who often delegates in a hurry and leaves out important pieces of information. I've come to realize their communication is so rushed because they want to have a sense of urgency, which is fueled by nervous stress, and which often results in messy communication, rework, and delays. So, I try to get them to relax by asking about how they're doing first, then asking questions about the greater goals and how the work fits into the big picture. I try to learn everything about the task at hand and why it is important, and then I have a better lay of the land and can identify what information is missing and find the right questions to ask. Unexpectedly, since I've taken this approach, they have learned to adapt their communication style to me by anticipating my questions, and their communication skills overall have improved."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Communication
13. Tell me about a time you had a disagreement in a crucial conversation with a member of your team.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is curious whether you respond to disagreeing defensively, or whether you see it as a collaborative challenge towards reaching the best end goal. How you answer may offer your interviewer more of an idea of what kind of collaborator you are. They'll evaluate how effectively you can regulate your emotions and responses, and what kind of relationships you build with your fellow members of your teams.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
One of Zalando's values is empowerment, where they say: "To make the best decisions, we encourage constructive and inclusive debate." And, according to Zolando's blog, "A crucial conversation is a discussion between two or more people where the stakes are high, where opinions differ and emotions run strong. The outcome is likely to impact our lives and there is a significant risk of negative consequences." They go on to explain that "emotions keep us from expressing effectively" and "diminish capability of rational thought." In this blog article on "The Role of Emotional Intelligence", they offer several tips and tricks on how to manage crucial conversations. Aligning yourself with their guiding principles will help guide your answer in a manner that aligns with their culture.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I prefer any disagreement be conducted in an emotionally intelligent, mutually respectful, conversational manner. When disagreement is infused with ego, that takes more time. Recently, I was working with someone who was having difficulties in their personal life, and they were suddenly prone to emotional outbursts, taking things personally and defaulting to defensive posturing. Just the other day, we had some debate over the semantics of a job we were working on together. But this debate was superfluous. They understood what I was saying. Then when we finished the job, I complimented them on a job well done. They then defensively accused me of being sarcastic. When I convinced them otherwise, they asked me not to patronize them, saying it doesn't help. I smiled and nodded, and explained encouragement is part of my makeup, and that I hoped they could learn to accept that about me. They sadly smiled and apologized, and thanked me for putting up with them."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Compatibility
14. What makes you the best candidate for Zalando?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There is no way you could predict the qualifications of the other candidates in the talent pool, and your interviewer doesn't expect you to. What they are asking is why they should hire you. Your answer will inform them of how familiar you are with their company.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Don't focus on how they are a great opportunity for you, but rather, how you are a strong fit for their company. This requires you to not only do your due diligence in researching everything about Zalando but also researching everything about yourself as a professional. Identify how you uniquely fit their profile of a perfect candidate, and all the desirables they are looking for in their people to facilitate their growth. "We constantly strive to make Zalando better, not bigger. We promote and hire to shape the company we want to become, not to fill the roles we need today. We hire and promote based on merit and qualification only. Make us better, not bigger."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I've worked for a few companies where I furthered my career, learned a lot, and built relationships that evolved into long-lasting friendships. I'll always be appreciative of all they gave me. Yet, sadly, I didn't identify with the company's culture or their values. I didn't feel as passionately about the company's vision. About a year ago, I realized this was impacting my job satisfaction. Even though I am passionate about my career and what I do, there was little passion for where I worked. My priorities have shifted, and I now want to work somewhere I'd feel proud of. I feel that way about Zalando. I've been a loyal customer for a decade now, and love everything you do and stand for. I am passionate about fashion, about people, and about the brands you represent. So, based on these principles, I consider myself a strong candidate. I embody the same values with passion."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
Compatibility
15. Tell me three qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with Zalando.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is not only aimed at learning what you feel are your greatest strengths, but also how they align with Zalando's culture, which they consider one of their greatest strengths. "Our culture is one of our greatest strengths. Why? Because it's built on our Founding Mindset and the values that make us unique. Our values define us, guide us, focus us and drive us. Our values shape our culture and help us grow. We don't just list our values. We live them."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
What is important here is that you just be yourself throughout your interview. So you want to be just as honest with yourself as you are with the person you are sitting down with. So with this in mind, spend some time thinking about those strengths you take the most pride in. They are also likely to be the aspects of your work that you most enjoy. After all, when you are good at something, the better you feel about yourself when you are doing it.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Well, I am a strong communicator and am very effective in making sure the message I want to communicate is understood and received. I have great persuasion and negotiation skills and enjoy being around others, but am very flexible and can perform well on my own, and am very self-managed in my work. I am very resourceful, always am thinking outside of the box, and am very passionate about what I do."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Compatibility
16. Do you volunteer, or are there causes you support?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question serves a dual purpose. On one hand, they are interested in learning whether you're aligned with their dedication to getting involved in their local communities through a sense of obligation to do the right thing. "Part of our mission as a socially responsible company is to contribute to our community." On the other, they are curious whether the volunteering incentives they offer served as a motivator for you to pursue this position. "For instance, we provide two days for volunteer work each year per employee. In 2022, Zalando employees spent 3,381 hours on various initiatives to support charities while gaining meaningful experiences at the same time."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
If you don't have the time to volunteer, or can't afford to volunteer as much as you like, there is nothing wrong with that. Showcasing how diligent you are about managing your time effectively is a good thing. All the more reason getting paid to volunteer two days a year would be appealing. So if you don't volunteer, think about those groups, nonprofits, or organizations that are close to your heart where you would like to give more of your time.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Experienced Example
"In all honesty, I would love to volunteer more of my time, but I've been so focused on my career for so long now, that I've never been able to work it into my carefully managed time. My career comes first, and it is a goal of mine to get to a certain point of career advancement, where my expertise allows me to free up more of my time to do so. However, discovering that Zalando pays their employees for two volunteer days per year was definitely a draw, and something I would gladly take full advantage of."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
Customer Service
17. How would you handle an agitated customer?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer wants to know what customer service in action looks like to you. They'll try to evaluate how self-managed you are, and whether you are capable of navigating situations such as these without involving your superiors. How you answer should offer insights into your communication, patience, emotional intelligence, and your mediation and negotiation skills.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
One of Zalando's values is customer focus, where they further define their unified approach to delivering a customer-centric experience. "Everything starts with the customer. Always put yourself in our customer's shoes. We always ask: are we delivering our customer promises? Are we creating memorable moments? We start with an experience worth creating and then work backwards. Customer service is the voice and ear, understanding and expertise. We stay humble and trust that our personal success comes from making the best decisions for the customer. Put purpose first, ego second."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Well, I suppose it depends. Every circumstance should be handled on a case-by-case basis. But I would ask them questions, actively listen to what they had to say, and make it known they were heard. Then, I would empathize with them and walk around in their shoes. I would be patient, tolerant, and humble, and show them I was an advocate for them, as I am for all our customers. I would try to help them and communicate with transparency. That's where I would start. If after that, I was unable to calm them, normally speaking to a second employee who can offer an equally validating second opinion will have the desired calming effect, where we can start a negotiation towards an amicable resolution."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
Customer Service
18. How would you handle a customer who wanted to return a product outside of the return policy?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is another method of determining how customer-centric you are. However, customer service is often a balancing act, between satisfying a customer's wants and needs, making each touchpoint a positive experience, and ensuring you'll take measures to adhere to their guidelines, protect their reputation, and protect their assets.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Before you interview, familiarize yourself with Zalando's extensive and generous return policy. "The customer has 100 days to return items (as long as unused and with the labels still attached) as per Zalando policy. Should a customer contact us regarding a complaint, the agent will use our internal complaints tool, which will offer one of 3 solutions based on various pre-programmed factors: a partial refund, a full refund, or request photos" to certify the condition of the item. This last option is for when an investigation is opened by their customer care team to determine the condition of the item. But the FAQs they offer provide lengthy details on how to manage all varieties or requests, so read up on it before launching into your interview, even if it doesn't apply to your position. The more you know about the company, the better.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"Well, I would first listen and make sure the customer felt heard. I would hear them out, ask questions, and then I would show them that I respectfully took some time to consider their request. Once they felt heard, validated, and cared for, I would take every component of their individual circumstance into account and determine whether it met the qualifying criteria of our return policy. If it didn't, I would determine whether it warranted an exception to our policy. And if it didn't, I would assess how I could retain their loyalty, and perhaps offer them a coupon or promo code, to keep them coming back and to feel appreciated as a valued customer. But throughout, I would treat them with respect, and as a friend."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
Customer Service
19. What does putting the customer first look like to you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Zalando asks their employees that they "always think customer first," and that their people "come together to create unique and compelling experiences that excite our customers." So, this question is your interviewer's way of determining how service-oriented you are, and whether your model of customer service aligns with theirs.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Here are some more excerpts from Zalando's customer service philosophy, "Our customers are the focus of all of our activities. Everything starts with the customer, and our customers' trust is crucial to Zalando's success. We are proud of what we do and we turn our customers into fans. We are continuously improving our outstanding service to better serve our growing customer base. By acting responsibly, we protect our customers' trust as well as Zalando's reputation."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I approach every customer with appreciation. If it wasn't for our customers, I wouldn't have a job. So what does that mean? To me, it means if those customers are passionate enough about what we have to offer, that means they've given us their loyalty and trust. But that has to be earned, valued, and never taken for granted. That means they are a member of our tribe and should be treated as a member of the family. That's what putting the customer first means to me."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
Diligence
20. What would you do if you discovered a co-worker was stealing product or money?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every interviewer has difficult choices ahead of them. It's their job to get to know every candidate, to ensure they haven't inadvertently passed by their target talent. They also need to distinguish top performers from unqualified candidates, or those who talk a good game but ultimately are not a good match for the role or their company culture. So, protecting their reputation among their customers, colleagues, and coworkers is dependent on recruiting the right people to deliver on their promises.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Both Zalando's code of conduct and their code of ethics are available online. Most companies post them publicly, sometimes as a page on their website, and other times as a PDF. But they can be found with a basic search. Here are a collection of passages from Zalando's Code Of Ethics:
"Based on fundamental values of honesty, respect, trust, and fairness, the Zalando Code of Ethics sets clear expectations for the professional, ethical, and responsible behavior of all employees. Be aware that failure to apply this code can result in disciplinary action, and may even result in a termination of employment, irrespective of grades or roles. Don't assume that others already know. If you have a question, wish to discuss a sensitive situation, or observe behavior that is not in line with our Code of Ethics, please speak up."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Answer Example
"I take my company's code of ethics quite seriously and would act accordingly. My current company's code of ethics is very akin to Zalando's, which I read through while researching the company. My reaction to employee theft would differ if it were a retail associate or a retail manager. If I were a manager and caught an employee stealing, I would be sad about it, but I would have to ask them to leave and would inform them that we would call them once when we'd come to a decision about what steps we would take next. I would be respectful, and discreet, to save anyone embarrassment or harm to their reputation. If I caught a fellow manager stealing, I would immediately inform our higher-ups and let them decide what course of action to take. However, If I were an associate, I would report the incident according to company protocol. I would avoid approaching the employee, as I would not want to make it a personal issue."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Discovery
21. Tell me about yourself.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer needs to get a basic understanding of what you have to offer, and this question is meant to give you an opportunity to deliver a presentation of who you are. It is their job to find the most qualified candidates who are aligned with their values and most suited to their company culture. As they state on their website, "We want you to come as you are so that you can do your best work for the good of others. We are always excited about welcoming people who passionately and creatively contribute to making the Zalando experience even more inclusive than it already is."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
What You Need to Know
This is your opportunity to showcase your personality and present your best version of yourself. If you feel anxious as you are preparing for your interview, find ways of focusing that energy into something else, like some quick invigorating exercise or giving yourself a pep talk and making a list of all the things you love about yourself and which you take pride in. Go into your interview confident and relaxed. Be comfortable in your own skin. Also, this is your chance to get to know your interviewer, who, in effect, is your audience.
And you want to approach your interview with an understanding of who it is you are trying to appeal to. So after you talk about yourself, ask them about how they came to work for the company, how long they've worked there, and what they love about working there.
Lastly, this individual is a representative of the company, and how they conduct themselves is a reflection of that company which you may end up representing as well. So their conduct should offer you an indication of whether this opportunity is a good fit for you.
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Experienced Example
"Well, I am very creative and love fashion. I have an extensive wardrobe, and love going shopping in my closet, accessorizing and mixing and matching, and always come up with something new from what I already own. You could even say that over half of my wardrobe was acquired by habitually shopping at Zalando. Aside from shopping, I also love to travel, love immersing myself in new cultures when abroad, and am a real foodie who craves international cuisine. I consider myself someone who is addicted to discovery and to learning. Likewise, I am passionate about what I do in my professional life, and it is my focus to bridge these passions, between my personal and professional life, so that I can feel fulfilled in every aspect of my life, every day."
Written by Samantha Brown on January 8th, 2024
Diversity
22. What value do you find in working in a diverse and inclusive environment?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Zalando repeatedly emphasized their commitment to "bringing to life the diversity of our talents, leaders, customers, and partners" where they describe respect and inclusive behavior as "second nature." So, this necessary question is posed to help the interviewer assess your cultural competence and your ability to work and collaborate with those who come from backgrounds different from your own.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
"We create a company as diverse as the customers we serve. We're a diverse group united by a shared goal: to connect people and fashion using sustainable and forward-thinking business practices. Leveraging this richness of perspectives makes us better at delivering on our promises towards our customers and partners and at supporting each other. Consolidating our ideas, capabilities and effort scales our impact as an innovator in both tech and fashion. We actively seek out different perspectives, increase diversity in decision making, and create an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to feel safe. We love diversity, and we are committed to a healthy, supportive and inclusive work environment where we all have the opportunity to reach our fullest potential, feel valued, and be our authentic selves."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Answer Example
"Well, I consider myself well-traveled and am that type of traveler who avoids tourist trap destinations. I would refer to myself as a traveler rather than a tourist. I want to experience culture. So, whenever I travel, I stay where the locals go and eat where the locals eat, and make friends and learn. I thrive in such situations. So, the more varied a work environment is, the more diverse, equitable, and inclusive, the more at home I feel. As a professional, my number one goal is to learn, and develop myself, personally and professionally, and to grow. Being surrounded by people that have perspectives different from my own, whom I stand to learn the most from, in my opinion, is the fastest route to accomplishing my goals."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
EQ
23. How do you respond to feedback?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is curious whether you are receptive to feedback or respond to it defensively. Their ideal talent will be determined and motivated to develop professionally while proactively seeking out feedback. Whereas a less qualified candidate will come in, perform the bare minimum of their work, and clock out, not seeking feedback, and assuming no news is good news.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Zalando perceives feedback as a gift. "Feedback is a gift. We give and receive honest and timely feedback. We are humble, honest, and reliable, and we actively seek feedback and try to understand what drives our partners. We provide each other with support, and we care. Zalando holds two feedback rounds per year, supported by our evaluation process and tool. These are designed to promote interpersonal, unbiased conversations regarding an employee's individual performance and opportunities. We also seek out feedback from employees, collecting anonymous employee surveys on a quarterly basis. The results of these surveys help us improve our performance management across the company." There's more information about their 360 feedback peer-review process on their website.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Experienced Example
"In all honesty, I crave feedback. Not because I need constant validation, but because I am driven and want to make every adjustment required to advance my goals of furthering my skill and experience level and development. For me, no news is bad news. No news is being in the dark or cruising along at the status quo. So, if I can improve, please tell me. If I'm doing great, tell me what I can do better. I love what Zalando says online about feedback being a gift. I couldn't agree more."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
EQ
24. Describe a situation where you identified an opportunity for improvement and suggested it to your superiors.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is curious about your approach to suggesting improvements you've observed that might assist the goals of your teams. How you answer should potentially inform them of whether you are the type to ask questions, learn, and determine whether your suggestion may have been attempted or considered before.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Zalando advertises that they take pride in the fact that theirs is a collaboratively innovative environment where everyone's voices are heard, and all ideas are worth something. But, they also place great emphasis on the high-level communication skills their employees possess as well. "We offer formats for feedback and participation for all Zalandos. We support direct dialogue between leaders and all employee groups. We actively listen and are willing to learn from each other, irrespective of position, background, age, or experience. We want to default to transparency and so we communicate openly and share often, listen, and encourage participation. We provide context and share information by default to enable informed decision making and to flag problems early."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Experienced Example
"While training for a leadership position last year, I observed what I took to be inefficiencies in our weekend scheduling that resulted in overtime. Analyzing our staff size and shift distribution, I believed a different structure could eliminate overtime and reduce payroll costs.
Before proposing any change, I recognize that my superiors have far more experience and broader responsibilities. Therefore, I always preface any suggestion with questions, sharing my thoughts and inviting their input. This allows them to share their past considerations and rationale, and we can collaborate further if they find merit in my idea.
In this specific instance, my manager appreciated my inquiry, validated its value, and explained why they hadn't pursued my proposed avenue. Their reasoning was sound, and with this new insight, I returned to work with a deeper understanding and increased value as a resource for my team."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
EQ
25. What would you consider your greatest weakness?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is curious whether you have taken ownership of your growth opportunities and are proactively working on improving them. Your answer to this question may also be revealing of your experience level and emotional intelligence.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
"By challenging ourselves to learn and grow every day we create an environment that puts innovation ahead of ego and enables everyone to make their mark. We look for people who are eager to grow personally and professionally. You explore, you start, you fail, you learn, you improve, and move forward. You can contribute to the success story of Zalando and make it your own."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I would say my greatest weakness is that in the past, and I am improving on this, I have set my goals too ambitiously. You see, I have a habit of pushing myself too hard sometimes, and my expectations for what I can accomplish have often been unrealistic. However, knowing this about myself, I have learned to slow down, to really dissect my goals, and to set more realistic parameters around each microtask that composes my macro targets. So, basically, I am slowing down, improving my focus, and being more methodical than I am eager."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
EQ
26. How do you balance your professional life with your personal life?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Making the most cost-effective hiring decisions requires considering both immediate needs and long-term goals. One key factor is whether a candidate will contribute to employee retention. A candidate's ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance directly impacts job satisfaction and burnout risk. Individuals who manage their time effectively are less likely to bring work home or let personal issues affect their performance.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Zalando places a lot of emphasis on caring about the well-being of their people, and they offer benefits and perks aimed at further enhancing their employee's work-life balance, such as "flexible working hours, time off for volunteering, an active parents network, parent & child rooms and multilingual family services. We want to support our employees. This also includes our external assistance programs on private, work-related, health or legal topics, mental health support, family services, including counseling and support, coaching, Gympass, and our collaborations with sports and fitness partners. Embrace a holistic approach to wellness." But before they make any hiring decisions, they need to ensure that you already have a strong foundation for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Answer Example
"Well, I stay balanced in both spheres, in the same way. I plan ahead and I eliminate stress by managing my time well and addressing everything that requires my attention proactively. I make sure everything I do is done with celebration and appreciation for all that I have going on in my career and in my personal life. I make time for everything that provides quality and enjoyment. I eat well, exercise, meditate, and do yoga. I have a broad social sphere, read a lot, and enjoy my work. Rather, I enjoy life."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
Experience
27. Tell me about a time you failed at what you aimed to achieve.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question stands to inform your interviewer of whether you take responsibility for your failures, take charge of your development, and identify each failure as a learning opportunity, to increase your chances of reaching success. As Bill Gates once said, "It's fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Zalando advertises that it is their aim to "empower a strong team of professionals to make sure that all aspects of our business run smoothly and taking full advantage of opportunities to improve, adapt and evolve." So, when sharing your failure, relay your experience in the most comfortable, relaxed, and confident manner possible. You want to showcase that you have taken ownership of your failures and have nothing to hide about them. However, avoid sharing any egregious mistakes that may present you as a liability.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Answer Example
"Well, not long ago, I worked really hard on a project that I was determined to deliver far ahead of my deadline without depreciating the quality of my other responsibilities. I wanted to prove I was ready to take on more responsibility and could handle it in addition to the rest of my workload. But, despite my efforts, I missed an important detail and turned in the work ahead of schedule, but incomplete. This embarrassed me greatly, and I went back to it and was able to turn in the project just barely meeting the deadline. Even though I accomplished the work, missing that detail was a setback and didn't help my reputation. So it was more of a personal failure than anything, and I learned from it, and have improved my processes as a result. I can now say with surety that it is a mistake I won't repeat."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
Leadership
28. What type of leader brings out the best in you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
By discovering the type of leader that motivates and brings out the best in you, they'll have a clearer idea of who on their current teams you might be most responsive to. Additionally, most individuals model their own leadership style after their mentor. So, by learning more about someone who served as a mentor for you, they have a clearer idea of what type of leadership potential you stand to offer them.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
If you are unsure of your management style, try to leave your answer as open as possible. Think of someone who served as a hero figure, or a mentor who was instrumental in the shaping of your character. Also, if you have an interest in being promoted to a leadership role, spend time familiarizing yourself with their leadership development opportunities.
"Training for the future. We then create opportunities for our employees to learn those skills. And because great leaders inspire and drive their teams to collective success, team leads are invited to embark on a leadership development journey tailored to their individual needs."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I have worked with a wide range of personalities and management styles, some who are actively involved mentors, others who offer more autonomy and trust me to be self-managed in my work and to get the job done, among others. I feel most inspired by those who strike a balance between autonomy and mentorship or coaching. Based on everything I have learned about Zalando's leadership culture, how involved they are in the development of their teams, and tailoring their mentorship according to the individual's needs, convinced me even more that Zalando is a good fit for what I am looking for in my next employer."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 12th, 2023
Leadership
29. Tell me about your leadership potential.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is curious whether you have any formal leadership experience or not. They are also interested in learning more about your leadership style, and whether it is aligned with the supportive and encouraging leadership culture they promote.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Share any leadership experience you've had. If you don't have any formal leadership experience, share an example of where you took the lead among your teams or took charge of your own career. Also, spend time familiarizing yourself with Zalando's brand of leadership. For example, Zalando emphasizes that their "leaders have a special responsibility for shaping our culture and upholding our standards. We expect our leaders to be role models and take responsibility for their teams to behave according to this code. And when concerns are being raised, we expect leaders to listen carefully, take every concern seriously, protect confidentiality, and take action."
Lastly, share any interest you have in rising into a leadership role if that is something you'd like to pursue, especially since they advertise they offer "training for managers on healthy leadership."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I have something of an adventurous spirit and never hesitate to dive into what needs to be done. I am the kind of person who consistently rises to the action and leads the charge. I am also very encouraging toward those on my team and can be inspirational in helping those I work with achieve what they worry can't otherwise be done. I love mentoring others, and love it when anyone offers me coaching or shows me a better way to get something done. I put my ego aside and focus on helping everyone on the team accomplish their own goals through our common goals. That's the kind of leader I am, and my grandfather who served as a mentor to me, that's the kind of leader and hero he was. All I can do is hope to make him proud."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 13th, 2023
Performance Based
30. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question stands to inform your interviewer of your work standard and work ethic. Whatever you share as an exceptional work performance should not only indicate what going the extra mile looks like for you but also what your status quo looks like as well. So when setting the stage for what they could expect from you, try to offer examples that show your status quo as going the extra mile, and above and beyond as going the distance, all the way.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
What You Need to Know
"Zalando is what you make of it. Optimism creates opportunities. We focus more on what can be gained than what can be lost. The measure of a good day is accomplishment, not activity. And while we start with yes, we don't necessarily end on yes. We separate real priorities from noise. We own our destiny and are not stopped by circumstances. We keep the big picture in mind. We stay in touch with reality. "Ownership" is about being responsible to our customers, partners and colleagues, not about being entitled."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 8th, 2023
Experienced Example
"This past week was a whirlwind at work. A power outage paralyzed our systems, requiring extensive IT intervention. One team leader lost their progress on the following week's schedule, forcing them to restart at the end of the second day. This delay frustrated several staff members eager to know their upcoming schedules. Just as I was about to leave, a customer with a baby and two young children struggled with her bags. Seeing my supervisor about to help, I volunteered instead, knowing they were already juggling trying to finish the schedule. After assisting the customer, I offered to stay late to help with any other tasks and to help with any customer support that might be asked of them, so they could finish the schedule. For the next three hours, I provided support and shielded them from distractions, allowing them to complete the schedule before their shift ended."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 13th, 2023
Problem Solving
31. Tell me about a high-pressure situation where you had to react quickly to things not going according to plan.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Similarly phrased questions in an interview are often a test of how closely you are paying attention, and whether you can maintain your focus while testing your attention to detail and the originality of your answers. Your interviewer may have asked you about how you govern your stress in high-pressure situations. This question is aimed at revealing what governing your stress in a high-pressure situation actually looks like for you. This question is about your resourcefulness and your approach to taking risks. Someone who is a reckless risk taker is a liability. Someone who takes educated, calculated risks is an asset. Someone who is resourceful is self-managed in their work and doesn't procrastinate while waiting for others to make important decisions for them.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
What You Need to Know
This question aims to shed light on your resourcefulness and your approach to taking risks. In high-pressure situations, Zalando describes the conduct they expect of their people. In simple terms, they expect them to think big and act fast. They expect them to operate with speed, to keep it simple, to disagree and commit, and to focus on what matters.
"Every-day matters. We seize big opportunities without delay. We think big and get concrete. Until new information comes to light, to make the best decisions, we invite constructive, truth-seeking debate. To make them count, we seek commitment, not consensus. Each of us is part of Zalando's success story and contributes to solving the most exciting problems. We do so with expertise, passion, commitment, speed and a healthy level of risk-taking, in close collaboration with colleagues and partners. We take risks, but we are never reckless. We understand our risks and manage them intelligently."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Experienced Example
"It was the end of the year, and we were having our company party and celebrating a huge success with bringing on a new client who signed a lucrative contract. But the next day required a coordinated team effort to get things moving on the contract. Yet, when the next day came, over half of our teams called out sick due to what we assumed was food poisoning from the venue that hosted our company party. So, I first coordinated with my manager over the phone, where we developed a plan where I could lead the teams that made it to work. Shifting priorities, we started a plan where we built a coordinated foundation which every team would build upon. All the prep work, with a team coordination social channel, which would enable everyone to hit the ground running the next day when they all hopefully returned to work. We learned so much from the implementation of this plan that we fine-tuned and adapted it to every team project moving forward. So all is well that ends well."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 13th, 2023
Salary
32. What are your salary expectations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your answer to the salary question is crucial, as it significantly impacts how you're perceived and valued as a professional. A common concern is aiming too high or low, but remember that companies budget for new hires based on their anticipated contribution. Offering a higher salary reflects their expectation of your potential to drive cost savings, increase profits, or improve key performance indicators. Consider this when determining your worth within their range.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Zalando advertises that they offer their employees a competitive salary, many developmental opportunities, and a variety of health and wellness benefits, including medical and mental health options. In addition, they offer their employees a 40% staff discount, 30% off Zalando Lounge, discounts on public transport, a hybrid working model with 60% (or more) remote per week, 27 days of vacation a year to start, work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year, Gympass, two paid volunteering days a year, and discounts from external partners.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
How to Prep
When the salary question is broached, often asked toward the end of the interview, it will serve as a test of the realism of your expectations, and your self-awareness of your interview performance. It also is another opportunity to advertise your value. Don't rely solely on your current salary. Consider your current projected salary over the next five years, including bonuses and incentives, and compare the benefits of your current employer to what Zalando has to offer, such as healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, perks such as transportation discounts or gym memberships, along with any other benefits that reduce your living costs. By analyzing their offer against your calculated worth, you can adjust your number accordingly. Remember to be open, realistic, and honest. Then present the facts of what that figure looks like, evaluate their response, and proceed judiciously from there.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I was quite pleased to see your generous benefits are similar to what I currently receive, and the Gympass, transit discounts, and generous employee discount are truly above and beyond. So, for the sake of transparency, last year my earnings were $52,000 a year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. I receive two performance reviews a year and have averaged a 7% pay increase with each performance review. When I gave my current employer open notice that I intended to explore further career opportunities elsewhere, they offered me an incentive of an additional increase of 4% to stay on board. So those are my current and projected earnings. In addition, as I have shared, I have an ambitious five-year career plan, and am looking for a professional career that offers concrete growth opportunities, with achievable and adhered to timelines for my career progression."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 13th, 2023
Stress
33. How do you manage your stress in high-pressure situations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer is not only curious whether you can maintain your focus and stay productive in such situations, but also whether you allow your stress to govern your behavior, negatively impacting the morale of your team and their confidence in your abilities. Those who haven't yet learned to manage their stress are far more likely to suffer from task paralysis, or procrastination stemming from the insecurity that their approach to solving such problems may not be the best-laid plans. So, as you answer this question, they will study the messaging of your answers, as well as how consistent your body language is with the context of your narrative.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
What You Need to Know
The confidence you have in your own abilities will reveal your level of experience. So, to successfully answer this question, simply align yourself with Zalando's recommended approach. What matters here is not whether your solutions in such situations are perfectly laid plans, but simplest and most decisive. "This is a race. Decisiveness breeds speed. We seek commitment, not consensus. Quick, adaptive execution of an imperfect plan beats slow execution of the perfect plan. Simple solutions scale quickly and are robust. Complicated ones are often a sign that we haven't understood the problem yet."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I stay focused on what needs to be accomplished. I take my share as a stakeholder in the success of our teams seriously. Quite honestly, as strange as it may sound, if I let my stress get the better of me, and froze up or in any way let it impact my productivity, I think that would stress me out more. So, I just stay focused on what needs to get done, and objectify each obstacle, and quickly determine how to navigate each one, whether we climb over it, go around it, or take a detour. I think fast, take calculated and informed risks, and pride myself on being resourceful and decisive in such situations."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 13th, 2023
Teamwork
34. Tell me about a time you helped support a member of your team with their professional goals.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your interviewer wants to know if you see career advancement as a competition or a collaborative process. They value individuals who believe in the power of teamwork and understand that coaching and sharing knowledge are equally important to learning and growing.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Here is a collection of cultural statements from Zalando's website: "Like any successful team, we care about each other, we always treat each other with dignity and respect, and we keep our shared goals in mind. Magic happens in teams. Be your team's biggest fan. When colleagues do great things, we make sure to recognise those responsible. We celebrate our collective success alongside each other's professional and personal highlights. We are a team and we can only win if we work together."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Experienced Example
"A new member of my team shadowed me when they first came on board, as I was tasked with orienting them. Since then, we've really connected, and they frequently come to me for insight, tips, tricks, and guidance with their work. They're super proactive in seeking feedback as well. So, in an unofficial capacity, I have served as something of a mentor for them. Their career drive shone through when they took on a pivotal project. I'd navigated similar challenges before, so I offered support, which they readily accepted. While I humbly offered direction, their dedication and extra effort brought them to the finish line with top marks. Witnessing their success, celebrated by leadership, filled me with pride. They gave me credit for my help, which wasn't necessary. They did all the work, listened, and went the extra mile. All I did was give them directions to the finish line."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 13th, 2023
Teamwork
35. Tell me about a time you helped drive the success of your team.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Before your interviewer makes any hiring decisions, they need to take into consideration how well you will work with and complement their teams. They understand hiring someone who is not a good fit or has too great an ego, can negatively impact morale, cause burnout and fatigue, impact performance, and contribute to turnover, versus hiring someone who blends right into their culture and environment.
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
What You Need to Know
"Work at Zalando happens in small, dynamic teams. Openness and idea exchange are not only encouraged, they're lived. Collaboration extends beyond your immediate team as we pull together across functions, locations, and management levels to achieve shared goals. Collaboration is at the heart of Zalando. Influence. Inspire."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 9th, 2023
Answer Example
"We'd all come off of a long week where our focus was diverted from the project we were working on to a more urgent high-priority effort. We all finished that, but then had to return to our previous effort, and had to regain our momentum there and get it done before our end-of-day deadline. At this point, the team had lost their steam. So, I bought some donuts to give everyone a burst of energy via a sugar rush, put on some fun and motivating music, and ramped up the positive energy to get everyone elevated again. I made coffee, passed it around, and cheered everyone on, setting the pace to get it done. Soon morale was raised, and everyone gathered up enough energy for the final push, and we came in ahead of the deadline. As a reward, our manager let us all clock off early that day, which proved a great beginning to a long weekend."
Written by Kevin Downey on December 13th, 2023