So you have an interview at Macy’s, likely for a retail position. Regardless of exactly what your role would be in the corporation, the rules of interview preparation are fairly standard. The first thing you’ll want to do is ready yourself to answer the interview questions that might come your way. Below, we’ve compiled some of the most popular from Macy’s interviews in the past. Prepare answers to as many as possible and practice, practice, practice before the big day.
1. “Why do you want to work at Macy’s?”
If you don’t have an answer to this, you’re sunk. Oh, and your answer definitely can’t be: “I just really need a job.” Do some research into the company and come up with one or two things you really value or respect. Use this question as an opportunity to show your passion for the job you’re interviewing for, and to show them your commitment to their brand.
2. “Why should we hire you?”
Having thoroughly digested the job posting, you’ll be prepared to explain exactly why you are perfect for this job—and in the very terms they put forth in the listing. You could try and also sell yourself to them as the ideal Macy’s customer, and show that you are already aware of their customers’ needs, making you an extremely effective potential salesperson.
3. “Describe an ideal customer service interaction.”
Really have an answer for this. If you want to work in retail—or do already—chances are you have experience and with a bit of thought can come up with an insightful, honest answer about how you personally view customer service ideals. Remember to emphasize closing your sales, keeping the customer happy, getting the customer to return, going the extra mile, etc.—all the usual things you know to be successful retail strategies.
4. “What is your favorite thing about fashion?”
This is your opportunity to show your interviewer again that you share interests with the company and would be an asset to their team. Talk about what fashion means to you, then make sure to pivot to how Macy’s is an ideal in this respect.
5. “How would you handle an upset customer?”
You might get this question or a more specific version, involving a particular scenario. Have a general answer prepared, but also be ready on your feet in case your interviewer asks how you would handle a specific situation. If you have your ideals and policies firmly in mind, you should be fine.
6. “How would you go about selling me a Macy’s credit card?”
You’ve been asked at check-out, probably multiple times. How would you do it? Keep in mind you’ll be required to and you’ll likely be rated on your ability to do so—this is a priority of your potential boss. Put yourself in the customers’ shoes and think what strategy would work best on you!
7. “Why do you want this job?”
This question might be another way of asking why you want to work at Macy’s. Or it could be more specific. Why do you want this job? Go through the posting word for word and have an answer prepared as to why you are a particularly good fit for this particular position. Emphasize how you could be an asset to the company and you can’t go wrong.
8. “Talk about a time you led a team.”
If your position involves any leadership, expect this to come up. Have a good anecdote prepared for a successful leadership role you assumed. Explain the outcome, what you learned, and how you plan to do even better in your next opportunity.
These questions are based on actual questions Macy’s interviewees have been asked. Remember that any variants on these are fair game, as well as more specific, scenario-based questions you could not necessarily anticipate. Do your homework, ready your spiel, and be prepared for anything. Sell yourself as passionate about what you do (and, of course, about Macy’s as a company), and you’ll do fine.
