Retail Manager

A process of promoting greater sales and customer satisfaction by gaining a better understanding of the consumers of goods and services produced by a company. A typical retail management strategy for a manufacturing business might research the retail process that distributes the finished products created by the business to consumers to determine and satisfy what buyers want and require.

A retail manager is the person ultimately responsible for the day-to-day operations (or management) of a retail store. All employees working in the store report to the retail manager. A store manager reports to a district or general manager.

► Human Resources, recruiting, performance management, and schedule workplace scheduling

► Store business operations, including managing profit and loss, facility management, safety and security and banking, reassuring bank deposits are accurate

► Product management, including ordering, receiving, price changes, handling damaged products, and returns

► Team Development, facilitating staff learning training, and development

► Problem solving, handling unusual circumstances

► To understand the customer service principles

► To handle problems and questions to customers

The store manager should also possess ample problem solving skills that would ensure that the entire store workforce works in harmony and is supportive to each other. This is by far the most important responsibility of the store manager, because without a proper work force, no product can survive in the market.

This should be a straightforward question to answer, but it can trip you up. Presumably you are looking for a new job (or any job) because you want to advance your career and get a position that allows you to grow as a person and an employee. It's not a good idea to mention money here, it can make you sound mercenary. And if you are in the unfortunate situation of having been downsized, stay positive and be as brief as possible about it. If you were fired, you'll need a good explanation. But once again, stay positive.

Retail managers are often faced with tough decisions, particularly when it comes to employees. Examples of these types of decisions include hiring, firing, settling disputes and scheduling conflicts. This type of question may test your integrity, ethics and leadership skills. An example of this type of question is what you would do if you caught an employee stealing. Common things to consider when answering this question are mounting an investigation, speaking with the employee and store ownership, and reprimanding or terminating the employee.

Do your homework before you go to any interview. Whether it's being the VP of marketing or the mailroom clerk, you should know about the company or business you're going to work for. Has this company been in the news lately? Who are the people in the company you should know about? Do the background work, it will make you stand out as someone who comes prepared, and is genuinely interested in the company and the job.

When interviewing for a retail management position it is expected that you have some sort of management training or experience. The interviewer may ask you about how you would perform for the store for which you're interviewing. This is a hypothetical situation question to probe what you may offer the store if you are hired as manager. When answering, outline a plan of action that you would implement as manager. Detail how you would manage employees, control costs and store loss, and meet or exceed store goals.

Another typical interview question is about what you liked and didn't like about a previous position. Often when this question is asked, the interviewer specifies a particular position listed on your resume. When answering this question it is common to list the pros and cons of the position, however, avoid speaking about negative aspects of a previous position or employer. Use specific examples and start and end the answer on a positive note.

Describing a difficult situation that you had with a customer and how you resolved the conflict is an example of a typical retail management interview question. This type of question judges your problem solving and customer service skills. When answering, use an example from your previous management or retail experience. Briefly address what the conflict was and its cause before outlining your response and the outcome of the situation.

A store manager must meet the monthly, quarterly, or annual sales goals, depending on the company's fiscal cycle. This involves setting individual sales goals (quotas), holding contests for employees, or offering sales promotions.

If you fall for this one you shouldn't be hired anyway. The interviewer is testing you to see if you'll speak badly about your previous supervisor. Simply answer this question with extreme tact, diplomacy and if necessary, a big fat loss of memory. In short, you've never had any issues.

I have been asked this a lot, in various incarnations. The first time I just drew a blank and said, "I don't know." That went over badly, but it was right at the start of my career when I had little to no experience. Since then I've realized that my genuine answer is "Neither, I'd rather be respected." You don't want to be feared because fear is no way to motivate a team. You may got the job done but at what cost? Similarly, if you're everyone's best friend you'll find it difficult to make tough decisions or hit deadlines. But when you're respected, you don't have to be a complete bastard or a lame duck to get the job done.

No. Well, unless you're talking about murderers, racists, rapists, thieves or other dastardly characters, you can work with anyone. Otherwise you could be flagged as someone who's picky and difficult if you say, "I can't work with anyone who's a Bronco's fan. Sorry."

Of course, you have a list as long as your arm. But you can't say that, it shows you as being negative and difficult to work with. The best way to answer this one is to think for a while and then say something like "I've always got on just fine with my co-workers actually."

Unless you have the I.Q. of a houseplant, you'll always answer YES to this one. It's the only answer. How can anyone function inside an organization if they are a loner? You may want to mention what part you like to play in a team though; it's a great chance to explain that you're a natural leader.

► Travelling.

► Foreign languages.

► Football.

► Winning any competitions i.e. chess, karate.

► Running marathons.

► A member of any societies or charities.

► Tell jokes or try to be funny.

► Become flustered and nervous.

► Do not become shy, highlight relevant skills and abilities.

► Chew gum.

This is your chance to shine. You're being asked to explain why you are a great employee, so don't hold back and stay do stay positive. You could be someone who thrives under pressure, a great motivator, an amazing problem solver or someone with extraordinary attention to detail. If your greatest strength, however, is to drink anyone under the table or get a top score on Mario Kart, keep it to yourself. The interviewer is looking for work-related strengths.

The answer to this one is not money, even if it is. You should be motivated by life's noble pursuits. You want recognition for a job well done. You want to become better at your job. You want to help others or be a leader in your field.