Big Lots Manager Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 35 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Big Lots.
Big Lots
Management Trainee
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Onsite Panel
Interview formats
Behavioral
Recruited through campus. Had an onsite interview. It was a panel interview, and the district manager led most of the questioning. The atmosphere was informal, and it wasn't stressful.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- They asked about my retail experience.
- They asked behavioral questions.
Big Lots
Assistant Manager
Mid Average Neutral experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
I applied online and about a week later, I got a call for a phone interview. They asked about my management style, merchandising background, and past management roles. A week after that, I met with the district manager. This interview was very direct, asking about my strengths and weaknesses, and how my employees would describe me. Then I had to do a background check, which they said would take 3-5 days. While that was happening, they also called my references. The process would have been faster, but one reference was hard to reach, so I had to give them another.
Confirmed questions6 questions
- Can you tell me about your strengths and weaknesses?
- In your employees' eyes, what are your best qualities?
- How would your lowest performing employees describe you?
Big Lots
Associate Manager
Manager Easy Neutral experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Other
The interview stemmed from a property destruction situation in the store where they refused to take responsibility. My frustration led me to what I believe was a b.s. interview to appease me for a bit. It was a formidable tactic, but duly noted. I was given less than 2 days to prepare, though the process was laughable. The interview was short, mostly with prepared questions from the company, and no attempt was made to understand my character. Some laughable questions were, "If you had 6 months to live what would you do?," and what my dream car was. Nothing was really asked about family, friends, or any background knowledge of my lifestyle. What still sticks in my head is being told, "you know the phrase we own you?, that's what will happen." It really makes someone want to work for such a company, right? As I said, it was laughable. I expect very little from it and will continue down my road of frustration and uncertainty. On a final note, I was not asked if I had any questions. Not one. Pretty unprofessional as far as I'm concerned. Who wants to work for someone that doesn't want to answer a possible co-worker's inquiries? What a shame.
Confirmed questions1 question
- When have you applied logic to resolve a situation within the store?
Big Lots Manager Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Big Lots interview reports.
“What gets you up in the morning?”
Read reports →“Were all the questions based on common sense?”
Read reports →“Can you explain the difference between a lead and a manager?”
Read reports →“Have you ever put furniture together before?”
Read reports →“How would you approach merchandising if you didn't have a floor plan to work with?”
Read report →“How would you recognize sexual harassment occurring in your workplace?”
Read report →“Can you tell me how you reduced shrink?”
Read report →“What is your experience with merchandising that doesn't follow a planogram?”
Read report →“What is the size of the teams you have supervised?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 35 Big Lots interview reports.