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Big Lots Retail Associate Interview Questions
& Process

Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.

Based on 39 interview experiences · FREE TO READ

1.3 Rounds average
Easy Typical difficulty
76.3% Positive experience

Candidate interview experiences

First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Big Lots.

Showing 3 of 39
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Big Lots

Store Associate

Operations

Entry Easy Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical

I went into the store, a bit overdressed in hindsight, and sat in the furniture section after telling an associate why I was there and who I was waiting for. The Manager on Duty who had contacted me about my application then greeted me, and we sat at a display table set. It was a quick interview covering things like: can you carry x amount of weight, are you good at assembling furniture, are you good with people, previous experience, and your preferred and available hours. After providing a copy of my social and identification (my Driver's License), I was given the A-Okay. Then, I sat at the back register and went through several quick how-to's, took some tests, received my uniform shirt and name tag, and that was it.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • How would you prefer to be treated as a customer in a store, such as Big Lots?
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Big Lots

Cashier

Sales

Entry Easy Positive experience Decline offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite Background check
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical

It was easy! Very laid back. Two rounds of interviews. Bring strong customer service energy. They really like that. Initial screening: This can be a phone call or in-person interview focusing on basic details like your work history and availability. In-depth interview: A second interview, often with a manager, may be more detailed. You could be asked about your skills, how you handle a tough customer, and why you want to work for Big Lots. Post-interview steps: Depending on the role, you may need to complete a background check.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • How would you handle a difficult customer?
Big Lots logo
Big Lots

Store Associate

Sales

Entry Easy Neutral experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call
Interview formats
Behavioral

They just asked a few things about my schedule, what I wanted to make, and if I wanted full-time or part-time work. Not like those typical interview questions other places hit you with.

Confirmed questions4 questions
  • Tell me about any experience or job skills you possess.
  • What is your availability like?
  • What are your salary expectations?

Big Lots Retail Associate Interview Questions

Quoted word for word from Big Lots interview reports.

How would you approach telling a customer no if you suspected them of trying to steal from the company?

Read reports

How would you prefer to be treated as a customer in a store, such as Big Lots?

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Were you ever involved in a school project, and if so, what was it and what was your contribution?

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Formats, difficulty and experience

Across all 39 Big Lots interview reports.

Interview formats

Behavioral 71.7%
Other 15.1%
Technical 13.2%

Interview difficulty

Easy 84.6%
Average 12.8%
Difficult 2.6%

Candidate experience

Positive 76.3%
Neutral 18.4%
Negative 5.3%