Big Lots Store Manager Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 24 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Big Lots.
Big Lots
Store Manager
Mid Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Other
After I applied, I got a call within a few days. I interviewed with the district manager first. The next day, the recruiter called me for another phone interview. This second interview was mostly about what I noticed while walking through a store and what I'd focus on as the store manager. After that, the recruiter told me about Big Lots and what to expect with the background check. They also asked about my salary expectations since I didn't put a specific number on my application.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- What were your observations from walking the store?
- What would be your priorities if you were managing this store?
- What are you looking for in terms of salary?
Big Lots
Store Manager
Mid Average Negative experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral
You'll have a phone interview first, then an in-store interview with the Store and District manager. They ask leadership questions about managing talent, delegation, and resourcefulness. They really want strong leaders because the company doesn't offer much training. It's like a mom and pop shop. They don't mention that this job involves a lot of 2 am closings, cleaning toilets, and if someone calls out, you have to be ready to work an extra 10 to 16 hour shift back to back.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you share an instance where you struggled to manage an employee?
- Describe a situation where you were unsure how to perform a task, and explain how you accomplished it.
Big Lots
Assistant Store Manager
Mid Easy Negative experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
I found the job online. About a week later, the regional recruiter called me and asked some basic questions about my prior experience in the industry. They also asked a few questions about how I'd handle certain scenarios. After that, I had a phone interview with the district manager and then the store manager. It felt like a formality because they really needed someone for that assistant store manager position, which was pretty disappointing.
Confirmed questions1 question
- What action would you take if your store manager instructed you to do something that goes against company policy?
Big Lots Store Manager Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Big Lots interview reports.
“Tell me what you know about Big Lots.”
Read reports →“What would you do if there was a robbery at your store?”
Read reports →“Are you able to move large furniture items?”
Read reports →“What action would you take if your store manager instructed you to do something that goes against company policy?”
Read reports →“What are you looking for in terms of salary?”
Read report →“Can you work nights and weekends, and travel to other stores?”
Read report →“What were your observations from walking the store?”
Read report →“What's your motivation for wanting to join Big Lots?”
Read report →“What would be your priorities if you were managing this store?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 24 Big Lots interview reports.