DSW Associate Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 16 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at DSW.
DSW
Stock Associate
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Group Phone screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Group Technical
I submitted an online application. After about 2-3 weeks, I got a call to schedule an interview. It was a group interview with about 4 other people. The manager was very nice and made us feel comfortable. She asked us 5-6 questions, encouraging us to answer them all. Since I didn't have retail experience, she said I could use examples from school or past jobs. I had some idea what to expect from a previous DSW interview. The manager asked me and one other girl to stay for more questions. We had a second, one-on-one interview with another manager. He talked about the company's four main components. He was also friendly and asked 3-4 questions. Then he asked if I had any questions for him. I asked two questions, and he thanked me for my time, saying they would let me know. Around 6 PM the same day, they called and made me an offer, stating I just needed to complete the background check to be hired.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Tell me about a time you dealt with an upset customer and helped them resolve their issue.
DSW
Associate
Entry Average Positive experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Other
I called the store multiple times to follow up on my application, about 3 times before I could connect with the store manager. Each time I called, I was told she wasn't in but they assured me she'd get my message and call me back. I finally got lucky and called when the manager was in and she picked up right away. She mentioned she had my application and was keen to interview me. She interviewed me the next day and then called the same day asking for more info about my references. I called her back within 24 hours with the updated reference information and left her a message since she wasn't in. She never got back to me. I called again the next day a few more times but she was still not available. I'm not sure what happened, but the manager had told me once she verified the new references she would like to hire me, but she never did. It seems she didn't even check the references; she just dropped the ball.
Confirmed questions1 question
- What kind of shoe would you be if you were one?
DSW
Associate Director
Director Average Negative experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite Background check
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
Got ghosted after the interviews. Went through two phone interviews and an all-day in-person where I met six people. Took them 2-3 months to send a rejection email, by which time I had already accepted another job offer.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you explain the distinction between leading and managing?
DSW Associate Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from DSW interview reports.
“What is your favorite shek”
Read reports →“What kind of shoe would you be if you were one?”
Read reports →“Can you explain the distinction between leading and managing?”
Read reports →“What kind of shoe would you be, and why?”
Read reports →“Tell me about your favorite shoes and the reason behind your choice.”
Read report →“What is your knowledge of shoes?”
Read report →“Can you tell me where you are from and what you like?”
Read report →“What is your motivation for wanting to work at DSW?”
Read report →“What's your approach when dealing with an unhappy customer?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 16 DSW interview reports.