DSW Store Manager Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 34 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at DSW.
DSW
Assistant Store Manager
Mid Average Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
Got an email after applying online about being considered. The Store Manager called about 2 weeks later to schedule an interview. It was supposed to be at 8 am, but she called to reschedule for an hour later. The interview itself was pretty chill and friendly, focusing on me and my values. Seemed to go well. On my way home, the SM called to set up a second interview with the District Manager and we also talked about salary. The next interview was set for 4 days later, but the SM called again to reschedule because the DM had an emergency. I was okay with it and offered to drive to the district office, which is 62 miles away. I arrived a bit early for that interview and chatted with another employee. When the DM finally got me into her office, she was busy with her printer for a bit. Then she asked about me while looking at my resume. She asked why I wanted to leave my current job, and I tried to be diplomatic. She pressed for more specifics, saying she didn't understand. She didn't seem to like my reasons for changing careers, and I figured it wasn't going to work out. Got a rejection email about 5 hours after the interview.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- What's prompting your departure from your present role?
- Could you elaborate on the specific reasons for your job change?
- Tell me about your motivations for switching career paths.
DSW
Store Manager
Manager Average Positive experience Accept offer 5 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Phone screen Phone screen Phone screen Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral
It was a total of 5 phone interviews. I spoke with 2 store managers, 2 district managers, and finally the regional manager. There weren't many business-focused questions, mostly about my leadership style, personality, and past experiences. The first interview was the most challenging, but the last two felt much easier. They asked about my needs and how they could support me, as well as my career goals. The waiting period to schedule all five interviews with everyone's availability was a bit stressful.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What's the hardest constructive criticism you've ever given to your manager?
- How do you deal with change on a personal level?
DSW
Assistant Store Manager
Mid Average Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Case
The interview went south immediately. I was waiting in the lobby for 45 minutes and as soon as we went to the back to review my resume, the manager began to talk down on my credentials with complete disrespect. She interrupted me every 20 seconds when she proposed scenarios of what I would do if a certain situation was to occur. Very distasteful with the way she presented the store as a whole and the clearance floor was completely disheveled. The operations room was also completely in an upheaval.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What would be your solution if, simultaneously, the women's shoe section was messy, a mother couldn't find her children, and the checkout line was moving much slower than usual?
- How would you work on improving UPT (Units Per Transaction)?
DSW Store Manager Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from DSW interview reports.
“Do people generally consider you to be more reserved or outgoing?”
Read reports →“What's the most critical element for operating an efficient store?”
Read reports →“What would be your solution if, simultaneously, the women's shoe section was messy, a mother couldn't find her children, and the checkout line was moving much slower than usual?”
Read reports →“Do you know about the loyalty program?”
Read reports →“What would you do if you observed an employee not encouraging customers to sign up for the rewards program?”
Read report →“What's a realistic step you can suggest to boost sales?”
Read report →“How would you work on improving UPT (Units Per Transaction)?”
Read report →“How do you go about motivating people?”
Read report →“Would you bend the rules to achieve your objectives?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 34 DSW interview reports.