Indigo Books & Music Retail Associate Interview Questions
& Process

We set up the interview over the phone. Then, I had a one-on-one meeting at the store where we talked about the job details and my resume. We chatted a bit to get comfortable, and they asked me some questions to check my qualifications and past work.

I applied online for a cashier role and then went into the store a few days later to drop off my cover letter and resume. About three days after that, the hiring manager emailed me asking me to reapply online so we could schedule an interview. I did that and booked a time. The email said to arrive ten minutes early, which I did. When I got to the store, I introduced myself to a floor associate and told him I had an interview. He asked me to browse a specific section and wait for the manager. I think the associates were watching me to see how I acted while I was browsing. The manager found me and took me to an interview room. She started by telling me about the job perks and then asked me questions. She wrote down my answers. She mentioned that 500 people applied and she interviewed about 40. As a high school student with no experience, she said my cover letter was the reason I got an interview. Normally, associates don't accept resumes in-store, but this associate was nice and gave mine to the manager. She asked me a series of questions, and I remember she may have asked one or two more that I can't recall. She asked if I had any questions, and I asked how I performed because I was using it as a learning experience. She said I answered really well. I felt like she really wanted to hire me, but she said she needed someone who could work during my school hours. At the end, she asked which two of my three references I preferred she contact. I told her any. She said she had to contact two as part of protocol, and if she doesn't ask that question, you might not get a second interview. She mentioned another opening next month with a store manager, more suited to my hours. I felt good leaving but wasn't sure about the job. The next day, I got an email saying the store manager would call me within a few days for a second interview. The store manager called me on Saturday and booked the interview for Sunday on short notice. I went to the interview. The process was similar: I browsed the store, and associates smiled and wished me good luck. The manager was a bit late. As soon as I sat down, she asked, 'So why Chapters?'. Then she asked what I would do if I was at the cash alone and a customer needed help in the back. She asked two more questions about in-store situations, including what I'd do at the cash with no line and nothing to do. After four questions, she said she was done, noting the second interview was shorter and easier. She asked if I had questions, and her questions took about two minutes, leaving about 18 minutes for me to ask questions. This was stressful, but I think I did okay. I asked at least six questions. I ended by thanking her and asking for her business card. She led me to the back office, gave me her card, and I left. She said she'd contact me next week about the job, and I emailed a thank you letter the next day. It was harder to tell if I got the job after the second interview. The manager said the hiring manager would make the decision, so I had a good chance. She emailed me a week and a half later to say she was contacting references, then called me and offered me the job five days later.

The interview process was fun, they have a different approach to interviewing that really set them apart from other companies. But it's not just that they have a more engaging interview process but it's an interview process that helps them see prospective employees through the answers and actions that they give. My one bit of advice, if you do manage to secure yourself an interview, make sure you stand out. A lot of other great people make it to the interview and if you want to make an impact, do or say something that will make you stand out- in a good way.