Office Depot Retail Associate Interview Questions
& Process

Applied online on 6/3. Got a call on 6/18 for a personality test. Went in later that week for a computer test at the front desk, about 120 situational and characteristic questions mostly about theft and dishonesty. The test is repetitive and not difficult. Got a call back the next Monday saying I passed with a 95% score, and he even told me areas I didn't do well in. He asked me to come in for an interview the next day. I interviewed one on one with the assistant manager, who was very laid back and joking. He asked simple questions about previous work, why I want to work there, why I left previous jobs, and if I get along with others, mentioning they have jealous people there. He explained the positions they needed and that they cross-train everyone. He asked about my salary expectations and if I would move on that. I said no and asked for $8.50, my current pay, and he didn't pressure me. He asked about my availability and when I could work. Then he gave me forms for a drug test and background check consent, asking me to do the drug test ASAP. I got drug tested that day. Results took about 24 hours, and I passed. The background check also took about 24 hours as I have no record. I called him to let him know I took the test, and he said he'd call when the background test results were back. He called the next day and scheduled a second interview with the store manager. I went in two days later and spoke with the second manager. The questions were mostly situational and a little harder but still simple. They asked about dealing with hard and good customer experiences, why I left other jobs (they are really curious about this), my selling experience, and how I would sell an object like biking shorts. He asked what I do in my current job, my availability, when I could start, and expected hours. Regarding wages, he said since I'm currently paid $8.50 and have 5+ years of customer service and retail experience, he would match that but to keep it quiet from other employees as they normally can't start much over minimum wage. He offered me the position and scheduled my start date for Monday.

When I got there, everyone seemed really chill. I arrived 15 minutes early, and they printed out some papers for me while I waited for the hiring manager. The manager eventually came out, shook my hand, and we went over to the furniture area where they pulled up a chair. They asked some standard interview questions. The manager was serious but not overly formal about the whole thing. Right after the interview, they told me I got the job and could start once the paperwork and background check were finished.

The first interview was about 15 minutes where they talked about job expectations and asked basic questions about me, like if I was okay with wearing the Office Depot uniforms. The second interview had more situational questions, wasn't hard, and they seemed to like me, but I didn't get an offer.