Powell's Books Retail Associate Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 6 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Powell's Books.
Powell's Books
Cashier
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Group
Interview formats
Group Behavioral
The interview was mostly a group round-table with around 8 people and 2 interviewers. They were hiring cashiers for the holidays, so they needed a lot of people quickly. I'm not sure if they do this for regular positions, but it felt laid-back. The group format lets you shine by listening to others' answers. Everyone gets asked the same question and then we take turns answering.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- What do you like best about customer service?
- Are you reading any books currently?
- What is your least favorite aspect of working in customer service?
Powell's Books
Cashier
Entry Difficult Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Group
Interview formats
Behavioral Group
It was a horrible group interview experience. I'm almost 60 and was in a group interview with 5 other candidates all under 30. I was so disappointed in Powell's!!! I expected them to have a more diverse group. I didn't stand a chance. Group interviews are awful and unfair. I wanted out of their after the first 5 minutes!
Confirmed questions7 questions
- How would you handle multitasking and helping customers, making sure to prioritize helping the customer first?
- What did you least like about your previous job?
- What did you most like about your previous job?
Powell's Books
Store Associate
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Group Offer
Interview formats
Group Behavioral
We had a group interview that was set up through an email. There were 5 of us interviewing together. We were asked 5 questions, and the order rotated so everyone got to answer first and last. They sent over an offer the very next day via email. Of the 5 people, I know at least me and one other person got job offers.
Confirmed questions5 questions
- What book would you recommend to the group?
- Can you share an instance where you received excellent customer service?
- What do you like most and least about working in customer service?
Powell's Books Retail Associate Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Powell's Books interview reports.
“What was the last book you read and what did you enjoy about it?”
Read reports →“Are you reading any books currently?”
Read reports →“What book would you recommend to the group?”
Read reports →“Can you share an instance where you received excellent customer service?”
Read reports →“Could you provide an example of a book you've recommended?”
Read report →“What is your least favorite aspect of working in customer service?”
Read report →“In your opinion, what constitutes good customer service?”
Read report →“What do you like most and least about working in customer service?”
Read report →“Can you share an example of receiving excellent customer service and what you liked about that experience?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 6 Powell's Books interview reports.