Staples Associate Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 76 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Staples.
Staples
Associate
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Case
I applied in person at the store and was lucky enough to hand my application directly to the manager. She set up my first interview for the next day with a lead or supervisor. That went well, and she asked me situational questions from a booklet. She then told me to come back the next day for a second round with the sales manager, which also focused on situational and personality questions. They contacted my references two days after that, and I was offered the job.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- What makes you want to work for Staples?
- Can you describe your past work experience?
- How have you managed conflicts in previous roles?
Staples
Associate
Entry Average Negative experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
So I applied online first, which was pretty time-consuming with common questions. I didn't hear back, so I went in person to drop off my application, which I highly recommend. A couple days later, I got a phone call for an interview. On the day of the interview, they forgot I was coming and asked me to come back in two days. Two days later, they forgot AGAIN and scheduled me for the next day. The next day, I finally had my interview. They were friendly, and we talked about my experiences. Two weeks later, I got the 'black shirt' offer because management said I had the skills. For two years I worked the register, and now I'm in office supplies. Management told me I didn't have the 'X factor' for tech, despite my tech experience, and they never gave me a chance. Now they pile on work and keep saying 'you'll be in tech soon,' but I've overheard them say I'll never get into tech and have no chance.
Confirmed questions1 question
- What are your salary expectations?
Staples
Associate
Entry Easy Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Other
I talked with the manager in the store casually, and we talked about my computer skills and technology in general. He asked if I was interested in fixing computers in the store and told me to fill out the application online. The online application was pretty long, with a lot of questions, and at the end, there was a personality test asking if I minded cleaning toilets, stocking shelves, and if I would steal. The interview was pretty standard. There were two interviews. The first one was just general retail questions, like 'name a time you exceeded a customer's expectations' or 'name a time you were overwhelmed with work and talk about how you overcame it.' The second interview was supposed to be technology-based, but I mostly talked with the manager about the logistics of the job. To actually work on computers, you have to pass a certification test after being hired and once the background check goes through. It's pretty basic stuff like 'What is the process called when the computer turns on and all the components are tested? POST'.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Tell me about a time you helped an upset customer and how you resolved their issue.
Staples Associate Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Staples interview reports.
“Can you explain the difference between a laser printer and an inkjet printer?”
Read reports →“What other items would you suggest buying along with a new printer?”
Read reports →“Describe all the things that could go wrong with a tablet, without mentioning accidents.”
Read reports →“In simple terms, can you explain what computer memory is to someone with little computer knowledge?”
Read reports →“When selling a computer, what other items would you suggest as add-ons?”
Read report →“What would you do or sell if a customer needs more space on a 180GB hard drive for their old computer but refuses to use an external hard drive?”
Read report →“What do you do when there's a queue at the register and an upset customer who isn't in line is yelling at you?”
Read report →“Have you bought anything big in the last year that you ended up regretting, and what did you do to fix it?”
Read report →“After you leave, what's the one thing you'd want me to remember most about you?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 76 Staples interview reports.