Staples General Manager Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 28 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Staples.
Staples
General Manager
Manager Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Case
A recruiter reached out to me first. After they approved me, I had a phone interview with the HR Business Partner. Next, I met with a district manager at a local store. Following that, I interviewed with the Regional VP. The interviews felt pretty standard for assessing field-related intelligence. Familiarity with concepts like DPT and conversions is key to doing well. The last two interviews focused heavily on financial aspects, particularly P&L statements and labor percentages. Everyone I spoke with was friendly and upfront about compensation, growth opportunities, and the company's current standing. Since they were recruiting me, I had many questions about the company's future and strategic direction. Being analytical, I inquired about their internal metrics, and they were willing to share both positive and negative data.
Confirmed questions6 questions
- How have you motivated your team to embrace a sales-focused environment?
- Tell me about your experience with DPT and conversions.
- What's your approach to managing a P&L statement?
Staples
General Manager
Executive Average Negative experience No offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Phone screen Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Other
I spoke with HR Recruiter twice over six months for two different positions, and she was really great – very clear and upfront. Then I had a phone screening with the HR Manager, which felt like a bunch of random questions, very impersonal, like they just wanted to get through them. After that, I was moved to a third phone screening with someone who didn't even introduce themselves. They told me they didn't see me as a General Manager but still wanted to talk. They set up a meeting for an undisclosed position, scheduled 45 meetings away. This wasn't the interview experience I expected from such a company. If they treat applicants like cattle, I can only imagine how they treat employees.
Confirmed questions1 question
- What are the top 3 characteristics your previous peers would say define you?
Staples
General Manager
Executive Average Neutral experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite Background check
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
Started with a quick recruiter call, less than 15 minutes, mostly about my resume and salary. Then had a longer, about an hour, chat with the HR business partner, covering behavioral stuff and company details. After that, I met the District Manager face-to-face at a store for about an hour, covering both behavioral and general interview questions. The final interview was with the Regional Vice President, a 30-minute in-depth discussion about my past job duties. The whole thing took over two months, which felt like a long time.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What makes you want to join our company?
- Can you share an experience where...
Staples General Manager Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Staples interview reports.
“What are the key qualities for a GM to succeed in business and gain employee respect and buy-in?”
Read reports →“How do you ensure your team is effectively selling warranties?”
Read reports →“How do you ensure excellent customer service?”
Read reports →“What are your thoughts on the company's current direction?”
Read reports →“What are the top 3 characteristics your previous peers would say define you?”
Read report →“What qualities do you look for in an interviewer?”
Read report →“Why are you interested in Staples?”
Read report →“What's your approach to managing a P&L statement?”
Read report →“How have you motivated your team to embrace a sales-focused environment?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 28 Staples interview reports.