If you are looking for American Eagle Interview Questions you have come to the right place.

Interviews are stressful and competition is fierce.

However, with a little preparation, you can ace the American Eagle (AE) Interview.

Here we will discuss how to successfully prepare for the AE Interview, how to correctly answer frequently asked AE Interview Questions, and Interview Tips.

Please note these are practice interview questions and we are not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post.

American Eagle Interview Questions and Answers

1. Can you tell us about your previous work experience?

• If you do not have any retail experience, tell them about any customer service experience you have.
• If you do not have any work experience, state that you have been focusing on your education and express your eagerness to prove yourself in the workforce.

2. Why do you want to work for American Eagle?

• Mention that you love fashion and enjoy helping others feel fashionable and a career at American Eagle will allow you to do both.
• Say you like to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Convey your admiration for the products offered by American Eagle.

3. What is your greatest strength?

• The best way to respond to this question is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for. With this in mind, review the job description and reassure the interviewer that you have the experience and skills to do the job.

4. What is your greatest weakness?

• It would help if you did not deny you have a weakness or state strengths as a weakness. For example, do not say “I am a perfectionist” or “I work too hard and neglect my friends and family”. State a fault required for the role but not a dealbreaker if you don’t have it.
• When you state your weakness, make sure you say what you are doing to overcome that weakness. For example, I have a fear of public speaking and enrolled in a public speaking class to overcome my fear.

5. Why did you leave your last job?

6. How was your attendance at your last job?

• Be honest when answering this question as the interviewer may check references.
• Emphasize that you understand the importance of starting your shift on time.

7. Why should I hire you?

• Have a second read of the job description and find the skills and experience required for the position.
• Next, match the skills required for the job to your skill set.
• Finally, reassure the interviewer you have the right skills.

Company Information

8. What can you tell us about American Eagle?

About American Eagle:

• American Eagle Outfitters is a leading apparel and accessories retailer that operates more than 1000 retail stores in the U.S. and internationally.
• The head office is in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
• Their online business AEO Direct ships to 81 countries worldwide.
• The American Eagle Outfitters brand targets 15 to 25-year-old men and women.
• They also operate a brand known as Aerie.  The Aerie brand is a collection of intimates and personal care products for women who want to feel good about who they are.
• The first store opened in 1977.
• They opened in Canada in 2000.
• American Eagle no longer operates 77kids.
• In 2010, they opened stores in Dubai, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Russia, and Shanghai.
• They are a publicly traded company under the symbol NYSE: AEO.
• Think you know a lot about American Eagle?   Take our AE preparation quiz and see how you do.

Customer Service Interview Questions

9. How would you define excellent customer service?

• The staff is friendly and always willing to help the customer find what he or she needs.
• Customers are not waiting in line for long periods at checkout.
• The store display is well-kept and presented with adequate inventory.

10. Tell us about a time you went above and beyond for a customer.

• Customers love it when you go above and beyond for them, which will, in turn, generate more business. Try to think of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer. For example, when I was a server at a restaurant, we did not have a specific dessert in the restaurant. Luckily, the restaurant next door had it and I got it for the customer.   
• Here’s another example: I worked at a fast-food chain in my last job.  There was a senior citizen at the restaurant and he had finished his meal. The rain started, and he started to worry because he didn’t have an umbrella. Luckily, I had an umbrella, so I walked him to his car, sheltering him from the rain.

11. How would you deal with a difficult customer?

• Listen and let the customer vent.
• Show the customer you care.
• Don’t blame the customer or the company.
• Try to solve the problem or find someone who can.
• Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
• Finally, one must not take it personally.  If you get upset, you will take it out on future customers.

12. Why do you believe customer service is so important?

Great customer service can

• Increase customer loyalty.
• Grow the amount of money each customer spends per visit.
• Increase how often a customer buys from you.
• Generate positive word-of-mouth about your business.

Additional Interview Questions

13. Where do you see yourself in five years?

• If you are going to college state what you would like to do after you finish school.
• If you want to stay in retail mention you would like to have a career in retail management.

14. What hours can you work?

• The more flexible you are with your hours, the better your chance of getting hired, so be flexible!
• Let the interviewer know if you can work on weekends and holidays.

15. How do you feel about standing on your feet for long periods?

• Most jobs in retail will require you to work on your feet for long periods. If possible, tell the interviewer you do not have a problem with this. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with low heels, maintain good posture, and stay hydrated.

16. How did you find this job?

• Interviewers ask this question because they want to hire someone specific in their job hunt.
• Employers want to hire someone who knows what they want. Therefore, state you have been actively monitoring jobs on the company’s website and that you are happy to get the interview.
• Note you have to be honest when answering this question as they may already know how you applied for this position.

17. What motivates you?

18. Who are our competitors?

• Several of American Eagle competitors are UNIQLO, Forever 21, H&M, and the Gap.

19. If you could be one animal what would it be?

Possible Answers are

• Dogs show loyalty.
• Ants are hard workers and team players.
• Dolphins are smart.
• Elephants are strong.
• Gorilla is gentle but powerful, a good parent, and a good leader.

Questions to ask at the end of your interview

20. Do you have any questions for us?

Tip! Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview. Asking questions is important because it builds rapport between you and the interviewer.

• What do you like best about working here?
• How do you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
• What about this position is the most important?
• How do you measure my success, and what could I do to meet your expectations?
• Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve? What can I do to get up to speed quickly?
• What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?

Top American Eagle Sales Associate Interview Questions

Here are our top sales associate interview questions

1. Why do you want to be a sales associate?
2. What is your greatest strength?
3. What hours can you work?
4. How would you deal with a difficult customer?
5. How do you feel about standing for long periods?

American Eagle Interview Tips

• Arrive 10 minutes early
• Turn off your smartphone.
• Learn as much as you can about the company.
• Don’t speak too fast as you will sound nervous.
• Don’t speak too slowly as you will sound boring.
• Make eye contact during the entire interview.

What to wear in an American Eagle Interview

American Eagle Hiring Process

• The hiring process is simple. After you apply the manager will call you in for an interview. Study the questions above and you should do fine.

See Also

• 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions (affiliate)
• The Interview Checklist
• General Interview Q&A
• The Behavioral Interview
• Interview Tips
• Search for Jobs