Barnes and Noble Interview Questions

Congratulations on getting a Barnes and Noble Interview.

We can all agree interviews are stressful and competition is intense.

However, with a bit of preparation, you can ace the Job Interview.

Here you will find how to answer frequently asked Barnes and Noble Interview Questions.

Barnes and Noble Interview Questions and Answers

1. Can you tell more us about yourself?

• It’s okay to discuss your hobbies and interests; but, keep it brief. Try to focus on relevant work experience. Remember that having relevant work experience will put you ahead of the competition.

2. Why do you want to work for Barnes and Noble?

• Say you have a passion for reading (be prepared to talk about your favorite author or talk about what you are reading).
• Mention you enjoy the product and the service you receive at Barnes and Noble and because of this, you would be proud to represent them.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Who is your favorite author and why?

• Your answer is personal but make sure you come off as well-read.

6. Can you give me a mock sales pitch on selling an e-reader to a customer?

• Reduce clutter at home
• Books are stored in the cloud
• Gentler on your eyes than a tablet.

Barnes and Noble Company Information

7. What can you tell us about Barnes & Noble?

• They are the largest bookstore in the United States.
• Barnes and Noble offer more than just books. They offer Barnes & Noble Kids, DVD, and Blue Ray Stores, Music Stores, and Home and Gift Stores.
• Barnes and Noble offers NOOK the world’s most advanced e-book reader.

8. Who are the competitors of Barnes and Noble?

• Its biggest competitor is definitely Amazon. Now ask yourself why you would want to work at Barnes & Noble over Amazon.

Customer Service Interview Questions

9. How would you deal with an upset 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.

10. Why is customer service 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.

11. Can you 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.

Additional Interview Questions

12. How did you find this job?

• State you think working at Barnes and Noble would be a good fit and have been actively applying on their website. It sounds better than a generic job board.

13. Where do you see yourself in five years?

• If going to college or university state what you would like to be doing after you finish.
• Why not look at the Barnes and Noble jobs website and find a job you can see yourself doing in five years?

14. What is your greatest strength?

This question is an invitation to explain why you are the best-qualified candidate for this job!

The answer should be broken down into three parts

1. The Strength – state the strength
2. Proof of the strength – an example of how you have used this strength.
3. The strength’s relevance to THIS job.

15. 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.

16. 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. 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.

17. What motivates you?

Questions to ask at the end of the Interview

18. Do you have any questions for us?

• 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?

What should I wear to an interview at Barnes and Noble?

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