Sherwin Williams Interview
Sherwin Williams Interview

Congratulations on getting a Sherwin Williams Interview.

We all know interviews are stressful and competition is intense.

However, with the right preparation, you can ace the interview.

Here we will discuss frequently asked Sherwin Williams Interview Questions and Answers.

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

Sherwin Williams Interview Questions

What can you tell us about Sherwin-Williams Paints?

  • Sherwin-Williams is a global leader in the manufacturing, development, distribution, and sales of paint coatings and related products to professional, industrial commercial, and retail customers.
  • Sherwin-Williams operates primarily in North and South America and Europe.
  • Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams founded Sherwin-Williams in 1866.
  • Their head office is in Cleveland Ohio.
  • On March 20, 2016, Sherwin-Williams announced the acquisition of Valspar for approximately $9 billion.

Why do you want to work at Sherwin Williams?

  • Say you would like to grow your career in retail and you feel Sherwin-Williams is a great place to do it as it is a Fortune 500 company.
  • If you are working with customers say you love interior design and love helping people and a career at Sherwin-Williams will allow you to do both.
  • Mention that you are impressed with Sherwin Williams commitment to the environment.  Sherwin-Williams has several environmental goals such as reducing C02, Increasing Electricity to renewal sources, increasing operational efficiency, and reducing waste.

    Why should we hire you?

    To answer this question correctly you need to review the job description and find key skills they are looking for and reassure the interviewer you have those skills.  For example, suppose you are in a sales associate interview. After reviewing the job description here is what I found.

    This position is responsible for supporting the sales efforts at a Sherwin-Williams paint store, servicing wholesale and retail customers. It will assist customers in person and over the phone by determining needs and presenting appropriate products and services. This involves ensuring that sales transactions are completed accurately, maintaining accurate work order files and formulas, pulling appropriate products from the sales floor or warehouse, and tinting and mixing them to customer specifications. This position will also stock shelves and set up displays, clean store equipment, and load and unload trucks. It may also assist in making deliveries if necessary.

    Must be able to retrieve material from shelves and floor stacks and lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

    Must be able to operate a computer and communicate via the telephone.

    Prior experience in a sales or customer service position.

    Customer service skills, including problem-solving and handling customer complaints.Good written and verbal communication skills.

    So when asked why should I hire you for sales associate say

    • Mention you are physically fit and can carry up to 50 pounds.
    • Say you have great communication skills which will help when dealing with customers and making sure they get the right product they are looking for.
    • State you pay great attention to detail which will help when maintaining work orders, pulling appropriate products from the sales floor or warehouse, and tinting and mixing paints to customer specifications.

    How would you define excellent customer service?

    • The staff is knowledgeable about the products they sell and can answer any of the customer’s questions.
    • The customer is not waiting a long time to cash out.

    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.

    What hours are you available?

    • 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.

    Who are Sherwin Williams Competitors?

    • Sherwin-Williams’ major competitors are PPG, Axalta Coating Systems, BASF (through Ace Hardware and Lowe’s), Behr (through The Home Depot), and Benjamin Moore.

    Questions to ask in a Sherwin Williams Interview?

    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?

    Sherwin Williams Interview Tips

    • Arrive 10 minutes early.
    • Make good eye contact throughout the interview.
    • Don’t speak too fast as you will sound nervous.
    • Don’t speak too slowly as you will sound boring.
    • If you don’t know much about painting this video for help.

    What to wear at a Sherwin Williams Interview

    • If you are on a Sherwin Williams Sales rep Interview which is entry level then dress business casual.
    • If you are on a management-level interview then dress formally.

    Sherwin Williams Background Checks

    • Sherwin-Williams does criminal background checks.  They also check for driver’s licenses as they are liable if you have an accident while on the job.
    • They also check legal work status to ensure you are eligible to work in the country you are applying to.

    See Also