Preparing for an IGA interview? This guide will help you prepare for the most common IGA interview questions and provide clear sample answers. Whether you’re applying for a cashier, stock clerk, deli, or bakery position, IGA looks for friendly people who can work as a team and give great customer service.
IGA Interview Questions and Answers
1. Can you tell us about your previous work experience?
- Try to emphasize related work experience, as it will put you ahead of the competition. For example, suppose you have experience working as a cashier, stocking shelves, or customer service experience, and the other interviewers do not. In that case, you have a better chance of landing the job.
2. Why do you want to work at IGA?
Possible answers are
- Say you have strong communication skills, allowing you to work well with customers and other team members.
- Mention that you would like a job that keeps you active, and you are someone who enjoys working under pressure.
Company Information
3. What can you tell us about IGA?
- IGA is a chain of grocery stores that operates in over 30 countries.
- IGA was founded in 1926 as the Independent Grocers Alliance.
Australia
- IGA Australia is a network of over 1,300 independent family-owned businesses in local communities.
- Metcash owns the IGA brand in Australia.
Canada
- In Canada (excluding B.C.) IGA is owned by Sobeys. Today, Sobeys, which franchises the name.
- IGA stores are independently owned and operated in B.C.
USA
- The stores in the alliance remain independently owned and operated. The alliance oversees several resources shared among the member stores. These include, most visibly, the IGA store brand products and the logistical network that distributes them.
- IGA uses the “Hometown Proud Supermarkets” slogan.
- Many IGA grocery stores are still located in smaller cities and towns throughout the United States.
4. What hours can you work?
They ask this to understand your availability and see if it fits the needs of the workplace. Employers want people who are reliable and can work a flexible schedule when needed.
Sample Answer
“I have a flexible schedule and am available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays if required. I understand that some shifts can be busier than others, and I’m willing to be flexible to support the team when needed.”
Additional Interview Questions
5. How would you define excellent customer service?
Employers ask this question to understand how you would treat customers. They want employees who are friendly, helpful, and able to create a positive experience.
Sample Answer
“I would define excellent customer service as making customers feel welcomed, respected, and valued. It means listening carefully, helping solve problems, and staying positive and professional. I think great customer service encourages customers to return and leaves them with a good impression of the company.”
6. How would you deal with an upset customer?
Interviewers ask this to see if you can stay calm under pressure and handle real customer service situations without making things worse. They want to know if you can listen, show respect, and solve problems while keeping a positive attitude.
Sample answer
“If I had an upset customer, I would stay calm and listen carefully to what they’re saying without interrupting them. I would acknowledge their concern so they feel heard, and I would apologize if something went wrong, even if it wasn’t directly my fault. Then I would focus on finding a solution that fits the situation, like fixing the order, offering an alternative, or getting a manager if needed. My goal would be to resolve the issue quickly while staying polite and making sure the customer leaves feeling respected.”
Remember Your Job Interview Questions?
Whether it was recent or a while ago, your experience can help others.
7. How do you feel about standing for long periods?
Interviewers ask this to understand how you handle physical work and long shifts. They want to see if you know what the job is really like and if you can manage the physical demands. They also want to check your attitude. They are looking for someone who stays positive and dependable even when the work gets tiring. When you show that you can handle it and have a plan to stay comfortable, it tells them you’ll be reliable on the job.
Sample Answer
“I’m comfortable standing on my feet for long periods. I know it can get tiring, but I stay active, wear good shoes, and take small stretch breaks when allowed. I’ve done similar work before, and I manage it well.”
8. Why did you leave your last job?
Let’s first discuss what not to say!
- Do not say anything negative about your previous employer
- Do not say for money.
- The commute was too long.
Example
“I enjoyed my time at my last job, but, I have outgrown my current role and I am looking for new challenges.”
9. How would your previous manager ask you?
- A strong communicator, organized, a team player, and someone who works well under pressure.
10. What motivates you?
Employers ask this question because they want your resiliency and determination in handling challenges and setbacks.
Do Say!
- Meeting deadlines, targets, or goals
- Mentoring and coaching others
- Learning new things.
- Coming up with creative ideas to improve something or make something new.
- Working well as part of a team.
- Finding a way to solve a problem or overcome a challenge.
Don’t Say!
- Money is your motivator. The only exception is if you are in sales
- Employee Discounts.
Questions to ask at the end of the Interview
11. 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?