Nike Job Interview Guide: Questions and Answers

You have come to the right place if you are looking for Nike Interview Questions.

We all know interviews are stressful and competition is intense.

However, with preparation, you can ace the Nike Interview.

Here, we will discuss Nike interview questions and answers for various positions.

Interview Questions by role: 

Common Questions Asked in Nike Interviews

Tell us about yourself.

  • Tell the interviewer about your past and present work experience. However, you want to answer this question in a way that matches the experience required for the position you are interviewing for at Nike. Finally, mention your present career goals, but ask yourself how your future career goals help Nike.
  • Remember, this is not the time to tell the interviewer your life story.

What can you tell us about Nike?

About Nike

  • Nike, headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer and marketer of high-quality athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories.
  • Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman founded Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964 and officially became Nike Inc. in 1971.
  • Nike is the Goddess of Victory in Greek Mythology.
  • Nike’s subsidiaries include Hurley International and Converse.
  • Think you know a lot about Nike?  Take our Nike Quiz and see how you do!

What is Nike’s Mission Statement?

  • Nike’s mission statement is “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.”
  • Nike goes on to say the legendary University of Oregon track and field coach, and Nike co-founder, Bill Bowerman said, “If you have a body, you are an athlete.”

Why do you want to work for Nike?

  • Say you love the products that Nike offers.
  • State you would be proud to work for a company that supports Marathon Kids.  Marathon Kids helps children set their fitness goals regardless of their fitness level.
  • If you are passionate about sports or athletics, in general, say you would be a good fit for Nike.

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.

What is your greatest weakness?

Don’t Say

  • You don’t have a weakness
  • You can’t think of a weakness
  • Something unrelated to the job
  • Do not state a weakness that is critical for the job

Do Say

  • Something related to the job
  • Steps to improve your weakness
Example

My greatest weakness is I take criticism too personally. I have learned to resist overreacting and to reflect on what someone said. I have found that I have become a better employee when I learn from feedback.

Sales Associate Interview Questions

Why do you want to be a sales associate?

  • Say you are a quick learner and will not have issues learning all of Nike’s products.
  • You pay excellent attention to detail and will always replenish the inventory and ensure adequate stock is maintained.
  • State you will deliver premium customer service as you have excellent communication skills.
  • Finally, state that you love Nike and are passionate about the brand.

Why should we hire you as our sales associate?

  • If you have previous retail experience, now is the time to mention it.
  • Mention any customer service experience you have.
  • Try to mention your sports experience and how it relates to Nike Products.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

  • If you don’t know what to say look at other retail management jobs and find a position you can see yourself doing in five years.  If you say you want to stay in retail you will sound like a good fit for the company.

I’d tell men and women in their mid-twenties not to settle for a job or a profession or even a career. Seek a calling. Even if you don’t know what that means, seek it. If you’re following your calling, the fatigue will be easier to bear, the disappointments will be fuel, the highs will be like nothing you’ve ever felt.

Phil Knight

Co-Founder, Nike

How would you define great customer service?

  • The staff is knowledgeable about the product, listens to what the customer wants, and meets his or her needs.
  • The service is friendly.
  • The inventory is well-stocked and maintained.

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

  • Most retail jobs 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.

Remember Your Job Interview Questions?
Help others by sharing what you were asked.
Click here to submit your interview questions

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.

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.

What motivates you?

Possible answers are:

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 
  • Employee Discounts

How did you find this job?

  • Interviewers ask this question because they want to hire someone specific for the job. If possible, mention that you have been actively monitoring jobs on the company’s website and applied for the role.

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.

Nike Manager Interview Questions

Why do you want to be a store manager at Nike?

  • Say you enjoy coaching and mentoring others.
  • State you feel you have excellent communication skills.
  • Mention you have a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Try to mention how a career as a Nike Store Manager will complement your career goals or education.

Why should we hire you as our store manager?

  • State any experience with retail operations, budgeting, planning, customer service, sales, and people leadership and management.
  • Mention the number of years you have worked in retail and also state how many years you have been a manager.
  • I am proficient in office products and retail business systems.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

  • If you don’t know what to say, look at other Nike Store Jobs and find a position you can see yourself doing in five years.

Have you ever fired someone?  Can you tell us about your process?

  • State you would put them on a performance plan and give them two weeks to improve.  State that the employee deserves to know what they are doing wrong and what they need to do to improve.  Finally, mention after two weeks if they didn’t improve you would let them go.

How do you motivate your employees?

  • People often think money is a great motivator, but a pat on the back goes a long way. State that you always take the time to praise your employees.

What to wear to the interview

Entry-Level Position

Entry-Level Position

  • Dress business casually if you are interviewing for an entry-level position.  Do not wear shorts and avoid wearing jeans.
Management Position

Management Position

  • Dress formally or business casual if you are interviewing for a management position.  Blazers and dark trousers are a safe choice, as well as wrap dresses for females. Avoid sportswear clothes. 
Colors

Colors

  • Blue tells employers that you’re credible and trustworthy.
  • Black shows leadership and is great if you’re going for a senior position.
  • Red sends a message that you are assertive and will work well in a field like sales.

  • People consider wearing orange to a job interview unprofessional, linking it to being the worst color choice.

How to Prepare for a Nike Interview

  • Learn as much as possible about the company and ask yourself why you want to work there.  Why would you rather work at NIKE than its competitors?
  • Review potential interview questions and think about how you will answer them based on your personal experience.  
  • Think about where you see yourself in the future. NIKE will want to hire people whose career goals align with the retail and athletic apparel industry. Note that if you want to work at NIKE to pay for your education, that is fine, but make sure you demonstrate that you are committed to working there for more than a few months.
  • Ensure you know where you are going and how long it takes to get there. Go online and work out the easiest way to get there, then add extra time so you are on time. The last thing you want is to arrive late.

Nike Interview Tips

  • Arrive 10 minutes early.
  • Don’t speak too fast, as you will sound nervous.
  • Don’t speak too slowly, as you will sound dull.
  • Make good eye contact throughout the interview.
  • Bring an extra copy of your resume.

See Also

Ross O'Neill

Hi, I'm Ross O'Neill, the founder of WorkNearYou. With a passion for making a positive impact on people's lives, I created WorkNearYou to provide valuable assistance, primarily to those in entry-level positions. Through this platform, I aim to connect job seekers with opportunities in their local communities, making the job search process more accessible and convenient. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to find fulfilling employment, and WorkNearYou is my way of helping individuals take their first steps toward a successful career. Join me in this journey towards a brighter, more accessible job market for all.