Preparing for a job interview at Nike? This list of Nike interview questions is recommended by the author to help you get ready. While they aren’t taken from real applicants, they’re based on common questions asked in retail interviews. Use them to practice your answers and walk into your Nike interview with confidence.
Interview Questions by role:
Nike Interview Questions and Answers
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
- The Strength – state the strength
- Proof of the strength – an example of how you have used this strength.
- The strength’s relevance to THIS job.
What is your greatest weakness?
Employers ask this question to see if you are self-aware, honest, and willing to improve yourself.
Sample answer
“One weakness I have is that I can be a little nervous when starting something new. I like to do a good job, so I sometimes put pressure on myself at first. However, once I learn the job and get comfortable, I become more confident and work well with others. I also try to ask questions and learn from feedback so I can improve.”
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 that 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.
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?
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.”
Remember Your Job Interview Questions?
Whether it was recent or a while ago, your experience can help others.
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.”
Why do you believe customer service is so important?
Customer service matters because it shapes how customers feel about the business. Good service makes people want to return, and poor service pushes them away. It also helps fix problems quickly, so customers stay satisfied.
Sample Answer
“Customer service is important because it creates a good experience for people. When customers feel respected and helped, they come back and speak well of the business. I always try to stay friendly, patient, and helpful so customers leave with a positive impression.”
What motivates you?
Interviewers ask this to understand what pushes you to do your best at work. They want to see if you stay positive, work hard, and enjoy helping customers and teammates.
Sample Answer
“I’m motivated by learning new skills and doing a good job. I also enjoy working with people and helping customers have a positive experience. Knowing that I’m contributing to a team and improving each day keeps me focused and motivated.”
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.
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
- Dress business casually if you are interviewing for an entry-level position. Do not wear shorts and avoid wearing jeans.
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
- Blue tells employers that you’re credible and trustworthy.
- Black shows leadership and is great if you’re going for a senior position.
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Red sends a message that you are assertive and will work well in a field like sales.
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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.