Publix Interview Questions
Publix Interview Questions

If you are looking for Publix Interview Questions you have come to the right place.

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

However, with a small amount of preparation, you can ace the interview.

Here we will discuss how to successfully answer Publix Interview Questions.

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

Publix Interview Questions and Answers

1. Can you tell us about your previous work experience?

  • Try to relate any previous work experience to the job you are applying for at Publix. If you have related work experience then they will have to spend less time training you which is a good thing.
  • If this is your first job tell them you have been focusing on school and now you are anxious to prove yourself in the workforce.

2. Why do you want to work for Publix?

Possible Answers are

  • State you enjoy the service and products you get at Publix and because if this you would be happy to represent them.
  • Mention you would like a job that keeps you active.

3. What is your greatest strength?

  • I work well under pressure. This is a great answer as Publix will get very busy during certain peak hours and this response will make you sound prepared.
  • I am a quick learner. This is a great answer as Publix will have to spend less time training you.

4. 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.

Company Information

5. What can you tell us about Publix?

About Publix

  • Publix is the largest and fastest-growing employee-owned supermarket chain in the United States.
  • George Jenkins founded Publix in 1930.
  • Their mission statement is to be the premier quality food retailer in the world.
  • As of 2022, Publix is a Fortune 500 company with almost 1300 stores.

Customer Service Interview Questions

6. How would you deal with a difficult 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.

7. How would you define excellent customer service?

  • The staff is friendly and always willing to help the customer find what he or she needs.
  • Customers are not waiting in line for long periods at checkout.
  • The store display is well-kept and presented with adequate inventory.

8. Why do you think 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.

Interview Questions About Previous Work Experience

9. How was your attendance at your last job?

  • Be honest when answering this question as the interviewer may check references.
  • Emphasize that you understand the importance of starting your shift on time.

10. 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.”

11. How would your previous manager describe you?

Stating your boss would describe you with any of the characteristics below is a great way to answer this question. 

  • My boss would describe me as motivated, enthusiastic, respectful, curious, presentable, happy, honest, polite, smart, ambitious, high energy, hospitable, and conscientious.

Additional Interview Questions

12. 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.

13. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Be sure to have an answer to this question as it shows you are ambitious and goal-oriented.

  • If you don’t know what to say then check out other Publix jobs and find a position you can see yourself doing in five years.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. Who are our competitors?

18. How do you feel about standing 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.

19. How did you find this job?

  • Interviewers ask this question because they want to hire someone specific in their job hunt.
  • Employers want to hire someone who knows what they want. Therefore, state you have been actively monitoring jobs on the company’s website and that you are happy to get the interview.
  • Note you have to be honest when answering this question as they may already know how you applied for this position.

20. 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.

21. Questions to ask on a Publix Interview?

  • 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?

Publix Interview Attire

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.

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