20 Big 5 Sporting Goods Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to company specific interview questions, Big 5 Sporting Goods is no different than any other business. In order to get a better understanding of how you would fit in at Big 5 Sporting Goods, interviewers will ask you questions about your experience, skills, and goals.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions, preparing for them in advance will help you go into your interview with confidence. In this article, we will provide some sample questions and answers that you can use to prepare for your interview at Big 5 Sporting Goods.

Big 5 Sporting Goods Interview Process

The interview process at Big 5 Sporting Goods is generally pretty easy and straightforward. Most applicants report having only one or two interviews before being hired, and the difficulty level of the questions is usually not too high. However, it is important to dress professionally and be prepared to answer questions about why you would be a good fit for the company. Additionally, some positions may require a physical assessment, so be sure to ask about that in advance if you have any concerns. Overall, the interview process at Big 5 Sporting Goods is typically a positive experience for most applicants.

1. What do you know about Big 5 Sporting Goods?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to gauge your knowledge of the company and how you might fit in. If you have experience working with sporting goods, it’s likely that you know about Big 5 Sporting Goods. However, if you don’t, take this opportunity to learn more about the company before going into the interview.

Example: “I’ve shopped at Big 5 Sporting Goods many times over the years. I love their selection of name brand products and their competitive prices. I also appreciate that they offer free shipping on orders over $50. I think my customer service skills would be a good fit for Big 5 Sporting Goods.”

2. Tell us why you want to work here and what makes you a good fit for the company.

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in working at Big 5 Sporting Goods and how you can contribute to the company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight any experience or skills that make you a good fit for the position.

Example: “I’m interested in working here because I’ve always been passionate about sports and fitness. In high school, I was on the track team and played basketball. I also love helping others find the right equipment and gear for their needs. Working here would allow me to use my passion for sports and help customers find what they need.”

3. How would you describe your customer service style?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your customer service skills and how you would apply them in a retail environment. Describe your approach to providing excellent customer service, including active listening, empathy and problem-solving.

Example: “I believe that every customer deserves my full attention when they’re speaking with me. I make sure to actively listen to their concerns and questions so I can address them fully. When customers are looking for something specific, I use my knowledge of the store’s inventory to help them find what they need. If there’s no product available, I offer alternative solutions or ways to save money on similar products.”

4. What is your experience with handling money and operating a cash register?

This question is an opportunity to show your skills with handling money and operating a cash register. If you have experience, share it in detail. If you don’t have any experience, explain what other relevant skills you possess that can help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I’ve worked as a cashier at my local grocery store for the past two years. I’m familiar with all of the different types of transactions and how to handle them efficiently. I also know how to use the company’s point-of-sale system to track inventory and sales.”

5. If a fellow employee was not following company policy, how would you handle the situation?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a challenging situation at work. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific policy and explain what steps you would take to ensure your colleague understood the policy and followed it in the future.

Example: “If I noticed a fellow employee was not following company policy, I would first approach them privately to discuss the issue. If they were aware of the policy but simply forgot about it, I would remind them of the policy and offer to answer any questions they may have. If they were unaware of the policy or did not want to comply with it, I would document the incident and inform my manager so that they could address the issue.”

6. Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to help others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you helped a customer find what they were looking for or assisted them with an issue.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job as a sales associate, one of my customers came in looking for a new pair of running shoes. They had been having some pain while running, so we talked about their current shoe size and the type of running they did. After talking through all of that information, I recommended a few different pairs of shoes that would work well for them based on their needs.”

7. When was the last time you had to deal with an unhappy customer or situation?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to handle customer service issues. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of how you handled the situation successfully.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a customer who was upset because they couldn’t find the item they were looking for in our store. After explaining that we didn’t carry that specific item, I offered them a discount on another product similar to what they were looking for. The customer was happy with the solution and ended up buying two other items.”

8. Do you have any experience working in a fast-paced environment?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to work in a busy environment. If you have experience working in a fast-paced environment, share an example of how you handled the situation and what skills helped you succeed.

Example: “In my previous role as a sales associate at a local boutique, I was responsible for helping customers find their desired items while also assisting other associates with finding products. This required me to multitask between different tasks throughout the day, which I am comfortable doing. In fact, I enjoy being able to help others when needed.”

9. Have you ever worked at another sporting goods store before?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how it relates to this specific position. If you have worked at another sporting goods store, be sure to highlight any transferable skills that relate to this job.

Example: “I’ve actually never worked in a sporting goods store before, but I do have retail experience. In my last position as a sales associate at a local boutique, I learned valuable customer service skills and developed my ability to work with others. These skills are especially important when working in a team-based environment like a sporting goods store.”

10. As a sales associate, we will require you to be on your feet for long periods of time. Will this be a problem for you?

This question is designed to determine if you are physically capable of performing the job duties. It’s important to be honest about your physical capabilities and limitations, but also highlight any skills or experiences that will help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I am a very active person who enjoys being on my feet for long periods of time. I have been working as a sales associate at a local boutique where I was required to stand for eight hours straight. I find it energizing to talk with customers and provide them with excellent customer service.”

11. Which shift are you available to work?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are available for the hours they need. If you have a specific time that works best, let them know. If not, tell them about your availability and how often you can work different shifts.

Example: “I am available to work any shift as long as it’s during the week. I prefer working days because of my commute, but I’m happy to work nights or weekends if needed.”

12. Are you comfortable working alone or as part of a team?

Working in a sporting goods store can be a solitary job, but you may also work with other employees to complete tasks. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working alone or as part of a team. In your answer, explain which situations you prefer and why.

Example: “I am comfortable working both alone and as part of a team. I enjoy the independence that comes with working alone, however, I also like collaborating with others on projects. For example, when I worked at my previous job, I was responsible for organizing all of our baseball equipment. However, I enjoyed having another employee help me organize our basketball equipment.”

13. Give an example of a time that you were faced with a challenging situation. How did you handle it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you react in high-pressure situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you faced a challenge at work or school and the steps you took to overcome that challenge.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant manager for my local sporting goods store, we were having issues with our inventory management system. This made it difficult to keep track of which items were selling well and which ones weren’t. It also made it hard to know what sizes and colors of certain products we needed to order more of.

I decided to take on the task of fixing the inventory system myself. I spent several nights after work researching different inventory systems and comparing them to ours. After some trial and error, I found a new system that worked better than our old one. The company ended up implementing the same system across all stores.”

14. We are currently looking for people who can start immediately. Can you give your notice today if hired?

This question is a great way to see how committed you are to the job. It also shows that you’re willing to start immediately and can leave your current employer on good terms. When answering this question, be sure to mention when you plan to give notice and what steps you will take to ensure a smooth transition for both parties.

Example: “I am ready to start today if hired. I have already spoken with my manager about leaving my position at Big 5 Sporting Goods. They were very understanding of my decision and wished me luck in finding a new opportunity.”

15. How well do you work under pressure?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a time you faced a similar situation and how you overcame the pressure.

Example: “In my previous role as an assistant manager at a local department store, I was responsible for managing the front end of the store while the manager took her lunch break. This meant that I had to work quickly to ensure customers were helped before they left the store. While working under pressure is never easy, I always try to focus on one task at a time so I don’t get overwhelmed.”

16. Provide an example of a time when you exceeded expectations at a previous job.

This question is an opportunity to showcase your skills and abilities as they relate to the job description. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific time you went above and beyond for a customer or employer.

Example: “At my previous job, I was responsible for maintaining inventory levels in our sporting goods department. One day, a customer came into the store looking for a particular item that we were out of stock on. I immediately checked other stores within the chain to see if any had the item in stock. Unfortunately, none did. However, I found another retailer online who had the item in stock. I placed an order for the item and had it shipped directly to the customer.”

17. What is your favorite sport and/or outdoor activity?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new colleague. It can also help you determine if the candidate’s personality and interests align with those of the company culture.

Example: “I love playing basketball, but I’m also an avid surfer. My favorite thing about surfing is that it’s such a peaceful activity. I like being able to get away from my phone and just focus on the waves.”

This answer shows the interviewer that you understand the company’s values and are excited to be part of the team. You’re also showing them that you have similar interests as their other employees. This can make for a better work environment and increase employee satisfaction.

18. We often get customers who are confused by our products. Walk me through how you would help someone find the right product.

This question is a great way to show your customer service skills. It also allows you to demonstrate how you can use the store’s inventory system and find products quickly.

Example: “I would first ask them what sport they play, then I’d search for that sport in our database. If we don’t have the exact product they’re looking for, I’ll look for similar ones or recommend an alternative brand. Once I’ve found the right item, I’ll explain why it’s better than other brands.”

19. When was the last time you encountered a difficult co-worker, how did you handle the situation?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your conflict resolution skills. Use past experiences to explain how you handled the situation and what steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “In my last position, I worked with a co-worker who was very negative and often complained about their job. At first, I tried to be friendly and helpful, but after several weeks of hearing the same complaints, I realized that they were not going to change their attitude. Instead, I started ignoring them and focused on helping other employees. This helped me avoid unnecessary stress.”

20. Give an example of a time when you used analysis to solve a problem or make a decision.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you use them in the workplace. When answering, try to provide an example that shows your ability to analyze a situation and make a decision based on the information you have available.

Example: “At my previous job, I was responsible for maintaining inventory levels of all sporting goods at my store. One day, I noticed we were running low on baseball bats. After checking with other employees, I learned that one of our customers had purchased several bats but left without paying for them. I immediately contacted security to help me locate the customer so I could recover the merchandise.”