20 Boot Barn Interview Questions and Answers

Boot Barn is one of the largest retailers of western wear and workwear in the United States. With over 200 stores across the country, Boot Barn offers a wide variety of products, from boots and jeans to hats and belts.

If you’re applying for a job at Boot Barn, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of sample Boot Barn interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Boot Barn Interview Process

The interview process at Boot Barn is generally pretty quick and easy. Most applicants report being hired on the spot after a brief interview. However, some positions may require multiple interviews. For example, the position of store manager typically requires an initial phone interview followed by an in-person interview with the district manager. Overall, most applicants report having a positive experience with the interview process at Boot Barn.

1. Tell me about a time when you exceeded your sales goals.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you perform under pressure. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific goal you had and the steps you took to achieve it.

Example: “At my previous job, I was tasked with selling $1,000 worth of merchandise per day. At first, I wasn’t sure if that was even possible, but after talking with some customers, I learned they were looking for certain items. I started recommending those products to other customers who came in asking for similar things. By doing so, I was able to sell over $2,500 worth of merchandise each day.”

2. What do you think makes for good customer service?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills and how you would apply them at Boot Barn. Use examples from previous jobs or describe what makes for good customer service in general.

Example: “I think the most important part of providing good customer service is being friendly and helpful. I always try to make sure that customers feel welcome when they come into my store, and I am always ready with an answer if someone has a question. Another thing that helps me provide good customer service is knowing all of the products we sell so I can help people find exactly what they’re looking for.”

3. Are you comfortable with the physical demands of this job?

Boot Barn is a retail store that sells cowboy boots and other western apparel. The interviewer wants to know if you’re physically capable of doing the job, which includes lifting heavy boxes and moving merchandise around the store. If you have any physical limitations, be honest about them and explain how you plan to overcome them.

Example: “I am very comfortable with the physical demands of this job. I’ve worked in retail for five years now, and I’m used to lifting heavy objects and carrying them throughout the day. My previous employer even had me train some new employees on proper lifting techniques.”

4. How would you handle an unhappy customer?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a situation where a customer is upset or dissatisfied with their experience at the Boot Barn. Use examples from past experiences in which you helped customers resolve issues and feel satisfied.

Example: “I once had a customer who was looking for a specific pair of boots, but they were out of stock. I offered her an alternative pair that she liked, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted them. She asked me to call her when the other boots came back into stock so she could decide then. A few days later, I called her to let her know the boots were back in stock. She decided to purchase them after all.”

5. Do you have experience working in retail?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a fast-paced environment. If you do, they may ask you to describe your previous job duties and how they relate to the position you’re interviewing for at Boot Barn. If you don’t have retail experience, you can talk about any customer service or sales experience you have.

Example: “I worked as a cashier at my local grocery store throughout high school and college. I learned how to work quickly while still providing excellent customer service. In fact, I was promoted to team leader after only six months on the job because of my ability to multitask and communicate with customers.”

6. Why are you interested in working at Boot Barn?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what attracted you to the job and whether or not it’s a good fit for you. When preparing your answer, think about why you’re interested in working at Boot Barn. Consider mentioning any research you’ve done on the company and how that made you excited to work there.

Example: “I’m very passionate about outdoor activities, so I did some research on companies that sell outdoor gear. I found out that Boot Barn is one of the largest retailers of outdoor equipment, which really impressed me. I love the idea of being part of such an innovative company. I also noticed that Boot Barn has a lot of opportunities for growth, which makes me excited to apply.”

7. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult coworker? If so, how did you handle it?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and whether you have the ability to resolve it. When answering, try to focus on your problem-solving skills and highlight your ability to communicate effectively with others.

Example: “In my previous role as a sales associate at a department store, I had a coworker who was constantly late for work. This made it difficult for us to complete our daily tasks because we were always waiting for one another. After talking to them about this issue, they agreed to be more punctual. However, they continued to be late several times after that. Eventually, I spoke to their manager about the situation and they were let go.”

8. Describe a time where you were able to turn a negative situation into a positive one.

This question is a great way to determine how you react to challenges and adversity. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you were able to overcome a challenge or problem and turn it into something positive.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant manager at my previous job, we had a customer who would come in every week and complain about the quality of our products. They would return items that they didn’t even purchase from us because they said they weren’t satisfied with them. This made me upset because I knew we provided excellent service and products. After talking with my manager, we decided to give the customer a gift card for their next visit if they could provide proof of purchase. Sure enough, they returned with the receipt and we gave them a $50 gift card. We also talked to other employees about how to handle situations like this.”

9. Do you have any previous management experience?

Boot Barn is looking for managers who have experience managing a team. If you do, share an example of how you managed your team to achieve a goal or overcome a challenge. If you don’t have management experience, talk about any leadership roles you’ve held in the past and what skills helped you succeed.

Example: “I was promoted to manager at my previous job because I had excellent customer service skills and problem-solving abilities. One day, we were running low on inventory and customers were starting to get frustrated. I called our supplier and asked them if they could send us more inventory immediately. They said no, but I told them that it would be best for their business if they sent us more inventory right away. They agreed, and we got the extra inventory we needed.”

10. What is your availability?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are available for the job. They want someone who is willing to work hard and be there when they need them. When answering, list your availability in terms of days, times and shifts. Make sure that it matches what the employer needs.

Example: “I am available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I can also work weekends if needed. My schedule is flexible, so I can switch my hours as needed.”

11. Do you have any experience using a cash register and handling money?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with handling money and cash registers. If you have previous experience, share a time when you had to count large amounts of money or use the register in a fast-paced environment.

Example: “I worked as a cashier at my local grocery store for two years while I was in college. During that time, we were often busy during peak hours, so I learned how to quickly process transactions and handle large sums of money. In fact, I once counted out $1,000 in change for a customer who forgot his wallet.”

12. Do you know anything about our company culture?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you’ve done your research on the company. They want to know that you’re genuinely interested in working for their organization and have taken the time to learn about it. When preparing for an interview, take a look at the Boot Barn website or social media pages to get a better idea of what they do.

Example: “I did some research on your company before coming here today, and I’m really impressed with everything you guys are doing. Your mission statement is inspiring, and I think I would fit right in as an employee. I also noticed that you offer free shipping on all orders over $50, which is something I feel passionate about. I love helping customers save money.”

13. How would you motivate team members who are not meeting their sales goals?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your leadership skills and how you motivate others. Use examples from previous roles where you motivated team members who were struggling with their sales goals or quotas.

Example: “I would first meet with the employee one-on-one to discuss their performance and what they need to do to improve. I would also check in with them regularly to see if there are any challenges that could be preventing them from meeting their quota. If an employee is having trouble reaching their quota, I would help them develop a plan to reach their goal by providing resources and training opportunities.”

14. What sets you apart from other candidates?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities. They want to know what makes you unique as a candidate. When answering, think of something that sets you apart from other applicants. You can mention a skill or trait that is important for the job.

Example: “I am extremely organized, which I believe would be an asset in this position. In my last role, I was responsible for managing inventory and organizing our warehouse. This helped me develop my organizational skills even further. I also have experience working with customers, so I understand how to help them find exactly what they need.”

15. How would you describe your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would fit into their team. Your leadership style is a reflection of your values and beliefs, so it’s important to be honest about what type of leader you are. You may want to describe yourself as someone who is empathetic, encouraging or decisive depending on which characteristics you feel best represent you.

Example: “I believe that my leadership style is collaborative. I like to involve everyone in the decision-making process because I think it’s important for everyone to have an equal voice. Collaboration also helps me learn more about different perspectives and opinions, which can help me make better decisions. Another aspect of my leadership style is being empathetic. I try to understand where others are coming from before making any decisions.”

16. When was the last time you provided excellent customer service?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have experience interacting with customers. Use examples from previous jobs or describe a time when you helped someone in the community.

Example: “At my last job, I was working at the register and had a customer who was having trouble finding something on our website. I told them I would help them find what they were looking for, so I logged into their account and found the item they wanted. They were very appreciative of my help and left the store happy.”

17. How would you go about training new employees?

Boot Barn is a large company with many employees, so it’s likely that you’ll be working with new hires. Your answer to this question can show the interviewer how you would help your new colleagues learn about their job and get up to speed quickly. Use examples from previous jobs where you helped train others or explain what steps you would take to ensure new employees are successful in their roles.

Example: “I find that one of the best ways to train new employees is through repetition. I would make sure they have all the information they need before starting work and then repeat it throughout the day as needed. For example, if an employee was stocking boots, I would check in with them regularly to see if they had any questions about which ones go together. This helps me ensure they’re getting the most out of their training.”

18. What qualities should a successful manager possess?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have what it takes to be successful in this role. When answering, think about which qualities you possess and how they can help you succeed as a manager at Boot Barn.

Example: “A successful manager should be someone who is organized, has excellent communication skills and is able to work well under pressure. I am all of these things, so I know I would be an asset to your team. In my last position, I was promoted to assistant manager because of my ability to manage multiple tasks at once while still providing quality customer service.”

19. What type of work environment do you thrive in?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you would be a good fit for the Boot Barn work environment. They want to know that you will enjoy working at their store and that your personality is compatible with other employees. To answer this question, describe what type of workplace you have in the past. Explain how you contributed to its success.

Example: “I’ve worked in both fast-paced and laid-back environments. I prefer a more relaxed atmosphere where I can get to know my coworkers and customers. In my last position, I was able to help customers find exactly what they were looking for while also providing them with friendly service. This helped me build strong relationships with many of my regular customers.”

20. Which shift are you available to work?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine your availability. They want to know if you can work the hours they need their employees to work. In your answer, let them know which shifts you are available for and why those particular ones. If you have a preference, be sure to mention that as well.

Example: “I am available to work any shift at Boot Barn. I prefer working the day shift because it allows me to get my errands done during the day while my kids are in school. However, I would also be willing to work the night or graveyard shift if needed.”