20 Brooks Running Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to running shoes, Brooks is a name that is synonymous with quality. If you’re lucky enough to snag an interview with this company, you’ll want to be prepared to answer some specific questions about your qualifications. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to answer Brooks Running interview questions so you can make a great impression and land the job.

Brooks Running Interview Process

The interview process at Brooks Running can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two interviews, one with a recruiter and one with the hiring manager. For some positions, there may also be a panel interview. The interview process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

1. What is your favorite type of athletic apparel?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand your preferences. It also helps them determine if you would fit in with their team of employees. When answering this question, try to be honest about what type of apparel you like while also showing that you are willing to wear any type of clothing for work.

Example: “I really enjoy wearing compression pants when I run because they keep my legs feeling fresh throughout my workout. However, I am happy to wear whatever is appropriate for work as long as it’s comfortable.”

2. How would you describe the culture at Brooks Running Company?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with the team. Describe what you like most about the company’s culture, and if you have any experience working in a similar environment.

Example: “I’ve heard that Brooks Running Company is an energetic place to work where employees are encouraged to be themselves. I think it’s important for companies to foster a positive atmosphere, especially when they’re creating innovative products. In my last role as a product designer at Nike, we had a very collaborative culture where everyone was willing to help each other out. I hope to bring some of those same values to Brooks.”

3. Do you have any experience working with an order fulfillment system or eCommerce platform?

The interviewer may ask you this question to see if you have experience working with the company’s systems. If you do, share your experience and how it helped you complete your job duties. If you don’t have any experience with their systems, explain that you’re open to learning new software or technology.

Example: “I’ve worked with several eCommerce platforms in my previous roles, including Shopify, Bigcommerce and Magento. I’m comfortable using these platforms to manage inventory, fulfill orders and process payments. In my last role, I also used a fulfillment system called Shipwire to ship products directly from our warehouse to customers.”

4. If a customer was unhappy with their purchase, how would you handle the situation?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle customer service challenges and whether you have experience with handling similar situations in your past roles. Use examples from previous experiences to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and conflict resolution skills.

Example: “I would first apologize for their dissatisfaction and ask what I could do to make it right. If they were unhappy with a pair of shoes that didn’t fit properly, I would offer them an exchange or refund. If they were unhappy with the quality of the product, I would offer to replace the item at no cost.”

5. Describe your experience with shoe fitting and sizing.

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your experience with the company’s products and how you might fit customers into shoes. Use examples from previous jobs or describe what you would do if you had no prior experience fitting customers into Brooks Running shoes.

Example: “I have worked in a running store for three years, so I am familiar with all of the different brands and models of shoes on the market. In my current position, I help customers find the right shoe size based on their foot type, weight, height and gender. I also use our sizing chart to ensure that each customer is fitted properly into the correct shoe.”

6. Are you able to work evenings and weekends?

This question is often asked to determine if you are willing to work outside of normal business hours. It’s important for employers to know that their employees will be available when they need them, so it’s best to answer honestly and explain your reasoning behind the decision.

Example: “I am able to work evenings and weekends, however I prefer not to. My schedule at my previous job was very flexible, which allowed me to avoid working nights and weekends. However, if this position required me to do so, I would make sure to plan ahead and find a babysitter or caretaker for my children.”

7. Have you had any previous retail job experience?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your work history and how it relates to the position you’re applying for. If you have retail experience, be sure to highlight any transferable skills that relate to this job such as customer service, time management or problem-solving.

Example: “I worked at my local running store for two years while I was in college. While working there, I learned valuable sales techniques and developed strong communication skills with customers. I also became familiar with Brooks Running products and can confidently answer questions from customers about the different types of shoes they offer.”

8. If hired, what would be your approach to promoting our products in-store?

This question is an opportunity to show your sales and marketing skills. You can highlight your communication, presentation and customer service skills by describing how you would interact with customers in-store.

Example: “I believe that the best way to promote Brooks Running products is through one-on-one interactions with customers. I would make sure to greet every customer who enters the store and ask them if they have any questions about our products. If a customer seems interested in learning more about Brooks Running shoes, I would offer to give them a tour of the shoe display so they could try on different styles.”

9. Why do you want to work for Brooks Running Company?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your interest in their company. When preparing for this interview, make sure you read through the job description and highlight any aspects that particularly interest you. You can also use this time to ask questions about the role or company that you are unsure of.

Example: “I am very interested in working for Brooks Running Company because I have been using their products since high school. I love how comfortable their shoes are and how they always seem to fit my needs. I would love to be able to help others find the right shoe for them as well.”

10. Where are you on your current fitness journey?

This question is a great way to learn more about the applicant’s current fitness level and how they feel about it. It can also be an opportunity for you to share your own journey with them, which can help build rapport.

Example: “I’m currently in my first year of running. I started out walking on a treadmill at home and then joined a gym where I could use their treadmills and elliptical machines. After a few months, I was able to run one mile without stopping. Now, I’ve been training for a 5K race that will take place next month.”

11. Is there anything else that we should know about you?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are a well-rounded person and have more to offer than just your experience in the running industry. You can use this time to discuss any other skills or experiences that may be relevant to the position, such as:

Teamwork
Communication
Time management
Problem solving
Example: “I am also an avid cyclist who has completed several charity bike rides for children with cancer. I believe my passion for helping others would make me a great addition to the Brooks Running team.”

12. We want our team members to be able to adapt to new situations. Do you think you could acclimate well to our company culture?

Brooks Running wants to know that you can adapt well to their company culture. They want to see that you are a team player and will be able to work with others in the office.

Example: “I think I would acclimate well to Brooks Running’s company culture because of my ability to adapt to new situations. When I was working as an assistant manager at my previous job, we had a lot of turnover in our sales department. This meant that I had to train several new employees on how to sell our products. I adapted quickly to these changes and helped everyone learn what they needed to do.”

13. Tell us one thing you would change about our website if you were given complete freedom.

This question is a great way to see how you think critically and creatively. It also shows the interviewer that you have an interest in their company, which can be beneficial if they are looking for someone who will stay with them for a long time.

Example: “I would change the color scheme of your website because I feel like it’s too bright. The colors are distracting and don’t really match the brand. If I were given complete freedom, I would make the site black and white so that it was easier on the eyes and more professional.”

14. Provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you are a dedicated employee who cares about the company’s customers. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you helped a customer solve a problem or find a solution to their issue.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job as a sales associate in a running store, one of my favorite parts of my job was helping customers find the right shoes for them. One day, I had a customer come into the store looking for new running shoes. They told me they were training for a marathon and wanted some advice on what shoes would help them complete their race. After asking them more questions about their training schedule and preferences, I recommended a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 running shoes. The customer ended up purchasing those shoes and later came back to tell me how much she loved them.”

15. What qualities make up a good leader?

A good leader is someone who can motivate and inspire others to achieve their goals. A hiring manager may ask this question to see if you have the qualities of a good leader. In your answer, try to explain what makes a good leader and how those qualities relate to your own leadership style.

Example: “A good leader has charisma, confidence and integrity. They are also able to communicate effectively with their team members and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and opinions. I feel that these same qualities make me a good leader. I am always looking for ways to improve our products and services, and I encourage my coworkers to do the same. I believe in treating everyone with respect and giving them the freedom to explore new ideas.”

16. Give me an instance where you were asked to perform a task you had never done before. How did you prepare yourself and how did it go?

This question is a great way to show your ability to learn new things and adapt quickly. It’s important to be honest about your experience, but also highlight how you overcame the challenge.

Example: “When I first started working at Brooks Running, I was asked to create an infographic for our social media channels. I had never created one before, so I researched different types of infographics and found out which ones were most effective. Then, I worked with my graphic designer to create a template that we could use in the future.”

17. What are some ways that you can help customers find the right product for them in terms of fit and function?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you will fit into their team and apply your expertise to benefit customers. Use examples from previous work experience or education that show you know how to help customers find products that meet their needs.

Example: “I have a lot of experience helping customers find the right product for them, whether it’s finding shoes that are comfortable and supportive enough for long-distance running or finding apparel that fits well and is made with high-quality materials. I always make sure to ask questions about what they’re looking for in terms of function and style so I can recommend products that best suit their needs.”

18. How would you respond to a customer asking you for information outside of your knowledge base?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a challenging situation at work. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you are willing to learn and develop new skills as needed.

Example: “If I ever encountered a customer asking me for information outside of my knowledge base, I would first apologize and explain that I am not able to provide the requested information. Then, I would offer to find someone who could assist them with their inquiry or direct them to another resource where they may be able to find the information they need.”

19. Can you tell me about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

Teamwork is an important part of many jobs, including those in the running industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with others and that you can resolve conflicts effectively.

Example: “In my last job as a sales associate at a shoe store, I was working on a project with two other associates. We were all responsible for selling a certain amount of shoes each week. One week, one of my coworkers sold more than their quota but didn’t tell us they had done so. When we found out about it, we talked about how to handle the situation. In the end, we decided to share our quotas equally.”

20. Which social media platforms do you use most often in your daily life?

Social media is a popular way to connect with others online. Employers may ask this question to learn more about your digital skills and how you use social media in your personal life. If you have experience using social media for marketing purposes, be sure to mention that as well.

Example: “I primarily use Instagram on a daily basis because I love taking photos of my running routes and sharing them with other runners. I also enjoy connecting with other runners through the platform. In my previous role, I used Twitter to share inspirational quotes and tips for achieving goals. I find these platforms are great ways to connect with like-minded individuals.”