20 Defense Commissary Agency Interview Questions and Answers

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is a federal agency that operates commissaries for the military community. Commissaries are like grocery stores, but they are only open to military personnel, retirees, and their families. DeCA operates more than 250 commissaries worldwide.

If you’re applying for a job at DeCA, 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 DeCA interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Defense Commissary Agency Interview Process

The interview process at Defense Commissary Agency can vary depending on the position you are applying for. Store Worker, Store Checker, and Sales Store Checker positions may not require an interview, while other positions such as Intern, Yoga Teacher, and Vendor Stocker may require a more extensive interview process. Overall, the interview process is generally positive, with interviewers described as calm, reassuring, and helpful.

1. What are some of your favorite products from the Commissary?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you a little better and see if you have experience with military products. It also helps them determine what kind of customer service skills you might bring to the role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some items that are popular among soldiers or veterans.

Example: “I’ve been in the military for five years now, so I’m pretty familiar with most of the products available at the Commissary. However, there are a few things I always buy when I go shopping. One is the beef jerky because it’s delicious and easy to take on deployment. Another is the frozen pizza because it’s quick and easy to make after a long day. Finally, I love the ice cream sandwiches because they’re a great treat.”

2. Are you available to work nights and weekends?

Defense commissary agencies often have employees who are willing to work nights and weekends. These positions require a lot of flexibility, so employers ask this question to make sure you’re able to meet their needs. When answering this question, be honest about your availability. Explain that you would need some advance notice if there were any changes in your schedule.

Example: “I am available to work nights and weekends. I do have two children at home, though, so I would need at least one week’s notice if my schedule changed. I also prefer to know what my schedule is going to be for the next month or so.”

3. How would you handle an irate customer?

Defense commissary agencies often deal with customers who are unhappy about the prices of goods or services. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience dealing with difficult people and can resolve conflict in a professional manner. In your answer, explain how you would use your communication skills and problem-solving abilities to help calm the customer down and find a solution that makes them happy.

Example: “I once had a customer come into my store complaining about the price of beef. He was upset because he said it was more expensive than at his local grocery store. I explained to him that we buy our beef from a military supplier, which is why the price is higher. However, I also told him that we offer discounts for active duty personnel. After hearing that, he apologized for being rude and left the store.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation or person at work.

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle conflict and challenges. Use examples from your previous experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “In my last position as an inventory manager at a grocery store, I had a coworker who was constantly late for work. This made it difficult for me to complete my daily tasks because he would often be in meetings with customers when I needed his assistance. After several warnings, I still couldn’t get him to change his behavior. So, I decided to have a one-on-one meeting with him to discuss the issue. He apologized and promised to do better. We also came up with a plan that would allow us to both meet our responsibilities.”

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

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle customer service situations. Use examples from your previous experience that show your ability to solve problems and provide excellent customer service.

Example: “When I worked at a grocery store, I had a customer who was looking for a specific brand of cereal. The brand they were looking for wasn’t in stock, so I offered to order it for them online. They said they would rather have it shipped to their home than pick it up at the store, so I ordered several boxes of the cereal and had it delivered to their house free of charge. When the customer came back into the store, they thanked me for going above and beyond.”

6. Describe your experience working in a fast-paced environment.

Defense commissary agencies often have a lot of customers to serve in a short period of time. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the fast pace and multitasking that comes with working in their department. In your answer, explain how you stay organized and prioritize tasks when there are many things to do at once.

Example: “In my last position as a cashier, I had to work quickly to help customers while also keeping up with all of my other responsibilities like scanning items and handling money. I find that I am good at multitasking and prioritizing what needs to be done first. When there is a long line of customers waiting, I try to get through each transaction as quickly as possible so everyone can leave the store happy.”

7. Do you have any experience operating a cash register?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience with customer service. If you have cash register experience, be sure to mention it in your answer and explain how this experience can help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I worked as a cashier at my local grocery store throughout high school and college. This experience taught me valuable skills like accuracy and efficiency when handling money and helped me develop strong communication skills with customers. I also learned how to work well under pressure and prioritize tasks.”

8. Do you have experience handling money?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your experience with handling cash and credit card transactions. This can be an important skill when working in a position that involves money, so it’s important to show you have this ability if you do.

Example: “I’ve worked as a cashier at my local grocery store since I was 16 years old. During high school, I also worked part-time at a clothing store where I had to handle both cash and credit cards. In both of these positions, I learned how to count large amounts of money quickly and efficiently. I’m comfortable using cash registers and other financial software.”

9. Have you ever worked in a grocery store before?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience in customer service. If you have, they may ask you to describe what it was like and how it helped prepare you for this role. If you haven’t worked in a grocery store before, you can talk about any other customer service job that required you to interact with customers.

Example: “I’ve never worked in a grocery store before, but I did work as a cashier at a retail store when I was in high school. It was my first job, so I didn’t know what to expect, but I learned quickly that interacting with customers was an important part of the job. I had to learn how to balance being friendly while also remaining professional. The skills I developed from that job definitely prepared me for this one.”

10. What do you think is the most important quality that a successful team member should possess?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you possess the qualities necessary for success in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to identify a specific quality and explain how it helps you succeed as part of a team.

Example: “I believe that the most important quality a successful team member should possess is empathy. Empathy allows me to understand my teammates’ feelings and perspectives, which makes it easier to communicate with them effectively. It also helps me put myself in their shoes when making decisions about how to handle situations.”

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

Defense commissary agencies often have teams of employees working together to complete tasks. Employers ask this question to make sure you can work well with others and resolve conflict when it arises. When answering, try to describe a situation where you were able to successfully collaborate with your team members and find a solution that everyone was happy with.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job as a cashier, there was one day where the system went down for several hours. This meant we couldn’t process any transactions or refunds. The manager asked me to help other cashiers who didn’t know how to use the system while they waited for IT to fix the problem. I agreed because I knew how to use the system and could help them get through their shift until the issue was resolved.”

12. Why do you want to work at the Defense Commissary Agency?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are interested in working for their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to talk about what attracted you to the position and how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the role.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, especially military families. I have worked with many of them throughout my career, and I feel like I would be able to use my communication skills and problem-solving abilities to provide excellent customer service to those who shop at commissaries. I also love working with numbers and budgeting, so I think that my accounting background makes me an ideal candidate for this role.”

13. If a fellow worker was not following company policy, what would you do?

Defense commissary agencies have policies in place to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your conflict resolution skills and how you would handle a situation like this. In your answer, try to show that you value teamwork and understand the importance of following company policy.

Example: “If I noticed a fellow employee was not following company policy, I would first approach them privately to discuss my concerns. If they were aware of the issue but unable or unwilling to change their behavior, I would report it to my supervisor so they could address the problem. As an employee of a defense commissary agency, I take pride in upholding company standards and want to make sure all employees are doing the same.”

14. We pride ourselves on our customer service. Would you say that you are good at dealing with customers?

Defense commissary agencies have to deal with customers who are often unhappy about the prices of goods in their stores. The interviewer wants to make sure you can handle these situations effectively and professionally.

Example: “I pride myself on my customer service skills, and I think that’s why I’ve been so successful at my previous jobs. When a customer comes into our store, they should feel like we’re there for them. We want to help them find what they need as quickly as possible. If they have any questions or concerns, I always try to address them immediately.”

15. When was the last time you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle conflict and challenges. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “In my last role as a customer service representative for an electronics company, I had a customer who was upset because they didn’t receive their product in time for Christmas. The customer called me multiple times throughout the day, which made it difficult for me to focus on other customers. I calmly explained that we were experiencing delays with our shipping department but assured them that we would ship out their order by December 24th. They seemed satisfied with my response and thanked me for being so helpful.”

16. What is your experience with preparing food?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience with food preparation and how you might handle similar tasks in this role. Use examples from past work or school experiences that show your ability to follow recipes, use kitchen equipment and manage time while preparing meals.

Example: “I have worked as a cook at my local restaurant for five years now. I started out washing dishes but quickly moved up to cooking because of my passion for food prep. In this position, I’ve learned how to prepare many different types of foods, including baking desserts and making soups and salads. I also know how to make sure all ingredients are fresh and ready to be used.”

17. How well do you work under pressure?

Defense commissary agencies often have tight deadlines and strict regulations to follow. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the pressure of working in a fast-paced environment. When answering, try to show that you are organized and able to meet deadlines. Explain how you stay calm under pressure and complete tasks on time.

Example: “I am very organized and I always meet my deadlines. In my last position, I was responsible for ordering supplies for an entire department. The deadline was always looming over me, but I never let it stress me out. I would plan ahead as much as possible so I could focus on other things when I needed to. I also learned to delegate some tasks to others so I could focus on more important ones.”

18. What does military readiness mean to you?

This question is a great way to assess your understanding of the military and how you can contribute to its success. Your answer should show that you understand what readiness means for the military, including why it’s important. You can also use this opportunity to explain any personal experiences with readiness or how you’ve helped others achieve readiness in the past.

Example: “Military readiness means having all resources available when needed. It’s crucial that we have enough supplies on hand to support our troops at all times. I once worked as an inventory specialist for a large retailer where I was responsible for ensuring that our shelves were stocked with products so customers could find everything they wanted. This experience taught me how important it is to be prepared for anything.”

19. What are your long term career goals?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you are a good fit for this position. This role is often a stepping stone to other positions within the Department of Defense, so it’s important that you have plans to stay in your career path and continue to grow with the agency.

Example: “I would like to eventually become an operations manager or director of a commissary. I feel that my experience working as a cashier at a grocery store has prepared me for this role, and I am eager to learn more about how the defense commissary system works. I hope to use this role as a way to gain valuable experience and skills that will help me achieve my long-term goals.”

20. Which shift are you available to work?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine your availability for a specific shift. If you have previous experience working in the military commissary, you might be able to work any of the shifts. However, if you are new to the position, you may only be available for certain shifts. In either case, it is important to answer honestly and clearly state which shifts you can work.

Example: “I am available to work all three shifts. I prefer the evening shift because I find that it’s easier to balance my family life with my professional life when I’m not working during the day.”