20 Dollarama Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And if you’re hoping to land a job at Dollarama, you’ll need to know how to answer some specific interview questions.

Dollarama is a Canadian dollar store operator with over 1,000 locations across the country. And while the company is best known for its affordable prices, it also has a reputation for being a great place to work.

So, if you’re hoping to score a job at Dollarama, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some questions about the company, its values, and its operations.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common Dollarama interview questions, with sample answers to help you prepare for your own interview.

Dollarama Interview Process

The interview process at Dollarama is generally pretty straightforward and easy. Most of the time, you will be interviewed by the store manager, who will ask you basic questions about your qualifications and experience. In some cases, you may be asked to do a short test or demonstration of your skills. Overall, the interview process is relatively quick and simple, and you should have no problem getting hired if you have the right qualifications.

1. What do you think the most important qualities are for a successful team member?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the qualities they look for in their team members. Use your answer to highlight your teamwork skills and how you benefit a team.

Example: “I think that the most important quality for a successful team member is being able to communicate effectively with others. I believe it’s important to be open-minded when communicating, as this helps me understand other people’s perspectives and opinions. Another quality I think is important is having a positive attitude. Having a positive outlook on life can make working with others more enjoyable and productive.”

2. Which shift are you available to work?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine your availability for the job. If you are only available during certain hours, let them know and explain why. If you can work any shift, mention that you’re flexible and willing to do so.

Example: “I am available to work any of the shifts Dollarama offers. I have worked all three in my previous positions, but I prefer working the evening or night shift because it’s quieter and calmer than the day shift. However, I’m happy to work whatever is needed.”

3. How would you go about educating customers on Dollarama products?

Dollarama is a retailer that offers many products at low prices. The company wants employees who can help customers find the best deals and educate them on how to use Dollarama’s website to search for specific items. Use your answer to show you have strong customer service skills and are willing to learn about the company’s products.

Example: “I would start by asking what they’re looking for, then I’d direct them to the website where they can search for specific items or browse through categories. If they don’t know how to use the website, I would walk them through it step-by-step so they understand how to find exactly what they want. I also like to recommend certain products based on their needs.”

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

Dollarama is a retail store that operates on a tight schedule. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working in a similar environment and how you handled it. Use your answer to highlight any skills or experiences that can help you succeed at Dollarama.

Example: “I worked as a cashier for two years, so I am familiar with the fast pace of retail work. In my previous position, we had a set number of customers we needed to serve each hour. This meant we were constantly moving from one task to another to ensure we met our sales goals. I learned how to prioritize tasks and delegate when necessary to keep up with the high demand.”

5. Have you worked with money before?

This question is a great way to determine if you have experience working with cash and coins. Dollar stores often deal in cash, so it’s important that employees know how to handle money safely. If you don’t have any experience handling cash or coins, consider taking a course on the subject before your interview.

Example: “I’ve worked with cash and coins for many years now. I started my career as a bank teller at a local branch of our state’s largest bank. There, I learned all about counting money, depositing checks and other tasks associated with working with currency. I also took an online course on basic accounting principles, which has helped me understand some of the more complex aspects of working with money.”

6. Would you be willing to help out in areas of the store other than what is listed on your job description?

This question is designed to assess your willingness to help out in other areas of the store if needed. It also helps employers determine whether you are willing to take on additional responsibilities and challenges. In your answer, explain that you would be happy to help out wherever it’s needed.

Example: “I am a very team-oriented person who always puts others before myself. If I see someone struggling with something or need help, I will offer my assistance without hesitation. At my last job, I was often asked to cover for coworkers when they were away from work. I enjoy helping others and taking on new tasks, so I was more than happy to do this.”

7. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation.

This question can help interviewers learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you handle difficult situations and if you have any experience with conflict resolution.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a customer who was upset because we didn’t carry the brand of makeup she wanted. She started yelling at me in front of other customers, which made them uncomfortable. Instead of getting defensive, I calmly explained that we carried several brands of makeup and offered her a refund or store credit so she could find something else. She calmed down and left the store without further incident.”

8. When was the last time that you dealt with a problem at work and how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to learn more about how you handle conflict and challenges. It’s important for employers to know that you can solve problems effectively, especially if they’re hiring you as a manager or supervisor.

Example: “At my last job, I had a coworker who was constantly late to work. This made it difficult for the rest of us to get our jobs done on time because we would have to cover for them. After talking with them several times, I realized that there wasn’t much else I could do. So, I decided to switch their schedule so that they worked later in the day when I wasn’t working. This helped me avoid having to cover for them.”

9. In your opinion, why do you think some people shop at dollar stores?

This question can help the interviewer understand your perspective on why customers shop at dollar stores. Use examples from your experience to explain what you think makes people choose this type of store over other retailers.

Example: “I believe that some people shop at dollar stores because they want to save money, but I also think it’s because they enjoy shopping for unique items. At my last job, we had a lot of loyal customers who would come in every week to see what new products we had. They loved finding things that were different and unique, which is something that Dollarama does really well.”

10. If hired, how would you describe your customer service style?

Dollarama wants to know how you would interact with customers and provide them with a positive shopping experience. Your answer should show that you value customer service and are willing to go above and beyond for your customers.

Example: “I believe in providing excellent customer service at all times, even when it’s busy or I’m under pressure. I always greet customers with a smile and try my best to help them find what they’re looking for. If I don’t have an item in stock, I will do everything I can to locate it for the customer. For example, if someone is looking for a specific toy, I’ll check other stores to see if we have any in stock.”

11. General Motors values innovation. Are you someone who thinks outside the box?

General Motors is a company that values innovation. They want to know if you have the ability to think outside of the box and come up with new ideas for their business. This question also helps them determine whether your skills are a good fit for their organization.

Example: “I am someone who thinks outside the box, but I also value collaboration. When I first started my career as an accountant, I noticed that our department was spending too much money on paperclips. I thought about how we could cut costs without sacrificing quality. I decided to order larger boxes of paperclips so we would use fewer per month. My idea saved the company thousands of dollars each year.”

12. What would you do if there was an error in the cash register?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to solve the issue as well as how you would communicate with customers about the error.

Example: “If there was an error in the cash register, I would first try to fix it myself by checking for any loose change or damaged bills. If that didn’t work, I would ask my manager for help. Once we fixed the issue, I would immediately inform customers of the mistake and offer them a refund.”

13. Describe the process you would take to check in a shipment of inventory.

This question is a great way to assess your attention to detail and organizational skills. It also shows the interviewer how you would interact with other employees in the store.

Example: “I would first check that all items are accounted for, then I would place them on the shelves according to their designated sections. If there were any damaged or missing items, I would immediately notify my manager so they could contact the supplier. After checking everything off, I would make sure the price tags are correct and scan each item into the inventory system.”

14. What do you know about Dollarama’s history?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its past. Interviewers ask this question to see if you have researched their company before applying for a position. They want to know that you are genuinely interested in working for them, so take time to learn about Dollarama’s history before going into your interview.

Example: “Dollarama was founded by Larry Rossy in 1992. He opened his first store in Montreal under the name Dollar Tree Canada. In 1997, he changed the name to Dollarama because it was easier to say and remember. Today, there are over 1,000 locations across Canada. I think it’s important to know the history of a company when considering employment.”

15. If a customer comes up to you and says they have found an item cheaper elsewhere, how would you respond?

This question is designed to test your customer service skills. It’s important that you show the interviewer how you would handle this situation in a positive way and maintain the customer’s loyalty.

Example: “I would first apologize for any inconvenience, then I would explain that Dollarama has a price match guarantee. If they can provide me with proof of the lower price, I will happily refund them the difference. This shows customers that we value their business and are willing to go above and beyond to ensure they have a great shopping experience.”

16. We want our associates to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

This question is designed to assess your ability to work independently and make decisions on the job. Dollarama wants employees who can think critically, solve problems and act quickly when necessary.

Example: “I believe I would be a good fit for an independent environment like this one. I am used to working without much supervision, so I know that I could handle making my own decisions at work. I also have experience working in fast-paced environments, so I feel prepared to take on whatever challenges come my way.”

17. How well do you work under pressure?

Working in retail can be a fast-paced environment. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to work under pressure and stay calm when things get busy. In your answer, explain that you are able to remain focused even when there is a lot going on around you. Explain how you use time management skills to prioritize tasks and complete them efficiently.

Example: “I am very organized and efficient with my time. When working under pressure, I find it helpful to create a list of priorities for each task. This helps me focus on completing one thing at a time so I don’t feel overwhelmed by everything I need to do. At my last job, we were always busy, but I was able to manage my time well enough to keep up with the pace.”

18. What would you say is your greatest strength and weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. Interviewers want to know that you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses and how they can help or hinder your ability to succeed at the job.

Example: “My greatest strength is my attention to detail. I am very organized and methodical, which helps me stay on top of things. My weakness is that sometimes I get so focused on details that I miss the big picture. I’ve learned to ask for help when I need it.”

19. Explain a time where you were asked to do something you disagreed with but followed through with anyways.

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and whether you’re willing to compromise. In your answer, try to show that you can be flexible while still maintaining your own opinions.

Example: “In my last position as a manager, I was asked to hire someone who didn’t have experience in the industry but had a degree. While I disagreed with this decision because I felt it would be better for the company to hire someone with more relevant experience, I followed through with the request because it came from my supervisor. After hiring the new employee, I worked closely with them to train them on our processes and systems so they could become an asset to the team.”

20. Why do you want to work at Dollarama?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your interest in their company. They may ask this to see if you have done any research on the organization and what attracted you to it. When preparing for this interview, read through Dollarama’s job listings or website to find out what they are looking for in a candidate. Try to match your skills and experience with what they’re looking for.

Example: “I want to work at Dollarama because I love working with customers. I think my customer service skills would be an asset to your team. I also like that Dollarama is a family-owned business. I feel like I could really make an impact here as part of the team.”