20 IGA Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, every company has their own unique set of questions that they like to ask. IGA is no different. If you’re interviewing for a job at IGA, you can expect to be asked about your experience in customer service, your ability to handle difficult situations, and your knowledge of IGA’s products and services.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common questions that IGA likes to ask, along with sample answers to help you stand out from the competition.

IGA Interview Process

The interview process at IGA is generally quick and easy. Most applicants will be interviewed by the manager and/or owner of the store, and the interviews are usually fairly casual. Questions will likely be asked about previous work experience, availability, and why the applicant is interested in working at IGA. In some cases, a written test may also be given to gauge the applicant’s trustworthiness. Overall, the interview process is typically positive and applicants can expect to hear back within a few days to a week.

1. What do you know about IGA?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of IGA and how you feel about working for this company. Your answer should include information that shows you have done some research on the company, including its history, products and services.

Example: “I know that IGA was founded in Canada in 1932 by George Groussac. The first store opened in Montreal under the name ‘La Maisonnée’ and sold food items like canned goods, spices and baking supplies. In 1946, the company changed its name to International Grocery Stores Limited. It then expanded into Ontario and Quebec. By 1960, it had over 100 stores across Canada.

In 1962, the company began selling frozen foods and launched its online shopping platform in 2000. Today, there are more than 1,000 IGA locations across North America.”

2. What is your experience with customer service and retail?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with customer service and retail, which are two important aspects of working in an IGA store. Use examples from previous jobs to explain how you helped customers or interacted with them.

Example: “I have worked as a cashier at my local grocery store for five years now. In this role, I interact with many different types of customers every day. Some customers are looking for specific products while others need assistance finding something on the shelves. My experience has taught me how to communicate with all kinds of people and how to solve problems that they may be having.”

3. How would you deal with an upset customer?

This question can help the interviewer assess your customer service skills. Use examples from previous jobs to show how you handled a difficult situation and resolved it quickly.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they couldn’t find their favorite brand of cereal in our store. I explained that we only carried one type of this brand, but if they wanted more options, they could order them online. The customer seemed satisfied with my answer and ended up ordering several other items from our website.”

4. Would you say that you are a people person?

This question is a great way to determine how well you work with others. Employers want team members who are friendly and enjoy interacting with customers. When answering this question, try to highlight your interpersonal skills. Explain that you enjoy helping people and solving problems.

Example: “I would definitely say I’m a people person. I love being around other people and making them feel comfortable. I find it easy to make small talk and get to know my customers. It’s important for me to understand what they’re looking for so I can help them find the right products. I also like to solve problems for people. If someone has an issue or concern, I always try to help them find a solution.”

5. Do you have any experience working in food services or preparation?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your experience and skills in a food service environment. If you have previous experience, share what you learned from that job and how it helped prepare you for this role.

Example: “I worked as a server at a local restaurant while I was going to school. This job taught me how to work with different types of people and manage my time effectively. It also gave me valuable customer service skills and showed me how important it is to be friendly and helpful when working in a food service setting.”

6. Can you tell me about a time when you had to handle multiple tasks at once?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you manage your time and prioritize tasks. Use examples from previous work experiences to highlight your ability to multitask, stay organized and meet deadlines.

Example: “In my last position as a customer service representative for an online retailer, I had to handle multiple calls at once while also helping customers find products on our website. This was challenging at first because I wasn’t used to handling so many calls at once, but after a few weeks of training, I became more comfortable with it. Now, I’m able to handle multiple calls without feeling overwhelmed.”

7. Why do you want to work for IGA?

This question can help the interviewer determine your interest in working for IGA. They may ask this to see if you have done any research on the company and what attracted you to apply. When preparing for this interview, read about the company online or look at their website. Consider what aspects of the company appeal to you and how they align with your own goals and values.

Example: “I want to work for IGA because it’s a family-owned business that has been around for over 100 years. I think it would be interesting to learn more about the history of the company and get an inside look at how it operates today. I also like that IGA is committed to providing quality products to its customers while still offering competitive prices.”

8. If hired, how would you contribute to the company’s success?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and how you can help IGA achieve its goals. Your answer should include a few examples of how you’ve helped other companies succeed in the past.

Example: “I’m passionate about customer service, so my first goal would be to make sure every customer has a positive experience when they shop with us. To do this, I’d train all employees on the best ways to interact with customers online and in-store. I also plan to implement new marketing strategies that will increase sales and attract more customers.”

9. Describe your previous work history.

This question is a great way to learn about your potential new employer. It’s important to be honest and highlight the skills you have that will help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I started working at my local grocery store when I was 16 years old, where I worked as a cashier for three years. After that, I moved up to customer service, where I helped customers find products and assisted them with their shopping needs. In 2016, I applied for an assistant manager position at my current location, which I got. I’ve been there ever since.”

10. Have you ever received any awards?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your accomplishments. They want to know what you’ve done that makes you proud and how it relates to the job. If you have received awards, be sure to mention them in your answer.

Example: “I was recently named employee of the month at my current grocery store. I’m very proud of this accomplishment because it’s something I worked hard for. It shows that I am a valuable member of the team who is committed to doing their best work every day.”

11. Tell us about yourself.

This is a common question that an interviewer may ask to get to know you better. They want to see if your personality and skills match the job description. In your answer, try to highlight some of your most relevant experiences and skills while also providing information about yourself.

Example: “I am a recent college graduate with a degree in business management. I have experience working as a cashier at my local grocery store where I learned how to interact with customers and solve problems. I am passionate about customer service and enjoy helping people find what they need. I am also detail-oriented and organized, which helps me stay focused on my work.”

12. Do you prefer to work alone or on a team?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you would be a good fit for IGA’s team-oriented culture. When answering, consider what your previous work experience has been like and how it compares to working in a team environment.

Example: “I have worked on my own before, but I prefer to work with others because I find that collaborating with others helps me come up with new ideas and solutions to problems. In my last position, I was able to work alongside other employees who were all experts in their respective fields. This helped us collaborate effectively and solve customer issues quickly.”

13. Are you comfortable using computers?

This question is a good way to assess your computer skills. It’s important for IGA employees to be comfortable using computers because they need to use the company’s online ordering system and other software programs. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any certifications you have or how often you use computers in your current role.

Example: “I am very comfortable using computers. In my last job, I was responsible for maintaining our company’s website and social media accounts. I also used computers regularly when placing orders through the company’s online ordering system. I feel confident that I could learn the IGA ordering system quickly.”

14. Tell us about a time where you thrived under pressure.

When answering this question, it can be beneficial to highlight your ability to work well under pressure and prioritize tasks. This is a great opportunity to showcase how you handle stress and manage time effectively.

Example: “I thrive under pressure because I know that the more stressful situations are, the more important they are. In my last role as an assistant manager at a grocery store, we had a rush of customers come in right before closing. We were short-staffed, but I knew that if we didn’t get everything done by close, our customers would leave unhappy. I took charge of the situation and delegated tasks to other employees so we could get everything done on time.”

15. Have you worked in any other related fields?

This question is a great way to show your experience and knowledge in the industry. If you have worked in other related fields, explain how they relate to working as an IGA cashier.

Example: “I’ve also worked as a grocery store cashier for five years at another supermarket chain. While my previous job was more focused on customer service, I learned that I enjoy working with customers who are looking for specific products. Working as an IGA cashier allows me to use my skills from both jobs to provide excellent customer service while helping customers find what they’re looking for.”

16. When can you start working?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your availability. They want to know if you can start working as soon as they hire you or if you need some time to get ready. Be honest about when you could start and be sure to mention any steps that might take longer than a few days, such as moving or getting your license.

Example: “I am available to start work immediately. I have all of my licenses and certifications in order, so there’s no waiting period on those. However, I do need to find a place to live before I can move here.”

17. Do you have any plans to go back to school in the future?

This question is a great way to learn about the applicant’s future goals. It can also help you determine if they have any plans to leave their current position in the near future. If an employee has plans to go back to school, it may be beneficial for you to offer them some time off or flexible hours so they can complete their degree.

Example: “I do plan on going back to school at some point in my life. I would love to get my master’s degree in business administration and open up my own store one day.”

18. What makes you qualified for this position?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your qualifications and how they relate to the job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list out your relevant skills and experience that you feel make you qualified for the position.

Example: “I have five years of experience in customer service, which has helped me develop excellent communication and problem-solving skills. I am also very organized and detail-oriented, which helps me stay on top of my work and meet deadlines. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of computers and software programs, which makes me well-suited for this role.”

19. What did you like most/least about your last job?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your personality and how you feel about the work environment. When answering this question, it can be helpful to focus on what you liked most about your last job so that you can emphasize your strengths.

Example: “The thing I enjoyed most about my last job was working with customers. I love helping people find exactly what they’re looking for and making sure they have a positive shopping experience. The least enjoyable part of my last job was having to work long hours without breaks. It’s important to take care of yourself while at work, but sometimes we had to stay late or come in early.”

20. What skills do you bring to this position?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and experience needed for this role. When answering, it can be helpful to list your relevant skills first and then explain how they apply to this position.

Example: “I am a highly organized individual who has excellent time management skills. I also have extensive customer service experience, which I believe will help me excel in this role. In my previous role as a cashier at a grocery store, I learned how to interact with customers of all ages and personalities. This skill set will allow me to provide quality customer service to all IGA Supermarkets’ online shoppers.”