20 Mattress Firm Interview Questions and Answers

When you’re interviewing for a job at Mattress Firm, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience in customer service and sales, as well as your knowledge of mattresses and bedding products. The interviewer will also want to know about your ability to handle difficult customer situations and your availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample Mattress Firm interview questions and answers.

Mattress Firm Interview Process

The interview process at Mattress Firm can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For internships, the process is fast and easy to follow. Retail Sales Associates may have a meet and greet interview in a very informal setting. Sleep Experts may have an interview that is very conversational and relaxed. The questions asked in the interview process will also depend on the position you are applying for. For example, questions for a Sales Associate may revolve around customer service and sales experiences, while questions for a Warehouse Worker may be more straight-forward about the job itself. Overall, the interview process seems to be positive and professional.

1. Are you comfortable with a commission based sales position?

This question is an opportunity to show your interest in the position and how you would perform if hired. A commission based sales position can be a great way to earn more money, but it also requires hard work and dedication. When answering this question, consider discussing what motivates you and why you are interested in working at Mattress Firm.

Example: “I am very motivated by earning money through my performance. I know that with a commission based sales position comes a lot of hard work, but I’m excited for the challenge. I believe I have the skills necessary to succeed in this type of role.”

2. Do you have any furniture or mattress sales experience?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your experience is relevant to this position. If you have sales experience, share a time when you helped customers find what they needed and how it helped them. If you don’t have sales experience, explain any other customer service or management experience that relates to this role.

Example: “I worked as a cashier at a local furniture store for two years while I was in college. During my time there, I learned about different types of wood and leathers and how to help customers find the right pieces for their homes. I also gained valuable communication skills from interacting with so many people every day.”

3. Can you tell me about a time when you had to upsell on a sale, what did you say and how was it received?

Upselling is a common practice in the mattress industry, and it’s important to be able to do this effectively. This question allows you to show your sales skills and how you can help customers find what they need.

Example: “I had a customer who came into the store looking for a new mattress. They were interested in our most affordable option but I was able to explain that while it would work for them now, it wouldn’t last as long as one of our more expensive options. The customer agreed to try out the more expensive model and ended up buying it.”

4. Why do you think you would be a good fit for Mattress Firm?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your qualifications and how you view yourself as an employee. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight any specific skills or experiences that make you a good fit for the position.

Example: “I think I would be a great fit for Mattress Firm because of my customer service experience. In my previous role, I worked in retail where I learned how important it is to provide excellent customer service. I am committed to helping customers find the best mattress for their needs and ensuring they are happy with their purchase. I also have extensive knowledge of mattresses and sleep products, which I gained through my research and personal use.”

5. How important is customer service to you?

Customer service is an important part of working in retail. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of providing excellent customer service to their customers. In your answer, explain that you value treating customers with respect and helping them find a mattress they love. Explain that you will do everything you can to help customers feel comfortable while shopping at Mattress Firm.

Example: “Customer service is extremely important to me. I believe it’s my job as a sales associate to provide the best possible experience for every single customer who walks through our doors. I know how stressful buying a new mattress can be, so I would do everything I could to make sure each customer felt comfortable and confident in their purchase. I am also very knowledgeable about all of our products, so I would be able to answer any questions they have.”

6. What are your strengths as they relate to this job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. They want to know what makes you unique, so be sure to highlight a few of your strongest skills that relate to the job description.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which is why I love working in retail. I also have excellent communication skills, so I can help customers find exactly what they’re looking for. Finally, I’m very friendly and enjoy helping others, so I always make sure my customers are happy.”

7. Tell me about a time when you felt like you provided exceptional customer service.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you feel about your customer service skills and whether they are important to you. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you helped a customer find what they were looking for or assisted them with their needs.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a lot of customers who would come in looking for mattresses that fit their budget. One day, I was helping a woman who wanted a mattress but didn’t want to spend more than $500 on it. I showed her some options that she could afford and even found one that was on sale so she could save money.”

8. How would you handle an angry customer who just bought a bed that has gone on sale since the purchase date?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you have experience with it. It also helps them understand your customer service skills, which are important for this position. In your answer, try to show that you value customers’ opinions and want to make sure they’re happy.

Example: “I would first apologize to the customer for the inconvenience of having a bed go on sale after their purchase date. I would then offer to either give them the difference in price or find another bed that is similar but at the lower price. If they still wanted the original bed, I would work with my manager to see if we could get it from our inventory or order it again.”

9. You are working at the cash register and notice that a co-worker is not following company policy, what would you do?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you would first speak with the employee in private about the policy and how they could improve their performance.

Example: “If I noticed a co-worker was not following company policy, I would first approach them privately and ask if there was anything I could do to help them perform better at their job. If they were having trouble with any aspect of their job, I would offer to help them learn or practice new tasks. If they did not want my help, I would tell them that I would report their behavior to management.”

10. Describe a time where you made a mistake, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you learn from mistakes. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a mistake that was not too serious but still shows the interviewer that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions.

Example: “When I first started working at my previous job, I accidentally deleted an important file. Instead of trying to cover up what happened, I immediately told my manager about what had happened. They were very understanding and appreciated that I came forward with the information right away. We worked together to find a solution to fix the issue.”

11. Give us an example of a time when you were able to successfully persuade someone to see things your way at work.

This question can allow you to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to persuade others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you persuaded someone who was initially hesitant or disagreed with you.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a coworker who wasn’t sure about the new marketing campaign we were launching. He thought that our current strategy was working well enough and didn’t want to spend money on something new. I explained why I believed the new campaign would help us reach more customers and increase sales. After hearing my reasoning, he agreed to support the new campaign.”

12. When was the last time you had to use math in order to solve a problem?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you use math in your daily life. It can also show them that you have a basic understanding of math and its applications. When answering this question, try to think of an example from your previous job or one from your personal life.

Example: “In my last position as a sales associate at a department store, I had to calculate discounts on sale items quite often. This was especially true during Black Friday when we would offer deep discounts on many products. In my personal life, I’ve used math to budget for my expenses each month.”

13. What kind of hours are you looking for?

Mattress Firm is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, so the interviewer wants to make sure you’re available for these hours. They also want to know if you have any scheduling preferences or limitations. If you are looking for more flexible hours, be honest about your availability and explain why.

Example: “I am looking for full-time work, but I would prefer to work part time at first. My husband just started his own business, so we need to see how that goes before committing to more than 30 hours per week. Once he has been in business for six months, I will be able to commit to 40 hours per week.”

14. What does great customer service mean to you?

Customer service is a vital part of working in retail. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand what great customer service looks like and how it can help your customers have a positive experience at their store. In your answer, explain that great customer service means being friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the products you’re selling. You should also be able to solve any problems a customer has with ease.

Example: “Great customer service means making my customers feel welcome and appreciated. It’s important for me to greet them as soon as they walk into the store and find out if there’s anything I can do to help them right away. If they need help finding something or want to know more about a product, I’m always happy to provide assistance. When someone buys a mattress from us, I want them to leave feeling confident that they made the right decision.”

15. We are looking for people who can adapt well to changes in their schedule, can you give an example of a time where you had to make quick adjustments to your schedule and how you handled it?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to adapt quickly and effectively. It’s important to be honest in this situation, as you want the employer to know that you can handle unexpected changes well.

Example: “I once had a client who was looking for a mattress set with a specific type of material. I spent over two hours searching for the right one, but when I finally found it, they decided they didn’t want it after all. This meant I had to start my search from scratch again. However, I was able to find another one within 30 minutes. The client was happy with their purchase, and I learned how to better manage my time.”

16. What challenges are you looking for in your next position?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you are a good fit for their company. They may ask this to see how you handle challenges and what your goals are in your career. When answering, think about what you would change about your current position or workplace. Try to focus on positive changes that will benefit everyone.

Example: “I am looking for a position where I can use my customer service skills every day. In my last job, I was often frustrated because I had to work with customers who were not happy. I want to find a position where I can help people find exactly what they need and make them feel comfortable. I also want to find a position where I can grow as an employee.”

17. Are you comfortable managing others?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills. As a salesperson, you may be responsible for managing other employees in the store. Show that you have experience with this responsibility and can handle it well.

Example: “I’ve been working as a manager at my current job for two years now. I started out as a sales associate but was promoted after consistently meeting our goals. My team members are always willing to help each other when we’re busy, which makes delegating tasks easy. We work together to make sure customers leave happy.”

18. Working retail requires a lot of standing, are you prepared for that?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your physical stamina and overall health. They want to make sure you can handle the demands of working in retail, especially if it involves standing for long periods of time. In your answer, explain that you are physically fit and ready to stand all day if necessary.

Example: “I am an avid runner who regularly exercises. I know how important it is to stay healthy, so I try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. This helps me feel energized throughout my workday and prepared for any challenges that may come up.”

19. What skills do you bring to this position?

This question is an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills and experience. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include a brief description of the skill or two that you feel are most important for success in this role.

Example: “I have excellent customer service skills, which I believe are essential for working at a company like Mattress Firm. I also have extensive knowledge about mattresses and sleep products, which would help me provide customers with more information than they may already know. Finally, I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which helps me stay on top of my work.”

20. Do you consider yourself a competitive person?

Mattress Firm is a competitive industry, and the interviewer wants to know if you’re comfortable with that. They want to make sure you can handle working in an environment where there are sales goals and other employees trying to outsell you. Your answer should show that you’re willing to work hard for success but also that you understand it’s not always about winning or losing.

Example: “I’m definitely a competitive person, but I don’t think of it as ‘winning’ or ‘losing.’ Instead, I see it as doing my best and giving it everything I have. If someone else sells more than me one day, I’ll be happy for them because I know they worked hard for it too. I just try to do better the next time.”