20 New Balance Interview Questions and Answers

New Balance is a company that is always on the lookout for new talent. If you are interested in working for this company, you will need to be prepared to answer some specific interview questions. In this article, we will provide you with some sample New Balance interview questions and answers.

New Balance Interview Process

The interview process at New Balance is generally positive, with most reviewers finding it to be quick, easy, and professional. However, some corporate roles may require multiple interviews over the course of several months, which can be frustrating for candidates. Overall, the company seems to prioritize cultural fit and personality over experience or qualifications.

1. Why do you want to work at New Balance?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of interest in working for their company. It’s important to show that you’ve done some research on New Balance and understand what makes it unique. You should highlight any aspects of the company that appeal to you, such as its mission statement or values.

Example: “I want to work at New Balance because I admire how much the company prioritizes employee well-being. In my last job, I worked with a team member who had an injury but still came into work every day. When she finally went to see her doctor, they told her she needed surgery immediately. She was worried about missing work, but when she brought up the issue to her manager, he said that if she needed time off, she could take it without fear of losing her job.”

2. Do you have any experience working in a team environment?

New Balance is a company that values teamwork and collaboration. They want to know if you have experience working in teams, how you function as part of a team and what your strengths are when it comes to collaborating with others.

Example: “I’ve worked in a team environment for the past five years at my current job. I’m used to communicating with other employees about projects and ideas. My favorite thing about working in a team is being able to bounce ideas off of each other and collaborate on solutions. It’s always nice to get different perspectives from people who work in different departments.”

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

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be prepared with an answer that shows your strengths while also being honest about any weaknesses you may have. When answering this question, consider the skills listed on the job description and highlight how your strengths would help you perform those duties.

Example: “My greatest strength is my attention to detail. I am very organized and methodical when performing tasks, which makes me great at organizing projects and managing time. My weakness is that sometimes I can get overwhelmed by large projects or assignments. To overcome this, I make sure to break down larger projects into smaller steps so they are more manageable.”

4. Describe a time when you had to handle an angry customer. How did you resolve the situation?

When working in customer service, you may encounter customers who are upset or angry. Employers ask this question to make sure that you have the skills and experience needed to handle these situations effectively. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and resolve conflicts quickly.

Example: “When I worked at a local shoe store, I had an older woman come into the store looking for her favorite pair of shoes. Unfortunately, we didn’t carry those shoes anymore. The woman was very upset about this, but I remained calm and explained that we no longer carried them because they were out of stock. She seemed satisfied with my explanation and left the store.”

5. What are some of the qualities that make up a successful sales associate?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have what it takes to succeed in a sales position. Use your answer to highlight some of your best qualities and how they can help you be successful at New Balance.

Example: “I believe that being a successful sales associate requires having strong communication skills, as well as a genuine interest in helping customers find shoes that fit their needs. I am also very organized and detail-oriented, which helps me stay on top of my work and meet deadlines. Finally, I think it’s important to be passionate about the products we sell, so I always try to learn more about the company and its history.”

6. If hired, how would you convince a customer to purchase a certain pair of shoes?

This question is an opportunity to show your sales skills and how you can help the company increase its revenue. Your answer should include a specific example of how you convinced a customer to buy a product or service in the past.

Example: “I once worked at a shoe store where I sold running shoes to customers who were looking for new athletic shoes. One day, a man came into the store looking for a pair of running shoes that would be good for his knees. After talking with him about his injury and what he was looking for in a shoe, I showed him several pairs of New Balance sneakers that could help support his knee while also being lightweight enough for him to run in.”

7. Tell us about a time where you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and passion for customer service. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific situation where you went above and beyond for a customer or client.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a customer who was looking for a pair of shoes that would help with his plantar fasciitis. He tried on several pairs of shoes but none seemed to work. I asked him if he could come back in an hour so I could look through our inventory again. After searching the warehouse, I found a different style of shoe that might work better for him. He came back later that day and bought those shoes.”

8. When was the last time you received negative feedback from a manager or supervisor? How did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you respond to constructive criticism. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of receiving negative feedback and what steps you took to improve in that area.

Example: “When I first started working as a sales associate at a department store, my manager gave me some constructive criticism on my customer service skills. At first, I was upset by her comments because I felt like I was doing everything I could to provide excellent service to customers. However, she explained that there were several areas where I could improve, including greeting customers with a smile and asking them if they needed any assistance. After our meeting, I practiced these techniques during every shift until I became comfortable using them.”

9. What made you decide to apply to this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your interest in the role and company. They want to know what attracted you to their open position, so they can understand if you’re a good fit for the job. Before your interview, make sure you read through the job description thoroughly. Review any requirements or skills that you have. Make sure you include these details in your answer.

Example: “I applied to this position because I was looking for a new challenge. My previous employer had me working on one project for quite some time, and I wanted to work on something different. When I saw this position, I knew it would be a great opportunity for me. I am very interested in New Balance’s mission statement, and I think my experience could help benefit the company.”

10. Do you have any experience managing people?

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and management experience. If you have previous managerial experience, be sure to highlight the responsibilities of that role.

Example: “I’ve had several roles where I was responsible for managing people. In my last position as an assistant manager at a local restaurant, I oversaw five servers and two cooks. I trained all new employees on company policies and procedures, and I also handled any customer complaints or concerns. As a result, our team became more efficient and productive.”

11. Which shift are you available to work?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are available for the hours they need. Before your interview, check out the company’s website or job listing to see what shifts they’re hiring for. If you can’t find any information about their schedule, ask them directly when the different shifts start and end.

Example: “I am available to work any shift that New Balance needs me. I know some companies have certain days where they only hire one type of employee, so I would be happy to work whatever day is needed.”

12. At New Balance we value integrity. Give me an example of a time where you showed integrity at work.

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong moral compass and can be trusted. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your honesty and integrity while also showing how it benefited your employer or coworkers.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working on a project with another employee who had been there for many years. He asked me if I could complete his portion of the project because he needed to leave early due to a family emergency. I agreed to help him out, but when I turned in the project, I included his work as well so that our supervisor would know that we both completed our assignments.”

13. This job will require occasional travel. Is that something you can commit to?

Travel is a common part of many jobs, and it’s important that you’re comfortable with the amount of travel required for this role. If you have concerns about traveling, be honest about them in your answer.

Example: “I’m excited to get started on my career path, but I do have some concerns about frequent travel. I’ve never been out of state before, so I’m not sure how well I’ll handle long trips away from home. However, I am eager to learn new things and meet new people, so I would like to give it a try.”

14. We try to host events every month to build community with our customers. Do you have any ideas for upcoming events?

This question is an opportunity to show your creativity and how you can contribute ideas to the company. When answering this question, think of ways you could improve current events or create new ones that would benefit customers.

Example: “I love New Balance’s customer appreciation day where they give out free shoes to anyone who comes in. I think it would be fun to have a similar event but with different products like socks or apparel. Another idea I had was to host a shoe-making workshop for kids so they can learn about the process of making shoes.”

15. Have you ever fired someone before? If so, what was the reason?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your leadership skills. It’s important to show that you’re willing to make tough decisions when necessary, but also that you can do so in a compassionate and respectful manner.

Example: “I have had to fire an employee before, although it was not something I enjoyed doing. The employee was consistently late to work, which negatively affected their performance on the job. After several warnings, I decided that termination was the best option. I met with them privately and explained why they were being fired. I offered to help them find another position within the company if they wanted to stay.”

16. Are you willing to work overtime if the need arises?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re willing to work extra hours when needed. This is especially important for positions that require a lot of customer service, as they may need you to stay late if there’s a rush of customers or during the holiday season. When answering this question, be honest about your willingness to put in overtime and explain why you feel it’s important to do so.

Example: “I am happy to work overtime if necessary. I know how important it is to have enough staff on hand at all times, especially during peak shopping seasons. I also understand that sometimes things happen that require employees to stay later than usual. In those situations, I would be more than happy to help out.”

17. What type of management style motivates you the most?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your management style aligns with that of New Balance. Your answer should reflect a desire to be managed in a way that motivates you and allows you to perform at your best.

Example: “I respond well to managers who are supportive, but also hold me accountable for my work. I like when managers give me feedback on how I can improve and praise me when I do something right. I think this type of management style is important because it helps employees feel valued while also motivating them to continue performing well.”

18. Tell us about a time where you lead a project. What were the results?

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and how you can apply them in the workplace. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your ability to work with others and delegate tasks.

Example: “In my previous role as an assistant manager at a local shoe store, I was responsible for organizing our annual sale event. This event included discounts on all of our products, free gift wrapping and refreshments for customers. To organize this event, I worked with my team to create a marketing plan that would attract more customers during the sale. We also created a list of employees who were available to help out with the event so we could ensure everything went smoothly.”

19. In order to be successful at this job you must be able to keep track of inventory and regularly check stock levels. Can you tell us about a time when you had to keep track of an inventory?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to multitask and prioritize. It also gives the interviewer insight into how you might handle this responsibility in your new role.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for keeping track of inventory levels on a weekly basis. This involved checking stock levels at least once per week and making adjustments as needed. If we were running low on any products, I would place an order with our supplier before it became a problem.”

20. There may be times during the year that you have to manage multiple employees and projects at once. Would you be comfortable doing that?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience managing a team and how well you work with others. It’s important to show that you’re willing to take on this responsibility, especially if it’s part of your job description.

Example: “I’ve had multiple responsibilities at my previous jobs, so I’m comfortable taking on more than one project or task at once. In fact, I find that multitasking helps me get things done faster and more efficiently. I also enjoy working with other people, so I would be happy to manage a team as long as I have the support I need.”