17 Optical Sales Associate Interview Questions and Answers

Working as an optical sales associate can be a great opportunity to help people look and feel their best. This career can also be a stepping stone to a career in the optical industry.

If you’re looking for a job in optical sales, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. One way to prepare for this important meeting is to learn how to answer optical sales associate interview questions before talking with an interviewer.

Employers look for optical sales associates who are trustworthy, reliable, well organized, and able to solve problems. You’ll also need physical strength and stamina, as well as knowledge of the best ways to clean different types of optical equipment. A sales associate interview is your chance to show that you’ve polished these skills to a shine. To help you get ready, we’ve listed optical sales associate questions and answers that will help you figure out what you want to say during an interview.

Are you familiar with the most up-to-date eye care technology?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are knowledgeable about the latest advancements in eye care technology. They want to make sure that you can provide customers with information on the newest products and services, as well as educate them on how these new technologies can benefit their vision health. In your answer, try to mention a few of the most recent advances in eyewear technology and explain why they’re beneficial for consumers.

Example: “I am very familiar with the latest advancements in eyewear technology. For example, I know that many brands have started using polarized lenses in their sunglasses because it helps reduce glare from the sun. Another advancement is the introduction of anti-reflective coating on glasses, which makes it easier for people to see when wearing their glasses outside. These two advancements alone help me better serve my customers.”

What are some of the most important qualities for an effective optical sales associate?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills and abilities necessary for success in their optical store. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest qualities that relate to working as an optical sales associate.

Example: “I believe some of the most important qualities for an effective optical sales associate are patience, organization and communication skills. As an optical sales associate, I would regularly interact with customers who may be nervous about getting new glasses or contacts. Having patience is important so I can help them feel comfortable while they’re shopping. Organization is also important because I’d need to keep track of many different frames and lenses. Finally, good communication skills are essential since I would be interacting with both customers and other employees.”

How would you handle a difficult customer?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills and confidence to handle challenging customers. They want to know that you can help a customer find what they’re looking for, answer their questions and resolve any issues they may have in a calm and professional manner. In your answer, share an example of how you handled a difficult customer in the past and what steps you took to resolve the situation.

Example: “In my previous role as an optical sales associate, I had a customer who was very upset about her prescription. She said she couldn’t see clearly with her glasses and wanted to return them. I asked her if there was anything we could do to fix the problem or if she would like to try another pair. After trying on several pairs, she decided to keep the glasses but come back later if she wasn’t happy with them.”

What is your experience with selling optical products?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how you might fit into their company. If you have previous experience selling optical products, share what types of products you sold and any unique or challenging experiences you had. If you don’t have direct experience selling optical products, you can talk about other sales positions you’ve held in the past.

Example: “I worked as an optical sales associate for two years at a local eyeglasses store. I started out helping customers find frames that suited their style and budget, but eventually I became more comfortable with recommending specific brands and styles based on customer needs. One time, I was working with a customer who needed glasses to correct her vision. She wanted something stylish, but also functional. We tried several different pairs before she found one that met all of her criteria.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided excellent customer service.

Customer service is an important part of working in retail. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience providing quality customer service and can help their customers find the right eyewear for them. In your answer, share a specific example of when you helped a customer with their eyeglasses needs. Explain what steps you took to ensure they were happy with their purchase.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, I had a customer who was looking for new glasses but wasn’t sure what style would look best on her face. She tried on several pairs, but none seemed to fit her personality or style. I asked her questions about her favorite colors and hobbies so we could find frames that matched her interests. After asking these questions, she decided on a pair of tortoise-shell glasses. She loved them and said she felt more confident wearing them.”

If a customer came in with a prescription for -1.50 in both eyes, -1.50 in the right eye and -1.00 in the left eye, what would the total lens power be?

This question tests your knowledge of optical terminology and how to apply it in a real-world situation. It also shows the interviewer that you can work with customers who have more complex prescriptions.

Example: “The total lens power would be -3.00, as the right eye is -1.50 and the left eye is -1.00. This customer would need glasses for distance and reading.”

What would you do if you noticed a customer wearing their new glasses outside the store without the protective case?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a situation that could arise in your role. Your answer should show that you are willing to take responsibility for helping customers and ensuring they have all of their materials when they leave the store.

Example: “If I noticed a customer wearing their glasses without the protective case, I would politely ask them if they had lost it or not received one with their purchase. If they did not receive one, I would offer to give them another pair at no cost so they could keep one in the case. If they already had a case, I would explain that they need to use both the case and the glasses to protect them from damage.”

How well can you see without your glasses or contacts?

Employers ask this question to make sure you can see well enough to sell eyeglasses and contact lenses. They want someone who is able to clearly communicate with customers about the products they’re selling. If you have a vision impairment, be honest about it and explain how you overcome any challenges that come from your disability.

Example: “I wear glasses for distance but I don’t need them for reading or close-up work. I’ve been wearing my current prescription for five years now so I’m used to seeing without them. However, if I didn’t have my glasses on, I would use a handheld magnifying glass to read small print. I also know what questions to ask when helping customers find their correct prescription.”

Do you have a strong social media presence?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have a social media presence and how you use it. They want to know that you can promote their business on your own time, outside of work hours. In your answer, explain what social media platforms you use and why you choose them. Share any experience you have with using these platforms for marketing or promotion.

Example: “I do have a strong social media presence, as I’ve been active on all the major platforms for years now. I started my Instagram account when I was in high school, so I’m quite familiar with the platform. I also have an active Facebook page where I share content from other pages and brands I like. I find that both of these platforms are great for connecting with people who share similar interests.”

When is the best time to schedule an eye exam?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of when to schedule appointments for customers. You can answer this question by explaining how you would approach scheduling appointments and what factors you would consider in making these decisions.

Example: “I believe that it’s important to schedule eye exams at a time when patients are most likely to be available. For example, if I’m working with someone who has an appointment during their lunch break, I might suggest they come back after work so they don’t have to rush through their meal. If I know a customer is going on vacation soon, I may recommend they get their exam sooner rather than later so they can enjoy their trip without worrying about their vision.”

We want to increase customer engagement on social media. How would you use social media to promote our products?

Employers want to know that you can use social media effectively and create engaging content. In your answer, show the employer how you would promote their products on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Example: “I have a large following on my personal Instagram account where I post photos of eyewear and sunglasses. I would take pictures of our store’s merchandise and share them with my followers. I also plan to follow some popular bloggers who are known for sharing stylish eyewear. If they wear our brand, it could increase sales.”

Describe your experience with selling online.

Many optical stores have online sales, and employers want to know if you’ve had experience selling products through an e-commerce platform. This question can also help them determine whether you’re familiar with the company’s website or not. If you don’t have any experience selling online, explain that you’re excited to learn about their system.

Example: “I’ve worked in a brick-and-mortar store for five years now, but I’m very comfortable with selling online as well. In fact, my previous employer offered free shipping on all orders over $50, so I was used to helping customers find the right frames and lenses while they shopped online. I think it’s important to be able to offer both options to our customers.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their business. Before your interview, read the job description thoroughly and highlight any skills or qualities that match your own experience. In your answer, share a few of these skills and explain how they would benefit the company.

Example: “I have excellent customer service skills, which I developed through my previous position as an optician’s assistant. I also have extensive knowledge of eyewear products and services, including different types of lenses and frames. These skills make me a great candidate for this role because I can provide customers with valuable information and help them find the right pair of glasses.”

Which optical products do you enjoy selling the most?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of interest in working at their optical store. It also helps them understand which products you’re knowledgeable about and passionate about selling. When answering this question, try to focus on products that are unique or innovative. You can also mention any products you’ve sold before that have been successful for the company.

Example: “I really enjoy helping customers find frames that fit their style and personality. I feel like finding a great pair of glasses is an exciting process, so I love being able to guide people through it. I also think sunglasses are fun to sell because there are so many different styles to choose from. I’m always excited when someone comes into the store looking for new sunglasses.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customer service?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you prioritize your customer service skills. Your answer should show that you understand what customers value most when shopping for eyewear and optical products.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of customer service is making sure my customers feel valued and respected. I always try to make eye contact with them, greet them warmly and listen carefully to their questions or concerns. When they leave the store, I want them to know that we care about their experience and will do whatever we can to ensure they have a positive one.”

How often should a person get their eyes examined?

This question can help the interviewer determine how often you recommend eye exams to your customers. It’s important for optical sales associates to be able to provide advice and recommendations about when their customers should get their eyes examined, so it’s a good idea to prepare an answer that shows you know what is appropriate.

Example: “I believe everyone should have their eyes examined at least once every two years. This allows us to check for any changes in vision or other issues with the eyes. If someone has no symptoms of vision problems, I would recommend they wait until age 20 to get their first exam.”

There is a sale on frames, but the customer’s prescription doesn’t work with any of the frames in stock. What do you do?

This question is a great way to test your customer service skills. It also shows the interviewer how you would handle an awkward situation and make it positive for both the customer and the store.

Example: “I would first apologize to the customer, but then I would offer them a discount on their next purchase if they come back in when we have more frames available. If there are no other frames that work with their prescription, I would ask my manager if we could order new frames from our supplier so that we can fulfill the sale.”