20 Overstock.com Interview Questions and Answers

When you’re interviewing for a job at Overstock.com, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience with online retail, your knowledge of clearance pricing, and your ability to handle customer service inquiries. You may also be asked questions about your ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers that you can use to practice your responses.

Overstock.com Interview Process

The interview process at Overstock.com can vary depending on the position you are applying for, but generally speaking, it is a lengthy and difficult process. There have been reports of candidates being ghosted after multiple rounds of interviews, as well as reports of unprofessionalism from some of the interviewers. Overall, the experience seems to be mixed, with some people having positive experiences and others having negative ones.

1. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry customer. How did you handle the situation?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a challenging situation and if you have the ability to diffuse it. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and use your problem-solving skills to find solutions for customers.

Example: “I once had an angry customer who was upset because they didn’t receive their order on time. I listened to what they were saying and tried to understand why they were so frustrated. After finding out more about the issue, I apologized and offered them a discount on their next purchase. This helped diffuse the situation and showed them that I cared about their concerns.”

2. Why do you want to work at Overstock.com?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the company and how you can contribute to its success. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight what attracted you to Overstock.com as well as any research you’ve done on the company.

Example: “I’m very interested in working for an online retailer because I love technology and enjoy helping customers find exactly what they’re looking for. After researching Overstock.com, I was impressed by the company’s commitment to customer service and satisfaction. I think my skills and experience would be a great fit for this role.”

3. What are your thoughts on Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market?

This question is a great way to gauge your knowledge of the retail industry and how you feel about major changes in the market. Your answer should show that you understand the impact this acquisition has had on the industry, but also that you are excited for what it means for Overstock.com’s future.

Example: “I think Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market will be beneficial for both companies. I believe Amazon will use its resources to help improve customer service at Whole Foods locations while also helping to lower prices for consumers. As an avid shopper, I am looking forward to seeing what new products and services they introduce.”

4. As a software developer, how would you approach creating an online shopping experience for our customers?

This question is an opportunity to show your technical skills and how you can apply them to the role. Your answer should include a specific example of how you’ve used technology in a previous position to create an online shopping experience for customers.

Example: “In my last position, I was tasked with creating a new website design that would be more user-friendly than our current platform. I started by researching what features were most important to our customers when they shopped online. After conducting surveys and interviews, I found that many customers preferred mobile shopping experiences because it’s easier to compare products on their phones. So, I designed a responsive website that automatically adjusts to fit any screen size.”

5. Provide an example of a project that you worked on where you were able to incorporate innovative ideas into the project.

This question is an opportunity to show your potential employer that you are a creative thinker and can apply innovative ideas to the work environment. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific examples of how your unique ideas helped improve processes or achieve company goals.

Example: “At my previous job, I was tasked with creating a new marketing campaign for our brand. After researching our target audience, I decided to create a social media campaign where we would give away free products to customers who shared photos of themselves using our product. This idea increased our online presence by 30% within the first month of the campaign.”

6. Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

This question is a great way to determine how well you will fit into the company’s culture. When answering, it can be helpful to mention one or two specific skills that help you thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Example: “I am very comfortable working in a fast-paced environment because I have experience with multiple projects at once and I’m used to multitasking. In my last position, I was responsible for managing social media accounts while also creating content for our blog. This required me to work quickly but still ensure that all of my tasks were completed accurately.”

7. Can you tell us about a time when you had to manage multiple projects at once and faced challenges doing so?

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

Example: “In my last role as a marketing manager for a small business, I had to balance multiple projects at once while also managing client expectations. One of my main responsibilities was creating content for social media platforms, which required me to create new posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter daily. This task could be challenging because I needed to find relevant topics that would appeal to our target audience and write engaging copy in a short amount of time.”

8. Do you have any experience managing a team of software engineers?

This question is a great way to determine if you have the skills and experience needed for this role. If you don’t, it’s okay to say so, but you can also explain what leadership qualities you possess that would help you in this role.

Example: “I’ve never had the opportunity to manage software engineers, however I do have experience managing other types of employees. In my last position as an IT manager, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of our technology infrastructure. This included hiring new staff members, training existing ones and making sure we were using the latest technologies.”

9. What is your experience with Java?

Java is a programming language that Overstock.com uses in its backend operations. Your answer should show the interviewer your experience with Java and how you would use it to benefit their company.

Example: “I have worked with Java for over five years, so I am very familiar with the syntax and functions of the language. In my last role as an e-commerce developer, I used Java to create web applications that integrated with the company’s existing systems. This allowed me to streamline processes and improve customer service.”

10. Have you ever reviewed code written by someone else?

This question can help the interviewer determine your ability to review code and make edits. Use examples from previous jobs or explain how you would approach reviewing someone else’s code if it was necessary.

Example: “In my last role, I worked with a developer who wrote some of the most efficient code I’ve ever seen. However, he didn’t always write his code in the same way each time, which made it difficult for me to understand what he did when I needed to edit something later on. To solve this problem, I created a coding standard that we used throughout our department. This allowed us to create consistent code while also making it easier for me to find specific elements.”

11. Which areas of computer science interest you the most?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the field and how you can apply it to this role. If you have experience in any areas that Overstock.com needs, such as data mining or machine learning, be sure to mention them.

Example: “I am very interested in artificial intelligence and its applications for business. I’ve been following some of the advancements in deep learning and neural networks, and I think they could really help Overstock.com streamline its operations. I would love to work on implementing these technologies into the company’s marketing strategies.”

12. We’re looking for someone who can identify potential problems before they arise. When was the last time you identified a problem before it occurred?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of how you identified the issue and fixed it before it became a major problem for your employer or company.

Example: “At my last job, I noticed that our shipping department was running low on boxes. This could have been a big problem if we didn’t address it right away. I spoke with the shipping manager about the issue and he informed me that they were expecting a large shipment in two days. We ordered more boxes so there would be enough for the shipment and any returns.”

13. What type of programming languages have you used in the past?

Overstock.com uses a variety of programming languages to create its website and mobile applications, so the interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with any of these languages. Before your interview, review the job description to see which languages they use most often. In your answer, share which languages you are familiar with and explain why you feel qualified for the position.

Example: “I’ve used Java, C++ and Python in my previous roles as a software engineer. I enjoy working with these languages because they allow me to build complex systems that can scale as the company grows. Overstock.com is an established brand, so I know that scaling will be important.”

14. What are some ways you stay up with the latest trends in technology?

Technology is constantly changing, and the interviewer may want to know how you keep up with these changes. You can answer this question by describing your experience using new technology and explaining why it’s important for you to learn about new advancements in the field.

Example: “I have a background in computer science, so I’m always learning more about the latest developments in coding and software development. In my last role as an IT manager, I implemented several new technologies into our company, including voice-activated computers and virtual reality headsets. These advances helped us streamline our processes and improve customer service.”

15. How would you go about identifying popular items based on historical data?

This question is a great way to assess your analytical skills and how you can use them to benefit the company. Use examples from previous jobs where you used data analysis to identify popular items or trends in the industry.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for identifying which products were selling well based on historical data. This allowed me to create marketing campaigns that would appeal to customers who had previously purchased those products. For example, if we noticed that a certain brand of shoes was selling well during the summer months, we could then market similar styles of shoes during that time period.”

16. What motivates you to be successful?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and understand what drives you. Your answer should reflect your personal values, goals or ambitions.

Example: “I am motivated by helping others succeed. I love being part of a team that works together to achieve common goals. In my last role, I was able to motivate my coworkers to work hard and meet our sales targets. I also enjoy learning new things and challenging myself to improve my skills.”

17. Describe your managerial style.

This question is an opportunity to show your potential employer that you have the skills and experience necessary for a managerial position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe how you would manage a team of employees at Overstock.com.

Example: “I believe in being both a mentor and a motivator. I think it’s important to provide my team with guidance and feedback while also encouraging them to take on new challenges. In my last role as a manager, I noticed that some of my employees were hesitant to ask questions or voice their opinions. To help encourage open communication, I scheduled weekly meetings where everyone could discuss any concerns they had about work.”

18. Why should we hire you over another candidate?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight specific experiences or skills that are relevant to the job description.

Example: “I believe I am an excellent candidate for this position because of my extensive knowledge of brand names and clearance items. In my previous role as a retail associate at Macy’s, I learned how to identify quality products from brands like Coach and Michael Kors. This skill has helped me find many deals on Overstock.com in the past, which makes me feel confident that I would be able to do the same here.”

19. What do you know about Overstock.com as a company?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its values. It also shows that you have done some research on the company before applying for the job. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you know what Overstock.com does as well as how long it has been in business.

Example: “I’ve shopped at Overstock.com for years because I love finding brand-name products at discounted prices. I’m familiar with the company’s mission statement, which is ‘to help customers find unique items they can’t live without at prices they won’t believe.’ The company was founded in 1999 by Patrick M. Byrne, who still serves as CEO today.”

20. What is your experience with E-Commerce platforms?

E-commerce platforms are the software that allow users to shop online. The interviewer may ask this question to determine your experience with a specific platform and how it compares to Overstock’s current platform, which is called Magento. In your answer, explain what you know about the company’s current platform and highlight any relevant skills or knowledge you have regarding E-commerce platforms in general.

Example: “I’ve used Magento before as an e-commerce platform for my previous employer. I’m familiar with its features and functions, including shipping options, payment processing and inventory management. I also understand the importance of security when using an E-commerce platform like Magento.”