20 Performance Bicycle Interview Questions and Answers

Performance Bicycle is one of the largest specialty bicycle retailers in the United States. With over 100 stores nationwide, Performance Bicycle offers a wide selection of bicycles, cycling gear, and accessories for every type of rider.

If you’re hoping to land a job at Performance Bicycle, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and knowledge of the cycling industry. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of sample Performance Bicycle interview questions and answers.

Performance Bicycle Interview Process

The interview process at Performance Bicycle can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For sales associate positions, the process is generally quick and easy. You will likely have an interview with the store manager, during which time you will be asked about your experience and goals. The interview may last up to 30 minutes. For more managerial positions, the interview process may be more detailed and include multiple interviews.

1. Describe your experience working with a team.

Working with a team is an important part of many jobs, including those in the bicycle industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working as part of a group and that you know how to be a good teammate. In your answer, explain what it means to work well with others. Share an example of when you helped a team succeed.

Example: “I’ve always been passionate about cycling, so I joined my high school’s cycling club. We had weekly meetings where we discussed our goals for the week and talked about any challenges we were having. During races, we would all cheer each other on and offer advice if someone needed it. This was one of my favorite experiences because I learned so much from my teammates.”

2. Tell me about how you would approach an upset customer.

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle customer service situations. They want to know that you can empathize with customers and resolve their concerns in a positive way. In your answer, try to show the interviewer that you are willing to help customers and provide excellent customer service.

Example: “I would first make sure I understood what the customer’s issue was. Then, I would apologize for any inconvenience they experienced and offer them a solution. If it was within my power to fix the problem, I would do so immediately. If not, I would find out when I could solve the problem and follow up with the customer as soon as possible.”

3. What are some things that make Performance Bicycle different from other bike shops?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the company and how it stands out from its competitors. You can highlight some unique aspects of Performance Bicycle, such as its customer service or its commitment to cycling culture.

Example: “Performance Bicycle has a great reputation for being one of the best bike shops in the country. I’ve heard that they have excellent customer service and knowledgeable staff members who are always willing to help customers find what they need. Another thing that makes them different is their dedication to supporting local communities through events like Bike to Work Day. They also sponsor many professional cyclists, which shows their commitment to the sport.”

4. How do you think cycling can change the world?

This question is a great way to see how passionate you are about cycling and its impact on the world. It also shows your interviewer that you understand the importance of cycling in society. When answering this question, it can be helpful to talk about specific ways you’ve seen cycling change people’s lives or communities.

Example: “Cycling has changed my life for the better, so I think it can do the same for others. In my hometown, there was a community bike shop where anyone could go to learn how to repair their bikes. This shop helped many people who couldn’t afford new bikes get back on two wheels. I believe that if more people rode bikes, we would have less traffic congestion and pollution.”

5. Why should we hire you over someone else?

Employers ask this question to see if you have the confidence and self-awareness to sell yourself. They want someone who can confidently answer this question, but also be honest about their skills and experience. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your unique strengths while also being humble.

Example: “I am confident that I would be a great fit for this position because of my customer service skills. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in several different roles where I had to interact with customers. In each role, I learned how to make customers feel comfortable and happy. I think I could use these skills to help improve the performance of this store.”

6. Do you have any sales experience?

This question can help interviewers determine if you have the skills and experience to succeed in a sales position. If you do not have any sales experience, consider sharing your customer service or communication skills that helped you sell products or services in the past.

Example: “I’ve never worked as a salesperson, but I did work at a bike shop when I was in college. My manager asked me to help him with some of his marketing projects, so I learned how to use social media to promote our store. We started getting more customers because of my efforts, which made my boss very happy. He even gave me a raise.”

7. Which area of retail management interests you most?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience in areas that are important to their company. It can also show them what your career goals are and how they align with the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific skill or quality that you enjoy using while working retail management jobs.

Example: “I’ve always enjoyed helping customers find exactly what they need when shopping for bicycles. I love being able to use my knowledge of performance bikes to help people find the right bike for their needs. I’m also very passionate about customer service, so I like to make sure all of my customers leave happy. This is why I am excited to learn more about your company’s customer service standards.”

8. Are you comfortable using Microsoft Office and Google Docs?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience using the software they use in their business. If you are not familiar with these programs, consider taking a class or practicing on your own before your interview.

Example: “I am very comfortable using Microsoft Office and Google Docs. I’ve used both programs for several years now, so I feel confident that I can perform all of my job duties without any issues. In fact, I find it easier to complete tasks when I’m using these programs because I know how to navigate them well.”

9. What is your favorite part about being a cyclist?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s passion for cycling. It also shows that you are passionate about your work and enjoy what you do. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about cycling that you love.

Example: “My favorite part about being a cyclist is the freedom of riding my bike anywhere I want. There is nothing like feeling the wind in my hair as I ride down the road or trail. I also love the sense of accomplishment I feel after completing a long ride.”

10. Give us an example of when you were able to build rapport with a client or customer.

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you interact with customers and clients. They want to know that you can be friendly, helpful and empathetic when interacting with others. When answering this question, think of a time when you helped a customer or client feel more comfortable in your presence.

Example: “I once had a customer who was looking for a new bike but wasn’t sure what kind he wanted. I asked him questions about his riding style and preferences so I could help him find the right bike. He ended up buying a road bike because it fit his needs best. Throughout our interaction, I made sure to listen to him and make eye contact so he felt like I cared about his experience.”

11. Have you ever worked in a shop like ours before?

This question can help interviewers learn about your experience level and whether you have any unique skills that could benefit the shop. If you haven’t worked in a performance bicycle shop before, consider talking about another job where you used similar skills or knowledge to those required for this position.

Example: “I’ve never worked in a shop like this one before, but I do have some experience working with bicycles. In high school, I volunteered at a local bike shop where I learned how to repair flat tires and adjust brakes. After graduation, I got a job as an entry-level mechanic at a large bike shop where I gained more experience repairing different types of bikes.”

12. If you had to choose between marketing, operations, and merchandising, which one would you pick?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your understanding of how each department works and what their role is. It’s important to show that you understand the importance of all three departments working together to achieve success in your answer.

Example: “I would choose marketing because it’s my favorite part of the business. I love coming up with new ideas and campaigns that help us reach our target audience. Operations is also very important, however, as it ensures we have enough inventory to meet demand. Finally, merchandising is essential because it helps me know which products are selling well so I can order more.”

13. What are some strategies you use to stay organized?

This question can help interviewers learn more about your organizational skills and how you keep track of important information. Use examples from previous experiences to explain the strategies you use to stay organized, including how they’ve helped you succeed in past roles.

Example: “I have a few different methods I use to stay organized at work. First, I always make sure to write down all my tasks for the day so I don’t forget anything. Second, I use an online calendar to schedule out my weekly tasks and appointments. This helps me see what’s coming up each week and plan ahead accordingly. Finally, I use a task management app to organize my daily tasks into lists that are easy to manage.”

14. In what ways do you keep up with the latest trends?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of the industry and how you stay up-to-date on new developments. Use examples from your experience to show that you are a self-motivated learner who is eager to learn more about the latest trends in the field.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my skills as a mechanic, so I regularly read cycling magazines and online forums to see what other mechanics are doing. In addition, I attend conferences and seminars to meet with other professionals and learn about their experiences. These resources have helped me develop my own methods for keeping up with the latest trends.”

15. How do you feel about working nights and weekends?

This question is often asked to determine if you are willing to work outside of typical business hours. It can also help employers see how flexible you are and whether or not you would be able to adjust your schedule as needed. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you understand the position may require working nights and weekends but that you are prepared for those responsibilities.

Example: “I am happy to work nights and weekends when necessary. I know that sometimes things happen during these times that need immediate attention. I feel confident in my ability to handle any situation that arises while working outside of normal business hours.”

16. What was the last thing you learned about bikes?

This question is a great way to show your passion for bikes and how you continue to learn more about them. It also shows that you are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something new you learned recently or an interesting fact about bicycles.

Example: “The last thing I learned about bikes was that there are different types of brakes. There are rim brakes, which are found on most bikes, but there are also disc brakes, which are becoming more popular. Disc brakes are said to be safer than rim brakes because they have better stopping power.”

17. How do you feel about working alone for long periods of time?

This question can help interviewers determine if you’re comfortable working independently. They may also want to know how you stay motivated and focused when you don’t have coworkers around to interact with. Your answer should show that you enjoy working alone, but you also understand the importance of collaboration.

Example: “I actually prefer working alone for long periods of time because it allows me to focus on my work without distractions. I find that I’m able to get more done in a shorter amount of time when I’m not distracted by others. However, I do understand the importance of collaboration and teamwork. I make sure to take regular breaks so I can interact with other people.”

18. What does it mean to be a great manager?

This question can help interviewers understand your management style and how you would apply it to a new role. When answering, think about what makes you feel like a great manager in your current position. Consider the skills that helped you succeed as a leader and include them in your answer.

Example: “A great manager is someone who can inspire their team members while also being approachable. They are able to provide clear expectations for projects and tasks while also providing support when needed. I believe that managers should be available to answer questions or concerns from their employees but also allow them to make decisions on their own. This helps build confidence in employees and allows them to learn and grow.”

19. What is something you believe needs improvement at Performance Bicycles?

This question can help interviewers determine your ability to identify areas of improvement and how you might go about making those improvements. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific example from your previous experience that shows the interviewer what you would do to improve an area of weakness or challenge at Performance Bicycles.

Example: “I believe there is always room for improvement in customer service. I once worked at a bike shop where we had a lot of customers who were unhappy with their purchases. In my opinion, it’s important to listen to our customers and find out what they need so we can make sure they’re happy with their purchase. I also think it’s important to educate customers on the products we sell so they know exactly what they are getting when they buy something.”

20. When did you first become interested in cycling?

This question can help interviewers learn more about your background and how you got into the cycling industry. They may also use this information to determine if you have enough experience in the field to be successful at their company. When answering, try to include a specific story or event that led you to pursue a career in cycling.

Example: “I first became interested in cycling when I was 12 years old. My dad took me on my first bike ride through our local park, and it was one of the most fun experiences of my life. We rode for hours, and I felt like I could go forever. From then on, I knew I wanted to get into cycling as a profession.”