20 Purdys Chocolatier Interview Questions and Answers

Purdys Chocolatier is a Canadian chocolatier founded in 1907. Purdys has over 70 locations across Canada and is best known for its handmade chocolate truffles and creams.

If you’re hoping to land a job at Purdys, you can expect the interview process to be pretty competitive. To give yourself the best chance of success, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough questions.

In this article, we’ve gathered a list of sample Purdys interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Purdys Chocolatier Interview Process

The interview process at Purdys Chocolatier is relatively simple and straightforward. Most applicants will have a phone screening with HR followed by one or two in-person interviews with a manager. The questions asked during the interviews are typically about customer service experience, availability, and why the applicant is interested in working for Purdys. Applicants may also be asked to taste and describe a piece of chocolate as part of the interview process.

1. Why do you want to work at Purdys Chocolatier?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what attracted you to the role and whether you have done any research on the organization. Before your interview, read through the job description to see if there are any specific skills or qualifications they’re looking for. In your answer, try to show that you possess these skills and can be a good fit for the position.

Example: “I applied for this position because I am passionate about chocolate. I love learning new things about it and experimenting with different flavors. When I saw this job listing, I knew it was something I would enjoy doing every day. After reading through the job description, I noticed that you are looking for someone who is detail-oriented and has strong communication skills. These are two qualities I feel I possess and hope to use at Purdys Chocolatier.”

2. What are your availability for shifts?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are available for the hours they need. They also want to know if you have any scheduling conflicts that might prevent you from working their shifts. When answering this question, be honest about your availability and let them know of any potential conflicts. If you do have a conflict, offer an alternative time that works better for you.

Example: “I am currently only available on weekdays between 9am and 5pm. I would love to work those hours, but unfortunately, I can’t work weekends at all. However, I am willing to work overtime when needed.”

3. How would you handle a customer who is unhappy with the quality of their purchase?

This question can help the interviewer assess your customer service skills and ability to resolve conflict. Use examples from previous experience where you helped customers with quality issues or complaints, and highlight how you resolved the situation in a positive way for both yourself and the customer.

Example: “I once had a customer who purchased a gift box of chocolates as a Christmas present. When she opened it on Christmas morning, she found that one of the chocolates was missing. She returned to the store later that day and asked for a replacement chocolate. I apologized for the inconvenience and offered her a discount on another box of chocolates. She accepted my offer and left happy.”

4. Do you have any experience working in retail or sales?

Employers ask this question to see if you have any experience working in a customer service role. They want to know that you can work with the public and help customers find what they’re looking for. If you do have retail or sales experience, share some of your best qualities as they relate to those roles.

Example: “I worked at my local ice cream shop during high school and college. I learned how to interact with people from all walks of life and make them happy. I also developed great communication skills when talking to customers about our different flavors and toppings. I’m very outgoing and friendly, so interacting with others comes naturally to me.”

5. Tell me about yourself, what makes you unique?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you can fit into their company culture. When answering, it’s important to highlight the skills that make you a good candidate for the position while also showing your unique qualities.

Example: “I am an avid traveler who has visited over 30 countries. I love learning about new cultures and bringing those experiences back home with me. This passion led me to start my own travel blog where I share tips on traveling abroad as well as recipes inspired by my travels. My blog has gained quite a following in the last year, which is why I’m looking for a job that will allow me to work remotely.”

6. Are you comfortable handling money and operating a cash register?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary to work in their store. They want employees who can handle cash and credit card transactions quickly and accurately. When answering, be honest about your experience with handling money. If you don’t have any experience, explain that you are willing to learn.

Example: “I’ve worked as a barista for five years now, so I am very comfortable handling money and operating a cash register. In fact, I find it quite easy to do math in my head when making change or accepting payments. I also understand how to use all of the features on our point-of-sale system. I’m always eager to learn new things, though, so if there is anything I need to know, I would love to take some time to practice.”

7. How would you describe your customer service style?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would interact with customers in their store. Customer service is an important part of working in retail, so it’s helpful to show that you have experience interacting with customers and providing excellent customer service.

Example: “I believe that every customer deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. I am always willing to go above and beyond for my customers because I know that they are spending their hard-earned money at our stores. I make sure to greet each customer as soon as they walk into the store and ask them if there is anything I can do to help them find what they need or answer any questions they may have.”

8. Provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

Employers ask this question to see if you are willing to go the extra mile for their customers. They want to know that you will be a team player and help them achieve their goals of customer satisfaction. When answering, think of an example where you went above and beyond for a customer and helped your company gain new clients or retain current ones.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a client who was very particular about her chocolate. She would call us every week with questions about our products and how they were made. One day she called in tears because she found out one of our chocolates wasn’t organic. We immediately refunded her money and gave her free chocolates for a year. She ended up loving our non-organic chocolates and became a loyal customer.”

9. If hired, how would you contribute to the success of our store?

Employers ask this question to learn how you can help their business succeed. Before your interview, read the job description and highlight any skills or qualities that are important for the position. In your answer, explain how your skills will benefit the company’s bottom line.

Example: “I believe my customer service skills would be a great asset to Purdys Chocolatier. I am committed to providing excellent service to every customer who walks through our doors. I also have experience working in a fast-paced environment, so I know I could handle the demands of working at a busy chocolate shop. My ability to multitask and work quickly under pressure would help ensure customers receive their orders as quickly as possible.”

10. When was the last time you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation?

Employers ask this question to see how you handle conflict. They want to know that you can remain calm and professional in a challenging situation. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the issue.

Example: “When I was working at my previous job, we had a customer who came into the store every day for two weeks asking if we had a specific type of chocolate bar. We told him we didn’t have it, but he kept coming back. Finally, after about two months, we got some of those bars in stock. The man came in and asked us where they were. When we told him we only had one left, he demanded we give it to him. I calmly explained that we needed to sell the rest of them first so we could order more. He eventually agreed to wait.”

11. What are some of your favorite products from Purdys Chocolatier?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you a little better and see if your interests align with Purdys Chocolatier’s. It also helps them understand what kind of customer service skills you have, as they want someone who is passionate about their products. When answering this question, try to pick at least one product from each category that you like best.

Example: “I love all of the seasonal chocolates, but my favorite has to be the pumpkin spice chocolate bar. I’m a huge fan of fall flavors, so it was hard for me not to choose that one every time. Another favorite of mine is the sea salt caramel truffles. They’re just the right amount of sweet and salty, which makes them perfect for any occasion.”

12. Would you be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re physically capable of doing the job. They want someone who can lift heavy boxes and bags of chocolate, as well as move large items around the store. Your answer should show that you are in good physical health and have no limitations that would prevent you from performing your duties.

Example: “I am very strong and I regularly lift 50 pounds at my current job. I also do a lot of walking, so I’m used to being on my feet for long periods of time. I think I’d be a great fit for this position.”

13. Describe your experience with preparing food.

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with food preparation and how you might handle similar tasks in this role. Use examples from previous work experiences to highlight your skills, such as attention to detail, time management and teamwork.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for preparing all of the ingredients for our dishes. This included washing vegetables, peeling fruits and prepping meats. I also used a variety of kitchen utensils to prepare meals, including knives, blenders and mixers. In addition, I had to follow specific recipes when cooking to ensure that everything tasted great.”

14. Can you tell us about a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward? How did you approach it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach challenges and solve problems. Use examples from your previous experience to show that you are a problem solver who is willing to take on difficult tasks.

Example: “In my last role, I had to find ways to increase sales during the holiday season. This was challenging because we were already offering discounts and promotions. However, I decided to look at our marketing strategy and see if there were any areas where we could improve. After some research, I found that we weren’t using social media as much as other companies in our industry. So, I created a plan to use more social media channels to reach new customers.”

15. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service. What kind of things do you think we can improve on?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you’re willing to provide constructive feedback. It also shows them that you have the ability to identify areas of improvement and offer solutions for how to fix them. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about what you think could be improved while still being respectful of the company.

Example: “I noticed that there are no recycling bins in the store. I think this would be an easy way to reduce waste and help the environment. I also noticed that some of the displays were messy, which made it difficult to find certain products. I think having employees clean up the displays more often would make shopping here even better.”

16. How well do you work under pressure?

Employers ask this question to see if you can handle the stress of working in a fast-paced environment. They want to know that you are able to work quickly and efficiently while still maintaining quality. In your answer, explain how you stay calm under pressure and give an example of a time when you had to do so.

Example: “I am very organized and efficient, which helps me manage my stress levels. I have worked in a busy chocolate shop before, where we were always running low on supplies or customers. I learned to prioritize tasks and focus on one thing at a time to keep myself from getting overwhelmed. When things got really hectic, I would take a few deep breaths and remind myself that everything would be okay.”

17. What do you know about chocolate making?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the industry and how you can apply it to this position. If you have experience in chocolate making, share that with the interviewer. If not, talk about what you know about the process and why you’re interested in working at Purdys Chocolatier.

Example: “I’ve always been passionate about chocolate making because I love the science behind it. When I was in high school, I took a class on food chemistry where we learned about the different processes involved in creating chocolate. It’s fascinating to see all the steps that go into making one piece of chocolate.”

18. Which shift are you available to work?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re available for the hours they need. They also want to know if you have any scheduling preferences, such as working a particular shift or having weekends off. When answering this question, be honest about your availability and try to accommodate their needs as much as possible. If you don’t have any specific preferences, let them know that you are flexible.

Example: “I am available to work all shifts, although I prefer evening and night shifts. I find these times more enjoyable because there is less of a rush and it’s easier to get into the flow of things. However, I am willing to work whatever hours you need me to.”

19. What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful team member?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the qualities they look for in their team members. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few of your own personal qualities and how they relate to those that are important to Purdys Chocolatier.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for a successful team member is being able to communicate effectively with others. I am always willing to ask questions when I need more information or clarification on something. Another quality I think is important is having a positive attitude. I try to remain upbeat and friendly even when things get busy at work.”

20. What are your long-term career goals?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your career goals and how they align with their company’s vision. Before you go into the interview, research the company’s mission statement and values to see if there are any similarities between them and your own career goals. If there are, use that as an opportunity to explain why you’re a good fit for the position.

Example: “My long-term goal is to become a manager at a chocolate shop. I’ve been working in retail for five years now, and I feel like it’s time to take my career to the next level. I’m excited to hear that Purdys Chocolatier has a management training program because I think I would be a great fit for that role.”