20 Ralph Lauren Interview Questions and Answers

Ralph Lauren is a world-renowned fashion designer with a wide range of products, from clothing to home goods. Because of the company’s prestige, interviewing for a position at Ralph Lauren can be daunting. However, being prepared for common interview questions specific to the company can help ease some of the anxiety.

Ralph Lauren interviewers are looking for candidates who are passionate about fashion, have an eye for detail, and are able to work well under pressure. They also want to see that you have knowledge of the Ralph Lauren brand and its history.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample Ralph Lauren interview questions and answers.

Ralph Lauren Interview Process

The interview process at Ralph Lauren is generally pretty quick and easy. Most candidates report that they only had to go through one or two interviews before being offered the job. However, some positions (such as management roles) may require a more extensive interview process.

Overall, candidates report that the interviewers at Ralph Lauren are friendly and personable. They say that the interviews are mostly behavioral in nature, so be prepared to answer questions about your past work experiences. Some candidates also report being asked questions about their knowledge of the fashion industry and current trends.

Overall, the interview process at Ralph Lauren is relatively straightforward. However, make sure you come prepared with examples of your work experience and knowledge of the fashion industry. With a little preparation, you should have no problem impressing the interviewers and landing the job!

1. Why do you want to work at Ralph Lauren?

This question can help the interviewer determine your interest in working for Ralph Lauren. Use this opportunity to show how you know about the company and what attracted you to apply. You can also use this time to highlight any specific skills or experiences that make you a good fit for the role.

Example: “I want to work at Ralph Lauren because I have always admired the brand’s aesthetic. The clothes are so stylish, but they’re also very comfortable. I think my customer service skills would be an asset to the team as I could provide excellent care to customers while helping them find their perfect look.”

2. How would you describe your personal style?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personal style and how it aligns with the brand’s aesthetic. They want to know that you understand their brand, so they may also ask what attracted you to working for Ralph Lauren. In your answer, try to describe your personal style in a way that highlights its similarities to the company’s brand.

Example: “I have always been drawn to classic pieces that are simple but elegant. I love wearing clothes that make me feel confident and beautiful, which is why I am excited to work for Ralph Lauren. The brand has such an amazing selection of timeless pieces that I would wear even if I wasn’t getting paid.”

3. What is your favorite Ralph Lauren product line?

This question is a great way to see if you are familiar with the company’s products. It also shows that you have an opinion about them, which can be helpful in your decision-making process as a designer. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention a product line that you use yourself or one that you would like to try.

Example: “My favorite Ralph Lauren product line is definitely their home goods collection. I love how they make classic pieces that are still stylish and modern. I think that is something that many other brands struggle with. I am always looking for new ways to decorate my apartment, so I find myself shopping there often.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an unhappy customer, how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to see how you handle customer service situations. They want to know that you can be empathetic and helpful when a customer is upset or dissatisfied with their experience. In your answer, try to show the interviewer that you are willing to help customers solve problems and provide excellent customer service.

Example: “I once had a customer who was unhappy with her purchase because she thought it looked different in person than online. I explained to her that all computer monitors display colors differently, so what she saw on her screen might not have been exactly what she received. She seemed satisfied with my explanation and decided to keep the item.”

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

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re ready for the pace of a retail environment. They want employees who can keep up with customers and their needs while also performing other tasks. In your answer, explain that you are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Share an example of how you’ve done so in the past.

Example: “I am very comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. I have worked as a sales associate at a clothing store where we had many customers coming through the doors all day long. I was responsible for greeting customers, helping them find what they were looking for and ringing up purchases. I learned how to multitask quickly and efficiently to ensure everyone got the help they needed.”

6. Do you have any experience working with point of sale systems and cash registers?

Ralph Lauren is a high-end brand, so the interviewer may want to make sure you have experience working with cash registers and POS systems. If you do not have any experience, consider mentioning that you are willing to learn.

Example: “I have worked with point of sale systems in my previous role as a retail associate at a department store. I am familiar with how to use cash registers and can quickly learn new software if needed. I also understand the importance of customer service when handling cash transactions.”

7. Describe what you think the ideal sales associate should be like.

This question is a great way for the interviewer to get an idea of your expectations and how you would fit into their company. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to describe what you think the role of a sales associate should entail and then explain why you believe that’s important.

Example: “I think the ideal sales associate should have a genuine interest in helping customers find clothing they love. I also think it’s important that they’re knowledgeable about all aspects of the brand so they can answer any questions a customer may have. Finally, I think it’s essential that they are able to communicate with customers clearly and effectively.”

8. What are some qualities that make a good manager?

Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills and abilities they’re looking for in a manager. They want someone who can lead their team, communicate effectively and be organized. When answering this question, think about what makes a good manager and how those qualities relate to your own work style.

Example: “A good manager is someone who is organized, has excellent communication skills and knows how to delegate tasks. I am someone who is very organized and detail-oriented, so I would make sure that everyone on my team had all of the information they needed to do their jobs well. I also like to help others learn new things, so I would enjoy helping my employees develop their skills.”

9. Have you ever been given too much work that you could not finish on time? How did you manage it?

Employers ask this question to see how you handle stressful situations. They want to know that you can prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively. In your answer, explain what steps you took to complete the work on time while still maintaining high-quality results.

Example: “In my previous role as a graphic designer, I was given too much work at once. At first, I tried to do everything in the same day, but it became overwhelming. So, I prioritized the most important projects and delegated the rest to other designers. This allowed me to focus on the most urgent projects and get them done by the deadline.”

10. Which area of fashion are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show your passion for fashion and the industry. It also allows you to share what you know about Ralph Lauren’s brand, which can be helpful if you’re applying for a position in that department. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention an area of fashion that aligns with the company’s values or products.

Example: “I am most interested in streetwear because I love how it combines high-quality materials with bold designs. I think Ralph Lauren does this really well, especially with their Polo line. I would love to work here because I feel like my skills could help the company create even more innovative streetwear pieces.”

11. Ralph Lauren has a number of different lines, which is your favorite and why?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and its products. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about what you like in general, which can be helpful if the interviewer asks you for your favorite thing about working at Ralph Lauren.

Example: “I love all of Ralph Lauren’s lines because they are so high quality. I have always been a fan of his polo line, though, because it has such a classic look that never goes out of style. I think that’s why he has been able to keep it going for so long. He knows how to make timeless pieces that people will want to wear for years.”

12. Do you feel comfortable making recommendations to customers?

This question can help the interviewer determine how comfortable you are with customer service. Ralph Lauren is known for its excellent customer service, so it’s important that any candidate be able to provide this type of support. When answering this question, make sure to highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Example: “I feel very comfortable making recommendations to customers because I enjoy learning about new products and helping people find what they’re looking for. In my previous role as a sales associate at a clothing store, I helped many customers find exactly what they were looking for. One time, a woman came in looking for a dress for her daughter’s wedding. She was having trouble finding something she liked, but I was able to show her several options that would work well.”

13. If you were hired as an assistant manager, what steps would you take to ensure that our store meets its sales goals?

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills and how you plan to achieve company goals. Use examples from previous experience or discuss what steps you would take if you were hired for this role.

Example: “I would first make sure that all employees are aware of their sales quotas, as well as any incentives they may be eligible for. I would also ensure that we have enough staff members on hand during peak shopping hours so customers don’t have to wait in long lines. Finally, I would encourage my team to provide excellent customer service at all times.”

14. When was a time that you didn’t meet your goals? How did you overcome this?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you react to challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific goal that you didn’t meet and what steps you took to overcome it.

Example: “In my previous role as an assistant manager at a retail store, I had a goal of helping my team achieve 100% customer satisfaction. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach this goal because there was one customer who would come into the store every day and complain about everything. We tried our best to make them happy, but they continued to return each day. Eventually, I realized that we couldn’t please this particular customer no matter what we did, so I decided to focus on other customers instead.”

15. Were you able to accomplish everything you wanted to in your last job?

Employers ask this question to see if you have a plan for your career and how much you’ve grown in the past. They want to know that you’re motivated, ambitious and ready to take on new challenges. When answering this question, think about what you wanted to accomplish in your last job and what you were able to do. Explain why you weren’t able to complete everything you set out to do and what you learned from it.

Example: “In my last position, I was hired as an assistant designer but quickly grew into a junior designer role. While I enjoyed working with the team, I felt like there was more I could be doing. I asked my manager if I could work on creating my own line of clothing and she agreed. I spent several months researching fabrics and styles before presenting my ideas to her. She loved them and gave me permission to start developing the line. Unfortunately, we had some financial issues at the time and couldn’t afford to create another line. I learned that sometimes things don’t always go according to plan, but I should never give up.”

16. What makes you qualified for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills, experiences and qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the job. When answering this question, highlight two or three of these items that are most relevant to the position.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which makes me well-suited for this role. I have experience managing multiple projects at once, so I know how to prioritize my work and meet deadlines. My communication skills are also strong, as I can clearly explain ideas and concepts to others. These skills will help me collaborate with team members and communicate effectively with customers.”

17. Would you be open to working weekends and evenings?

Employers may ask this question to see if you’re willing to work outside of normal business hours. They want employees who are flexible and can adapt to different schedules. In your answer, explain that you would be open to working weekends or evenings as long as it’s within reason. Explain that you understand the importance of meeting deadlines and getting work done on time.

Example: “I am happy to work any shift as long as I get my work done in a timely manner. I know how important it is to meet deadlines and get projects turned in on time. If there was an emergency situation where I needed to stay late or come in early, I would do so without hesitation.”

18. Do you consider yourself more of a leader or follower?

Ralph Lauren is a leader in the fashion industry, so employers may want to know that you’re willing to take on this role. They might ask this question to see if you have any leadership experience or skills. In your answer, try to show that you can be both a leader and follower when needed. Explain what kind of leader you would be and how you would approach this role.

Example: “I consider myself more of a leader than a follower. I am always looking for ways to improve my team’s performance. For example, at my last job, I noticed that our sales were down. So, I organized a meeting with all of my coworkers to discuss possible solutions. We came up with several ideas, including changing our marketing strategy and improving customer service. After implementing these changes, we saw an increase in sales.”

19. How well do you work under pressure?

Employers ask this question to see how you handle stressful situations. They want to know that you can complete tasks in a timely manner and maintain your composure when faced with challenges. In your answer, explain what strategies you use to manage stress. Share an example of a time you had to work under pressure and how you handled it.

Example: “I am someone who thrives under pressure. I find that having a deadline helps me stay focused on the task at hand. When working for my previous employer, I was often tasked with completing projects within tight deadlines. I would start by creating a timeline so I knew exactly what steps I needed to take. Then, I would break down each step into smaller goals. This helped me feel more organized and less overwhelmed.”

20. There’s always room for improvement, if we hired you, what areas would you like to improve upon?

This question is a great way to show your willingness to grow and learn. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area you’re currently working on improving or something you’d like to learn more about.

Example: “I’m always looking for ways to improve my customer service skills. I’ve taken several courses in the past that have helped me understand how to better interact with customers and make them feel comfortable. I also want to continue learning about marketing strategies and how to use social media to promote our brand.”