20 SpartanNash Interview Questions and Answers

When you go to a job interview, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, experience, and goals. But what if you’re interviewing for a position with a specific company? In that case, you may be asked company-specific interview questions.

SpartanNash is an American food distributor and grocery store retailer headquartered in Byron Center, Michigan. If you’re interviewing for a position with SpartanNash, you may be asked questions about the company’s history, its products, or its plans for the future. You may also be asked questions about your ability to work in a fast-paced environment or to lift heavy boxes.

Preparing for company-specific interview questions can help you stand out from the competition and land the job you want. Here are some tips for answering SpartanNash interview questions.

SpartanNash Interview Process

The interview process at SpartanNash is generally pretty quick and easy. Most positions only require one or two interviews, and the questions are usually pretty straightforward. However, some applicants have reported feeling “shady” and “unprofessional” after their interviews, so it’s important to be aware that your experience may vary.

1. What prior experience do you have working in the grocery industry?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your qualifications for the position. Prior experience in the grocery industry can be beneficial, but it’s not necessary to have prior experience to work at SpartanNash. If you don’t have any prior experience working in a grocery store or distribution center, consider discussing other relevant experiences that may relate to this role.

Example: “I worked as a cashier and customer service representative at my local grocery store throughout high school and college. I learned valuable skills like how to interact with customers and resolve issues while on the job. This helped me develop confidence in my communication and problem-solving abilities.”

2. How did you hear about SpartanNash? Why are you interested in a career with us?

This question is a great way to show your research skills and interest in the company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about SpartanNash that you admire or an accomplishment of theirs that you are excited about.

Example: “I heard about SpartanNash through my friend who works here as a cashier at one of their grocery stores. She told me she loves working for the company because they offer competitive pay and benefits and have excellent training programs. I am interested in a career with SpartanNash because I love working with food and interacting with customers.”

3. Are you able to lift more than 50 pounds on a regular basis?

This question is a common one for employers to ask because they want to make sure you can handle the physical demands of the job. They are looking for candidates who have experience lifting heavy objects and working in fast-paced environments.

Example: “Yes, I am able to lift more than 50 pounds on a regular basis. In my last position as a grocery store stocker, I was responsible for moving large boxes of food from the delivery trucks into the back room. This required me to move up to 100 pounds at once, so I’m confident that I could do it again.”

4. If a customer had a question that you didn’t know the answer to, what would you do?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to learn. It’s important to be honest in your answer, as you may be asked follow-up questions about the situation.

Example: “If a customer had a question that I didn’t know the answer to, I would apologize for my lack of knowledge and offer to find out the answer for them. If it was something simple like finding a product on our website, I’d do so right away. For more complex questions, I’d ask if they could hold on while I looked up the information or directed them to someone who might have the answer.”

5. Tell me about your previous work experience.

This question is a great way to learn about your potential new employer and how you might fit in. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight any skills or experiences that are relevant to the position.

Example: “I have five years of experience as an assistant manager at a local grocery store. I started out working in customer service, but after two years was promoted to my current role where I manage a team of six employees. In this role, I am responsible for scheduling shifts, training new employees and ensuring our customers have a positive shopping experience.”

6. We value teamwork at SpartanNash. Can you give an example of when you were part of a team and how you contributed to its success?

Teamwork is an important skill to have in any position, and the interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teamwork abilities. Use your answer to explain how you contribute to a team and what makes you a valuable member of one.

Example: “I’ve been part of several teams throughout my career, including my college volleyball team and my current work team at the grocery store. I think that teamwork is essential for success because it allows everyone to share their ideas and opinions. In my previous job, I was on a team with two other cashiers who were also new employees. We all worked together to figure out our jobs and help each other when we needed assistance.”

7. Explain a time where you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your customer service skills and willingness to help others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you helped someone who was having trouble with their order or helped resolve an issue for a customer.

Example: “At my previous job, I had a customer who ordered some produce that wasn’t in the best condition when they received it. They were upset about the quality of the produce and wanted a refund. Instead of giving them a refund, I offered to send them another box of produce at no cost. The next shipment arrived in perfect condition, and the customer was very happy.”

8. Describe your familiarity with food safety guidelines.

Food safety is a major concern for food distributors, and the interviewer may want to know that you understand how to keep customers safe. Use your answer to show that you have experience with food safety regulations and can follow them in your new role.

Example: “I’ve worked in the food industry since I was 18 years old, so I’m very familiar with food safety guidelines. In my last position as a produce manager, I had to ensure that all of our employees were following proper food handling procedures at all times. We also regularly tested our refrigeration units to make sure they were keeping foods cold enough.”

9. Do you have any experience as a cashier or order selector?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have experience working in customer service. Cashiers and order selectors are two of the most important positions in grocery stores, so it’s likely that your potential employer will want to know if you’ve had any experience with these roles. If you do, be sure to explain what your responsibilities were and how they prepared you for this role.

Example: “I worked as an order selector at my local grocery store throughout high school. This position taught me valuable skills like communication and organization, which I use every day when managing inventory.”

10. Tell us about a time when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with.

This question can help an interviewer understand how you work with others and your ability to collaborate. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you worked with someone who was difficult to get along with and the steps you took to improve your relationship or work with them more effectively.

Example: “In my last position as a customer service representative, I had a coworker who would often come into work late without notice. This made it challenging for me to cover their shifts, which caused some issues in my personal life. After talking with my manager about the issue, they were able to find another employee to take over that shift so I could continue working there.”

11. Have you ever worked in a retail or sales environment before?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential colleague’s previous experience. Retail and sales positions are often similar, so if you have retail experience, it can be beneficial to mention that in your answer.

Example: “I worked as a cashier at my local grocery store for two years while I was in college. It was a part-time job, but I learned a lot about customer service and how to work with others. The company also offered training on different products they sold, which helped me become familiar with the food industry.”

12. What is one thing you think we can improve upon as a company?

This question is a great way to show your willingness to provide constructive feedback. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of something that you noticed during your time at the company or while researching about them. It’s important to remember that there are no right answers and that you should only answer honestly.

Example: “I think one thing we could improve upon as a company is our communication with employees. I’ve heard from some coworkers that they feel like upper management doesn’t communicate enough with them. I believe that if we were able to have more open lines of communication between employees and managers, we would be able to solve issues before they became larger problems.”

13. Our employees wear many hats and hold multiple responsibilities. Can you tell us about a time when you succeeded while juggling several tasks at once?

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

Example: “In my last role as a customer service representative, I was responsible for answering phones, resolving issues with customers and helping them find products in our inventory. One day, I had an influx of calls that required me to work through lunch to answer all of the questions. While working through this busy period, I also needed to complete some data entry and update inventory levels.”

14. What do you enjoy most about working in retail?

Retail is a common career choice for many people, and the interviewer wants to know what you enjoy about working in this industry. Your answer should show that you are passionate about retail and have experience with it.

Example: “I love interacting with customers and helping them find exactly what they need. I also like being able to provide solutions to their problems and making sure they leave happy. In my last job, I was promoted to customer service manager because of my excellent customer service skills.”

15. How do you handle conflict with coworkers?

When working in a team environment, it’s likely that you’ll encounter conflict with coworkers at some point. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to resolve conflicts and work well with others. In your answer, explain how you would approach resolving conflict with a coworker. Explain that you value teamwork and collaboration.

Example: “I believe that everyone has good intentions when they act or speak. I try to approach every situation with an open mind. When I notice something is bothering me, I take a moment to think about what may be causing my reaction. Then, I talk to the person who made me feel uncomfortable. I let them know that I am not upset with them but rather want to understand their actions better.”

16. We’re looking for individuals who take pride in their work and want to be part of our growing family. What makes this position appealing to you?

This question helps the interviewer get a better sense of your interest in working for SpartanNash. It also allows you to show how much research you’ve done on the company and its values.

Example: “I’m excited about this position because I know that it’s an opportunity to work with a growing company that cares deeply about its employees. I am passionate about customer service, so I would love to be part of a team that focuses on making customers happy. I also understand that SpartanNash is committed to being environmentally friendly, which is something I care deeply about as well.”

17. What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service is a vital part of any retail or food distribution company. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of providing excellent customer service and how it can benefit your future employer. In your answer, explain what makes customers happy and how you would use that information to improve the company’s customer service.

Example: “Customer service means making sure every single customer has an amazing experience when they shop at our stores or interact with us online. I believe that if we provide great customer service, then our customers will continue to shop with us and recommend us to their friends. To me, customer service is all about listening to the customer and finding ways to exceed their expectations.”

18. What qualities should a great leader possess?

A leader is someone who can inspire and motivate their team to achieve goals. A great leader should be able to communicate effectively, have a positive attitude and be empathetic toward others. When answering this question, it’s important to mention qualities that you possess as well as the ones you admire in other leaders.

Example: “A great leader should be confident but humble, decisive yet open-minded and compassionate. I think these are all traits that I possess, which is why I’m excited about this opportunity with SpartanNash.”

19. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

This question is a great way to learn about your potential employee’s career goals. It also helps the interviewer determine if you’re likely to stay with SpartanNash for an extended period of time. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include details about what you hope to accomplish in the next few years and how that aligns with SpartanNash’s goals.

Example: “I see myself as a manager at SpartanNash within five years. I’m excited to continue my education and develop my skills so that I can become a valuable member of the management team. In 10 years, I’d love to have started my own business. I would like to use my experience working for SpartanNash to start a company that provides healthy food options to families.”

20. What is something you feel passionate about outside of work?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and see if your interests align with SpartanNash’s values. It also helps them determine whether or not you’d fit in with their team. When answering this question, try to think of something that is relevant to the job but also shows some personality.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others succeed. I volunteer at my local food bank every Wednesday night where I sort donations and help customers find what they need. I love being able to give back to the community and make sure people have access to healthy foods.”