20 Staples Interview Questions and Answers

Staples is one of the largest office supply companies in the world. If you’re looking for a job at Staples, you can expect to be asked some company-specific interview questions.

In this guide, you’ll find several sample questions and responses, including questions about customer service, sales, and product knowledge.

Staples Interview Process

The interview process at Staples can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, generally speaking, the process is not too difficult and usually only takes a few weeks.

For entry-level positions, such as Sales Associate or Copy and Print Associate, you will likely only have to go through one or two interviews. These interviews are usually fairly straightforward and focus on your customer service skills and experience.

If you are applying for a management position, such as General Manager or Sales Manager, you may have to go through a more extensive interview process. This could include multiple rounds of interviews, both in person and over the phone, as well as a panel interview. The questions asked during these interviews will be more challenging, and they will be looking to see if you have the necessary leadership and decision-making skills.

Overall, the interview process at Staples is relatively simple and should not take more than a few weeks. If you are applying for a management position, expect the process to be slightly more difficult, but still manageable.

1. What is your experience working with technology?

Technology is an important part of the retail industry, and employers ask this question to make sure you have experience using technology in your previous roles. Before your interview, read through the job description to see what type of technology they use at Staples. If you don’t have any experience with that specific technology, think about other types of technology you do have experience with.

Example: “I’ve worked with computers since I was a teenager, so I am very comfortable working with technology. In my last role as a cashier, I used point-of-sale systems to ring up customers’ purchases. At my current position, I work on the marketing team where we create digital content for social media platforms.”

2. How would you handle a customer complaint on the sales floor?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your customer service skills. Use examples from past experiences where you helped customers resolve their issues and maintain positive relationships with them.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they couldn’t find the item they were looking for in our store. I asked them what they were looking for, and we searched through all of our inventory together. We didn’t find it, so I offered to order the product for them at no extra cost. They appreciated my help and left the store happy.”

3. Describe how you prioritize tasks when you have multiple projects due at once.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific time you had multiple projects due at the same time and how you organized your work. This can show employers that you are able to manage several tasks at once and prioritize them effectively.

Example: “When I have multiple projects due at the same time, I first look at each project’s deadline and determine which one is due sooner than the others. Then, I start working on that project until it is complete or almost complete before moving onto the next project. Once I finish the second project, I move back to the first project and continue this process until all of my projects are completed.”

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see if you have career goals. When answering this question, be honest about your intentions for the future. If you’re unsure of what you want to do, explain that you are looking for an opportunity where you can learn new skills and grow as a professional.

Example: “I hope to still be working at Staples in five years. I’m excited to start my career here, and I think there are many opportunities for me to develop my skills and advance within the company. In five years, I would like to have moved up into a management position.”

5. What made you want to get into retail?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s interests and motivations. It can also help you determine if they are passionate about retail work, which can be an important quality in a new hire. When asking this question, try to focus on what drew them to retail as opposed to other industries.

Example: “I’ve always loved working with people, so I knew that I wanted to find a career where I could interact with others every day. My first job was at a clothing store when I was 16 years old, and I absolutely loved it. I learned how to interact with customers of all ages and personalities, and I found out that I really enjoyed helping people find exactly what they were looking for.”

6. Tell me about a time where you had to deal with an angry customer, how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to see how you handle stressful situations. This is an important skill for customer service professionals because they often have to deal with customers who are upset or angry. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation and the steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a customer call in who was very upset about their order. They said that some of the items were missing from their shipment. I apologized for the inconvenience and told them I would send out another shipment right away. The next day, the customer called back saying they received the wrong item. I apologized again and offered to send out the correct item free of charge.”

7. Do you have any experience with cashiering and operating a cash register?

Cashiering is a common job for retail employees, and the interviewer may ask this question to see if you have any experience with it. If you do, share your previous experiences and how they helped you develop skills that are useful in this position. If you don’t have cashiering experience, you can talk about other customer service-related jobs or discuss what you would do if faced with a situation where you needed to operate a cash register on the job.

Example: “I’ve worked as a cashier at my local grocery store since I was 16 years old. This has given me plenty of time to practice operating a cash register and learn how to handle different situations when customers come through the line.”

8. If hired, what kind of printer would you recommend for someone who needs to print business cards on the spot?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the products Staples offers. You can use this as a chance to demonstrate your ability to make recommendations and help customers find the right product for their needs.

Example: “I would recommend the HP Envy 5520 Printer, which has a touchscreen interface that makes it easy to navigate through its features. It also prints business cards in color or black-and-white at up to 50 pages per minute. The printer’s automatic document feeder allows you to print multiple documents without having to reload paper. This feature is especially useful if you need to print several copies of a document quickly.”

9. What are some things that make you unique as a candidate?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and see if you are a good fit for their company culture. When answering, it can be helpful to mention something that is unique about yourself or an accomplishment that shows how you have grown as a person.

Example: “I am the first in my family to go to college, so I know what it’s like to work hard to achieve goals. In high school, I was on the debate team, which taught me public speaking skills. This helped me get through my college classes, where I learned even more public speaking techniques. Now, I feel comfortable talking in front of large groups.”

10. Where do you see Staples going over the next few years?

This question is a great way to see how much you know about the company and its future. It’s also an opportunity for you to show your enthusiasm for the position by sharing what you hope Staples will achieve in the next few years.

Example: “I think it’s exciting that Staples has been expanding into new markets, such as online shopping and delivery services. I’m sure this is just the beginning of many more innovations from the company. As someone who loves working with technology, I would love to be part of the team that helps Staples grow.”

11. Why should we choose you over another candidate?

This question is a great way to show your confidence and enthusiasm for the position. It also gives you an opportunity to highlight some of your most important skills, such as communication or organization. When answering this question, try to focus on what makes you unique and how those qualities will benefit the company.

Example: “I am confident that I have all the necessary skills to succeed in this role. However, I think my greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. Throughout my career, I’ve had many opportunities to collaborate with other team members, which has helped me develop strong interpersonal skills. I believe these skills make me a valuable asset to any team.”

12. What is your favorite part about doing copy and print work?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you enjoy your work. You can answer this question by describing a specific aspect of copy and print work that you find enjoyable, such as helping customers or working with technology.

Example: “My favorite part about doing copy and print work is getting to meet new people every day. I love learning about my customers’ lives and hearing their stories. It’s also rewarding to see how happy they are when they get their finished product. Another thing I like about this job is using technology to solve problems for our customers.”

13. How comfortable are you using computers and technology?

Technology is an important part of the job, so employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable using computers and other technology. In your answer, explain that you are familiar with a variety of computer programs and can use them efficiently. If you have experience working in a retail environment, mention how you’ve used point-of-sale systems before.

Example: “I am very comfortable using computers and technology. I have been using computers for over 10 years now, and I’m proficient at using Microsoft Office, Google Docs and Gmail. I also worked as a cashier at my previous job, where I had to use a point-of-sale system every day. I am confident that I can learn any new technology quickly.”

14. Do you think you can keep up with our fast-paced environment?

Working at Staples can be a fast-paced environment, especially during the holiday season. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re ready for that type of work environment. In your answer, explain why you think you can keep up with their pace and what skills you have that will help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I am used to working in a fast-paced environment because I worked as a cashier at my local grocery store. During the holidays, it was very busy, so I learned how to multitask and prioritize tasks. I also developed excellent customer service skills while working there, which is an important skill for this position.”

15. Are you able to lift heavy boxes (up to 50lbs)?

This question is asked to determine your physical strength and ability. It’s important for employees to be able to lift heavy boxes because they’re often required to do so during their workday. Your answer should show that you have the physical capabilities to perform this task.

Example: “I am physically fit, which allows me to lift up to 50lbs without any issues. I’ve worked in a warehouse before where we had to move large amounts of inventory on a daily basis. My coworkers and I would regularly lift up to 50lbs per day, and I was always able to keep up with them.”

16. Why do you want to work at Staples?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what you like about Staples and why you’re excited to work there. When preparing for this question, think of specific things that attracted you to the job posting. Consider mentioning any personal connections you have with the company or how you learned about the position.

Example: “I’ve been working as an office manager at my current job for five years now, and I’m ready for a new challenge. I saw your listing online and was immediately interested because of the opportunity to grow within the organization. I also have several friends who work here, so I feel confident that it’s a good place to be.”

17. What is your favorite product sold at Staples?

This question is a great way to see if you are passionate about the products Staples sells. Interviewers want to know that you have used their company’s products and can speak to them with confidence. When answering this question, choose something you’ve used in your daily life or career.

Example: “My favorite product sold at Staples is definitely the Apple computer. I use one every day for work, and it has been so helpful in my job as an accountant. It’s easy to use and helps me get through my workday quickly. I also love how many different accessories they offer.”

18. What makes a great manager?

A great manager is someone who can inspire their team to work hard and achieve goals. A hiring manager may ask this question to see if you have the skills necessary to be a successful leader at Staples. In your answer, try to explain what makes a good manager by sharing some of your own experiences as a leader.

Example: “A great manager is someone who has strong communication skills, is organized and empowers their team members. I think it’s important for managers to listen to their employees and help them learn new things. It’s also crucial that they set clear expectations so everyone knows what is expected of them. As a manager, I always make sure my team understands our company values and mission statement.”

19. How many times a day would you say you use technology?

Technology is an important part of the job, so it’s important to show that you’re comfortable using technology. Your answer should include a list of devices you use and how often you use them. You can also mention any specific programs or apps you use regularly.

Example: “I would say I use technology at least once every hour. I’m constantly checking my phone for emails and messages, as well as social media accounts. I also use my laptop several times a day, mostly for work-related tasks like creating presentations and writing reports. I have a tablet that I use when traveling, and I find myself using it more than my phone while on the go.”

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

This question is often asked to determine if you are willing to work outside of normal business hours. Staples may ask this question because they have locations that stay open late and some employees need to work these shifts. If you are not comfortable working nights or weekends, it’s important to let the interviewer know as soon as possible so they can find someone who is.

Example: “I am happy to work any shift that needs to be filled. However, I do prefer working during regular business hours. I feel like I get more done when there aren’t many distractions around me.”