20 The Paper Store Interview Questions and Answers

The Paper Store is a family-owned and operated specialty retailer that has been selling unique gifts, cards, wrapping paper, and more for over 50 years. With over 90 stores across the Northeast, The Paper Store is a beloved institution in many communities.

If you’re hoping to join the ranks of The Paper Store’s team of passionate employees, you’ll need to ace your interview. In this guide, we’ve provided a list of sample questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

The Paper Store Interview Process

The interview process at The Paper Store is generally quick and easy. Most applicants report being contacted by a manager soon after applying, and then being invited in for a brief, casual interview. In some cases, applicants are even hired on the spot!

While the interview process is generally straightforward, applicants should be prepared to answer basic questions about their experience and qualifications. Additionally, it may be helpful to have some knowledge of the company’s products and services before the interview.

1. What do you know about The Paper Store?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your knowledge of their company. They want to know that you have done some research on them and are familiar with what they do. When answering this question, make sure to include details about the company’s history, its products or services and any awards it has won.

Example: “I am very familiar with The Paper Store because I use your products in my own home. I love how many different types of paper goods you offer, from notebooks to gift wrap. I also appreciate that you have been around since 1887. It shows me that you are committed to providing quality products at affordable prices. In fact, I learned that you were recently named one of the top five stationery companies in America.”

2. Tell us why you want to work for The Paper Store?

This question is a great way to show your enthusiasm for the position. Employers ask this question because they want to know that you are genuinely interested in working for their company and not just looking for any job. When answering, make sure to highlight what attracted you to The Paper Store specifically. Consider mentioning one or two aspects of the company that appeal to you most.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, so I would love to work at The Paper Store because it seems like such an impactful organization. I also really enjoy working with customers and providing them with excellent customer service. I think I could do both of these things well if hired here.”

3. How would you handle a customer who was unhappy with their purchase?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your customer service skills. This is an opportunity for you to show that you can empathize with customers and resolve their issues in a timely manner.

Example: “If a customer was unhappy with their purchase, I would first apologize for the inconvenience and offer them a refund or exchange. If they wanted a refund, I would process it immediately so they could leave satisfied. If they wanted an exchange, I would find out what they were looking for and help them find something similar. I would also make sure to give them a discount on their new purchase.”

4. Would you be comfortable working on the sales floor and in the stock room?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have the flexibility and willingness to work in different areas of the paper store. Use your answer to show that you are willing to do any job necessary to help the company succeed.

Example: “I am happy to work on the sales floor or in the stock room, as both jobs are important for the success of the paper store. I understand that sometimes it’s more efficient to have me working on the sales floor while another employee works in the stock room. However, I would be happy to switch roles with them at any time.”

5. If a fellow employee came to you with an issue, how would you handle it?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you would handle a conflict with a coworker. When answering, try to focus on the steps you would take to resolve the issue in a positive way.

Example: “If a fellow employee came to me with an issue, I would first listen to their concerns without interrupting them. Then, I would offer my thoughts on the situation and explain why I feel that way. If they still had questions or concerns after hearing my response, I would do my best to answer them as thoroughly as possible. Finally, I would encourage them to come back if they have any additional questions.”

6. What are your availability requirements?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are available when they need you. They also want to know if your availability is flexible or not. When answering this question, be honest about what your availability requirements are and how flexible you are with them. If you have a specific schedule that you cannot change, let the employer know as soon as possible so they can find someone who is more flexible.

Example: “I am only able to work weekdays from 9-5. I do not have any flexibility in my schedule at all. However, I would love to work for an employer who understands my situation.”

7. Do you have any experience working with cash registers or handling money?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with handling cash and money. If you have no experience, you can talk about how you would handle cash or money if you were hired for this position.

Example: “I’ve never worked in a cash register before, but I am familiar with using them. In my previous job, I had to count out change for customers who bought items that cost more than what they had in their wallet. I also used to work at a restaurant where we had to make sure we gave back the right amount of change to our customers.”

8. Have you ever worked in retail before?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your experience and how you’ve applied it to previous jobs. If you have retail experience, share a story or two about what you learned from that job and how it helped you in this role.

Example: “I worked at a local bookstore for three years while I was in college. It was my first real job, so I learned a lot about customer service and how to work with others. The most important thing I learned there was how to be patient with customers and how to solve problems on the spot. This skill has been helpful when working with students who are looking for specific books.”

9. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer.

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

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they didn’t receive their order in time for Christmas. I apologized for the inconvenience and offered them a refund or free shipping on their next order. The customer chose the free shipping option, but then they called me back saying they wanted a full refund instead. I explained that we couldn’t give them a refund since they already used the free shipping offer. Instead, I offered to send them another shipment at no cost.”

10. Can you tell us about a time where you went above and beyond for a customer?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your customer service skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you helped a customer in need or went out of your way to make sure they were happy with their purchase.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a customer who came into the store looking for a very specific type of paper. We didn’t have what she was looking for in stock, but I offered to order it for her and told her that we would deliver it to her house when it arrived. She was so appreciative of our offer and said she would definitely come back to us if she needed anything else.”

11. Are you familiar with our products? Which ones are your favorites?

Interviewers ask this question to see if you have experience with their products and how much you know about them. They also want to make sure that you’re passionate about the company’s products, which can show your passion for the job. When answering this question, try to name a few of the store’s most popular items and explain why you like them.

Example: “I’ve been shopping at The Paper Store since I was in high school. My favorite product is the recycled notebook because it’s made from 100% recycled materials. It’s great knowing that my purchase is helping the environment. Another favorite is the personalized notecards because they are so unique. I love giving them as gifts.”

12. We require all of our employees to be comfortable using computers. How well do you think you would adapt to that type of environment?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your comfort level with computers and how you adapt to new environments. If you have limited computer experience, explain what type of training you would need to learn the company’s software.

Example: “I’ve worked in a paper store before, but I haven’t had much experience using computers for work. However, I am very comfortable learning new things, so if I were hired here, I would be happy to take any necessary training to learn the company’s software.”

13. What is your experience working as part of a team?

The paper store is a team-oriented environment, so employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working with others. In your answer, share an example of how you’ve worked well with others in the past and what made it successful.

Example: “In my last position as a sales associate at a local bookstore, I was part of a small team that helped customers find books they were looking for. One day, a customer asked us if we had any books about butterflies. My coworker didn’t know much about butterflies, but I did because I’d read a book on them when I was younger. So, I told her about the book I remembered reading and she found it for the customer.”

14. What do you like most about retail?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how your personality might fit in with their company. Your answer can also give them insight into what motivates you, so it’s important to be honest about why you enjoy working in retail.

Example: “I love helping customers find exactly what they’re looking for. I’ve always been someone who enjoys solving problems, so when people come in looking for something specific, I like being able to find that item for them. It makes me feel good to know that I was able to help them out.”

15. What is your experience working as a key holder?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working in a retail environment. This is an opportunity for you to share any previous work experiences that are similar to the job you’re interviewing for.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for opening and closing the store each day. I also had to make sure all of our customers were happy with their purchases and helped them find what they needed. In addition, I worked as a key holder at my previous job, so I’m familiar with how to manage multiple responsibilities.”

16. What do you think makes a successful department manager?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you would manage a team of employees. Use examples from past experiences where you helped lead a group or department, such as in school or at work.

Example: “I think the most important quality for a successful manager is being able to communicate clearly with their team members. As a department manager at my previous job, I made sure that all my employees knew what was expected of them and when they could expect feedback on their performance. This allowed everyone to feel comfortable asking questions if they needed help understanding something.”

17. Do you have any experience managing other employees?

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills and how you might manage a team of employees at The Paper Store. Use examples from past experience to highlight your management style, communication skills and ability to delegate tasks.

Example: “In my last position as an assistant manager at a local bookstore, I was responsible for managing two other employees who worked in different departments. One employee managed the front desk while the other helped customers find books on our shelves. I used my organizational skills to create weekly schedules that allowed each employee to take breaks throughout their shifts. I also regularly communicated with both employees about any changes to their schedules or expectations.”

18. What do you think are some important qualities for someone working in management?

This question can help the interviewer determine your management style and how you would apply it to a role at The Paper Store. When answering, think about what skills you have that make you successful in leadership roles.

Example: “I believe some important qualities for someone working in management are communication, organization and problem-solving skills. As a manager, I would need to be able to clearly communicate with my team members and understand their concerns or questions. Organization is also important because I would need to keep track of employee schedules, inventory and other important information. Finally, problem-solving skills are essential because there may be times when employees need help solving issues they’re having.”

19. There will be times when we ask our sales associates to help out in different departments. Are you willing to do that?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are willing to help out in other areas of the store. This can be a great way for them to get to know you and your personality, as well as how you work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you enjoy working with others and helping customers in different departments.

Example: “I am happy to help out wherever I’m needed at The Paper Store. I love interacting with our customers and getting to know them on a personal level. However, I also understand that there are times when we need extra hands in another department. If I were asked to help out in another area, I would do my best to make sure I was still able to provide excellent customer service.”

20. Why should we hire you over another candidate?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can benefit their company. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are the best candidate for the job. Consider highlighting any skills or experiences that align with what the employer is looking for in an employee.

Example: “I am passionate about customer service and believe I would be a great fit for this position because of my communication skills. In my previous role as a cashier at a grocery store, I had to interact with customers on a daily basis. I learned how to solve problems quickly and provide excellent customer service. This skill set makes me confident that I could succeed in this role.”