20 The Tile Shop, Inc. Interview Questions and Answers

The Tile Shop is the leading specialty retailer of natural stone and ceramic tile in the United States. With over 100 stores nationwide, The Tile Shop offers a wide variety of products and services to meet the needs of both DIYers and professional contractors.

If you’re hoping to land a job at The Tile Shop, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and knowledge of the tile industry. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of sample Tile Shop interview questions and answers.

The Tile Shop, Inc. Interview Process

The interview process at The Tile Shop, Inc. is generally quick and easy. Most applicants will only have to interview with the store manager, and may not even meet the assistant manager until later on. Questions tend to be focused on sales experience and abilities, and candidates are often asked to sell something to the interviewer during the course of the conversation. Overall, the experience is generally positive, though some reviewers have noted that the pay structure (which is based on commission and draw) can be low compared to other similar companies.

1. What are some of your favorite products that we offer at The Tile Shop?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your knowledge of our products and how you might fit in with our team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few products that you have experience using or selling.

Example: “I love The Tile Shop’s porcelain tile because it is so versatile. I’ve used it for both residential and commercial projects, and it has always been easy to clean and maintain. Another product I really enjoy working with is your slate tile. Slate tiles are great for outdoor spaces because they’re durable and weather-resistant. They also come in many different colors and styles.”

2. How would you describe your customer service style?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills and how you would apply them in a work environment. To answer, think of a time when you provided excellent customer service to a client or colleague.

Example: “I believe that providing quality customer service is one of the most important aspects of my job. I always make sure to greet customers with a smile and offer help finding what they need. If I’m unsure of an answer to a question, I will do my best to find out the correct information as quickly as possible. In addition, I am always willing to go above and beyond for clients by offering discounts or free services if they are unhappy with their purchase.”

3. Do you have any experience working with tile or stone products?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any experience working with their products. If you do, share your previous experience and how it helped you in this role. If you don’t, explain what other materials you’ve worked with and why they’re similar to tile or stone.

Example: “I have a lot of experience working with natural stones like granite and marble because I used to work at a jewelry store where we sold these types of stones. I also had some experience working with ceramic tiles when I was an assistant manager at a home improvement store.”

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

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are willing to go the extra mile for customers. It also shows them how much you value customer service and satisfaction. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific situation where you went above and beyond for a customer.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a customer who was looking for a very unique tile. We searched high and low but couldn’t find exactly what they were looking for. I offered to create a custom design for them so that they could have the exact tile they wanted. They were thrilled with the result and ended up ordering several more tiles from us.”

5. If a customer was unhappy with their purchase, how would you handle the situation?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your customer service skills. This is an opportunity for you to show that you can empathize with customers and resolve their concerns 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 were looking for something specific, I would try my best to find it for them. If they wanted to return the item, I would ensure that they had all of the necessary paperwork before sending them on their way.”

6. How well do you work under pressure?

The tile shop manager needs to be able to work under pressure. The job requires you to meet deadlines and ensure the company meets its sales goals. When answering this question, show that you can handle stress well and are willing to do what it takes to get the job done.

Example: “I am a very organized person, so I thrive when working under pressure. In my last position as a tile shop assistant manager, I was responsible for ordering supplies and making sure we had enough tiles in stock. One day, our supplier called me to tell us they were out of one of our most popular tiles. I immediately started calling other suppliers to find more of the tile. Luckily, I found another supplier who could deliver the next day. I also made sure we had plenty of all other tiles in stock.”

7. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. Use examples from previous jobs or describe a time when you helped resolve a conflict with a friend, family member or colleague.

Example: “At my last job, I had a customer who was upset because we didn’t have the tile she wanted in stock. She became increasingly frustrated and started yelling at me. Instead of getting defensive, I calmly explained that we couldn’t order any additional tiles until our current shipment arrived. This seemed to calm her down, and she apologized for raising her voice. I told her it was no problem and offered to help her find another tile that would work well in her home.”

8. What is your availability?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine your availability for the job. This is because they want to know if you can work their hours and when you are available to start working. When answering this question, be honest about your availability and consider what type of schedule would best fit the company’s needs.

Example: “I am currently a full-time student, but I plan on graduating in May. After that, I will have more time to dedicate to my career. Right now, I am available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, once I graduate, I will be able to work longer hours.”

9. Which shift are you available to work?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine your availability for the job. If you are only available during certain hours, they might not be able to hire you. When answering this question, make sure to mention all of the shifts that you can work and which ones you prefer.

Example: “I am available to work any shift at The Tile Shop, Inc., but I would prefer working the day or evening shift. I find these times more convenient because I have a lot of energy in the morning and afternoon, so I can help customers with their questions and needs. In the evenings, I’m usually winding down from my day and ready to relax.”

10. Are you comfortable lifting up to 50 pounds?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you have the physical strength and stamina to perform your job duties. If you are not comfortable lifting up to 50 pounds, consider sharing what weight limit you can lift comfortably in an interview.

Example: “I am comfortable lifting up to 50 pounds. I’ve worked as a tile setter for five years now, so I’m used to lifting heavy materials. However, I always make sure that my team members are available to help me with heavier loads when needed.”

11. What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful sales associate?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you view success. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few qualities that you feel are important for any job, such as communication skills, organization or time management.

Example: “I think the most important quality for a successful sales associate is being able to communicate effectively with customers. I also believe it’s important to have strong organizational skills so you can keep track of all the orders and inventory in the store. Finally, I think it’s essential to have a positive attitude because it can help you overcome challenges and make lasting relationships with customers.”

12. Tell me about a time where you helped someone achieve a goal.

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your leadership skills and how you motivate others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a time when you helped someone overcome an obstacle or achieve something they were proud of.

Example: “When I was working as a manager at my previous job, one of my employees had been trying to get his sales numbers up for quite some time. He was always very friendly with customers but just wasn’t getting the results he wanted. So, we sat down together and talked about what he could do differently to increase his sales. After that conversation, he started using different techniques to sell products to customers and eventually got his sales numbers where he wanted them.”

13. What type of design projects have you worked on in the past?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with tile projects. They want to know if you have the skills and knowledge to complete a project like the one they’re offering. Use examples from past projects that highlight your creativity, problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Example: “In my last position as a tile specialist, I worked on several different types of design projects. One of my favorite projects was working with a client who wanted to create a unique look in their bathroom. We decided to use glass tiles for the shower walls and flooring. The client loved the final product.”

14. Have you ever used 20/20 software before?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using the software they use at The Tile Shop, Inc. This can be a great opportunity for you to show your knowledge of the program and how well you can use it. If you haven’t used 20/20 before, consider asking what other programs they use so that you can familiarize yourself with them before your interview.

Example: “Yes, I’ve used 20/20 in my previous position as an assistant manager at ABC Home Improvement Store. It’s a very useful tool for organizing projects and tasks, which is why I love working with it. I find it easy to navigate through the different tabs and features, and I’m always able to find exactly what I need when I need it.”

15. What is your experience with using interior design software?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with using software that helps you create floor plans and design ideas. Use examples from past jobs where you used interior design software to help clients visualize their tile projects before they began work.

Example: “In my last position, I worked as a sales associate in the tile shop at a local home improvement store. One of my main responsibilities was helping customers find the right tiles for their projects. To do so, I would use an interior design program to show them how different colors and patterns could look on their floors or walls. This helped me build rapport with many of my clients and gave them confidence in our products.”

16. Can you tell me about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your conflict resolution skills. This is an important skill for any team member, and it can help you work well with others on a project or in the workplace. When answering this question, try to focus on how you resolved the conflict rather than what caused it.

Example: “In my last position as a tile installer, I was working on a large project that required several people to complete. One day, one of my coworkers didn’t show up to work, so we had to rearrange our schedule to ensure the job got done. My manager asked me to take over another coworker’s duties while they were out. While I was able to do both jobs, I felt like I wasn’t doing either one justice because I couldn’t give them my full attention.

I talked to my manager about the situation, and she understood. She told me to focus on the job I was originally assigned until my coworker returned. Then, I could go back to helping her finish the other job.”

17. What are your thoughts on the current state of the design industry?

The design industry is constantly changing, and the interviewer may want to know how you feel about these changes. You can use this question as an opportunity to show your passion for design by sharing what excites you in the field and what challenges you see.

Example: “I think the current state of the design industry is exciting because there are so many new materials and techniques available that allow us to create more unique spaces than ever before. However, I also think it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends so we can provide our clients with the best possible service.”

18. Tell us why you want to work at The Tile Shop.

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what you like about the job and how it fits into your career goals. Before your interview, make sure you read through the job description so you can refer to specific requirements or expectations. You can also do some research on the company’s website to see if there are any aspects of the business that appeal to you.

Example: “I’m very interested in working at The Tile Shop because I love tile work. I’ve been doing tile projects since high school, and I think this would be a great place to continue my craftsmanship. I am also really impressed by the reputation of the company. I feel like I could learn a lot from working here.”

19. Are you familiar with the different types of flooring options that we carry?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with the products they sell. They want to know that you can help customers make informed decisions about their flooring options and provide them with quality customer service. In your answer, try to list as many types of flooring as possible and explain what each type is made from or how it’s different from other types.

Example: “I am familiar with all of the flooring options The Tile Shop carries. For example, I’ve worked with ceramic tile before, which is a durable option for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Porcelain tile is similar to ceramic but has a more matte finish. Vinyl is another popular choice because it’s easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors. Laminate flooring is also an affordable option that looks like hardwood.”

20. If hired, what would be your approach to designing a space for a client?

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you approach a project and what your thought process is. This can help them determine if you have the skills necessary for the job, such as communication, organization and time management. In your answer, try to describe your process in detail so that the interviewer can see whether it matches their expectations of the role.

Example: “When I meet with a client, I like to get an idea of what they’re looking for before we start designing anything. I find that asking questions about their lifestyle and preferences helps me create spaces that are more personalized. Once I know more about the client, I’ll begin sketching out some ideas based on their needs and budget. Then, I’ll present my sketches to the client and work with them to choose one.”