I applied online and a week later I got a call to come in for an interview. The first interview took about an hour. A lot of expected questions, such as give me a scenario of when a customer was upset, what did you do you remedy the situation? They also wanted to know if I traveled a lot, could sell their credit card, and if I was fashionable. The girl made it seem like they were REALLY into having all of the employees wearing "in fashion" clothing, which I totally understand. However she also said sometimes she could "only afford a new piece of clothing once or twice a month" and that sometimes that would have to do. I'm not buying a whole new wardrobe full of Maurice's clothing on a season to season basis. I have fashionable clothing that consists of other brands besides Maurices, and do not plan on making this my life long career. The discount is generous, but not THAT generous!
The interview to me was a walk in the park. Most retail interviews are the same. General "what would you do or have you done" questions. They want to see how you would deal in different situations, from an upset customer to having do deal with a last minute floor set. Expierience is also key in this position. The ideal candidate should be able to train and coach other associates (coaching is very big here from the sounds of it, which is good!)
I was quickly called back for a second interview with a different manager. Same of the basics, a little more detailed and a lot of repeating from the first interview into the second it seemed to me. Again, credit card sales seem to be a HUGE deal here, not something that I am really into. If I wanted that kind of pressure I better be making commission.
My advice to candidates you want this position is that they want serious sellers and fashionistas only. Not someone who can sometimes sell, but always willing to sell and make that extra buck. They definitely want "pushy" sales people. The females I interview with both made it very clear to me that there would be high standards of pushing the company credit card, which put me off quite a bit. We are in a down economy still, and you want me to push a credit card?