We spoke to Sharron Foo, team lead of sales, marketing and retail at Adecco Singapore, about current hiring trends and industry-specific interview questions. She shares her insights here.
Can you share on the current hiring trends for your particular industry of expertise? What are employers looking for, what’s the industry outlook, and what are the skills they are prizing?
Sharron: The retail industry in Singapore is at a pivotal point, marked by growth opportunities and ongoing challenges. A resurgence in consumer spending and a rise in tourist arrivals have strengthened the industry, positioning Singapore as a key hub for global brands. However, persistent labour shortages and rising operational costs continue to create pressure.
While retail sales fluctuated in mid-2024, sectors like food and beverages (F&B), and luxury goods have demonstrated resilience, driven by consistent consumer demand. Global brands are increasingly setting up operations in Singapore, particularly in fashion, footwear, and food, driving a high demand for front-end roles such as sales associates and experienced store managers.
Employers are prioritising candidates with strong retail sales and customer service backgrounds. These skills are vital for delivering exceptional customer experiences in Singapore’s diverse and affluent market.
What are some of the industry-specific questions that tend to be asked during interviews in your industry, and how are they best answered?
Retail interviews often focus on candidates’ understanding of the industry, familiarity with the brand, and ability to handle customer interactions. Providing a broad and detailed perspective is essential when asked about your retail industry knowledge. Demonstrate awareness of current trends, market challenges, and growth opportunities. This shows not just knowledge but also a genuine interest in the sector.
Employers frequently inquire about your motivation for joining their brand. Here, reflecting on the company’s values, culture, and recent initiatives that resonate with your career goals is crucial. Demonstrating this alignment can set you apart from other candidates.
Another common topic is handling demanding customers. Employers want to see how you manage challenging situations with professionalism and empathy. Highlight your active listening skills, your ability to stay calm under pressure, and your work to resolve issues while maintaining a positive customer relationship.
Sharing specific examples from past experiences can strengthen your responses and showcase your problem-solving abilities.
Are there any particular jobs in your industry that also have very specific questions, and how are they best answered?
Interview questions for roles like store managers, visual merchandisers, and retail buyers become more specialised. For example, a store manager might be asked how they motivate their team to meet sales targets and uphold customer service standards.
In your answer, describe your leadership style and how you set clear objectives, implement incentive programmes, and foster a supportive work environment. Sharing a real example of how your approach improved team performance can be very impactful.
Visual merchandisers may face questions about creating engaging displays. It’s important to discuss your understanding of customer psychology, your strategies for maintaining brand consistency, and how you stay updated with market trends.
Describe your process for designing displays, selecting colour schemes, and ensuring visual appeal to attract customers.
For retail buyers, questions often focus on decision-making criteria for product selection. Highlight how you analyse sales data, track market trends, and understand customer preferences.
Discuss your collaboration with suppliers, negotiation strategies, and how you align product choices with the brand’s identity and target audience.
Are there any situational questions that tend to be asked for your industry, and how are they best answered?
Situational questions are designed to assess how you handle real-world challenges. For example, you might be asked to describe how you managed a surge of customers during peak hours. In your response, outline how you prioritised tasks, maintained organisation, and ensured smooth operations.
Emphasise teamwork and your ability to stay composed under pressure.
Another common question is about convincing a challenging customer. Share how you identified the customer’s needs, addressed their concerns, and highlighted the product’s benefits. Use specific examples to illustrate your persuasive skills and how your approach led to a successful sale.
When discussing situations where you didn’t meet sales targets, focus on how you analysed your performance, sought feedback, and adjusted your strategies. This demonstrates resilience, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Are there any technical or skill tests (written, hands-on or project) that could be accompanied with an interview has part of the hiring process for any roles in your industry? What are they usually like, and what is the best way to approach them?
Skill-based assessments are often part of the hiring process for technical retail roles, such as watch technicians or alterations. Preparation and a clear demonstration of your capabilities are key to standing out.
To excel, candidates should thoroughly review the job description and required skills. They should display confidence and be prepared to demonstrate problem-solving abilities, creativity, and technical expertise.
Highlighting your customer service and teamwork skills during these assessments can also make a strong impression, as these are highly valued in retail roles.
By understanding these hiring trends and preparing thoughtful, experience-backed responses, candidates can confidently navigate retail industry interviews and enhance their chances of securing their desired roles.
This article was done in collaboration with Adecco.
