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Web: www.bordersgroupinc.com | HQ: Ann Arbor, MI

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Updated Jan 24, 2012 – Interview questions and reviews posted anonymously by interview candidates.

Difficulty Rating [?] Based on 47 ratings

2.3

“Easy” Interview

Interview Experience [?] Based on 47 ratings

Positive	55%
Neutral	32%
Negative	13%

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41–47 of 47 Borders Interviews

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4.0

Difficult Interview

Overall Negative Experience

Received and Accepted Offer

Interviewed Oct 2009 in Atlanta, GA (took 2 weeks)

I had applied online several weeks prior to being called. I received a phone call from the assistant manager who did a brief phone interview and scheduled an in-store interview. That interview went on for more than an hour. I was then scheduled for a 2nd interview with the actual manager, which took place the following week. This also went on for over an hour. Ridiculously redundant, everything could have been wrapped up in one interview. If only the real manager has the final say, then that person should be conducting all interviews instead of wasting candidates' time and the company's time.

Interview Questions

Tell me about a time when you had something very challenging to handle, and how did you deal with it?

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Tell me about a time you had a difficult customer and how did you handle it?

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Negotiation Details

What negotiation? The position pays $8.00 an hour, take it or leave it.

Other Details

I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.

More Borders Bookseller Interviews

Helpful Interview?

Yes | No

Inappropriate?

3.0

Average Interview

Overall Positive Experience

Received and Accepted Offer

Interviewed Aug 2007 in Chicago, IL (took 2 days)

Very conversational and friendly. We even had coffee during the interview. Probably one of the more pleasant interviews I attended.

Interview Questions

What are your weaknesses?

View Answers (1)

Negotiation Details

The hourly rate of pay was set already, and relatively non-negotiable.

Other Details

I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.

More Borders Bookseller Interviews

Helpful Interview?

Yes | No

Inappropriate?

1.0

Very Easy Interview

Overall Positive Experience

Received and Accepted Offer

Interviewed Oct 2008 (took a day)

After completing an online application I was called in for a formal interview. The store manager explained what my job description would be and since he had already checked my qualifications. He said he would talk to the other managers and then offered the job. the interview process was professional, to the point and efficient. It did require a not too terribly thorough background check and a drug test at a local clinic. The people at this store represent a lot of diversity and is a fun place to work if you can let yourself not be too bothered by the overt corporate culture. Provide great customer service, have fun meeting new people and make it a fun job. Being around books and people does a little bit to make up for the really low pay. It is pretty easy to get a part time job here, full time positions are harder to come by. The company like every other company these days needs to get as much out of their employees as they can.

Interview Questions

No difficult or unexpected questions were asked.

Answer Question

Negotiation Details

During the interview there was no talk of compensation, but I already knew the parameters going into this deal. I was offered a bit higher than I expected...good news.

Other Details

I applied In-Person and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.

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Helpful Interview?

Yes | No

Inappropriate?

3.0

Average Interview

Overall Neutral Experience

Received and Accepted Offer

Interviewed Oct 2009 (took 3 weeks)

met with gm then dm then another gm

Interview Questions

how would you sell xyz.

View Answers (1)

Helpful Interview?

Yes | No

Inappropriate?

2.0

Easy Interview

Overall Negative Experience

Interviewed and No Offer

Interviewed Jul 2009 in Ann Arbor, MI (took a day)

Very brief phone interview consisting of a set question 'script.' No overall job description given to tailor answers to the position. Interviewer was abrupt and not very 'into' the call.

Interview Questions

Describe education and work background

Answer Question

How have you made an impact on sales

Answer Question

Other Details

The interview consisted of a Phone Interview.

Helpful Interview?

Yes | No

Inappropriate?

3.0

Average Interview

Overall Positive Experience

Interviewed and No Offer

Interviewed Jun 2008 (took a day)

The online application was strangely elusive, like they were trying to trick you, so you just had to be as honest as possible and not try top guess what they wanted or you'd slip up. This is a very popular company to work with, so tenacity in getting an interview and follow up are key. They were not hiring at the time of my interview, a minor annoyance, but the experience was enlightening about big corporation cookie-cutter interviews.

Interview Questions

If a customer complained about the service and/or their purchased product, how would you handle the situation?

View Answers (1)

Other Details

I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.

More Borders Sales Associate Interviews

Helpful Interview?

Yes | No

Inappropriate?

3.0

Average Interview

Overall Positive Experience

Received and Accepted Offer

Interviewed Aug 2007 (took 2 days)

Sat down , complimented on how well I scored on Unicru servey. I was the highest ever. I was told of the position responsibilities. and asked if I ever worked in a store like that. I answered no, then I was asked to tell the manager of a time I gave great customer service.