Container Store Interview Questions & Reviews
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Updated Feb 2, 2012 – Interview questions and reviews posted anonymously by interview candidates.
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Difficulty Rating [?] Based on 23 ratings 
“Average” Interview
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Interview Experience [?] Based on 23 ratings
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| 1–10 of 23 Container Store Interviews | Sort by |
Infrastructure Engineer at Container Store
Posted Feb 2, 2012
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1.0
Very Easy Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2012 in Coppell, TX (took 2 weeks)
Applied online, received call from HR to setup initial phone interview, then interview with hiring manager and recruiting manager.
Very laid back, staff in casual attire in corporate HQ.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
View Comments (2)
Inappropriate?
Visual Sales - Part Time at Container Store
Posted Jan 31, 2012
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Dec 2011 in Arlington, TX (took 1 week)
I had seen a flyer go up about soon hiring at their newest store. I was excited and really wanted to work there. I immediatly filled out an online application. About a week later, I was invited to a group interview. The interview consisted of about 9 perspective applicants, all women 30 yrs of age or better which was refreshing and 2 managers. We were all assigned "homework" which consisted on an item from thier website and describe it to others. I know I blew it with this one. My excitement and nervousness overcame my response. I usually can sell really well, but being out of the work force and helping my husband with some business things that he had going, well, I really was not prepared. I was impressed though by the overall organized way that they projected themselves, the apperance of the room that we were interviewing in. I did appreciate the experience and maybe in the future I can try again.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview.
More Container Store Visual Sales - Part Time Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Visual Sales - Part Time at Container Store
Posted Dec 17, 2011
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Oct 2011 (took 3 weeks)
I applied online using the store's general application; instead of applying to a specific position, I provided my preferences (I was very flexible), and was instructed that the company would contact me if my profile matched their needs in the future. About 2 weeks later, I was contacted via email asking me to schedule a phone interview with a manager. The interview (more of a screening, really) consisted of very basic questions such as why I wanted to work for The Container Store and what my favorite department in the store was. It only lasted for about 15 minutes, and at the end of the call, I was invited to a group interview about 1 week later.
The group interview included about 10 other candidates (they were hiring for 5 positions), and was held on the sales floor before the store opened; although there were no customers, there were other employees setting up Gift Wrap Wonderland, and loud music playing which made the environment marginally awkward. The interview - conducted by another manager - started with everyone introducing themselves; the manager made it clear that it was more important to share something unique than try to one-up everyone else. We then watched 3-4 movies about the company and had a few minutes of discussion after each one. There was also a lot of information about the nature of the job: a mix of sales, visual sales, and merchandise processing. Unlike some other reviews, we did not have to "sell" a product at any point. The interview wrapped up with the manager asking us to share one unique attribute that we would bring to the store if hired. He told us that he would call the next day to let us know whether or not we would be invited to an individual interview.
On schedule, I received a call the next afternoon inviting me to an individual interview later that week. This interview was also on the sales floor, but it was after the store opened, so there were customers walking past, which was quite distracting. The interview - with the store's General Manager - lasted about 30 minutes, and the questions were pretty standard. We also talked briefly about what hours and pay I could expect if hired, as well as what "next steps" would be after the interview. To my surprise, though, at the end of the interview, the General Manager offered me a position on the spot.
I was asked to complete a background check, as well as a drug test, before I was officially hired, but I began training about a week later, so the hiring process was very efficient (and largely online, which I really appreciated).
Overall, the interviewing experience was very positive. I got asked EVERY step of the way (even the follow-up phone calls, and multiple times during the interview itself) if I had questions and, though at first I felt pressure to always have great questions to ask, I realize now that they were just making sure everything was properly communicated. (Though you should certainly still have plenty of questions to ask about the store/position/company!) Additionally, there were a couple of minor overlaps in questions between the multiple managers, but in general, they seemed to communicate well to each other about the various candidates. In the end, I think they were most looking for personality, confidence, and willingness to learn; previous retail experience was not necessary because the training is so extensive. I left my final interview more excited about the position than I did when I started the process, so they did their job.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
There was very little negotiation. The wage that I ended up being offered was a little lower than what we had discussed in the individual interview (but still much higher than your typical retail pay), but I did not feel the need to negotiate.
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, a Drug Test and a Background Check.
More Container Store Visual Sales - Part Time Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Manager at Container Store
Posted Dec 17, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Nov 2011 (took 2 days)
The process was three interviews. First there was a phone interview that was very general and lasted about 15 or 20 minutes. Then she recommended a face to face with the General Manager. That was awesome. Very relaxed, informative and interesting. The third interview was with Director of Distribution and the Traffic Manager at the same time. That was a more traditional interview with the traditional questions. Both interviews lasted about an hour each.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Overnight Merchandise Processing at Container Store
Posted Nov 26, 2011 — 1 of 1 people found this helpful
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Nov 2011 (took 3 months)
I filled out the application online on the 26th of September, and was emailed about 2 weeks later to conduct a preliminary phone interview. Once I "passed" that interview, I was then scheduled for a group/panel interview at the store where there were 7 others. That interview was so much fun; the manager was hilarious! After that interview, I was in called for a 1 on 1 interview 2 days later. That interview took place the following week, and I was told I may get a call within a week or a couple days if considered to move onto the next step, which I was. I then was called in for another 1 on 1 but this time it was to see what I was "getting myself into" when it came to overnight merchandise processing. It was basically getting a feel of what I would be responsible for in making sure the store is Grand Opening ready the morning it opens. After 2 calls and an email, I was called back and offered the position with decent pay; a dollar over what I had been making at my previous job. I am so excited and happy to get the opportunity to work at this amazing store and I know I will enjoy it, by the grace of God. I hope to have a positive work experience here and I hope to mesh well with the others who are already employed here.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
I did not negotiate. I took what was offered.
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview, a Drug Test and a Background Check.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Full Time Visual Sales at Container Store
Posted Oct 27, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Sep 2011 in The Woodlands, TX (took a day)
There was a group interview after a telephone interview. There were about 10 other people in the room. we watched videos,and responding to direct questions. We also role-played in sales scenarios. There was a "homework" assignment to research one item and bring in a picture. The role-play scenario really required studying the website and getting a feel for the store's policies without a net. They expect people that have sales talent, not ones that need to be trained. In my scenario a customer was in the store with their young children. Thinking on the fly, I neglected to remember to direct the customer to the website to shop. Had I thought of that, I believe that my chances would have been better for the job. Disappointed in my response, kind of blew it, but I may try again down the road. I love this store!
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Full-Time Sales at Container Store
Posted Sep 16, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Sep 2011 in Indianapolis, IN (took 6+ weeks)
There was an online application, phone interview(s), group interview and several one-on-one interviews. I was told by a manager you can expect between 7-9 interviews when being considered for a full-time position at The Container Store. It is a nice concept to hire the best of the best, and be able to have several members of the team interview you for fit. However, in reality, requiring this many interviewst suggests you have serious leadership challenges in your organization. A true leader should be able to make a sound hiring decision for this job in three interviews or less.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Presentation.
More Container Store Full-Time Sales Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Store Manager at Container Store
Posted Jul 30, 2011
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Jul 2011 in Houston, TX (took 3 weeks)
I was contacted by the General Area Director for a phone screening then invited to an in person interview. My in person interview was with 2 General Area Directors and a Store Manager. The in person interview was about 1.5 hours long. I felt comfortable with those asking the questions and the process as they defined the culture. My disappointment came from after the process whereby my thank you email was responded to with a "i'll definitely be in touch by the end of the following week" which sounded promising. I did not get a response as mentioned in the email. So when I wrote back, I was told they had other candidates to still interview and that they would get back to me by the middle of the week. That also did not happen. On the next day I received an email stating that they had one more person to meet with and that they would get back to me after doing so. All still sounded somewhat promising. Finally at the end of the week, one week past the prior commitment, I received a rejection voicemail. I was strung along during this whole process.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I Applied Online and the interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a Group/Panel Interview.
More Container Store Store Manager Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Store Manager at Container Store
Posted Jun 5, 2011 — 1 of 1 people found this helpful
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed May 2011 (took 4+ weeks)
applied online; recevied email requesting phone interview which was with recruiter. then phone interview with the regional director. had to answer 2 questions about their work philosophies. then face to face with district manager and another store manager. another phone interview with both dm and regional manager. another follow up phone call with dm. then the turn down phone call- which was scheduled via email.
none of the interviews focused on my work history- i made sure to include it in my answers. their big focus was interviewing for their culture and their work philosophies. you need to do your research before your first interview. they send a very nice PR packet and expect you to read it.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview and a 1:1 Interview.
More Container Store Store Manager Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Visual Sales - Part Time at Container Store
Posted Mar 10, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Neutral Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Aug 2010 (took 2+ months)
I received a phone interview 3 weeks after submitting my application. I had a group interview several weeks later. I had a one-on-one interview a few weeks later. I was offered a position and the offer was contingent upon my passing a drug test.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Phone Interview, a 1:1 Interview, a Group/Panel Interview and a Drug Test.
More Container Store Visual Sales - Part Time Interviews
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
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