Standard interview questions - I.e “tell me about XYZ”. Manager was very open about expectations, hours, what the role would be like. Gave me more information about the job when I applied.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time you had to deal with difficult colleague.
I first went in after submitting my application to introduce myself to the store manager to try and give a good first impression. It went very well, we talked for a few moments before she offered me a first interview without seeing my application. (First impressions are everything.) My first interview was with the MOD (manager on duty) at the time, he asked a few basic questions such as, do you read often? What's the last thing you read? Etc. For the most part we just talked about various things and books that we enjoy. He proceeds to then ask me about my previous retail experience. (Having previous experience is a very big thing to be able to gain a job here.) He then went and had the cafe manager sit down and interview with me where she asked a few of the same questions, it was very laid back and easy. She then said she would call me within a few days. I received a call 2 days later from the store manager asking if I could come in for another interview. It was a short interview with a bit harder questions but still fairly easy, mostly "what would you do in this situation" type of question. Later that day I got an email for Barnes & Noble asking me to send them information to do a background check. A few days later I got a call back where I was offically offered the job!
I applied online. I interviewed at Barnes & Noble (Grand Rapids, MI) in Nov 2025
Interview
This was very basic work history questions from resume and asking about comfortability in fast paced settings. They asked about social skills and comfortability making recommendations, knowing the menu and memorization skills. Promised cross-training and expressed high expectations.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Would you be comfortable recommending drinks to customers?
I interviewed at Barnes & Noble (Sunset Valley, TX)
Interview
Very simple and easygoing. Received a phone call and then the actual interview took place in the cafe. I got a call within a day or two about the position after interviewing.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
I was asked to pitch a second menu item to a customer, depending on what they ordered