How to Get a Job at American Apparel
Nationwide clothing store chain American Apparel strives to remain unique in the fashion retail industry. The company achieves this goal through trendy products and exceptional employee performance. American Apparel puts great faith in over 11,000 associates across retail, corporate, and distribution operations. Like other major retailers, American Apparel performs frequent job interviews. Unlike competitors, the company puts a twist on many aspects of the American Apparel interview process.
American Apparel puts great emphasis on the “look” of employees, as the company promotes a certain image. Job seekers matching the expectations of image may be invited to an interview conducted by a store manager or another American Apparel hiring representative. Usually conducted one-on-one or within smaller groups, American Apparel hiring sessions typically include interview questions standard in the fashion retail industry. Applicants may be asked about how well they work within a team, personal skills, and availability. Interviewees should also expect to talk about personal style and current fashion trends during each interview.
Overall, the company looks for individuals who match American Apparel’s reputation as a preferred clothier for the young and trendy. American Apparel receives thousands of applicants every year, so standing out from the crowd is an important part in getting hired by the company. One of the more effective strategies applicants should use involves performing some research on the company, such as learning about popular American Apparel products, store locations, and even sponsorships. Attending the interview wearing American Apparel clothing may also show strong interest in the brand, as well. Visit a store before the interview to get an idea of what kind of clothing and services American Apparel offers.
American Apparel Sales Associate Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
American Apparel Employee: I was a sales associate. Basically, as a sales associate, you had to work the register, keep maintenance, be sure to clean the floors, put clothes perfectly on the rack. You really had to know customer service. You had to know how to communicate. That was basically everything entailed to that position.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
American Apparel Employee: It was very fast-paced, so you really couldn’t work there if you were lazy or you didn’t want to be there. You really had to be persistent, make sure to get your sales going, because a lot of it was based on commission. So, in order to work in a sales environment, you really have to be aggressive and know what you’re doing.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
American Apparel Employee: At American Apparel, it’s a different kind of process than other locations, because they take a photograph of you and send it to their headquarters to approve you. I think that’s just for the look of the company. So, I had to do that, submit a resume, and once they approved me, I went to the Melrose location and went through the actual interview process with the manager and got hired.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
American Apparel Employee: They want to know my skills, if I was organized, if I had ever done sales, which I had not, it was my first time. They kind of wanted me to go through the store and study the clothing and get to know the material, and just all the inventory.
Interviewer: What set you apart from other candidates?
American Apparel Employee: I was very persistent. I followed up. I was very organized and detailed when I emailed the manager. I was on-time to my interview. I really just gave my all, and they knew I wanted the position.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
American Apparel Employee: Because it’s sales, you really have to want to do it, because there are a lot of people that want to go into sales, and it’s very difficult to get a position and keep it, unless you are really into what you are doing. So, you have to be organized, you have to be very detail-oriented, and you have to have good customer service skills.
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