American Eagle Outfitters Interview Questions & Tips

How to Get a Job at American Eagle

The American Eagle Outfitters hiring process begins once an applicant provides the information necessary for officially establishing interest in employment. Job seekers may submit the requested information to the clothing retailer either online or in store, with the latter method of submission often resulting in the opportunity to meet hiring managers ahead of the interview.

Interview Formats

Described by the company as casual and informative, the interview process generally features multiple phases for both entry-level and managerial candidates to complete. Applicants interviewing for entry-level American Eagle jobs, like sales associate or stock associate, typically go through a group interview session immediately followed by a 1:1 interview on the same day. Potential managers normally interview with American Eagle two or three times over the course of a week or longer.

The Entry-Level Hiring Process

Entry-level job seekers invited to group sessions sometimes interview with as many as 20 or 30 other candidates. Interviewees take turns responding to questions like, “Why did you choose American Eagle?”, “What do you like about the AE brand?”, and “What are some of your favorite fashion labels or stores?” The topic of fashion regularly appears in other common American Eagle interview questions, such as, “How would you describe your personal style?” and “Which celebrity inspires your sense of fashion?” Prospective employees frequently have to explain how they would deal with situations like a rude customer or a dishonest coworker, as well. American Eagle group interviews may also feature role-playing activities in which candidates act out the selling of an outfit, the AE credit card, or other similar items. After the group interview, each applicant meets with the hiring manager individually and fields additional questions often focusing on schedule availability and specific experiences from previous jobs.

The Hiring Process for Managers

Prospective managers also participate in at least two interviews during the American Eagle hiring process, though each meeting typically takes place on separate days. American Eagle store managers or district managers usually interview managerial applicants one-on-one, often starting with an introductory phone screening. The additional interview sessions are normally held onsite at the American Eagle store containing the job vacancy. American Eagle interviewers use each session primarily to gather information about the leadership abilities of potential managers. Frequently asked interview questions like, “What would you do if an employee was an hour late to work?” and “How would you motivate an underperforming employee?” directly speak to the ability of candidates to manage an American Eagle store effectively. Other queries commonly used during American Eagle interviews for managers ask about past employers, examples of good management, and personal career goals. Personality assessments and skills tests also form part of the American Eagle interview process, in some cases.

Clothing Matters

Appropriate attire for American Eagle interviews ranges from dressy casual clothes to professional business wear. Interviewees should consider wearing an outfit made up of the dressier apparel sold in stores to show a personal connection with the brand. Emphasize your ability to integrate with the culture of the popular retailer by responding to interview questions positively and enthusiastically. In the event of a group interview, remain outgoing and take initiative in interacting with the other candidates to stand out from the crowd. American Eagle hiring managers typically tell applicants when to expect a decision after interviewing. If not explicitly clear, ask about the rest of the hiring process when the interview concludes.

American Eagle Stocker Interview Video

Video Transcript

Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
American Eagle Stocker: I was a stock boy. Just went to the back and see if any shipments need filled, put the safety things on the clothes. Just fold them, put them in the back, then whenever there’s a need for some more clothes in the front, go out, put them in, and that’s pretty much it.

Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
American Eagle Stocker: We just kind of went to a Starbucks nearby, and they just asked me a few questions about why I wanted to work there. Just kind of wanted to know my personality.

Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
American Eagle Stocker: If I had any experience working in retail, communication with people. Trying to make sure I’d be okay in a retail environment and around coworkers and stuff.

Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
American Eagle Stocker: As a stock boy, make sure you get your work done. They might get mad if you don’t get everything unloaded. I know it’s going to be a laidback environment, but make sure you get your work done. You’re not just saying hi to the customers, but the inventory needs to get done. It’s a lot of work.

American Eagle Greeter Interview Video

Video Transcript

Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
American Eagle Greeter: I started as a seasonal greeter. I would greet people in the front, tell them about the deals we were having, and just how awesome they are, and how no other store in the mall has these deals, and we have so much new stuff coming in on the clearance rack, that we have things fifty percent off, just draw them inside. Then, I moved into working the cash register, and cashing people out, but the main goal for the cash register was you have to sell the credit card, because that assures that they’ll come back and get that credit card, and the first day you signed up, you were approved. That’s what they loved about me, because I was very good at it.

Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
American Eagle Greeter: Awesome. I would say one of the best. I would say it’s kind of like a party, but you have to be a neat freak, you have to keep fixing clothes after people keep messing them up, and it kind of gets aggravating, but it’s a job. Jobs have tedious little things you have to do, so why be bothered by it, it’s what your paid to do. So, just go in there, have a big party, you’re with all your friends, your coworkers are your friends, so have fun.

Interviewer: What was your favorite part about working there?
American Eagle Greeter: Favorite part was definitely the atmosphere. I felt like I wasn’t getting paid to go to work, I was getting paid to go in and have fun, and I could enjoy everything I was doing. I could just conversate. Some people would come in and not really sure how to dress. It was always good helping people. I like to put it as a little fashionist, something like that.

Interviewer: Please describe a typical day as an employee.
American Eagle Greeter: Typical day… come in, clock in, get your badge. You had a little microphone, so you could hear each other, and I would usually go to the front. As I said, I was a greeter, talk to everyone coming inside, and make them feel at home, feel like more than customers. Relate to them on a personal level, find out how their day is going, things like that. Everyone likes to talk to someone at first. It’s good for conversation.

Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
American Eagle Greeter: First, you had two interviews, like before, you start with the first interview, and if they liked you, they would call you back. And they called me and another guy back, and it had to be about your appearance and how you present yourself. You have to dress very nice – I would say casual but like dressy casual, business casual – but not suit and tie-wise. Just what their store sells, and the look of their store, and how they see their mannequins dress, because you’re trying to sell their clothing. You have to look good in their clothing. Then, how you speak to people – if you’re a people person, you’re in.

Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
American Eagle Greeter: They asked me questions like: “What are your hobbies?”, “Why do you think you would be good for American Eagle, of course, and “Do you wear a lot of American Eagle clothes?”, “Could you name five different types of clothing that we sell?”, and basic stuff, so if you knew a little bit about the store, you get a little bit of background before you get into it.

Interviewer: What set you apart from other candidates?
American Eagle Greeter: Again, I’m very charismatic, and I like to talk to people. I’d like to think I’m very presentable, so I think that put me above other people, and I kind of have a big mouth, so I talk a lot.

Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
American Eagle Greeter: I would say get ready to have a blast. You’re not coming in to work, I promise. You’re going to come in there, have a wonderful time, you’re going to relate to a lot of your coworkers, going to have a great time, meeting all these new customers, all these new faces, awesome new friends. It’s a great time, great atmosphere, with a happy mindset. Get ready to go have fun, not to work.

More American Eagle Interview Videos:

Related Links:
American Eagle Application
American Eagle Sales Associate