Group Interviews
Build A Bear offers a unique interview process. Specific interview formats may vary by location and desired position. Typically, the interview process consists of a group interview followed by a one-on-one interview. The group interview may consist of up to 10 candidates. Group interviews generally include common interview questions and a group activity, which gauge how candidates work with teammates and follow directions.
Standard Interview Questions
Build A Bear mainly uses round-table discussion as a group activity. Applicants respond to interview questions like: "What have you done in the past to make someone happy?" or "What would you do to cheer up a sad child?" The Build A Bear interview questions are light-hearted and good-natured and attempt to solicit positive characteristics from candidates. Distinguish yourself from the group and exhibit extroverted qualities. The retailer needs friendly, enthusiastic, and outgoing team members. Prove you fit the job and show off a positive and fun-loving attitude.
One-on-One Interviews
Immediately following the group job interview, hiring managers invite encouraging applicants to participate in one-on-one interviews. The Build A Bear one-on-one job interview usually consists of behavioral questions. Prepare to answer interview questions, such as: "What is a big mistake you have made and how did you work to fix it?", "What was the craziest thing you have ever done?", and "How would your friends describe you?" When talking about past experiences, draw answers from past jobs or school projects. When describing yourself, mention your approachable, helpful attitude. At the end of the one-to-one interview, thank the interviewer for the experience and opportunity. Successful candidates generally receive job offers from the children's retailer within a few days.
Stacy says:
I wanna know what kind of interview question will Build-A-Bear ask in “group” interviews and “individuals” interviews. Please, I would really would like to know. Thank you.
Andrea says:
For the one that I was in last Sunday, they mostly just talked about the history of the company, the managers introduced themselves, and then we had to chat with the other people and introduce our “partner” to the group. We then in groups had to come up with a Build-a-Bear commercial. As for the individual interview they ask you how you would solve a conflict, about how well you interact with people, and so on. It’s pretty easy.
Rhii says:
Last week, I had a group interview. This article says that there are up to 10 people at these interviews. Mine had 30. We had to bring an object that described us, and we went round in a circle saying our name, how we knew about Build a Bear, and then describing our object. The manager then asked the group questions, and you could put your hand up if you wanted to answer. These included:
– What is a mistake you have made and how did you learn from it?
– What is a life long dream and how are you working towards it?
– What is an issue you have and how are you working on it? (Mine was confidence)
– What are the best and worst things about working in a team?
Then we were split into five groups to work on two group challenges. One was using a familiar song to come up with a jingle for Build a Bear (be prepared to present this to the rest of the group!), and the other was making up a game you could use at a kids’ party.
The managers then asked us if we had any questions, before saying there and then the 6 people they wanted back for another interview. I have my second one soon!