Proper Preparation is Key
Harbor Freight conducts a straightforward hiring process, with most entry-level associates participating in no more than one interview before beginning employment with the tool company. Typical interview protocol includes a question-and-answer session where recruitment officials address topics like employment background, career aspirations, availability, and customer service aptitude. Applicants may also submit to drug screening and criminal background checks as part of the hiring process. Before the interview, job hopefuls ought to review previous employment information and the anticipated job description in order to better articulate answers when responding to interview questions. Additional preparation may include conducting some research on the company vision and work culture via internet resources.
Interview Questions
Business-casual attire proves sufficient for entry-level job interviews with Harbor Freight. Managerial candidates may want to wear more formal apparel to demonstrate professionalism. Applicants often encounter 20- to 30-minute interviews and respond to questions like: "How long do you plan to work here?", "What would you do if you suspected a customer of shoplifting?", and "What is your favorite aspect of working retail?" Candidates with a background in customer service typically perform well during meetings. Utilize instances from previous employment to highlight suitability for the position, and communicate an authentic desire to work for the company.
Expectations for Management Candidates
Applicants with management aspirations often respond to questions surrounding customer service issues, loss prevention, disciplinary scenarios, and day-to-day tasks. Management candidates should lean heavily on previous leadership experiences when responding to inquiries and demonstrate qualification to tackle the challenges of the job. Applicants may want to prepare several questions to ask about employer expectations, training programs, and additional advancement opportunities, if given the opportunity. Always express gratitude for the interviewer's time and inquire about when to expect a hiring decision at the end of the meeting.
Harbor Freight Cashier Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Harbor Freight Cashier: Harbor Freight retail cashier, but really, there, you do a whole lot. I worked in the warehouse for a while. I stayed on cash register. Then he moved me around. It was basically stocking shelves, sometimes you’d come in early, like Thursdays, or whatever day for the actual store, and rework some of the shelves. Try and sell warranties, memberships. That’s pretty much it, just generally helping customers.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Harbor Freight Cashier: It was actually lots of fun. I wasn’t expecting that, but I really, really loved it there. Everyone was really friendly. Customers were really friendly. Even if you go in there not knowing a whole lot about tools, you really learn while you’re on the job.
Interviewer: What was your favorite part about working there?
Harbor Freight Cashier: Honestly, a lot of customers come in there, and they have this idea in their head of what they want. It’s really cool, because some people are going in there trying to invent something. I love talking to people there. My bosses were really flexible with anything, because I worked there while I was in high school. They were really flexible whenever I wanted to go on a trip, or whenever I wanted to do something. I never really had any problem.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
Harbor Freight Cashier: It was actually really simple. I just applied online. This was actually my first job, too. I applied online, just went in there. They asked me a few questions, like, “Can you lift this certain amount?” Which, what I saw there, is actually required. You do have to be able to lift a certain … I’d say about thirty, forty pounds. Really, everyone’s there to help you if you can’t, because there’s someone there that’s like, “I can’t lift a generator by myself.” They ask you that, just make sure you’d be comfortable. That’s really it.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Harbor Freight Cashier: Trying to think. Just if you’d be able to work truck, that’s a really big one, because, at least in our store, everyone worked truck. That’s just a long day. That’d be something you couldn’t get around.
Interviewer: How were you notified that you received the job?
Harbor Freight Cashier: It took them about a week. He just actually gave me a phone call in the middle of the day, and told me when to come in for my first day.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Harbor Freight Cashier: Just be as comfortable as possible with them. Make sure that … The more comfortable you are, they’re able to see that you’re able to sell warranties, be able to talk to customers, and help them through anything. If you have any experience with tools, make sure to mention that as well.
Austin H. says:
What do they ask? Do they usually interview multiple people or did I get lucky? What does a retail clerk make an hour?