Informal Interview Process
The first interview applicants participate in during the Ollie's Bargain Outlet hiring process may serve as a meet-and-greet with potential store associates, simply filling out paperwork and shaking hands with management. Traditionally, however, the interview process boasts an informal session with a manager as the full extent of requirements. One-on-one interviews prove the most common method of screening candidates. Each interview runs 20 minutes or so in length. Managerial candidates may encounter longer interviews by 10 or 15 minutes, as aspiring professionals field additional interview questions during the hiring process.
Short Hiring Process
The basic formats used during the interview process allow applicants to relax and speak candidly with hiring personnel. Most applicants spend only a day or two interviewing for various positions, with the entire process wrapping up within a week or so, including final determinations.
What the Company Looks for in an Employee
Managers in charge of moderating job interviews generally look for applicants able to float between departments. Sales skills and customer-service aptitude play an important role in gaining employment at Ollie's Bargain Outlet stores. Interview questions frequently probe for work history, specifically retail experience, and availability.
Physical Abilities Required
Some positions feature odd or irregular hours and physical demands, like standing for long periods, bending, lifting, or stacking. Applicants may also respond to interview questions about physical abilities and strengths or weaknesses related to the workplace.
Tips for a Successful Interview
Honesty and reliability go a long way during Ollie's Bargain Outlet interviews. Applicants should reveal any problems or challenges expected if hired and address any possible accommodations necessary to provide a sound work environment. If possible, demonstrate abilities through answers to interview questions and show enthusiasm to further instill a sense of commitment to the desired job. Interviewers generally render hiring decisions onsite before candidates leave the final interview; however, some workers may receive a callback to begin work at a later date, depending on the volume of candidates.
Ollie’s Interview Videos:
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Employee: I was a sales associate. So, I wasn’t a cashier, but if there was a bunch of stuff that people would look at but not put back in the right place, I would have to go through, collect all those items, and put them in the right place.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Employee: It was very professional. I wasn’t there long enough to really get to know anyone personally. It wasn’t super casual, but I still had some fun. That was one of the first retail jobs I had, so I got to figure out how the whole thing ran. I got to meet a lot of people, like customers and help them. There’s another thing I would do, if someone needed help on the floor, I would help them find what they needed to find.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Employee: I picked up an application and filled out. It had all the typical: school history, name, date, and the release – where none of your personal information can be used elsewhere. Then, I turned it in and waited for them to call me. Sometimes, I would have to call them, see if they still had it on record. Then, they called me to take an interview and asked questions, like: “What would you provide to our business?”, “Why would we want to hire you and not this person?”, “What qualities do you have that you can provide for us?” Then, just other things like school, extracurricular activities, if you played any sports, probably questions to figure out if you’re dedicated to something or if you have good work ethic.
