Applying For a Job
The network of over 450 retail stores under the Sports Authority banner requires thousands of crew members in order to maintain operations. Job seekers looking to take advantage of available employment opportunities must complete the company hiring process for eligibility. Applicants may submit hiring materials online or at a desired location. Average response time from hiring managers falls around two or three days. The initial contact generally takes the form of a phone call. In some instances, applicants report participating in brief interviews during the initial phone call.
One-on-One Interviews
Regardless of initial proceedings, employment hopefuls must participate in at least one job interview to receive hiring consideration. Sports Authority regularly honors employee referrals but generally still makes referred workers go through a hiring session to determine a right fit. Interviews feature one-on-one meetings with a potential supervisor lasting 20 to 40 minutes, on average. The sporting goods retailer may also have applicants meet with members of the staff, i.e. potential coworkers, during the interview process.
Questions to Prepare For
The most common types of questions asked during job interviews include inquiries into past jobs, hours available, and personal interests, namely sports. Sports Authority largely gauges applicant eligibility based on responses given to interview questions during the hiring process. Workers may respond to questions such as:
- "Can you tell me about your last place of employment?"
- "What does retail mean to you?"
- "How would you handle a store rush?"
- "How would you sell a certain brand of baseball bat to someone unfamiliar with the brand?"
Emphasize a Passion For Sports and Athletics
Many interview questions relate to or revolve around sales and general sports knowledge. Applicants should hold some previous background or remote interest in sports to gain employment at Sports Authority. Hiring managers look specifically for candidates with genuine interest and passion for both customer service and athletics. Workers able to combine both attributes generally receive additional favor during the hiring process.
What to Wear
Applicants should make professional and sensible wardrobe choices when attending job interviews. Typical dress appropriate for interviews includes button-down shirts, polos, dress slacks, khakis, professional dresses, modest skirts, business-appropriate tops and blouses, and nicer shoes. Applicants may, however, get away with wearing athletic shoes to the interview, as the act shows interest in sports and may even serve as a conversation piece or icebreaker. Sports Authority also expects employees to maintain well-groomed appearances. Applicants should similarly prepare for the interview process and take great care to ensure hygiene, wardrobe, and attitude remain professional at all times.
Sports Authority Cashier Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
Sports Authority Employee: When I was at Sports Authority, I basically was a cashier. What I did was whenever people would get done purchasing whatever they need, I just check them out. Then, put stuff on layaways, clean my area that I’m working in, and stuff like that. That’s pretty much all I did.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
Sports Authority Employee: It’s good. Sometimes, it’s a little boring. When there’s no customers, it gets boring. You stand around, walk around the place, and do nothing. But it was safe. I like it a lot. If we have teenagers trying to steal stuff, they always get caught. It doesn’t matter. It was good. I like it.
Interviewer: Please describe a typical day as an employee.
Sports Authority Employee: Typical work day: come to work, be on my feet until I get off work, just check out people, items and stuff. Answer questions, phone calls, and whatever thing they need. That’s pretty much my typical day at work.
Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
Sports Authority Employee: That one was a little different. When I applied, my friend in high school told me to apply there. I never thought they would call me back because I never had work experience. So, I was surprised when they called me back. The interview… the lady who interviewed me, she was nice. She’s just pretty outgoing. She just told me to relax, be friendly, and be who I am. The questions she asked me weren’t exactly hard. It went great. I liked it.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
Sports Authority Employee: They didn’t know I was involved with a lot of sports, so she asked me if I knew anything about sports. I said, “Yeah, I did. I play a lot of sports. I played volleyball. I played a lot of sports,” and she’s like, “Oh, really?” So, that took me for a second, but everything else was normal.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
Sports Authority Employee: Just know about sports before you apply there. Know what sports go with things that they need for that. Just know sports and stuff.
Rilynn Trudeau says:
I just had an interview at one of my local Sports Authority stores on Monday. It was a fairly easy interview, just basic questions. Asked if I was employed now (which I am), what I do at that job, why did I quit my previous job, how do I feel about working in a fast paced environment, what did I like/dislike about past jobs, which position I’d feel most comfortable working at and why, why my availability is what it is, etc. I was also asked if I knew anything about the company and I said I didn’t, so if you know something about it, that would probably help you! I’m still waiting on a call from them to see if I got the job. They said it’d take up to a week at least so I’m keeping my fingers crossed! Good luck to anyone who applies for the job!!