How to Get a Job at The North Face
Capitalizing on the surging popularity of wilderness chic, The North Face represents a rapidly growing fashion retail chain fulfilling the outdoor apparel and equipment needs of customers through a nationwide network of more than 40 store locations. Each store continuously hires entry-level employees to keep up with the increasing demand for The North Face brand products. Job seekers commence the hiring process by applying for open positions online or in-person. Applicants opting to drop off resumes personally in stores sometimes earn immediate interview consideration. Other candidates typically wait a week or two before receiving invitations to job interviews.
Interview Questions to Expect
The duration and structure of the interview process largely depends on the hiring requirements of the job vacancy. Candidates seeking entry-level sales associate jobs generally participate in a solitary one-on-one or group interview. Potential managers and supervisors usually need to complete two or three North Face interviews often comprising a combination of phone screenings, 1:1 interviews, and panel interview sessions. Interview questions generally delve into the customer service abilities, outdoor experiences, and previous jobs of applicants. Questions such as the following arise frequently during interviews:
- "What does good customer service look like?"
- "Which outdoor activities do you enjoy?"
- "Describe what you can bring to the North Face team in one word."
- "Tell me about a time when you had to assist multiple customers simultaneously."
What to Wear
Proper interview attire should appropriately reflect the nature of the desired position without being overly casual or formal. Clothing worn to The North Face interviews should ideally project a combination of professionalism and love of the outdoors.
How to Make a Good Impression
At the interview, greet hiring manager enthusiastically and maintain an appropriate level of eagerness throughout the meeting. As the company often hires entry-level associates with little or no retail experience, interviewees should focus on showcasing an engaging personality and knowledge of outdoor exploration, in addition to emphasizing any job-related skills. Conclude the interview by thanking the hiring manager for the consideration and asking about the necessary steps for follow-up.Insider Tips
We speak with former employees about working for The North Face:
The North Face Sales Associate Interview Video
Video Transcript
Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
North Face Sales Associate: I’m a sales associate at North Face, and I have to greet the customers and uncover their needs. Take them to where they need to be regarding whatever they’re looking for and then add to their sale if…like add accessories and stuff like that, and then ultimately get them to the register to complete a survey or sign up for the rewards program. Stuff like that. I also do returns. Fitting rooms.
Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
North Face Sales Associate: It’s a lot more serious. Yeah, we like to have fun and we’re very friendly amongst each other, but when it’s work time, it’s work time. You just need to be like on your game. There’s no floating around. You need to make sure every customer is greeted. Everything’s in size order. Just make sure everything’s tip top shape while you’re there.
Interviewer: What was your favorite part about working there?
North Face Sales Associate: I think my favorite part is probably being able to do managerial type stuff. Because at my other job, we can’t do returns. We don’t really like ring people up that often, but at North Face, everyone does all the same things. Like managers have certain codes that they have to use for discounts and stuff like that on merchandise that’s damaged or that kind of stuff. But we still will do all the other managerial duties, which I think is kind of cool to kind of spread the love, if you will, of all the different responsibilities.
Interviewer: Please describe the application and interview process.
North Face Sales Associate: I think it was just basic things. Like contact information. Job history. What you were looking for in a job. Like who referred you to this job and why. And then more of the questions came up with the interview about your person stuff.
Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
North Face Sales Associate: Again, conversational. Very conversational. Just tell me a little bit about yourself. What’s your work history? Why did you come here? What are you looking for here? In terms of management, what do you want within a manager, and why do you think this environment is best for you? Just like different…How’s your day going? How’s school going? What are your grades like? Basic conversational, catch up with your neighbor kind of stuff, which is really cool.
Interviewer: How were you notified that you received the job?
North Face Sales Associate: It was a day later, I believe, and they called me and left a voicemail because I was at track practice when I got the call, so I didn’t get it right away. But they left a voicemail.
Interviewer: What set you apart from other candidates?
North Face Sales Associate: Well, I actually came into North Face just on a random day looking for a job and I actually approached a manager and asked if he was hiring. And at the time, he wasn’t but he said that if I kept in contact, that he would definitely get me an interview and everything. And I kept in contact for three months, so I think my persistency is probably what set me apart, just ’cause I don’t think anyone else really did that. They just kind of went online and saw who was hiring at the time and went along and applied.
Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
North Face Sales Associate: Just go in with an open smile. Be yourself. Don’t let anyone intimidate you. Customers aren’t always going to be the nicest or the most warm people in the world, but that’s okay. They’re going to come and go. And as long as you’re doing the job to the best of your ability, then you’re doing fine. Don’t let anyone ruin your day.
