What questions do they ask in a Burlington interview? This is a question we often get asked from candidates who are preparing for a job interview at Burlington. Not only will we address this question, but we will also get into more detail about the Burlington interview process, offering you a roadmap to navigate each stage with confidence!
Burlington Stores, Inc. is a publicly traded retail company that operates a chain of off-price department stores in the United States. The company’s stores offer a wide range of merchandise at discounted prices, including clothing, shoes, home goods, and accessories.
Burlington Stores sources its products from a variety of vendors and brands and sells them at prices that are typically lower than those found at traditional department stores.
The company’s business model is based on offering high-quality products at discounted prices, and its stores are often located in areas with high foot traffic. Burlington Stores operates more than 700 stores in 45 states and Puerto Rico, and the company’s website also allows customers to shop online.
Burlington Interview Process
The process of interview questions for Burlington starts with applying for a job online. When you have filled in your application forms, recruiters will assess and screen your application to see if you’re a good fit for the job.
The Burlington interview process can contain different stages. The most commonly used steps in their interview process are:
- Background Check
- Phone interview/screening
- On-site interview
- Group interview
- Problem-solving exercises
If you have been invited to a Burlington interview, it’s wise to prepare for a combination of skills-related and behavioral interview questions. This article will give you an overview of the top Burlington phone interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview.
Related: Phone interview questions and answers
Common Burlington Interview Questions and Answers
Below, I will guide you through a compilation of the most commonly asked Burlington Stores interview questions and their answers. This information provides clarity into what questions they ask in a Burlington interview, helping candidates prepare effectively.
1. Why do you want to work at Burlington Stores?
A strong answer to this question could include that you are interested in the company’s mission and values and that you believe that you align with them. You could also focus on the opportunity for personal and professional growth. Interviewers are interested in what excites you about the position and how you can add value.
Example: ‘I am drawn to Burlington Stores because of the company’s commitment to providing high-quality products at affordable prices, as well as its focus on sustainability and community involvement. I believe these values align with my own, and I would be proud to be a part of a team that shares them. Additionally, I see a lot of potential for personal and professional growth at Burlington Stores, and I am excited to contribute to the company’s success in a meaningful way.’
2. How do you handle a customer who is upset or dissatisfied?
It’s likely that you will encounter customers who are frustrated or dissatisfied during your work. Interviewers want to know that you can handle such situations professionally. If you have previous experience, it’s smart to include an example of a time you delivered excellent customer service to turn an upset or dissatisfied customer into a happy one.
Example 1: ‘I understand that it can be frustrating when things don’t go as expected, and I want to apologize for any inconvenience that you have experienced.
If it is appropriate, I would take responsibility for the issue and apologize for any mistakes that may have been made. My primary goal would be to identify a solution or next steps to address the issue and resolve it as quickly as possible. After addressing the issue, I would follow up with the customer to ensure that they are satisfied with the resolution and to see if there is anything else I can do to help.’
Example 2: ‘I remember a time when a customer came into our store, extremely frustrated because they had been looking for a specific product for weeks, and we were out of stock.
I started by acknowledging their emotions and apologizing for the inconvenience. Next, I worked with my team to find an alternative product that met their needs and offered them a discount to apologize for the inconvenience.
I followed up with the customer to ensure they were satisfied with the resolution and to see if there was anything else I could do to help. Ultimately, the customer was extremely grateful and thanked me for going above and beyond to help them out. Turning a frustrated customer into a happy one was a great feeling.’
Related: Customer service interview questions and answers
3. What do you know about our company and our products?
In order to answer this question, you need to familiarize yourself with the products that Burlington Stores offers. Think, for example, of clothing, accessories, home decor, etc. You don’t have to know everything, but the interviewer wants to get an idea of how well you prepared for the interview and why you decided to apply for a position at Burlington. Your answer could, for example, highlight the types that Burlington Stores offers or any unique or notable features of their products. You can also mention specific areas of expertise or interest that you have related to Burlington products.
Example: ‘Burlington Stores offers a wide range of products, such as clothing, accessories, and home decor items. From what I have seen in your stores, the products are high quality but for affordable prices.
I have personally shopped at Burlington Stores and have always been impressed by the variety of products you offer and the great value for money. I also know that Burlington Stores is committed to sustainability and giving back to the community, which aligns with my own values.
Regarding my expertise, I have a strong background in fashion and am particularly interested in the clothing and accessories offerings at Burlington Stores.’
Related: Company Culture interview questions and answers
4. Describe a time when you worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal.
Interviewers want to hear an answer that describes the goal that you and a team were working on and how you and your teammates worked together to accomplish it. You must mention specific tasks or responsibilities and how you communicated and cooperated during the project.
Example: ‘Recently, our team was responsible for restocking the store’s shelves and keeping the store clean and organized. We had a goal to finish these tasks before the store opened in the morning, and we had to work efficiently and effectively to get everything done on time.
To achieve this goal, we divided the tasks among ourselves and communicated effectively with each other. For example, if one team member needed help restocking a particular shelf, they would let the rest of the team know, and we would all pitch in to get it done quickly.
I also made sure to stay organized and stay on track. I used a checklist to make sure I didn’t miss any tasks, and I made sure to prioritize the most important tasks first.
Ultimately, we completed our tasks on time, and the store was ready for the day’s customers. It was a great feeling of accomplishment and teamwork, and I learned a lot about how to work effectively in a team setting.’
Related: Teamwork interview questions and answers
5. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker.
When we talk about Burlington interview questions so Interviewers are interested in how you handle conflict and challenging situations in the workplace. They want to know your approach and how you address problems with coworkers in order to solve them.
Example: ‘One time, I had to work with a coworker who was consistently rude and uncooperative, also to customers. I tried to address the issue directly with him, but that didn’t seem to make a difference. Eventually, I talked to my supervisor about the situation, and they were able to work with the coworker to address their behavior and improve our working relationship. In the end, we found a solution that allowed us to work together more effectively.’
6. Describe a time when you had to adapt to a change in the work environment.
Interviewers want to know how you adapt to a change in the work environment and how you cope with unexpected challenges. Your answer should demonstrate that you can remain calm and focused under pressure to find ways to adapt to complete your tasks and meet customers’ needs.
Example: ‘One time, I worked as a sales associate at a clothing store amid a busy holiday season. Suddenly, one of our registers malfunctioned, and we had to close it down for the day. This meant that all of the transactions that normally would have gone through that register had to be directed to the other registers, which caused a lot of extra traffic and longer lines for our customers.
To adapt to this change in the work environment, I made sure to stay calm and focused. I greeted each customer with a smile and did my best to process their transactions as efficiently as possible. I also communicated with my coworkers and made sure that we were all on the same page about what was happening and how we were going to handle it.
Ultimately, I think our team did a great job adapting to the situation and keeping things running smoothly. We could minimize the impact on our customers and maintain a positive shopping experience, despite the unexpected challenges we faced.’
7. How do you handle a situation where you have to work under a tight deadline? Can you give an example?
Interviewers ask this question because they want to know how you manage your time and prioritize under pressure. Your answer should demonstrate that can stay organized and focused despite any challenges you may face.
Example: ‘One time, I worked as a sales associate at a fashion store, and we were extremely busy due to a big sale event that lasted a full day. We had a lot of customers than usual coming through the registers, and it was important that we keep the lines moving as efficiently as possible.
I stayed focused and prioritized my tasks. Furthermore, I processed transactions as quickly as possible and double-checked my work to minimize errors. I also communicated with my coworkers and ensured we were all on the same page about handling the increased traffic.
In addition, I took short breaks when I needed them to recharge and refocus so I could stay energized and focused throughout the shift. By staying organized and managing my time effectively, I could complete my tasks under a tight deadline and contribute to the success of the sale event.’
Related: Time Management interview questions and answers
8. Describe a time when you had to handle a large volume of work in a short time.
Interviewers ask this question to assess how you perform and manage your time under pressure. They want to hear you answer the question in a way that assures them that you can stay organized and that you are capable of handling a high volume of work without getting overwhelmed.
Example: ‘I worked as a sales associate at a department store, and we had a huge shipment of new merchandise. The store manager asked me to help process and restock the items as quickly as possible so we could have them on the floor for the busy weekend ahead.
To handle the large volume of work in a short period, I made sure to stay organized and focused. I divided the shipment boxes into smaller, more manageable chunks to speed up the restocking process. I also communicated with my coworkers and ensured we were all working together as a team to complete the job as efficiently as possible.
In addition, I made sure to take breaks when I needed them to recharge and refocus so I could stay energized throughout the restocking process. By staying organized and managing time effectively, I could complete the restock in time and contribute to the store’s sale success that weekend.’
9. How do you handle a situation where you disagree with a co-worker or supervisor?
Interviewers ask this question to learn more about how you handled conflicts and how you approached problem-solving. They want to know that you can handle conflicts professionally and constructively. Disagreements in the workplace are a normal part of working in any team. Therefore, ensure that you give the interviewers an example of a situation that you handled calmly and respectfully in order to solve it.
Example: ‘One time, I was working as a sales associate at a retail store, and I had a disagreement with a co-worker about how to handle a customer’s request. My co-worker wanted to process the request in a way that I felt was not in the customer’s best interests, and I felt strongly that we should handle it differently.
To handle the situation, I made sure to stay calm and professional. I listened to my co-worker’s perspectives and tried to understand their reasoning. Then, I presented my own perspective respectfully and constructively, explaining my concerns and offering alternative solutions.
Ultimately, we were able to find a compromise that satisfied both of our concerns and met the customer’s needs. I think it was important in this situation to stay open to different perspectives and to be willing to have a respectful dialogue to find a resolution.
By approaching the situation in this way, I was able to maintain a positive working relationship with my co-worker and resolve the disagreement constructively.’
10. Describe a time when you had to overcome a challenge in the workplace.
Interviewers are interested to learn more about how you have overcome challenges in the workplace. They want to know more about your capabilities of handling difficult situations and finding solutions to obstacles. Provide them with a specific example that demonstrates your skills and ability that allow you to handle challenges and find solutions in the workplace.
Example: ‘I worked as a sales associate at a department store, and we were preparing for a big sale event. The store was extremely busy, and there was a lot of pressure to meet our sales goals.
To overcome this challenge, I made sure to stay focused and organized. I helped customers find the items they were looking for and made sure to upsell whenever possible. I also made sure to stay up to date on the latest products and promotions so that I could provide helpful recommendations to customers.
In addition, I communicated with my coworkers and ensured we were all working together as a team to meet our goals. By staying focused and working together, we were able to achieve our sales targets and contribute to the success of the sale event.’
11. How do you handle a situation where you have to deal with a difficult customer?
This question is asked to assess your customer service skills and to learn more about your capability to deal with difficult or upset customers professionally and constructively. Furthermore, interviewers what to know if you can find solutions to customer’s problems in order to satisfy their needs.
Example: ‘When I was working as a sales associate at a retail store, I had a customer who was very upset and angry about a product they had purchased. The customer was shouting and using inappropriate language, which made it difficult to calm them down.
To handle the situation, I made sure to stay calm and professional. I listened to the customer’s concerns and did my best to understand their perspective. After listening closely, I apologized for the issue and offered to find a resolution that would satisfy the customer.
I also made sure to keep my tone respectful and to speak in a calm and measured way, even though the customer was behaving in an aggressive manner. By staying calm and professional, I was able to defuse the situation and eventually find a resolution that satisfied the customer.’
12. Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision at work.
Interviewers ask this question to understand how you handle difficult situations and how you make decisions under pressure. They want to know more about your problem-solving skills and how you consider different options before making a decision.
Example: ‘One time, I was working as a sales associate at a clothing store, and we had a customer trying to return an item far outside the store’s return policy. The customer claimed that the item did not fit correctly, but we had a strict no-return policy for items that had been worn or altered.
To make this difficult decision, I considered the store’s return policy and the customer’s perspective. On one hand, I wanted to be fair to the customer and offer them a resolution that would satisfy their needs. On the other hand, I also wanted to uphold the store’s policies and not set a precedent for future returns.
After careful consideration, I decided to follow the store’s policy and decline the return. I explained to the customer that the item was outside of our return policy and that we were unable to accept the return. While this decision may not have been the most popular with the customer, I felt that it was the best decision for the store and the fair thing to do.’
13. How do you handle a situation where you are asked to do something that you are not trained to do?
Interviewers want to know how you approach tasks and responsibilities that are outside of your comfort zone or your usual job duties. Your answer should demonstrate that you are willing to take on new tasks and learn new skills but that you also recognize the importance of seeking help when this is needed. Demonstrate that you are proactive and that you have a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Example: ‘If I am asked to do something that I am not trained to do, I would first ask for more information to understand the expectations and the purpose of the task. If I feel confident that I can complete the task with some guidance or additional training, I would offer to learn and do it to the best of my ability.
If the task is beyond my capabilities or outside of my job responsibilities, I would communicate this to the person requesting the task and offer to help find someone who is better equipped to handle it. In any case, I would be open to learning new skills and taking on new responsibilities, as long as it aligns with the goals and objectives of the organization.’
14. Describe a time when you had to work with a team member who was not pulling their weight.
Interviewers ask this question to understand how you would handle situations where you have to work with coworkers who are not meeting expectations. They want to know more about your approach to handling conflicts and challenges within a team and how you work with others to find solutions.
Example: ‘I had to work with a team member who was not pulling their weight on a project we were working on for a big event at the store.
I noticed he was falling behind on his tasks and not contributing as much as the rest of the team. I approached him privately and asked if everything was okay and if there was anything I could do to help. It turned out that he was struggling with personal issues and had a hard time focusing on work.
I offered to take on some of his tasks to lighten their workload and encouraged him to speak with our manager or HR representative if he needed additional support. I also made sure to check in with him regularly to see how he was doing and to offer any assistance he needed. As a result, we were able to complete the project on time, and he was able to get the support he needed. I learned that it’s important to be understanding and supportive of others, especially when they are going through a difficult time.’
15. How do you handle a situation where you are asked to work overtime?
Interviewers ask this question to understand how you would respond to a request to work overtime. They want to know how you approach additional work responsibilities and how you balance work and personal commitments. This question is often used to assess your flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond when needed. Your answer should demonstrate your work ethic and how you prioritize your responsibilities.
Example: ‘I think working overtime is a part of most jobs at times. There can always happen something unexpected that could lead to working overtime. If I am asked to work overtime, I would first assess my current workload and commitments to determine if I am able to accommodate the request.
I would make sure to communicate my availability to my manager and do my best to meet the needs of the team. If I am unable to work overtime due to other commitments or personal reasons, I would communicate this to my manager and offer to help find a solution or find someone else who can cover the additional hours.
I understand that sometimes it is necessary to work extra hours in order to meet deadlines or meet the needs of the team, and I am willing to do so when it is reasonable and feasible for me. However, I also recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and would not want to overextend myself or neglect my personal commitments.’
16. Describe a time when you had to balance multiple tasks or projects simultaneously.
Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your prioritization skills and how you go about your responsibility, and your ability to stay organized when working under pressure. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you are able to communicate effectively and delegate tasks whenever it’s appropriate.
Example: ‘In my current position, I had to balance multiple tasks and projects simultaneously during a particularly busy period at the store. I was responsible for managing several customer orders, working on a team project, and assisting with inventory management.
To manage my workload, I prioritized my tasks and identified which ones were most urgent or important. I also communicated with my manager and my team to make sure that everyone was on the same page and to delegate tasks when appropriate.
Various tools and techniques also help me to stay organized and on track, such as creating a to-do list, setting deadlines, and taking breaks to recharge. I also made sure to communicate with my customers and my team regularly to update them on my progress and to address any issues that came up. As a result, I was able to complete all of my tasks on time and to the best of my ability. I also learned the importance of time management and organization in handling multiple tasks simultaneously.’
17. How do you handle a situation where you are asked to do something that you feel is unethical or illegal?
This question assesses your values and commitment to acting ethically and legally. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you can handle difficult situations and communicate your concerns effectively. Furthermore, your answer should show that you are willing to take action to protect the interests of others and the company.
Example: ‘If I am asked to do something that I feel is unethical or illegal, I would first clarify the request and the reasons behind it to make sure I fully understand the situation. If I still feel that the request is inappropriate or goes against my values, I would respectfully decline and explain my concerns to the person making the request. If the situation involves potential harm to others or the company, I would also consider reporting it to a manager or the appropriate authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken.
I believe that it is important to always act with integrity and to follow the law, and I would not want to compromise my personal or professional values by engaging in unethical or illegal activities. I would do my best to find a solution or an alternative that aligns with my values and the rules and regulations of the organization.’
18. Describe a time when you had to handle a complaint or problem from a customer.
This question is asked to understand how you approach customer complaints. Interviewers want to know how you approach customer service and how you work to resolve issues and find solutions when needed.
Example: ‘I had to handle a complaint from a customer who was dissatisfied with the quality of a product they had purchased from our store. I listened attentively to their concerns and apologized for the inconvenience they had experienced. After that, I explained the policies and procedures for returning or exchanging items and offered to assist them in finding a solution that would meet their needs.
I worked with the customer to find a suitable replacement product and provided them with information on how to use it properly. I also followed up with them after the resolution to ensure that their issue had been fully resolved to their satisfaction.
Through this experience, I learned the importance of actively listening to customer concerns and taking a proactive approach to problem-solving. I also learned the value of following up with customers to ensure that their needs have been met and that they are satisfied with the resolution.’
19. How do you handle a situation where you are asked to work on a task that you feel is beyond your skill level?
Your answer to this question should demonstrate that you are proactive, willing to learn and grow, but also willing to seek help when needed. Interviewers ask this question to assess whether or not you can handle challenges effectively and how committed you are to finding a solution.
Example: ‘If I am asked to work on a task that I feel is beyond my skill level, I would first assess my current skills and knowledge to determine what resources or support I might need to complete the task successfully. I would then communicate my concerns and my need for additional training or guidance to my manager or the person assigning the task.
In my opinion, it’s important to be honest about my skills and abilities, and I am always willing to learn and grow in my career. Therefore, I would be open to seeking additional training or education to build my skills and expand my knowledge in areas where I may be lacking. I’m also open to seeking guidance or support from more experienced colleagues or help from other resources, such as online tutorials or training materials.
I understand that taking on new challenges and tasks that are outside of my comfort zone can be intimidating, but I believe that it is important to stretch ourselves and learn new skills in order to grow and improve. I would approach the task with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, and I would do my best to complete it to the best of my ability.’
Related: Work Ethic interview questions and answers
20. Describe a time when you had to take on a leadership role in the workplace.
Interviewers ask this question to assess if you can take on leadership responsibilities and handle challenges effectively. Show that you are able to communicate clearly, delegate tasks effectively, and you can encourage collaboration within a team.
Example: ‘I had to take on a leadership role in the workplace when our store manager was out on medical leave, and the assistant manager was unable to cover all of their responsibilities. Our area manager asked me to lead a team of sales associates and oversee the store’s day-to-day operations.
I approached this role with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to ensuring that the store ran smoothly and efficiently. I communicated with my team regularly to keep them informed of any updates or changes, and I delegated tasks and responsibilities to ensure that everyone had a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Furthermore, I provided support and guidance to my team members when needed and encouraged open communication and collaboration.
Through this experience, I learned the importance of clear communication, delegation, and team collaboration in leading a team effectively. I also learned the value of being proactive and taking the initiative to find solutions to challenges that came up. Overall, it was a challenging but rewarding experience that helped me grow as a leader and team member.’
Related: Leadership interview questions and answers
21. How do you handle a situation where you don’t have all the information you need to complete a task?
When we talk about Burlington interview questions, interviewers want to know how you deal with situations where you don’t have all the information that you need to complete a task.
They want to know how you approach tasks and responsibilities and how you work with others to find solutions in such situations. The interviewer is trying to determine whether you have the skills and qualities needed to succeed in the role.
Example: ‘If I don’t have all the information I need to complete a task, I would first try to find the information on my own, by checking company resources or asking coworkers if they know. If I am still unable to find the information, I would then ask my supervisor or a more experienced coworker for guidance or assistance. I believe it is important to be proactive and seek the information and support I need to get the job done.’
Related: Problem-solving interview questions and answers
22. How do you handle multiple tasks or priorities at once?
Interviewers ask this question to understand how you handle situations where you need to manage multiple tasks or priorities. They want to know how you approach your work and how you prioritize your responsibilities in order to be successful. Use this question to demonstrate your time management skills, ability to multitask, and your organizational skills.
Example: ‘I am a very organized and efficient person, so I am able to handle multiple tasks and priorities at once by prioritizing them and breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. I also make sure to communicate with my coworkers and supervisor to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that no tasks are slipping through the cracks.’
23. How would you describe your customer service style?
Interviewers are interested in how you approach your interaction with customers and how you go about solving their issues. Depending on the position you’re applying for, they may be looking for specific qualities, such as patience, empathy, problem-solving skills, and effective communication.
Example: ‘I am friendly and approachable and always strive to provide excellent customer service. I believe that listening to and understanding customers’ needs is key to providing them with a positive experience. I also make sure to be patient and understanding and to go above and beyond to meet the needs of our customers.’
