It would be great if you knew exactly what questions the hiring manager would ask you at your next event.
We’re not able to read minds, but here is the next best thing: a list of 53 of the most common interview questions and how to answer them, along with some tips on how to come up with your own.
You shouldn’t have a ready-made answer for every interview question (please don’t), but you should spend some time getting ready for what you might be asked, what hiring managers really want to hear in your answers, and how to show that you’re the best person for the job.
Consider this list your job interview answer and question study guide. Also, don’t miss our bonus list at the end. It has links to resources on different types of interview questions, like those about diversity and inclusion or emotional intelligence, as well as interview questions by role, like those for accountants, project managers, and teachers. ).
Getting a job at Things Remembered can be a fun way to join a company that has been making personalized gifts for over 40 years. Things Remembered puts creativity, quality, and customer service at the top of its list of priorities as a leading retailer of engraved gifts.
However, standing out amongst other candidates and landing the job requires preparation and insight into the interview process. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 20 most commonly asked Things Remembered interview questions along with tips on how to craft winning responses
Whether you are interviewing for a sales associate, engraver, or management role, these strategies will help you demonstrate your qualifications and land the position. Let’s get started!
1. Why do you want to work for Things Remembered?
This question allows you to express your enthusiasm and interest in the company Highlight what excites you about their products, brand values, or work culture Emphasize how your skills would contribute.
I’m really interested in the personalized gift business, and I’ve always thought Things Remembered had the best quality and customer service. I’m excited about the chance to use my strong engraving skills and artistic eye to help people remember the important events in their lives. I really like how Things Remembered is all about celebrating relationships and making memories real. As someone who loves the brand’s mission and has worked in customer service and sales before, I think I’m the best person for this job.
2. What do you know about our company and products?
Demonstrate you’ve done your research by highlighting facts about Things Remembered’s history, store locations, product offerings, and brand values. Mention standout services like complimentary gift wrapping.
Sample Answer: Founded in 1969, Things Remembered pioneered the engraved and personalized gift industry. With over 180 stores across the U.S. and Canada, you offer a diverse range of products from ornaments and jewelry to barware and travel accessories. Your complimentary gift wrap service helps make each gift extra special. Your engraving artisans even hand-write customers’ special messages on products to create personalized, high-quality gifts to commemorate life events and relationships. This attention to personalization reflects your brand values of creativity, quality, and celebrating memories.
3. How does your previous experience relate to this role?
Align your skills and qualifications with the role’s requirements. For customer-facing positions, highlight sales abilities. For engraver roles, discuss artistry and attention to detail. Managers should emphasize leadership skills.
Example Answer: When I worked in retail before, I helped customers choose personalized gifts for all sorts of events. I learned a lot about engraving techniques, which lets me suggest products and text layouts that will work best for the customer. My strong sales track record proves my ability to create lasting customer relationships. I’m sure that these skills will help me do my job as a sales associate at Things Remembered.
4. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
Discuss 3-4 strengths relevant to the role like customer service, communication, time management, creativity, or teamwork. Provide specific examples of using these strengths.
Sample Answer: Some of my key strengths are creativity, organization, and adaptability. As an engraver, I consistently produce unique, high-quality designs by combining my artistic skills with each customer’s vision. I develop efficient schedules to complete projects on time. I’m also able to adjust my approach based on each customer’s specific needs and priorities. These strengths have enabled me to create memorable engraved gifts while maintaining productivity.
5. How do you handle pressure or stressful situations?
Share examples of remaining calm under pressure. Emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills. Convey that you still deliver quality work despite challenges.
Sample Answer: In high-pressure situations such as dealing with an urgent engraving order or dissatisfied customer, I stay focused on the task at hand. I communicate clearly with my team or manager to work through the issue efficiently. My organized approach to prioritizing helps me manage my time effectively to complete the most pressing tasks first. While stress is inevitable in any workplace, my ability to multitask and collaborate with my team allows me to handle pressure well while still providing excellent service.
6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Present an ambitious yet realistic goal aligned with growing your career at Things Remembered. Managers can highlight leadership aspirations. Associates can focus on refining skills and providing exceptional service.
Sample Answer: In 5 years, I hope to have grown as an integral member of the Things Remembered team. As an engraver, I aim to have mastered an even wider range of techniques and mediums to expand our product personalization offerings. I also hope to have moved into a mentorship role to help train new engravers. My ultimate goal is to combine my creative skills with in-depth knowledge of Things Remembered’s brand and products to provide exceptional service to every customer.
7. How do you stay motivated in a sales role?
Discuss techniques like setting individual goals, visualizing success, gamifying the process, or recognizing accomplishments. Convey your natural drive and competitive spirit.
Sample Answer: I stay motivated by setting realistic yet challenging sales goals for myself. Each morning, I visualize my success and picture satisfying customers’ needs. Tracking my daily progress on a scoreboard fuels my competitive spirit and keeps me focused on achievements. Celebrating wins, both big and small, gives me a sense of accomplishment that drives me towards newer goals. Most importantly, my passion for providing outstanding customer experiences keeps me motivated to succeed in this role.
8. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer.
Share a specific example that highlights your commitment to exceptional service. Describe the situation, actions taken, and positive outcome. Quantify the results when possible.
Sample Answer: When a regular customer came in seeking a personalized gift for his wife’s 40th birthday at the last minute, I knew there was no time for standard engraving. Recalling her preference for a minimalist bracelet, I handwrote a heartfelt message inside the gift box using calligraphy. This personalized touch delighted the customer. He was so satisfied, he left a 5-star online review praising our service. My creativity and dedication to delivering an unforgettable customer experience led to lasting positive feedback.
9. How do you respond to dissatisfied or rude customers?
Emphasize remaining calm, patiently listening, expressing empathy, and focusing on resolution. Share an example of turning around a negative interaction.
Sample Answer: When faced with an upset customer, I listen carefully to understand the full context of their complaint. I empathize with their perspective and apologize for the dissatisfaction. Rather than get defensive, I reaffirm my commitment to making things right. For example, when a newly engraved necklace had a faint scratch, I offered to redo the piece overnight and provide a discount. This solved the issue satisfyingly. My calm presence and focus on active problem-solving typically transforms negative interactions into positive resolutions.
10. Why do you want to leave your current job?
Keep this answer positive – never criticize your previous employer. Focus on seeking new growth opportunities aligned with the role at Things Remembered.
Sample Answer: I’ve learned a lot at my current job, but I’m now hoping to transition into a customer-facing retail environment where I can utilize my passion for helping people find meaningful gifts. Things Remembered attracts me not only due to the opportunities for strengthening my sales abilities but also the chance to be part of preserving cherished memories through personalized products. This feels like the perfect next step in my professional journey.
11. How do you evaluate the quality of your work?
Discuss using techniques like reviews from managers or customers, examining metrics like engraving error rates, or comparing to company standards. Convey your attention to detail.
Sample Answer: I evaluate my work quality based on three primary factors – meeting prescribed specifications, manager assessments, and customer satisfaction. I ensure engraved designs match the precise measurements and layouts indicated in the orders. I incorporate feedback from my manager during quality checks. Most importantly, I consider an engraving successful when customers are thrilled with their personalized products. My meticulous approach helps me meet Things Remembered’s high-quality standards.
12. How do you respond to criticism from your manager?
Stay positive – discuss listening without getting defensive, implementing feedback to improve, and appreciating their effort to help you grow. Share an example if possible.
Sample Answer: When my manager provides constructive feedback, I listen carefully and focus on finding actionable ways to improve rather than justifying my actions. For instance, when my supervisor suggested that I increase my engraving efficiency on simpler designs, I took their advice and optimized my process to complete those projects faster without compromising quality. My manager’s guidance helped strengthen my skills. I appreciate criticism as an opportunity to grow.
13. Why should we hire you over other candidates?
Highlight your most relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you the best fit for Things Remembered compared to other applicants. Convey enthusiasm.
Sample Answer: With over 5 years of engraving experience and a strong artistic background, I have the proven ability to translate customers’ visions into meaningful engraved gifts. My track record of boosting sales demonstrates that I can impact your bottom line. Most importantly, I have a genuine passion for Things Remembered’s purpose of celebrating life’s memories through
If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?
These and other questions that seem like they belong on a personality test are asked in interviews because employers want to see how well you can think on your feet. There is no wrong answer, but you’ll get extra points right away if your answer helps the hiring manager understand your strengths or personality or connect with you. Tip: If you need some time to think, come up with a way to put things off, like saying, “Now, that is a great question.” I think I would have to say…”.
1 Can you explain why you changed career paths?
Don’t let this question throw you off. Take a deep breath and tell the hiring manager why you’ve chosen the career paths you have. More importantly, give a few examples of how your past experience is transferable to the new role. This doesn’t have to be a direct link; in fact, it’s often more impressive when a candidate can show how experience that doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the job is actually very relevant to it.
Never memorize your answers before a job interview
FAQ
What are the 5 C’s of interviewing?
How would you like to be remembered interview questions?
What is the star method when interviewing?
What is one thing you want us to remember about you interview question?
