Sales Associate applicants have rated the interview process at DSW with 2 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 75% positive. To compare, the company-average is 74.1% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Sales Associate roles take an average of 10 days to get hired, when considering 423 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at DSW overall takes an average of 12 days.
Common stages of the interview process at DSW as a Sales Associate according to 423 Glassdoor interviews include:
One on one interview: 33%
Background check: 15%
Group panel interview: 10%
Personality test: 10%
Drug test: 9%
Skills test: 8%
Presentation: 5%
IQ intelligence test: 5%
Phone interview: 5%
Other: 0%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
The process took 1 day. I interviewed at DSW (Atlanta, GA) in May 2012
Interview
I was looking for a part-time job to earn extra income, so I decided to apply to several retail stores in my area and DSW was one of them. About a week after I applied online, the store manager called me for an interview. However, I don't think he looked at my application thoroughly because I indicated that I was only available for part-time work. Once I reiterated over the phone that I am interested in a part-time position only, he sounded a little surprised but still wanted to interview me.
I arrived to the interview 30 minutes early and he took me to his office to begin right away. He was warm, personable and seemed engaged with what I had to say. However since I already had a full-time job, he questioned my commitment level to working at DSW, even after I made clear that I could work ALL DAY on Saturdays and Sundays and even late nights on Thursday and Fridays. I guess this wasn't flexible enough for what they were looking for. I received an e-mail the following week saying I did not get the job, but no sweat off my back.. It was just a learning experience.
My word of advice for anyone applying for ANY job- Study the company and know their core values and mission statement before walking into the interview.. Also when they ask "What questions do you have for me?" Have questions READY! That is imperative.
Interview questions [5]
Question 1
Describe a time when you disagreed with a co-worker's perspective
What you’d expect for a PT sales associate position — 15-30 minutes long, one-on-one with the manager, and questions that you’d expect to answer for a retail sales associate job.
I applied through other source. I interviewed at DSW in Jun 2026
Interview
Easy! The manager listed times when she was available, and I was able to choose when to come in. The questions were really straightforward and conversational. I was also able to ask a lot of questions to see if it was a right fit for me!
I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at DSW (Maple Grove, MN)
Interview
Easy. Waited for a manager in the front took me to the back on for store and had the interview in a little room off to the side. Quick process called when I got the job.