Merchandise Associate applicants have rated the interview process at JCPenney with 2.5 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 67% positive. To compare, the company-average is 72.6% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Merchandise Associate roles take an average of 8 days to get hired, when considering 15 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at JCPenney overall takes an average of 13 days.
Common stages of the interview process at JCPenney as a Merchandise Associate according to 15 Glassdoor interviews include:
Group panel interview: 23%
One on one interview: 17%
Background check: 14%
Presentation: 11%
Skills test: 11%
Drug test: 6%
Personality test: 6%
Phone interview: 6%
IQ intelligence test: 3%
Other: 3%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied online. The process took 5 days. I interviewed at JCPenney in Oct 2016
Interview
Applied online. Not even a week passed and I got a call for an interview.
On the phone, I was told that I was overqualified for a sales position. I could have the processing positing which consists of early morning hours. I informed him that would work out perfect for me since I go to school.
I was told that would be no problem and I could come in the next day to do an interview.
Once in the interview, I was informed that I would not be asked questions. On the phone when I was asked about the rate of pay at my last job $12/hr, he acted like it would be no big deal to get close to that. I was not expecting anyone to get close to my $12 due to me being in that former position for so long.
In the interview, I was given no options I was told I would be put in home and be a sales associate. When I asked about the processing job he said he was worried it would be too fast paced for me. I come from WalMart where I was a Department Manager for 8 years. Processing the truck, working all the clothes to the rolling racks, working freight out to the floor, building features, inventory control, anything and everything you can think of when it comes to retail I have done.
I did not like that he told me he think my confidence level needs to be raised. Excuse me?
Found the situation to be rather awkward.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
I was told I did not have to go through the normal interview process.
Good interview and straight forward questions. There were little trick questions and it is best to answer honestly and provide why you are a team player. It is essential to the job so understandable on why they would ask that
Great, straight to the point, tested on basic computer skills, personality assessments, and leadership. Fundamental computer knowledge and maneuverability within window applications. • Basic understanding of Microsoft office suite, specifically Word and Excel.
I applied in-person. I interviewed at JCPenney (Storey, CA) in Jul 2022
Interview
Asked simple questions, just be professional and don't say anything silly and make sure that you have your resume on hand and that you show up and not do anything that makes it seem like they wouldn't want to hire you
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about yourself.
How do you deal with difficult situation