Sales Associate applicants have rated the interview process at JCPenney with 1.8 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 68% positive. To compare, the company-average is 72.6% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Sales Associate roles take an average of 7 days to get hired, when considering 640 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 Sales Associate according to 640 Glassdoor interviews include:
One on one interview: 25%
Background check: 18%
Group panel interview: 18%
Personality test: 8%
Skills test: 8%
Drug test: 7%
Phone interview: 6%
Presentation: 6%
IQ intelligence test: 3%
Other: 1%
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I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at JCPenney in Nov 2016
Interview
I applied at midnight on Friday and at 2pm that same day, I got a call. We talked briefly. She asked my age, my availability and why I was looking for a second job. She told me that I could come in later that night for an interview or early the next morning. I decided to come the next morning. I arrived 20 minutes early, but looked around for a little bit before going up and asking where I go to take the interview. The ladies at the cash register called up the woman who called me, and another girl showed up. She walked us back and asked us questions about what we were doing for Thanksgiving. When we sat inside she asked us a few small questions, but mostly talked about the job. She genuinly wanted to get to know us and our expirence. After about 5 minutes, she told me to go wait outside while she finished the interview with the other girl. I sat in their breakroom and waited for probably 7-8 minutes. She called me back and offered me the job. She explained that I would be working the register, and that the HR department will call me back after my background check went through.
Easy, got hired in 1 week and was able to start as soon as possible. It was a good process and I liked the people I interviewed with. The culture is off to a positive start.
The interview process begins with an initial screening to review qualifications and experience. Selected candidates then participate in one or more interviews with the hiring team, which may include behavioral and role-specific questions. Final candidates may be asked to complete an assessment or meet with senior stakeholders before a hiring decision is made. Candidates are kept informed throughout the process.
I applied online. I interviewed at JCPenney in Oct 2025
Interview
Pretty easy going, lasted about 20 minutes, Interview questions mixed with questions about scheduling and desired about of hours. Completed a tour and discussed the role, along with cross training
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe a time where you had to address conflict in the workplace.