Merchandise Assistant applicants have rated the interview process at JCPenney with 2.8 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 91% positive. To compare, the company-average is 72.6% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Merchandise Assistant roles take an average of 27 days to get hired, when considering 33 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 Assistant according to 33 Glassdoor interviews include:
Phone interview: 28%
One on one interview: 28%
Drug test: 19%
Group panel interview: 8%
Presentation: 8%
Background check: 4%
IQ intelligence test: 2%
Other: 1%
Personality test: 1%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at JCPenney (Plano, TX) in Feb 2017
Interview
I applied online and a few days later I was contacted by a recruiter to set up a phone interview. The next step was an in-person interview with two buyers and the HR business partner. Each interview was basically the exact same (tell me about yourself then each interviewer asked 4-5 situational questions). They each also asked the last time I had visited a JCPenney, and what they are doing well and what could be done better within the store. Overall I felt the interview process was very redundant - it felt like the same interview three times over. I also felt the amount of situational questions asked was a bit overkill. More could have been asked about my past work experience and what skills I could transfer into the new position. Each interviewer read the questions word-for-word off a piece of paper, so the entire process felt very informal and awkward. I was told a decision would be made by the end of the week, but if I had not heard anything by the next week I should reach out and they would update me on the status. The following week I still hadn't heard back, so I reached out to inquire about the status of the position but never received a response. I know a lot of companies are guilty of "ghosting" interviewees if they are not selected, but this is so unprofessional and inconsiderate, especially after being told to follow up after the interview. The entire process really made me consider if this is the type of company I truly want to work for.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
I was asked at least 10 different situational questions (tell me a time you made a mistake and how you corrected it, how do you deal with difficult coworkers, have you ever had to deal with a difficult boss, etc).
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at JCPenney (Plano, TX) in Feb 2023
Interview
Series of interviews with both HR and Buying Teams, all done virtual. Some have the standard interview questions that you expect to answer. All of them are very open to answer any questions you have for them. You are not left wondering anything. Very positive experience.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a time that you went above and beyond in your role?
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at JCPenney (Plano, TX) in Nov 2022
Interview
Before the interview process I was given interview prep and after the completion of the prep the schedule team meeting with HR and multiple buyer to see what a good fit you are on what team that had an opening position.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me a time that you missed a deadline and what did you do to overtime it?
I applied through other source. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at JCPenney (Dallas, TX) in Feb 2022
Interview
The interview process was well structured comfortable, yet professional while on a video interview. The time schedule ran very smoothly and on time with three interviews within two hours. Nice.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was a reason for looking at JCP as a company to work for?