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 in-person. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at JCPenney in Jun 2013
Interview
They brought me into a room with three other people and had us do some team activities. We were instructed to use blocks to make a structure and then create a sales gimmick and pitch it. I was the only one asked back for a second interview, where the hiring manager made me extremely uncomfortable by taking me out on the sales floor and prompting me to sell her something.
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.