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 3 weeks. I interviewed at JCPenney (Beavercreek, OH) in Nov 2013
Interview
Took about 2 weeks after filling out an application to get an interview. took another week and a half to get called back for a job offer. The interview went well and was about as basic as could be expected. I hadnt had retail experience before but i had done research on what types of questions were gonna be asked. The training process was a bit much, as there are 2-3 days of doing paperwork, watching videos and whatnot. When you are on the floor for the first time they kind of just "throw" you down there and you are on your own, usually with a "trainer" who has been an associate for awhile. They are no specifics or information given on your first actual workday on the floor. I just went down the escalator and felt lost walking down to my department not knowing what to do or what to expect.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
I don't think there were any difficult or unexpected questions. They were all basic interview questions. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, whats your experience etc etc
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.