JCPenney Visual Specialist interview questions

The interview process was very smooth, although it could take up weeks before you get a call back to have an interview. After the interview, they offer what you wanted or options if the job you chose isn't available. Then, they give you your dates so tou know when you start orientation and then start your job. The atmosphere is very well, everyone is very polite to you

I had a group interview with two other people (supposed to be four total, but one didn't show). We met with the general manager, the visual manager, and the person who had scheduled our interviews. First, we quickly introduced ourselves and then went into a block building exercise. We were given a box of multicolor blocks and had to take turns instructing the others on what to build. Whoever was instructing was given 10 seconds to look at a picture of what we were supposed to construct, and was not allowed to touch the blocks. Meanwhile, the other two people would build for 60 seconds. We would switch roles after the time was up. We had a total of 15 minutes to continue swapping roles and build the piece. Next, we were each given a handout listing potential marketing events that could bring in more customers for a particular department. Each person had a different department and 4 options to choose from. We were given 10 minutes to review our choices, after which we had to pitch our idea to the group and try to convince them why our choice was the best. I had the Children's Department. My options were: installing a teacup ride, an in-store theatre that would screen Disney movies, an Xbox game room, or a fashion show party event. Each option had a paragraph describing it in more detail. I was asked about overhead and the amount of people I would hire for the option I chose, so be prepared to go into detail about budgeting and profit. After everyone pitched their ideas, we had 3 minutes to choose the overall best option together. I think this style of interview is great to observe people's leadership and communication skills while seeing how well they work on a team. HOWEVER, be aware that you will really have to jump in and sell yourself if you want the interviewers to know anything about you individually. ALSO, the entire interview process took AN HOUR AND A HALF. I feel like this is WAY too long! If I had been doing the interview on my lunch break, I would have had to leave before we were even halfway through! Be prepared to block out a good chunk of your day for this one! I did receive an offer. I was never asked to do an individual interview, just went straight to orientation. I was told they start at $7.50/hr for this position, but I was offered $9.00 because of my qualifications. I said I would need $10.00 but was not offered any more. Also, I am listed as part-time but can work full-time hours. They avoid giving people benefits, be aware if that is something you're looking for.