Sales Associate applicants have rated the interview process at Payless ShoeSource with 2 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 63.5% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Sales Associate roles take an average of 11 days to get hired, when considering 199 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Payless ShoeSource overall takes an average of 13 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Payless ShoeSource as a Sales Associate according to 199 Glassdoor interviews include:
One on one interview: 36%
Skills test: 12%
Background check: 11%
Drug test: 11%
Personality test: 8%
Presentation: 6%
Group panel interview: 5%
Phone interview: 4%
IQ intelligence test: 3%
Other: 2%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Payless ShoeSource
Interview
I applied online and the next day went in-person to the store to introduce myself. The woman working there said she was just about to call me for an interview, and asked if I was available the next day. I said yes and thanked her. The next day I went in a few minutes early and was told the manager wasn't back from lunch yet. I waited a while, then she came back and called me to the back of the store to interview. She asked a few basic questions about my work history, and then asked about a time when I handled a difficult customer. Then she had me sell her a pair of shoes. She said I did well on that part. At the end, I asked when I could expect to hear back. She said in a week, because she had to do more interviews. I called once mid-week to check, but they hadn't decided, then I didn't hear back Saturday so I called Sunday, same answer. Then the third time I called I learned that a new manager would be working at the store, and the old manager said she would give the notes from my interview to her. However, in all honesty from my experience I don't think they were serious about hiring anyone, because after 3 weeks of interviewing people, every time I'm near there I see the same full time sales associate working there alone.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was the most successful team you have ever been on, and why?
I passed and started quickly. The process was simple and not intimidating. Everything felt straightforward, and I would definitely recommend it to others looking for an easy experience. I enjoy working here.
I applied in-person. I interviewed at Payless ShoeSource (Anchorage, AK) in Aug 2025
Interview
Easy basic questions like job history, availability, and why you chose to interview.
Interview was less than 30 minutes and hired same day. They will almost always hire on the spot im a teenager and they still gave me a job.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Whats youe job history and do you have customer service experience?