How to use these samples
Change the words in parentheses to what is true. If you cannot back up a line, drop it. Practice out loud with the mock interview by job type, the 10-minute sprint or the full interview prep guide. Many American Job Centers offer free practice (free job help).
The 12 questions
1. "Tell me about yourself." Checking: are you brief, and do you fit? Say what you do now, one strength, and why this job.
"I am (your situation, such as finishing school or returning to work). I (your own example of something you did reliably). I applied because (one real thing from the posting)."
2. "Why do you want to work here?" Checking: did you read the posting? Wanting steady pay is fine.
"The (shift or location) fits my schedule, and the posting says you train new people on (task). I want steady work I can keep."
3. "What days and hours can you work?" Checking: schedule fit. Be exact.
"I can work (days) from (time) to (time). I cannot work (times). I can start (date)."
4. "How do I know you will show up?" Checking: attendance and your ride. Do not quote an attendance record no one can confirm.
"I get here by (your real route), and my backup is (your real backup). For (length of time) I (your own example of showing up)."
5. "Tell me about a difficult customer." Checking: your temper. No customers yet? Use a neighbor or a client.
"(Your own example of an upset person.) I listened, said I was sorry, and (what you did). If I could not fix it, I would get a manager."
6. "Can you lift 50 pounds?" Checking: safety. Your rights are below.
If yes: "Yes. I (your own example of lifting that much)."
If unsure: "I am not sure. How often is it, and can I see the task?"
If no: "Not that weight. I can lift (the amount you really can). Is there a role or tool that fits that?"
7. "Why did you leave your last job?" Checking: blame. Keep it short and positive (CareerOneStop, read October 31, 2026). If you were let go, do not deny it.
"(True reason, such as: my hours were cut, I moved, or it was not a good fit and I was let go.) I learned (your own example). Now I want (what this job offers)."
8. "What about this gap?" Checking: are you ready now? Most employers understand gaps for school, family care or health (CareerOneStop, read October 31, 2026). You need not give medical details. If the gap was prison, use how to talk about a conviction.
"I was (true reason, in a few words). During that time I (your own example). I am ready to work now, and I can (days and hours)."
9. "You have no experience. Why hire you?" Checking: can you learn? Your resume examples work here.
"I have not done this job yet. I learn fast: (your own example, such as caring for a family member or a school project with a deadline). I can work (days and hours). I can start (date)."
10. "What pay are you looking for?" Checking: their budget. Know the local rate from pay benchmarks. National medians: cashiers $15.81, retail salespersons $17.03, stockers $17.95 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). One extra dollar at 30 hours is $30 a week before taxes.
"The posting says (rate), and that works for me. Where do new hires usually start?" If no rate is posted: "I am looking for (a range you checked). What is the range for this job?"
11. "Tell me about a conflict with a coworker." Checking: teamwork. No blame. School or volunteer examples count.
"(Your own example of a disagreement.) I asked to talk, and we agreed to (what you did). It worked out because (result)."
12. "Do you have questions for us?" Checking: interest. Employers may read no questions as no interest (CareerOneStop, read October 31, 2026).
"What does a typical shift look like? How many hours do new hires usually get? What is the attendance policy? When is the next step?"
Availability: what happens if you overpromise
An employer may state its attendance rules and ask if you can meet them (EEOC, October 10, 1995). Do not say "any shift, any day" unless it is true. Overpromising costs real money:
- Lost pay. One missed 8-hour shift at $18.00 costs $144.00 before taxes.
- Thin cushion. Amazon gives new warehouse hires a one-time 10 hours of unpaid time off, then more as they work. UPS driver helpers must be ready within 30 minutes of a call (both read October 31, 2026).
- No safety net. Unemployment is for people out of work through no fault of their own (U.S. DOL, read October 31, 2026). Being let go for missed shifts may count against you.
"I cannot work (shift). If that is required, I understand. If anything opens on (days and hours), I would like to be considered."
Lifting and the ADA: what they can ask
The Americans with Disabilities Act covers private employers with 15 or more employees (EEOC, October 7, 2003). This is not legal advice.
Scroll horizontally to view every column.
| Before a job offer | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| "Can you lift 50 pounds?" | Allowed, with or without reasonable accommodation | EEOC, October 10, 1995 |
| "Show me how you would do this task" | Allowed. A physical agility test is not a medical exam | EEOC, October 10, 1995 |
| "Do you have any health problems?" | Not allowed. Questions likely to reveal a disability must wait until after an offer | EEOC, October 7, 2003 |
| "How many sick days did you take? Ever file workers' comp? What medicines do you take?" | Not allowed | EEOC, 1995 and 2003 |
After an offer, medical questions are allowed if everyone offered that job gets them (EEOC, October 7, 2003).
Answer truthfully. Saying yes to a weight you cannot lift can injure you. You do not have to say why. If a disability is the reason and a change would let you do the work, say so:
"With (a change, such as a cart or a lift assist), I can do that."
You can ask for an accommodation out loud or in writing, as soon as you know you need one for the hiring process (EEOC, October 7, 2003). The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act also covers applicants at employers with 15 or more employees (EEOC, read October 31, 2026).
Questions employers should not ask
Federal law bars using race, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability in a hiring decision (EEOC). Apart from disability, the question itself is mostly not banned, but it can be evidence of discrimination. Rules vary by state.
Scroll horizontally to view every column.
| Topic | What the agency says | Calm answer |
|---|---|---|
| Kids, marriage, child care | Should wait until an offer is accepted (EEOC) | "I can work (days and hours)." |
| Pregnancy, family plans | Generally not job related (EEOC) | "I can talk about the duties and my schedule." |
| Religion, days of worship | Should be avoided (EEOC) | "I am available (days). I am not available (day)." |
| Citizenship, birthplace | Most employers should not ask before an offer (EEOC) | If true: "I can verify my work eligibility when hired." |
| Age, birth date | Not banned, but closely scrutinized (EEOC). Some jobs have a legal minimum age | If true: "I meet the age requirement." |
| Arrests, convictions | No federal law bars asking about convictions (CareerOneStop). An arrest alone does not prove conduct (EEOC, read October 31, 2026). See ban the box laws and background checks | Answer exactly what is asked, truthfully |
| Pay history | Some states ban it. California does (Labor Code 432.3) | "I would rather talk about the pay for this job." |
Agency pages read October 31, 2026, unless dated. Never make up an answer. Write down the question, the date and who asked, then call the EEOC at 1-800-669-4000. The deadline is generally 180 days, or 300 where a state or local agency also enforces the law.
What to bring and wear
- Bring: two resumes, a valid ID, a pen, a charged phone and bus fare (10-minute sprint). Form I-9 waits until you accept an offer (USCIS, reviewed April 2, 2025), so you need not hand over a Social Security card.
- Warehouse (our advice): clean work clothes and closed-toe shoes, in case you walk the floor.
- Store (our advice): clean, plain clothes, one step above what the staff wear.
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early (CareerOneStop, read October 31, 2026).
Phone interviews
Screening calls are short, and some are automated (CareerOneStop, read October 31, 2026). Go somewhere quiet, with the posting and your resume in front of you. At a bad time, say:
"I want to give you my full attention. Can I call you back at (time) today?"
Follow-up text template
Send thanks within 24 hours, and check back once after 5 business days (interview prep, read October 31, 2026). Text only a number the employer gave you.
"Hi (name), this is (your name). Thank you for talking with me today about the (job title) job at (store or site). I am still interested, and I can start (date). Is there anything else you need from me?"
More scripts: how to follow up after applying.
Current openings
See retail jobs, retail jobs with no experience and warehouse jobs, or by city: Chicago, New York, Miami.
Source-linked openings
Current source-linked listings could not be confirmed in this sample. Check the category search and each original posting for availability.
How to verify a listing
Every opening on JobPin links to its source. Confirm the job on the employer's own site before you travel. Never pay to get a job (FTC, read October 31, 2026). More: how JobPin verifies listings and job scam warning signs.
How JobPin dates and sources listings: How JobPin verifies listings and events. Report a listing.