Assistant Store Manager - Naperville
Posted Sep 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
Tell me about a time you coached someone whose performance was slipping. What did you say, and what changed?
What they are checking: Whether they can give direct, caring feedback that improves results, which is most of a people-first leader's job.
The bonus here is tied to defined store metrics. Which store numbers have you been responsible for, and how did you move one?
What they are checking: Whether they understand how daily actions drive sales, labor and service numbers, not just that numbers exist.
Tell me about someone you developed who later got promoted or took on more.
What they are checking: Whether they grow people, which matters at a company that says careers are crafted.
What does 'the pursuit of better' mean to you in a coffee shop, day to day?
What they are checking: Whether they connect the brand's focus on coffee quality to concrete standards they would hold.
Tell me about a time you had to deliver a policy change your team did not like.
What they are checking: Whether they can explain the why and keep trust while still holding the line.
What would you do
It is the morning rush, two baristas called out, and the line is out the door. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they can redeploy people, jump in and protect the guest experience under real pressure.
A regular is upset that their drink was made wrong for the third time this week. How do you handle it?
What they are checking: Whether they fix the guest moment and also find the root cause on the bar.
You find out a shift lead has been letting friends skip paying. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they will act on integrity issues fairly and promptly, even with someone they like.
How do you keep your team motivated during a slow, rainy afternoon when everyone is drifting?
What they are checking: Whether they use quiet time for cleaning, training and connection instead of letting standards slide.
About the work
How do you build a weekly schedule that covers peaks without blowing the labor budget?
What they are checking: Whether they use traffic patterns and labor targets to schedule, rather than copying last week.
How would you run the store when the store manager is off, including opening, cash and inventory?
What they are checking: Whether they can own the full operation with good controls, since the assistant steps in for the manager.
Practice this interview out loud.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Peet's Coffee.