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Sales Manager, Old Orchard Center

Knitwell Group · Skokie, IL · $19.00–$23.75 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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

As Sales Manager at Talbots in Old Orchard, how would you help the team grow their customer relationships?

What they are checking: Whether they can coach relationship selling, since Talbots says relationships are the key to its business.

Tell me about a time you coached an associate to improve her sales.

What they are checking: Whether they can develop selling skill through specific coaching, which a sales manager is there to do.

One of our values is encouraging smart risk-taking. Tell me about a new selling idea you tried.

What they are checking: Whether they try new approaches and learn from results, which the posting lists as a core value.

How do you lead by example while also watching the whole floor?

What they are checking: Whether they can sell and lead at the same time, which is the daily balance of a sales manager.

What would you do

A longtime Talbots client is unhappy with how an alteration turned out. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they protect a valuable relationship with gracious service while staying within policy.

Two associates disagree about who should get credit for a sale. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can settle conflicts fairly and keep a team-first culture, which Talbots values.

The store is behind goal at 3 p.m. on a Saturday. What do you change for the rest of the day?

What they are checking: Whether they can make quick, practical adjustments to coverage and focus under pressure.

About the work

How would you run a short huddle before the store opens on a big sale day?

What they are checking: Whether they can set clear goals and energy for a team in a few minutes.

What numbers do you watch during the day to know whether the team is on track?

What they are checking: Whether they track sales, conversion and average sale in real time and adjust coverage or coaching.

How would you train associates to talk about modern classic style with confidence?

What they are checking: Whether they can teach the brand's look so the whole team sells it consistently.

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The full job description

As published by Knitwell Group.

About us Talbots is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, we are known for modern classic style that's both timeless and timely, fine quality craftsmanship and gracious service. At Talbots relationships are the key to our business, we hire individuals who bring new ideas to the table, understand smart risk taking and can enhance an already thriving culture. With a commitment to offer modern classic style for every body type, through a full range of sizes, inclusive to every woman in your life. What We Offer: • Growth! Here at Talbots our goal is to give you the tools to grow beyond this position and into the next. • Incentive Opportunities • Benefits: Comprehensive benefits packages accessible to both full time and eligible part time employees. To learn more, visit our We Care page. • Generous Discount: 50%, 60% & 70% Merchandise Discount off Talbots and Haven Well Within. • Other Perks: Referral Incentive Program, discounts on travel, shopping, concerts and more. What we Value “WE CARE”: • We W in as a team and are dedicated to ensuring and applauding each other’s success. • We E ncourage creativity, innovation and smart risk-taking. • We are C ommitted to building relationships with our customers and associates by knowing, serving, and delighting them. • We A ct with integrity, transparency, candor, and respect. • We R espect, honor and value diversity and are invested in cultivating a dynamic and inclusive culture. • We E mbrace community by bringing positive change to those we live and work in. Who You Are: • Passionate about selling, with a natural ability to generate thoughtful ways to drive new traffic into the store. • A model of professionalism with strong work ethic, integrity, and respect for others. • Customer-centric, understanding how the importance of exceptional service contributes to growing store sales. • An educator, coach and mentor that inspires team associates based on their individual strengths. • Organized and strategic with the ability to make independent decisions and capable of working in a fast paced ever changing environment. • A clear communicator of business-related information, and brand initiatives. • Ambitious, enthusiastic and friendly, with the ability to work cooperatively in a diverse work environment. • Possess the technological aptitude to navigate, coach and train computer POS/iPad/handheld systems. • Comfortable climbing ladders, moving around regularly, and standing for extended periods of time. • Able to bend, reach, stretch for product as well as lift, carry, and move at least 40 lbs. • Ability to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the business including opening/closing shifts as well as weekends and holidays. • Have open availability of 40 hours per week. What You'll Do: • Create and foster a culture of hospitality through exceptional customer experiences that build enduring relationships both internally and externally. • Help customers to look and feel their best by providing style advise based on their specific needs. • Provide exceptional and meaningful customer service experiences that promote the product and builds brand loyalty. • Achieve sales and hospitality driven metrics in key measurable areas including: clientelling/outreach, appointment setting, Talbots Classic Awards etc. • Reinforce consistent selling and service standards through coaching, training, and accountability. • Prioritize daily tasks and responsibilities to meet the needs of the customer, team and business. • Understand the appropriate balance needed between operational and selling energy and ensure proper planning/scheduling and prioritizing tasks and responsibilities to meet the needs of the business. • Maintain knowledge of business and competitive landscape, fashion trends and key business drivers to strategically identify opportunities that will maximize sales and ensure financial goals are achieved. • Ensure compliance of all company policies and procedures as well as local, state, and federal employment laws. • Develop and maintain positive working relationships that support a productive work environment. Note: This position description is intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. It is not intended to be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities and is subject to change. Location: Store 00339 Skokie, IL-Skokie,IL 60077 Position Type: Regular/Full time Pay Range: $19.00 - $23.75 Hourly USD Equal Employment Opportunity The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact myHRSupport@knitwellgroup.com. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.

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