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Store Manager in Training

Circle K · Rockford, IL · $19.00–$19.25 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 17, 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

Tell me about a time you hired someone who turned out to be a poor fit. What did you learn about how you interview?

What they are checking: Whether they reflect on their own hiring judgment instead of blaming the new hire.

Walk me through how you'd train a brand new customer service representative in their first week.

What they are checking: Whether they have a real, repeatable way to train rather than letting new people learn by guessing.

Tell me about a time you had to lead a team through a stretch when you were short staffed.

What they are checking: Whether they step in, prioritize and keep morale up rather than burning out themselves or the crew.

What does a clean, well-kept store look like to you, and how do you keep it that way when you're not there?

What they are checking: Whether they build habits and checklists into the team instead of relying on their own presence.

Why do you want to move into store management with Circle K, and what are you hoping to learn during training?

What they are checking: Whether their goals fit a fast, hands-on training path and they will stick with it.

What would you do

This store runs days, evenings, overnights and weekends. How would you build a schedule that keeps every shift covered without blowing through labor hours?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that scheduling is where store managers win or lose both service and payroll.

You come in and the overnight shift left the coolers half stocked and the coffee bar a mess. What do you do first, and how do you handle the overnight crew?

What they are checking: Whether they can fix the store now and still address the people issue without overreacting.

You have to write up an employee who is well liked by the rest of the team. How do you handle the counseling notice and the conversation?

What they are checking: Whether they can give fair, documented discipline without letting friendships or team mood change the standard.

How would you handle a customer who is yelling at a cashier about a fuel price or a lottery payout?

What they are checking: Whether they protect their employee and calm the customer while keeping the line and store moving.

How do you decide what gets done today when the store needs cleaning, a truck needs to be put away and two people called off?

What they are checking: Whether they can rank tasks by customer impact and safety when everything cannot get done.

About the work

The role mentions reading reports for inventory and cash control. What would you look for if your store's cash was short three days in a row?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to trace a pattern of shortages to a shift, a drawer or a process gap.

You'll be driving to the bank for deposits and to management meetings. How do you keep cash handling and deposits safe and on time?

What they are checking: Whether they take cash security seriously, since deposit errors and theft are real risks in convenience stores.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Circle K from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Circle K.

Midwest BU - Region 02 - Market 08: 2301 S Perryville Rd, Rockford, Illinois 61016 Shift Availability Flexible Availability Time Type Full time Minimum Qualifications The minimum qualifications for a Store Manager are: • High School diploma or GED preferred. • Experience in retail sales preferred. • Experience to perform the essential duties, responsibilities and working in the conditions described below. • Ability to supervise and train for the use of equipment, tools and materials listed in the Customer Service Representative (CSR) and Assistant Site Manager (ASM) job description. • Ability to supervise and manage the functions listed in the CSR and ASM job description. • Ability to use computer, or acquire those skills necessary to use a computer at the site, which includes analysis of reports, inventory control, cash control, counseling notices, etc. • A valid driver’s license and adequate transportation to/from bank and corporate management meetings. • Ability to communicate (orally and in writing) in English. • Perform other duties as assigned or delegated by his/her supervisor. ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS Leadership and Management • Recruit, hire and train positive, enthusiastic employees, ensuring excellent customer service. • Develop, manage and assign tasks appropriately to ensure the site is clean, adequately stocked, organize and well kept based on Company standards. • Maintain a professional and supportive image among subordinates and supervisor. • Schedule employees within Company guidelines to maximize customer service and maintain site image. • Implement non-discriminatory related management skills while hiring, training, counseling, motivating and separating employees. Site Relationships • Develop positive and professional relationships with all suppliers. • Promote excellent service and resolve customer complaints in a timely, professional manner. • Promote and ensure a safe, positive public image within the neighboring community. Training and Development • Prepare on-going and timely performance appraisals in writing for all employees, providing proper performance based feedback. • Train all employees ensuring that customer service, site image and marketing execution meet Company standards. • Train all employees on safety procedures and promote safety awareness. Communication • Develop ways and means to ensure that all employees receive proper communication in a timely manner. • Establish periodic on-going communication meetings with all site employees and the Market Manager. Organizing and Planning • Evaluate and develop specific action plans to address the needs of the site in order to reach the desired objectives. • Organize and maintain all site files and manuals. • Manage and supervise store employees to ensure that all required and requested reports due are completed accurately and timely. • Manage and supervise store employees to ensure that all merchandise is stocked, attractively displayed and priced correctly. • Ensure that all required employment related posters and signs are in a place that is easily accessible to all employees. Financial • Analyze daily sales and expense information and take appropriate action to maximize sales and net profits. • Budget and forecast P&L lines, as well as understand and manage merchandise margins. • Safeguard and account for all money received and disbursed. • Perform all other financial analysis necessary to maximize sales and net profits. Working Conditions • Performs approximately all work indoors but will be required to work outside in order to clean parking lots, gas pumps, take out garbage, etc. • Be exposed to occasional cold temperature extremes while supervising or managing store employees performing occasional work in a walk-in cooler and/or freezer. • Be exposed to occasional noise. • Work with a minimum of direction and supervision. • At all times work as an effective manager, supervisor and leader. THE ABOVE STATEMENTS REFLECT THE GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS/DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES NECESSARY TO IDENTIFY THE JOB AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY INTENDED TO SET FORTH ALL OF THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB. NOTE: This job description may change periodically as required by business necessity, with or without advance notice to or consent by the employee. Hiring Range: $19.00 to $19.25 Circle K is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) and all state and local disability laws. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the ADA and certain state or local laws as long as it does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company’s Human Resources Representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process. Click below to review information about our company's use of the federal E-Verify program to check work eligibility: In English In Spanish

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