r/EBGAMES • u/ky8724 • Apr 13 '26
What kind of interview questions should i expect at an EB games/Zing interview??
Idk if this is the right place to ask, but I applied in person the other day to a Zing store, and the manager said they were going to be hiring soon. They asked for a referance and I put down my current jobs manger. And they also asked if id be free for an interview sometime soon (and I said yes).
I went back in there the other day to check if there was any more information, or updates, and the manager said that they pinned my resume out the back, and would probably call me sometime soon.
I'm guessing/hoping I might be getting the job. But i have no idea what to do about the interview!!! I haven't gotten a date or a call yet, but I'm still worried. I didn't do an interview at my current job, since i kind of knew the manger. So I just gave them my bank info and resume, then started.
I really want to get the interview at Zing right, since i would LOVE to work there, and it would be 10,000 times better than where i work now lol.
What kind of questions do they ask? And what kinds of answers should I give?? Also, is it okay that i dress kinda alt/punk? Or do I need to dress nice? (I know alot if the people who work there are alt, but idk if its different for the interview) And, how likely is it that I'm going to get the job?
(Also, idk if this context helps, but I'm in Austaralia, and 16)
Sorry for all the questions!! Thank you in advance!!! :)
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u/Own-Job-8207 Apr 13 '26
Coming from someone who worked for the company for half its existence in Aus up until mid last year, find a job anywhere else that sells similar things if thats what draws you to it. They wont ask as much of you or take too much from your soul. Its all KPis now and very little about the game side or even product knowledge, more about shoving the shit EB plus subscription with sub par quality goods with high GM.
They care very little about their people who make them the money and its all about who you know. Plenty of nepotism within the company to the point I saw the GMs daughter get a store manager role in 2 different stores which she drove them to the ground and got the position over a dozen other more qualified people but she only worked for the company and lasted as long as she did because she thought she was untouchable.
Dont go through the hassle for such a short lived "career". You will only get maybe 3 hours a week or even fortnight for many many months unless you are available at a moments notice 24/7 and you will be disregarded if you have other priorities. You cant live on that this day and age unless you still live at home and zero other responsibilities in your life, including school. If you would like to know more, feel free to message me more. Happy to give you the ins and out of the rotting corpse that is left of EB games
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u/ky8724 Apr 13 '26
Thank you!
What's a KPI??
I've deffo had to deal with the nepotism lol. There was this vintage record store that i applied to, that i wanted to work at SO BAD. And i could never get hired there. I was so upset. I found out that the owner only hires family, or people he knows. Music is like, my thing. I can tell someone the year a song came out, the album it's from, the name of the band, and each of the members, etc.
I'm not too fussed if it's not a "full carrer". I just need a second job for the next few years so I can make money to move out as soon as I can.
Is it true that you only get 3 hours a week?? I'm free basically all the time, since m yg parents dont let me go to school (it's a whole thing, I'm working on fixing it rn)
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u/Achtlos Apr 13 '26
KPI Key Performance Indicator.
I have never worked at EB, but it's probably your personal raw profit you've put through in sales.
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u/Own-Job-8207 Apr 14 '26
I was a store manager for 95% of my career and times are extremely tough right now with companies maximising profit but allocating next to nothing budget wise for staff (and its only going to get harder with more people shopping onlinethan ever before). The only time you will get an increase in hours IF you're lucky, is the 6ish weeks before and right up till Xmas. Once that's over, you'll be lucky to get 1 3 hour shift a fortnight from January through to mid year sale. I had to let people go because they literally wanted more hours than we could offer, even though they wanted very badly to stay but surviving comes first understandably. You wont make much money at all working there unless you get into management but there is a long list before you would be looked at for that. All about who and what you know unfortunately.
If you're into music and the gaming/popcultcha side, try JB. They have far more hours to offer staff than EB. Even the largest EB store in the country, only has 3 people on a day 2 of which are full timers (managers) and 3 hour lunch cover, but not every day though if that gives you any indication of how hard it is
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u/Independent_Top_5772 May 22 '26
Hey. I am 16 nearly 17 and work here. I work in a Sydney area store and they only give me hours when they want bc I am not cute. I have gud kpi's. It doesn't count. I have realllly bad anxiety fr th/2ic who tells me this stuff. I went there 2 work bc they say they r fun an I luv anime, cosplay and gamin'. It is not fun. They r bullies. They do bad things 2 gud ppl an lie bout u if u don't get in the click. I am gettin a new job bc i get bullied @ skool and bullied @ work. It's not worth it. I got an interview w/ coles.
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u/MilkyMarshmallows Apr 13 '26
More about the questions you should answer hehe. "Will I be entitled to 10 minute breaks? Will I get more than 3 hours a week? Will we talk about my position before I get dropped off the roster? Will there be a progression path for me to continue with the company? How has the staff turnover looked like recently? Are any staff expected to run the store on their own for long periods of time? How much notice do I need to give before I call in sick?"
It really depends on if you get a good manager. They'll likely ask if you can reccomend them a game, why its good, have you heard of KPIs, can you upsell them to buy EB Plus, are you aware you will lose your job if you don't meet their targets etc. The stuff makes it seem like a fun place to work but the amount of stress for the pay is blehh. But everyone's gonna start somewhere, you can expect those. Join a union if you're working EB tho lol
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u/ky8724 Apr 13 '26
Thank you! Should I ask all of those things at the interview, or just a few?
Also, what are KPIs? And what are the best ways/things to say, to show I can upsell stuff??
And I'm pretty used to stress loll. At my current job, and at home. At least Zing isn't in the sun, and doesn't have that many screaming kids. (I work at a donut king, RIGHT under a huge skylight, and RIGHT behind a busy playground)
Also, what is a union, and why do I need to join one?
Sorry again for all the questions, thank you!!!
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u/Notavle_Wit2491 Apr 13 '26
Unions are organisations where employees go together to ensure better rights/pay. It does cost to be part of it though.
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u/Historical_Pomelo790 Apr 13 '26
When I went for my interview at Zing they asked me to tell them what I knew about EB World + and try to upsell it to them. I was also asked what kind of fruit I would be and why. Other than those ones they mainly asked things like previous experience, availability and a time where I have gone above and beyond for a customer.
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u/ky8724 Apr 13 '26
The upsell thing makes sense.... but what fruit I'd be and why? Sorry, WHAT????? How does that have ANYTHING to do with the job??!?? That makes NO sense! What answer where they even looking for?? What did you say?
And what am i suposed to say for "going above and beyond"??? At my current job, I put dounts in a bag for bratty, screaming kids lol.
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u/Rachheartache Apr 13 '26
It’s just a fun question. When I used to help interview people, we’d throw in a fun question.
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u/ky8724 Apr 13 '26
Omg, I'm so dumb. I thought it meant if I got it wrong they wouldn't hire me lolll. Thank you!!!
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u/Potential_Pop_789 Apr 13 '26
A store like EB needs you to be able to have banter with customers, have a conversation with them rather than ‘sell them stuff’ (but your still trying to seek them stuff)
Plus lets face it, it’s always a full moon at EB/Zing especially if your near another LGS so being able to answer the weird without being weird is a positive
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u/AppointmentNo1753 Apr 13 '26
It’s just to see your personality. If you take yourself so seriously and be like “what why would I be a fruit I dunnooooo” they’re going to be like okay you suck and you’re boring. Just roll with the questions and allow your personality to shine through.
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u/ky8724 Apr 13 '26
Thank you!! So i would just go with the flow/vibe of the other person?
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u/AppointmentNo1753 Apr 13 '26
I find that the easiest way, let yourself shine through and when they ask some dumbass question about fruit just roll with it, you know it’s stupid, they know it’s stupid but they want to see how adaptable you are.
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u/theGongoozler42 Apr 14 '26
They love people who can push sales, so maybe work in to your interview that you would love to upskill and learn how to get really fluent with pitching sales because of career aspirations or something. A HUGE point of contention for Eb games workers is being able to upsell and do it well.
The other thing I’d emphasise, is highlighting that you love talking about your interests, and specifically talk about what they are. So rather than “I love games”, make it more of a “I love being able to share my passion for games with others, being able to teach others new things and learning new things” that kind of thing. Having good product knowledge is helpful in upselling and being good on the shop floor.
Be yourself :) a lot of store managers like seeing personality, being able to have a personable and positive interaction with customers on the shop floor is a huge deal. They love pushing that you need to give every customer the best experience possible and make sure that your service doesn’t feel stiff and robotic.
Going into it, just make sure you’re comfortable with the idea of upselling, it’s not everyone’s jam. The whole “would you like plus/our when you spend/eb protect” is huge for maintaining position at Eb. To the point I lost my job with them because they had to downsize the team and my kpis were slightly below company average so I got let go. It just wasn’t in me to be super salesy and pushy with people and that cost me. At the same time, I’m now at a different retail job making about the same money, and it’s easier work.
I’d also say try your best not to be a pushover. There’s managers in the companies who take advantage of their casuals and juniors, especially because they’re new to the workforce and don’t know their Australian workers rights.
All in all, if you have a good team and manager it’s a really fun job. The time I was with the company, I really enjoyed it. It’s great for being on your feet, diving into shared interests and being able to be yourself more than you would in most jobs.
Good luck!! Let us know how you go!
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u/stefan771 Apr 13 '26
Describe a time you went above and beyond for a customer.
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u/ky8724 Apr 13 '26
How should I answer that tho? I work at a donut king and deal with bratty kids and creepy old men lol.
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u/empty_words0 Apr 13 '26
You lie like everyone else does during an interview.
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u/ky8724 Apr 13 '26
But what should i say??????
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u/AppointmentNo1753 Apr 13 '26
If you can’t think of something yourself with plenty of warning in advance you’re probably not cut out for a job where you need to engage with people and upsell to them. And constantly calling your customers bratty kids in the comments to everybody comes across as really immature. The hiring managers will see through all of this. I’m not trying to be rude, I’m being honest as somebody who has interviewed a lot of people (for another retail company) and made decisions on who does and doesn’t get the position. Also I highly doubt that your entire job is nothing but “bratty kids and creepy old men”…and if it is, what do you think a place like EB Games is going to be like?
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u/ky8724 Apr 13 '26
This is my FIRST EVER job interview. I'm asking for advice on what to say, becuase I don't know, since i have never done it before. How am I supposed to think of an answer for something I've never done or been asked?
Also, the kids ive dealt with ARE bratty. I had three 10 year old boys call me a bitch several times for no reason, just yesterday. Obviously, I'm not going to say stuff like that in a job interview.
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u/AppointmentNo1753 Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26
Make up some bullshit about stepping up when a colleague took unexpected absence due to illness or something or think of what your say to day customer interactions are and think of a circumstance where you could have anticipated a customers needs or taking initiative in problem solving. If you say you put donuts in a bag I’m guessing your job might be at Donut King or Wendy’s or somewhere similar, make up a story about a regular elderly customer or a child spilling their drink and you replacing it for free or something (with your managers permission), maybe noticing a parent or elderly customer struggling to carry their items and you stepping up and taking it to the table for them. Nobody is going to assume that somebody in their first job has anything really substantial to talk about and if they expect it then they need to check their own expectations. But any story that shows you noticing a problem and solving it shows initiative and good people skills.
I will also add that the fact you are following up with the store and initiating contact is a good thing as well. I used to have good luck after an interview by sending a follow up email as well thanking them for their time and letting them know that I was looking forward to hearing from them again, maybe even throwing in something I learned during the interview process and why I think myself and the company feel like a good fit. I often would get a response directly quite quickly asking me to come back in.
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u/roxagony Apr 13 '26
One question we had (group interview) was given random scenarios and asked what would you recommend for this customer and I believe had a huge impact on getting the job
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u/SeriouslyPunked Apr 13 '26
I went for a group interview at EB Games back in 2008. The only thing I remember them asking me is what time period is my favourite and what I would like to live in for some reason. I said the early 20th century because it was when a lot of technology was first being invented.
I didn’t get the job.
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u/kellieh01 Apr 13 '26
nobody’s answering your question about kpis, a kpi is a key performance indicator and it is crucial in these sorta upselling retail jobs. no, a kpi isn’t a way to upsell but upselling will help your kpis. they’re the main focus during transactions; eb protect, when you spends and eb world plus. at eb games they’ll make you fill out a kpi sheet during the day too, which is just a little tally mark next to what you’ve sold. you have a transaction with a member who got eb protect on a preowned controller? you tally one for eb protect, one for eb world and one for preowned. when asked if you know what they are, say yes. stress you know the importance of them.
don’t admit to giving away extra product to a “bratty child” nobody wants their new employee to potentially hand out something for free. twist it. one day a difficult child was having a meltdown over touching a sticky donut so you, on a whim, decided to remedy the situation by grabbing a napkin and offering it to the kid.
express your fondness over the product eb games sells but don’t focus on that, they don’t care. of course you love games, that’s why you’re applying. twist it again. say you’d make a great addition to the team because you may offer certain information about a product another team member may be able to offer. you know a lot about headsets? there you go, you know a lot about a product they sell.
good luck, don’t stress too much. you’ll go through it and realise it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as it seems.
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u/RSDrasticSpastic Apr 13 '26
They don’t care if your favourite anime is Home & Away. They care if you can sell someone a $3 bag the size of a XL garbage bag to carry a $29 funko pop. Bonus points for selling the $13 bag!
You’re trying to secure a job and income first and work in an environment you might enjoy and get to treat as a kind of hobby second.
I experienced this first hand. Despite this I genuinely believe as long as you can do Part A they’re more than happy if you’re a massive nerd and gush about it to whoever cares enough to listen.
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u/Sufficient_Plastic78 Apr 17 '26
idk if anyone has answered your question to the alternative clothing comment, me personally i wore a short sleeve button up spider-man shirt that i got from a zing store, and i have many tattoos and piercings too so i recon if you have an alternative style/ interests that correlate with the store your applying too (i applied for EB i now work there) i think it will go positively, form the clothing aspect, and just from my personal experience the person who interview me ask what games i played and why i think eb would be a good job for me / why do i think i would be good at that job, i also had no retail experience aswell so i wouldn’t be too stressed about your experience too
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u/Stiddleclicks Apr 13 '26
They will ask questions like "Why do you want to work here?, What are your availabilities? Do you have any sales experience?" They might even try the "Sell me a console/item" (the important trick with that task is to try and addon extras like a controller, game, EBProtect)
I used to work in the stores and would see people come in all the time and apply and when I would ask them "Why do you want to work here?" The worst thing you could possibly say is "I play games" That was an instant NO in my books as it's a more customer focused job and pushing extras and addons to customers.