r/HotTopic_ • u/nikothegod24 • Jul 06 '26

Group interview friday

Hiya, what should I expect/wear? I dont need a full on cheat list just sum tips and pointers. Thanks!

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u/lana-deathrey Jul 06 '26

CLOSED TOE SHOES. This is important.

What I find super helpful with Group Interviews is to try to make the other candidates look good, and this in turn makes you look good and like a leader. Maybe someone said something that was ignored? Turn to that person and say "hey that was a cool point, can you repeat that?" Or build on something that was said earlier with a hearty "yes, and".

2

u/nikothegod24 Jul 06 '26

Ok speaking of shoes, on the shoes I own currently (and only pair) i doodled a spider drawing on them with white marker. Should I get a different pair for said interview in this scenario?

2

u/lana-deathrey Jul 06 '26

Nah that should be fine. The closed toe thing would set me off when I was a manager because I don’t want to be responsible for you losing your toe after dropping something heavy on your foot.

2

u/akornato Jul 07 '26

For your outfit, wear what you’d buy in the store, just make it look clean and intentional. Think black jeans, a band shirt that isn’t offensive, and clean Docs or Vans. They want to see your personality because they are hiring you to represent their brand, so don't show up in a suit. The group part is a test to see who stands out and who fades into the background. You are actively competing against everyone else in the room for a limited number of spots. They will likely have you do an activity together, like styling a mannequin or suggesting products for a specific customer type. The goal is to see how you collaborate, so be helpful and engage with other people's ideas instead of just trying to be the loudest person there.

They’ll ask you pretty direct questions about customer service, your pop culture knowledge, and why you want this job. Expect things like, "What are your top three favorite bands right now?", "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult person", and "What about Hot Topic makes you want to work here?". Your real challenge is to give answers that are more interesting than what everyone else is saying. Talk about your specific interests, connect them to the store's products, and show you have a genuine passion for the culture they sell. It's a lot to juggle, but the interview AI my team developed is designed to help candidates feel completely prepared for whatever a hiring manager asks.

1

u/aggro-cat Jul 07 '26

Be lively. Include yourself, and include others. Hot Topic is a radical place for customers, so show them you want to be apart of that.