Kmart Assessment Answers:
Complete Guide to Acing Your Application 2025
Applying for a job at Kmart involves more than just submitting a resume—you’ll need to complete an online assessment that evaluates your personality, work style, and suitability for retail work. Understanding what Kmart is looking for and how to approach these assessments will significantly improve your chances of progressing to the interview stage.
This comprehensive guide explains Kmart’s assessment process, provides strategies for answering different question types, and offers insights into what Kmart values in its team members.
Kmart Hiring Process Overview
Understanding the complete process helps you prepare effectively:
Step 1: Online Application
- Submit resume through Kmart careers website
- Complete basic application form
- Answer initial screening questions
Step 2: Online Assessment
- Personality assessment
- Situational judgment test
- Work style questionnaire
- Typically takes 20-30 minutes
Step 3: Phone or Video Interview (If Assessment Passed)
- Brief conversation with hiring manager
- Discussion of availability and experience
- 10-15 minutes
Step 4: In-Person Interview
- Face-to-face interview at store
- Behavioral and situational questions
- 20-30 minutes
Step 5: Reference Checks
- Verification of employment history
Step 6: Job Offer
- Formal offer and onboarding
Timeline: 2-4 weeks from application to offer
Understanding Kmart’s Online Assessment
Kmart uses online assessments to screen candidates efficiently and identify those who align with their values and work requirements.
Why Kmart Uses Assessments
Efficiency: Screen large numbers of applications quickly and objectively.
Predictive Validity: Research shows these assessments predict job performance and retention.
Cultural Fit: Identify candidates whose values and work style align with Kmart’s culture.
Consistency: Ensure all candidates are evaluated using the same criteria.
Types of Assessment Questions
Kmart’s assessment typically includes three main types:
- Personality Questions Evaluate your personality traits, values, and preferences.
- Situational Judgment Tests Present workplace scenarios and ask how you’d respond.
- Work Style Questions Assess your approach to work, teamwork, and customer service.
Kmart’s Core Values and What They Look For
To answer effectively, understand what Kmart values:
Customer Focus
Kmart prioritizes customer satisfaction and service excellence. They want team members who are friendly, helpful, and customer-oriented.
Teamwork
Retail requires collaboration. Kmart values team players who support colleagues and work toward common goals.
Reliability
Showing up on time, completing tasks consistently, and being dependable.
Adaptability
Retail is fast-paced and unpredictable. Kmart needs flexible team members who handle change well.
Integrity
Honesty, following policies, and doing the right thing even when no one’s watching.
Positive Attitude
Enthusiasm, optimism, and maintaining positive energy even during challenging situations.
Personality Assessment Questions and Strategies
Personality assessments evaluate your traits and work style preferences.
Common Question Formats
Agree/Disagree Scale: “I enjoy working in fast-paced environments.”
- Strongly Disagree
- Disagree
- Neutral
- Agree
- Strongly Agree
Most/Least Like Me: Choose which statement is most like you and which is least like you:
- I prefer working independently
- I enjoy helping customers
- I like organizing and tidying
- I work best with clear instructions
Sample Personality Questions and How to Answer
Q: “I enjoy interacting with many different people throughout the day.”
Kmart’s Perspective: Retail involves constant customer interaction. They want people who genuinely enjoy this.
How to Answer: If you genuinely enjoy customer interaction: Strongly Agree or Agree This aligns with retail requirements.
Q: “I prefer to work independently rather than as part of a team.”
Kmart’s Perspective: Retail requires teamwork—coordinating with colleagues, supporting each other during busy times, and collaborating across departments.
How to Answer: Disagree or Strongly Disagree Show you value teamwork, which is essential in retail.
Q: “I remain calm and positive even when dealing with difficult situations.”
Kmart’s Perspective: Retail involves challenging situations—difficult customers, busy periods, unexpected problems. They need people who stay calm under pressure.
How to Answer: Agree or Strongly Agree Demonstrate emotional resilience and professionalism.
Q: “I always follow rules and procedures exactly as they’re written.”
Kmart’s Perspective: This is nuanced. They want people who follow policies (especially safety and cash handling) but also use judgment and show initiative.
How to Answer: Agree (not Strongly Agree) Shows you respect rules while maintaining flexibility for appropriate situations.
Q: “I get bored doing the same tasks repeatedly.”
Kmart’s Perspective: Retail involves repetitive tasks—scanning items, folding clothes, restocking shelves. They need people who can maintain quality and positivity even with routine work.
How to Answer: Disagree Show you can handle routine tasks professionally.
Q: “I need detailed instructions before starting any task.”
Kmart’s Perspective: While training is provided, retail requires initiative and ability to work independently once trained.
How to Answer: Neutral or Disagree Shows you can take initiative while still seeking guidance when needed.
Q: “I find it easy to stay motivated even when work is slow.”
Kmart’s Perspective: Retail has both busy and quiet periods. During quiet times, there’s always work to be done—restocking, tidying, organizing.
How to Answer: Agree or Strongly Agree Demonstrates self-motivation and initiative.
Q: “I prefer to have variety in my work rather than doing the same thing every day.”
Kmart’s Perspective: This is balanced. Retail has routine elements but also variety through different customers, tasks, and situations.
How to Answer: Neutral or Slight Agree Shows you appreciate variety while being comfortable with routine aspects.
Situational Judgment Test Questions and Strategies
Situational judgment tests present workplace scenarios and ask how you’d respond.
Question Format
You’re presented with a scenario and multiple response options. You either:
- Choose the best response
- Rank responses from most effective to least effective
- Choose what you’re most likely and least likely to do
Sample Scenarios and How to Answer
Scenario 1: Difficult Customer
“A customer approaches you angrily, complaining that an item they purchased yesterday is already broken. They demand a refund but don’t have their receipt. What would you do?”
Options:
A) Apologize and explain that without a receipt, you cannot process a refund
B) Apologize for their experience and offer to speak with a manager who can help
C) Suggest they look for the receipt at home and come back later
D) Offer to exchange the item for a new one without requiring a receipt
Best Answer: B
Why:
- Shows empathy and customer service orientation
- Acknowledges the problem
- Escalates appropriately to management
- Doesn’t make promises outside your authority
- Keeps customer engaged rather than dismissing them
Scenario 2: Busy Period
“It’s Saturday afternoon and the store is extremely busy. You’re working on the checkout when you notice the fitting rooms are full of abandoned clothes and looking messy. Your manager asked you earlier to keep the fitting rooms tidy. What do you do?”
Options:
A) Leave your checkout to quickly tidy the fitting rooms
B) Continue with checkout and tidy fitting rooms during your next break
C) Ask a colleague if they can help with fitting rooms while you continue checkout
D) Inform your manager about the fitting room situation and ask for guidance on priorities
Best Answer: D (or C as second best)
Why:
- Shows you understand priorities (customers waiting at checkout)
- Demonstrates communication with management
- Shows you remember previous instructions
- Seeks guidance rather than making assumptions
- Option C also shows teamwork and problem-solving
Scenario 3: Coworker Not Pulling Weight
“You notice a coworker regularly takes extended breaks and leaves tasks unfinished, which means you and other team members have to complete their work. What would you do?”
Options:
A) Confront the coworker directly about their behavior
B) Continue doing the extra work without saying anything
C) Speak privately with your supervisor about the situation
D) Refuse to do the coworker’s unfinished tasks
Best Answer: C
Why:
- Professional approach through proper channels
- Doesn’t create workplace conflict
- Allows management to address the issue appropriately
- Shows you care about team fairness and performance
- Avoids both confrontation and passive acceptance
Scenario 4: Suspected Theft
“You see someone who appears to be concealing merchandise in their bag. What do you do?”
Options:
A) Approach the person and ask them to show you what’s in their bag
B) Follow the person around the store to gather more evidence
C) Immediately inform security or management about what you observed
D) Ignore it as it’s not your responsibility
Best Answer: C
Why:
- Follows proper security protocols
- Doesn’t put yourself in potentially dangerous situation
- Allows trained personnel to handle appropriately
- Shows responsibility and integrity
- Avoids confrontation or accusations
Scenario 5: Cash Register Discrepancy
“At the end of your shift, your cash register is $20 short. You’re certain you processed all transactions correctly. What do you do?”
Options: A) Put $20 of your own money in the register to balance it B) Don’t mention it and hope no one notices C) Immediately inform your supervisor about the discrepancy D) Recount the money several times to make sure before telling anyone
Best Answer: C (with D as a reasonable first step)
Why:
- Shows honesty and integrity
- Follows proper cash handling procedures
- Allows management to investigate properly
- Demonstrates accountability
- Never hide discrepancies or use personal money
Scenario 6: Customer Asking for Product Advice
“A customer asks for your recommendation on which product to buy, but you’re not familiar with the specific products they’re asking about. What do you do?”
Options: A) Make your best guess to help them quickly B) Tell them honestly that you don’t know and suggest they research online C) Find a colleague who knows about those products to help the customer D) Read the product packaging with the customer to learn together
Best Answer: C
Why:
- Ensures customer gets accurate information
- Shows honesty about limitations
- Demonstrates teamwork
- Maintains customer service quality
- Better than guessing or dismissing the customer
Work Style Questions and Strategies
These questions assess how you approach work and interact with others.
Sample Questions and How to Answer
Q: “How do you prefer to receive feedback?”
Options:
- Immediately when issues arise
- During scheduled performance reviews
- Through written communication
- In private one-on-one conversations
Best Answer: “In private one-on-one conversations” or “Immediately when issues arise”
Why: Shows you’re open to feedback and professional development. Retail requires quick learning and adaptation.
Q: “When working on a team project, you typically:”
Options:
- Take the lead and direct others
- Support the leader and complete assigned tasks
- Work independently on your portion
- Ensure everyone’s ideas are heard
Best Answer: “Support the leader and complete assigned tasks” or “Ensure everyone’s ideas are heard”
Why: Shows you’re a team player who collaborates effectively. Retail requires supporting colleagues and working toward common goals.
Q: “How do you handle a situation where you disagree with a decision your manager has made?”
Options:
- Follow the decision without question
- Discuss your concerns privately with your manager
- Ignore the decision and do what you think is right
- Complain to coworkers about the decision
Best Answer: “Discuss your concerns privately with your manager”
Why: Shows respect for authority while demonstrating professional communication and willingness to contribute ideas.
Q: “What motivates you most at work?”
Options:
- Earning money
- Helping customers and making a difference
- Working with a great team
- Learning and developing new skills
Best Answer: “Helping customers and making a difference” or “Working with a great team”
Why: Aligns with Kmart’s customer service focus and team-oriented culture. While money matters, it shouldn’t be your primary stated motivation.
General Strategies for Kmart Assessments
- Be Honest But Strategic
Be Authentic: Answer honestly about your personality and preferences. Trying to fake answers often leads to inconsistent responses that get flagged.
Understand Context: Consider what traits are valuable in retail when answering. If you genuinely don’t enjoy customer interaction, retail may not be the right fit.
- Think Like a Retail Employee
Customer First: When in doubt, choose answers that prioritize customer service and satisfaction.
Team Player: Emphasize collaboration, supporting colleagues, and working toward common goals.
Professional: Show you handle situations professionally, follow procedures, and communicate appropriately.
- Avoid Extreme Answers
Use Moderate Responses: Unless you’re absolutely certain, avoid “Strongly Agree” or “Strongly Disagree.” “Agree” or “Disagree” shows balanced perspective.
Exception: For core retail values (customer service, honesty, reliability), stronger agreement is appropriate.
- Be Consistent
Maintain Consistency: Assessments often include similar questions phrased differently to check consistency. If you say you love working with people in one question, don’t say you prefer working alone in another.
- Consider the Role
Think About Daily Reality: Retail involves standing for long periods, repetitive tasks, customer interaction, and teamwork. Your answers should reflect comfort with these realities.
- Prioritize Safety and Ethics
Always Choose:
- Following safety procedures
- Reporting theft or policy violations
- Escalating to management when appropriate
- Honest communication
- Show Initiative and Responsibility
Demonstrate:
- Willingness to take on tasks without being asked
- Accountability for your work
- Problem-solving mindset
- Continuous learning attitude
Common Assessment Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to Game the System
Assessments are designed to detect inconsistent or fake responses. Be genuine.
- Rushing Through
Take your time to read questions carefully and consider your answers.
- Overthinking
Don’t spend 10 minutes on one question. Go with your instinct based on the strategies above.
- Ignoring Instructions
Read instructions carefully. Some questions ask for “most likely” and “least likely” responses.
- Choosing Based on What You Think They Want
Choose based on genuine fit. If you hate customer interaction, retail isn’t right for you, and that’s okay.
- Being Inconsistent
If you say you’re a team player in one question, don’t say you prefer working alone in another.
- Selecting All Extreme Answers
Moderate responses often show balanced judgment.
What Happens After the Assessment
If You Pass
Next Steps:
- Phone or video interview within 1-2 weeks
- In-person interview if phone interview goes well
- Reference checks
- Job offer
Timeline: Typically 2-4 weeks from assessment to offer.
If You Don’t Pass
What It Means: Your responses suggested you may not be the best fit for retail work or Kmart’s culture.
Can You Reapply: Usually yes, but you may need to wait 3-6 months before reapplying.
What to Do:
- Consider whether retail is the right fit for you
- If yes, reflect on your answers and approach differently next time
- Apply to other retailers with different assessment approaches
Technical Tips for Taking the Assessment
Environment
Choose:
- Quiet location without distractions
- Stable internet connection
- Computer or tablet (larger screen easier than phone)
- Time when you’re alert and focused
Timing
Allow:
- 30-45 minutes uninterrupted
- Don’t rush, but don’t overthink
- Most questions should take 30-60 seconds
Technical Issues
If Problems Occur:
- Take screenshots
- Note where you were in the assessment
- Contact Kmart recruitment support immediately
- Explain the technical issue
After Completing the Assessment
Immediate Next Steps
Wait:
- You’ll typically hear back within 1-2 weeks
- Check your email regularly (including spam folder)
- Kmart may contact you via phone or email
Follow Up
When to Follow Up:
- If you haven’t heard back after 2 weeks
- Call the store or email recruitment
- Be polite and professional
What to Say: “Hi, I’m [Name] and I applied for [Position] at [Store] on [Date]. I completed the online assessment and wanted to follow up on my application status. Could you please let me know if there’s any additional information you need from me?”
Conclusion
Kmart’s online assessment is an important step in the hiring process, designed to identify candidates who will thrive in retail environments and align with Kmart’s values. By understanding what Kmart is looking for—customer focus, teamwork, reliability, and positive attitude—and approaching the assessment strategically while remaining authentic, you’ll significantly improve your chances of progressing to the interview stage.
Remember that assessments are about fit, not just passing a test. If you genuinely enjoy customer service, work well in teams, and thrive in fast-paced environments, your authentic responses will naturally align with what Kmart is seeking.
Good luck with your Kmart assessment and application!
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