Preparing for Your Price Chopper Interview: 7 Common Questions and How to Answer Them (2024)

Interviewing for a job at Price Chopper can seem intimidating With over 130 stores across the Northeast, Price Chopper is a major player in the grocery industry Competition for jobs is stiff.

Walking into an interview unprepared can cost you your dream job. By learning about the company and typical interview questions ahead of time, you can present yourself as a confident, knowledgeable candidate.

In this article, we’ll explore seven of the most common Price Chopper interview questions We’ll look at why Price Chopper interviewers ask them, and examples of strong responses

With these tips, you’ll be ready to impress hiring managers and land the Price Chopper job you want.

Overview of Price Chopper

Before diving into the interview questions, let’s look at some key facts about Price Chopper. This background will help you better understand what interviewers are looking for.

Price Chopper is a privately held supermarket chain based in Schenectady, New York. The Golub Corporation owns and operates Price Chopper stores.

With 132 locations, Price Chopper dominates the upstate New York market. The company employs over 23,000 people. Roles range from cashiers to department managers to corporate professionals.

Price Chopper aims to provide excellent customer service and quality products at affordable prices. Stores emphasize fresh, natural, and organic offerings. The chain distinguishes itself through unique services like nutritionists, cooking classes, and on-site pharmacies.

1. Why Do You Want to Work at Price Chopper?

This common interview question gauges your interest in and enthusiasm for the company. The interviewer wants to know what attracts you specifically to Price Chopper.

Strong responses will:

Demonstrate knowledge of Price Chopper’s brand, values, and mission
Explain why those qualities align with your own
Convey genuine excitement about the role

For example:

“I’m excited to work at Price Chopper because I really admire your commitment to supporting local farms and providing quality, affordable produce. As someone who loves to cook, I appreciate being able to access fresh, seasonal ingredients. I also love that Price Chopper invests in nutrition education through cooking classes and dietitians on staff. Helping people make healthier choices is extremely important to me.”

This answer shows knowledge of Price Chopper’s locally-focused, health-conscious approach. It uses specific examples like produce selection and nutrition classes. Linking Price Chopper’s values with your personal passions demonstrates sincere interest.

2. Why Do You Want This Particular Job at Price Chopper?

While the first question covers Price Chopper broadly, this one narrows in on your desired role. The interviewer wants to understand why you want the specific job you applied for.

To stand out, discuss:

What draws you to the day-to-day duties of the role
Skills and experiences you have that match the position
Ways you can positively contribute to the team/department

For instance:

“I’m excited to apply for the opening for a cashier at the Latham store. I’m drawn to the high level of customer interaction this role offers. I really enjoy engaging with people, being helpful, and making their day a little brighter. My previous retail experience taught me how to provide excellent customer service. I also have strong attention to detail from my data entry work, which will be useful for accurately ringing up orders. I’m confident I can quickly build rapport with customers and keep lines moving smoothly.”

This response highlights the candidate’s relevant skills and explains why they find the daily cashier duties rewarding. It paints a picture of how they would excel in the role.

3. What Do You Know About Price Chopper?

With this popular question, interviewers want to gauge your knowledge of and passion for the company. They’re looking for evidence you’ve done your research.

Aim to touch on facts like:

When and where Price Chopper was founded
Number of locations
Key markets
Unique services and offerings
Notable innovations or recent news

For example:

“Price Chopper has been a staple in the Northeast since 1932, when the Golub family opened their first store in Schenectady, NY. Today, Price Chopper has 132 locations across New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. What originally started as a discount food warehouse has grown into a major regional chain. I’m impressed by how Price Chopper has evolved to offer unique services like cooking classes, pharmacies, and Market Bistros. A fun fact I learned is that Price Chopper was one of the first chains to introduce scanning cash registers in 1979. I also read about the recent opening of your first small-format Market 32 store, which shows innovation to meet customer needs.”

This level of detail shows the candidate has a strong grasp of major milestones, facts, offerings, and recent news.

4. What Are Your Strengths?

This common question allows you to sell yourself. The interviewer is looking to understand what assets you’ll bring to the table.

When talking strengths, remember to:

Choose attributes relevant to the job
Provide 1-2 specific examples of using those strengths
Tie strengths back to being an excellent candidate

For a customer service role, you may say:

“One of my biggest strengths is empathy. I have a knack for putting myself in someone else’s shoes, really listening, and providing support. For example, when I worked at ABC Store, an angry customer came in complaining that an item was defective. Instead of getting defensive, I calmly listened to their issue. I then replaced the item and offered a sincere apology for their trouble. This diffused the situation and turned their day around. I feel this quality allows me to resolve conflicts and ensure every customer leaves happy.”

This example calls out empathy, provides a story of it in action, and connects it back to being well-suited for customer service.

5. What Is Your Biggest Weakness?

This tricky question is meant to gauge your self-awareness. The interviewer wants to know if you can reflect on, identify, and grow from less-developed areas.

To demonstrate self-awareness:

Share a honest work-related weakness
Explain steps you’re taking to improve
End on a positive about why you’re still a strong candidate

For instance:

“My biggest weakness is public speaking. In the past, I’ve gotten nervous leading big meetings or presentations. However, I’ve been working to improve by volunteering to give updates at our weekly team meetings. Outside of work, I’ve joined a local public speaking group. The practice is helping me become calmer and more collected when presenting. While public speaking may never be my strongest skill, I’m committed to strengthening it, so it doesn’t hold me back. Overall I have very strong communications skills and am confident conveying information one-on-one or in writing.”

This response acknowledges nerves with public speaking, but also the initiative to join groups and practice. It ends by refocusing on communication strengths applicable to a customer service role.

6. Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

This classic question gauges your career ambitions and interest in growing with the company long-term.

To make a strong impression:

Express interest in taking on more responsibility over time
Share aspirations that seem realistic based on typical career paths at Price Chopper
Emphasize wanting to build your career within the company

For instance:

“In the next five years, I hope to take on increasing responsibility within a management role at Price Chopper. I plan to leverage my retail skills and experience and continue educating myself on best practices through courses or mentorship. My goal is to master all aspects of store operations, from inventory to HR to finances. I’m very interested in eventually moving into an assistant store manager position, with the skills and experience to run a Price Chopper location seamlessly. I see myself building my career here.”

This demonstrates ambition, desire to learn and grow, and commitment to Price Chopper for the long haul.

7. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?

This final question provides a chance to ask thoughtful questions based on your research. Avoid questions answered on the company website or during the interview.

Strong questions demonstrate your interest and understanding of the role, like:

Can you tell me more about the training program here?
What qualities make someone successful on your team?
How would you describe the culture at this store location?
What are some of the biggest challenges facing your department right now?
What are the next steps in the interview process?

Listen closely to the answers, which will help determine if the role and company seem like a good fit.

Preparing responses to common Price Chopper interview questions well in advance is one of the best ways to boost your confidence and impress hiring managers. This overview covers seven questions you’re likely to face, from broader ones about Price Chopper to specific ones about your qualifications.

With research and practice, you can

We Are Hiring! Join Our Winning Team!

Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media

Want to start a new career but don’t know where to start? Stop what you’re doing and read this article! At Price Chopper and Market 32, we’re looking for great new people to join our winning team! With more than 130 stores, we have part-time and full-time jobs available. Four job fairs are coming up at our stores in New York’s Capital District on February 27, March 19, and April 9. Come to the store for an interview right then and there, and start your new job with us! Use the list below to find the store that is holding the job fair.

The answer to your questions about why you should work for us and what we have to offer is that we have SO much! Some of the benefits we offer are tuition reimbursem*nt, a 401k plan, a teammate wellness program, flexible scheduling, room for career growth, and more! We also value diversity, equity, inclusion, new ideas, and creativity in our workplace.

Still not sure if you want to work for us? Take a look at these amazing teammates you would be working with. These coworkers not only go the extra mile for our customers, but they are also great leaders and examples for the rest of the team. We are honored to have them on our team!.

Along with the stores listed at the end of this blog, we are also thrilled to announce that two former Shop Rite stores will be reopening as Market 32s. The Niskayuna location (store 191) will be the hiring location for the Nott Street Store. Hudson Valley (store 181) will be the hiring location for the North Greenbush store. The dates and times are as follows:

Begins Monday, February 25th through the end of May.

Julian Carden

Wilton Market 32

Julz Carden has been with the company since July of 2023. She has a bubbly and easy-going personality and is always willing to help out in difficult situations. She loves talking to customers and making small talk with them to make the shopping experience more personal. In fact, she has certain guests that look for her specifically to cash out their groceries. Julz likes this company because it gives people chances to grow and because it lets people be anything they want to be as long as they keep an open mind and work toward their goal.

Jarrett Dyer

Guilderland Market 32

Jarrett started as a part time produce clerk in Altamont Ave. In September of 2022, he became the Assistant Team Lead in Guilderland. From there, he became a temporary produce manager in August of 2022. He just continues to grow as a person and a manager!.

Jarrett said this about his job at Price Chopper/Market 32: “I love what I do every day, and I like a challenge.” I take pride in my work and enjoy making the department look amazing!”.

Marilez MacDormand

Altamont Avenue Market 32

Marilez M. is our bakery rockstar at Altamont Ave. Marilez has been with Market 32 for seven years. Her team loves working with her because she always has a good mood and is ready to do their best every day. Marilez is a friend to everyone around her, especially the our guests. Customers love that she is so helpful and knowledgeable and describe her as having the “sweetest smile. The best part of her day is knowing that her customers are happy and can’t wait to see her again.

Bill Rademacher

Glenmont Market 32

Bill has worked for the company for 19 years and has done his time in a number of Albany stores. He is such a friendly individual who is always ready to work and loves to be helpful. Bill was recently featured in an award presented to Glenmont, known as the ARC NY (A Respectful Commitment). Bill is shown below!.

Henry Pipino

Clifton Park Plaza Market 32

Henry started his journey with Market 32 on January 1st, 2023. He came here for lunch every day and one day ended up talking to our hiring manager, who hired him right then and there! He works in the seafood department and has learned how to give great customer service. Some of the things Henry loves about the store are the customers, his coworkers, how clean it is, and how close it is to his house. He works very hard and even works extra shifts in the Deli, Produce, and Meat Departments on his days off. Henry wants to be a manager in the seafood department, and he will get there quickly thanks to how hard he works. He is a great teammate and someone who the team can rely on if we ever need anything. Co-Manager Nick Larose states, “Since I became the Co-Manager here at Market 32 store #250, Henry and I have become great friends and talk regularly whenever we see each other. He’s an excellent teammate who has never been late and is always happy to see everyone when he gets there. This makes for a great place to work for everyone. ”.

Dominic Collar

Johnstown Price Chopper

Dominic has been working with us since April of 2019. He first started in Produce and has since moved into the Grocery department doing various jobs. Some people, like Dom, can always make you laugh, and people look for him every day. In 1975, he worked for us part-time as a cashier. He left to pursue another job, but he came back and says, “he wished he never left.”

Aubrey King

Glenville Market 32

Aubrey King is a Sales and Service Team Leader in #38 Glenville and has been with Price Chopper/ Market 32 for 20 years. Aubrey’s favorite thing about working at Price Chopper is getting to know her coworkers and customers. As Sales and Service Leader (SSL), Aubrey’s job is to hire new people for the store, and she is the person who all the new employees see first. Aubrey loves training new teammates and making them feel welcomed in their new roles.

We’re lucky to have Aubrey working here. Her motto for the whole store is “Shine Bright Like a Diamond,” and she really does!

Misty Parkis

Glenville Market 32

Misty Parkis is a part time food service teammate in #38 Glenville. Misty has been with the company for 5 years. Misty says she likes working for the company and that you can do well and grow as an employee and person if you have a good team and management that backs you up. When Misty is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her 2 children and husband.

Misty is an asset to this store, and a bright and shining light. Customers and teammates love her and her positive attitude.

Take a look at the list below for participating job fair dates & stores.

February 27th & March 19th

Participating Stores:

001 Eastern Parkway (Schenectady)

028 Hamilton Square (Guilderland)

175 Altamont Ave (Schenectady)

112 Clifton Park Shoppers World

138 Market Bistro (Latham)

158 Route 50 (Saratoga)

023 Madison Ave (Albany)

250 Clifton Park Plaza

45 Delaware Ave (Albany)

181 – Hudson Valley Plaza

188 – Albany-Shaker Road

April 9th & April 30th

Participating Stores:

001 Eastern Parkway (Schenectady)

028 Hamilton Square (Guilderland)

040 Glen St. (Queensbury)

158 Route 50 (Saratoga)

112 Clifton Park Shoppers World

138 Market Bistro (Latham)

170 Lake George Village

250 Clifton Park Plaza

023 Madison Ave (Albany)

045 Delaware Ave (Albany)

181 Hudson Valley Plaza

Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media

Did you know that our West Rutland and Rutland stores just became Market 32? We are so excited! We want to thank our amazing teams for all the hard work they put into making these grand reopenings happen. We want to highlight a few teammates from each store for all they have done. Without further ado, let’s meet the crew!.

West Rutland, Store #122 located at 100 Westway Mall Dr. West Rutland, Vermont

David Bishop, Store Manager

Dave began working for Price Chopper in 1991 as a Cashier while in high school. Over the years, he worked his way up in the grocery department, becoming a co-manager in 2012 and then a store manager in 2018. Dave has strong ties to the area because he grew up in West Rutland and has lived there his whole life. He currently lives in Rutland with his son Bradley and daughter Ava.

Shawn Stevens, Produce Manager

Shawn has worked at Price Chopper for 37 years and has been in a number of roles, from Dairy Manager to Night Manager. For the last 35 years, he has been in Produce. He served 25 years in the National Guard and a tour in Iraq, retiring in 2006. He is married and has twin sons that are 16. His wife is from the Philippines, so they plan to move there when he retires. Right now, they all live in Rutland Town.

Kyle Guyette, Meat Manager

Kyle started his career with Price Chopper right here in West Rutland as a part time Courtesy Clerk. After a few years, he got his start in Meat as a part time clerk. He worked at different Price Chopper stores for many years before being able to return to West Rutland as a Meat Manager. While not working, he enjoys watching his kids play sports, as both are busy with hockey. His son is also active with tackle football and baseball as well. Both him and his wife Ashley like to visit new breweries and restaurants. He also enjoys strongman training and coaching youth football.

Laura McClure, Deli Manager

Laura has been with Price Chopper for over five years. She began as a Deli Clerk and quickly rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Team Lead and then a Team Lead. She loves her job and teaching her team new things, along with helping them to see their potential. People said she said, “It takes all of us to run a great department,” and she’s proud to be a part of it.

Bobby Cooke, Grocery Manager

Before eight years, Bob worked as a Stocker at the Price Chopper store in Rutland, VT, during the night shift. He then moved to working the day shift, helping in Grocery. Bob worked his way up to being the Grocery Team Lead, a job he still has today with a great group of people. In his free time, he loves going on adventures with his grandson.

Jessica Hemple, Customer Service Manager

Jessica began her career with Price chopper over eight years ago as a part time closing Cashier. Before she became the Office Assistant Team Lead in January 2022, she had been an Office Supervisor for a little more than a year. In November of 2022, Jessica became the Customer Service Manager on the Front-End. Her family has lived in West Rutland for the last nine years. Her husband is a local mechanic, and two of her children attend West Rutland School. Our friend Jessica’s oldest daughter goes to Mill River and has worked at Price Chopper for three years.

Rutland, store 131 located at 38 Rutland Shopping Plaza Rutland, Vermont

Nick Mastronunzio, Store Manager

Nick Mastronunzio has worked in retail for 17 years, and for six of those years he was general manager of two different stores. He started working at Big Y Foods in 2005 as a cashier. He quickly moved up in the company and was promoted to Meat Manager by the time he was 21. Nick’s first job as a store manager was at Shoprite in 2017. He then moved on to Price Chopper and Market 32 in 2021 to find better job opportunities. He is a lifelong Connecticut resident and spent the past year working with the team in Middletown, CT. Nick was given the chance to lead Rutland Vermont through the remodel and the steps needed to grow the brand to a Market 32

Greg Roth, Maintenance

Greg began his career with us in 1999 at 15 years old in West Rutland, store 122. He was transferred to our Bakery Department in Rutland, store 131 and then transferred to Maintenance. Even though it’s his job to keep the store clean, he always goes the extra mile to help customers and coworkers.

Matt Landry, Grocery

Matt began his career with us 20 years ago. He has always been with the Grocery Department. He does his work carefully, sees projects through to the end, and always has a smile on his face.

Check out more team photos from our Rutland store!

It’s National Supermarket Employee Day on February 22nd! Customer service is the most important thing in any business. The dedicated, hardworking employees at Price Chopper and Market 32 give great customer service. This is something we’re very proud of. They are the engine that drives our company day in and day out!.

Today and everyday, we want to honor our fantastic teammates whose customer service does not go unnoticed. We thank them for all they do!.

If you want to know about some of our teammates who have provided great customer service at Price Chopper and Market 32, keep reading!

Market 32, O’Neill Highway (Dunmore, PA) #135

Charmaigne E. Santiago, Front-End Teammate

Charmaigne started her career with Price Chopper/Market in December 2021. There was an instant connection and we knew we had a winner bringing Charmaigne onboard. If you look up the definition of customer service, you will find a picture of Charmaigne Santiago!.

There isn’t a day that passes that Charmaigne doesn’t receive a compliment. One of our customers wrote in, “Charmaigne makes every person smile. She is a kind, hardworking, lovely woman. I always try to get in her line. ” Her bubbly spirit is contagious, and she instantly puts customers and teammates in a good mood. She is dependable, charismatic, earnest, and a true asset to our company. Charmaigne is always engaged and challenges her teammates to do the same. We are proud to have Charmaigne on our team!.

Price Chopper, Erie Boulevard (Syracuse, NY) #172

Tyler Burgess, Customer Service Assistant Team Leader

Tyler has been with the company for almost seven years. Tyler started with us as a Part Time Maintenance Teammate at store 199 in Cicero. During Tyler’s time at Cicero, he worked very hard and learned anything he could. As he worked his way up, he moved from maintenance to the cash register and then to overseeing the front desk of a busy store. Tyler was chosen to be in our Associate Development Program (ADP) last year. He then left Cicero to train at other stores to improve his skills. Tyler trained with us at store 172 on Erie Boulevard. He then went to store 182 on Clay to train in the cash office. Tyler finished the ADP program and came back to work for us at Erie Boulevard, where he is now working as our Customer Service Assistant Team Leader.

Tyler has only been back to the store for a short time, but already he has shown how great he is by being named a “Wow Teammate” on our Helpful Experience Shops twice!

In Tyler’s spare time he is an avid bowler. Tyler is really into customer service, and he and his girlfriend also really want to help animals in need. They take in cats that need homes and foster them.

Price Chopper, Cortland NY #178

Morgan McDonald, PAC Teammate

Morgan is a great asset to our store and to our customers. She is there whenever a customer or teammate needs her and will answer questions for any department. Morgan often receives compliments from customers when working in the aisles as she helps them find item locations. In order to help the front desk, she will often come up and run the register, help customers with carryout, or help with an Instacart order. Morgan is very creative, and for Cortland’s Trunk or Treat event last fall, she made a unique sign. We appreciate Morgan’s dedication and willingness to go above and beyond!.

Market 32, Sutton MA #244

Richard Laflash, Bakery Teammate

Here at Market 32 in Sutton, MA, we have an exceptional teammate in our bakery department. His name is Richard Laflash. Rich never fails to be punctual on a daily basis with a smile on his face. He has been with our store since we opened in 2015.

Rich’s great customer service has been getting the bakery team in Sutton high marks on mystery shops for years. It is no secret that Rich goes above and beyond for any guest in need anywhere, anytime. People know that he will go out of his way to help guests find the products they want. Rich will do everything he can to find out the answer if he doesn’t already know it.

Rich is not only great with customers, but an asset to his team as well. People know him for always keeping the donut and bagel case spotless, since it’s the first thing people see when they walk in the door. Rich gives so much of his time and effort to the company. He comes in early or stays late if needed. He will even periodically come in on days off to help.

Expressing how Richard Laflash is exceptional is an understatement.