Staples Assessment Tests, Hiring Process & Interviews Online Preparation – 2025

What Is Staples?

Staples is a large office supply store with headquarters in Framingham, Massachusetts. Their operations include e-commerce as well as traditional brick and mortar stores. Originally opened as The Business Depot, Staples also has operations in Canada. The name was changed to Staples in 20. The headquarters for the Canadian branch is located in Ontario. Staples contracts to businesses to provide supplies through their Staples Business Advantage program that began in 1993. They currently employ 70,000 people and are worth $14 billion.

Staples has career opportunities in many areas. These include merchandising, digital solutions, supply chain, and sales. Whether you are an entry-level employee, or more advanced in your career, there is an opportunity for you. In addition to positions for experienced hires, there are also graduate and internship programs available.

Staples offers its employees several competitive benefits. Benefits are available to both full and part-time workers, though these may vary by position.

These benefits include:

• Health coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Retirement saving plans
• Adoption assistance
• Associate discounts

What Is Staples’ Interview Process?

Application

The application process can take place both online or in-store. In-store applications are still accepted by job-seekers looking for positions at the retail locations. All other positions should be applied for using the careers site. Positions can be searched by location and title. To apply you will have to join their Talent Network and create a profile. To do this you will fill out general information like your name, select your areas of interest, and upload your resume This also allows you to receive job alerts so you can be notified if other positions of interest to you become available.

Staples Psychometric Tests

Applicants at Staples can expect to take at least one psychometric test. The specific tests will vary by position. There are a few tests all employees can expect to take, though the exact questions may vary based on the position an individual has applied for.

All employees can expect to take these assessments:

• Personality Assessment – The personality assessment is meant to gauge potential employees’ work-place personality traits, how well their personality matches that of the ideal Staples employee, and their possibility of successful job performance. You will be given a series of statements and will rate them from least to most likely.
• Situational Judgment Test (SJT) – Employers want a general idea of how a candidate will handle common work-place situations. This can focus on customer service, workplace interactions, and situations that will test your integrity. This test is multiple-choice, and you will need to rank your responses based on which are the most likely to be effective, and which are the least likely.

For call center applicants, you will also need to take a call center assessment test.

• Call Center Assessment – These tests can vary based on the employer, but in general, they test your ability to quickly and effectively resolve customer issues. There may be multiple-choice questions, similar to a situational judgment test, or pre-recorded mock calls that you will need to select the correct response to.

All employees in customer-facing positions will need to complete a customer service assessment.

• Customer Service Assessment – This multiple-choice test is similar to a situational judgment test, however, all the questions will focus on customer service. From how to correctly assist a customer, to resolving customer complaints.

Staples Interview

The interview process and number of interviews will vary based on the position you are being considered for. Sales associates and warehouse employees generally only have one interview with a member of management at the location they are being considered for. Management, corporate, and graduate applicants will have several interviews. These can range from one on one, to panel interviews.

No matter the position you are interviewing for, be prepared to demonstrate that you possess the skills Staples looks for in its employees. Staples places value on employees who have a strong work ethic, who can communicate effectively, who are willing to learn new skills and accept feedback, and who work well with others and perform as part of a team.

How to Prepare for Staples Assessments?

Staples is looking for driven employees, who are capable, and customer-driven. Therefore, it is so important to prepare for pre-hire assessments. Personality tests can be tricky to prepare for, you need to be honest in your answers, but you also know they are looking for something specific. Learn as much as you can about Staples and their motivations and culture. When taking the test, imagine you are already on the job and respond as you would if you were on the clock. This can make a difference in the way you would answer. Do not try to “cheat” the test. Most personality tests have fail-safes in place to ensure individuals are not just picking the answers they think the company wants to see.

If you are in a role that requires the call center or customer service tests, approach the test by thinking about how you would want to be treated as a customer. Also, consider it from the standpoint of the company, and find the answer that meets in the middle.

If you are serious about starting your career with Staples, take some time to prepare for the assessment tests. Your success in landing the job is based on your success on the tests. A little bit of preparation, and a little extra effort, and you will soon be accepting that job offer.