Landing a role as an Assistant Buyer at Moss Bros is an exciting opportunity for anyone passionate about fashion retail, trends, and merchandising. Assistant Buyers play a crucial role in supporting the buying team by assisting with stock selection, managing supplier relationships, analysing sales data, and ensuring the right products are available at the right time. Typically, this position offers a salary in the region of £24,000 to £28,000 per year, with potential for career progression into a Senior Buyer or Buying Manager role.
Securing this role requires not only relevant skills and experience but also confidence in job interview preparation, the ability to demonstrate commercial awareness, and clear communication. Here, I’ve outlined 25 essential interview questions and answers tailored for an Assistant Buyer role at Moss Bros, complete with opening, competency, and closing questions, as well as tips on using the STAR model effectively.
1. Can you tell me about yourself?
This is usually the opening question. Keep it concise, focusing on your education, experience, and relevant skills.
Answer: “I have a degree in Fashion Business and two years of retail buying experience. I’ve worked with merchandising teams to analyse sales trends and plan stock purchases effectively. I’m particularly skilled at forecasting trends and negotiating with suppliers, which I believe aligns perfectly with the Assistant Buyer role at Moss Bros.”
2. Why do you want to work for Moss Bros?
Show knowledge of the company’s heritage and your enthusiasm.
Answer: “Moss Bros is renowned for its premium menswear and focus on quality customer experiences. I admire how the brand combines tradition with modern fashion trends. I’m eager to contribute my analytical skills and buying expertise to help the company achieve continued growth.”
3. What does an Assistant Buyer do?
Demonstrate understanding of the role.
Answer: “An Assistant Buyer supports senior buyers in selecting products, liaising with suppliers, monitoring stock levels, analysing sales data, and contributing to merchandising strategies to maximise sales and profitability.”
4. How do you prioritise tasks when dealing with multiple suppliers?
Employers value organisational skills.
Answer: “I prioritise by deadlines, importance, and impact. I keep a task tracker, update it daily, and ensure clear communication with suppliers to manage expectations.”
5. Describe a time you identified a sales trend that improved stock performance.
Use the STAR model: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Answer:
Situation: “At my previous retail role, a particular suit range was underperforming.”
Task: “I analysed sales data and customer feedback.”
Action: “I suggested introducing a new colour range and promoting it in-store and online.”
Result: “Sales increased by 18% over the next quarter.”
6. How do you ensure accuracy when managing stock orders?
Answer: “I cross-check all orders, reconcile with sales forecasts, and maintain clear documentation to reduce errors. I also double-check with suppliers before confirming deliveries.”
7. What tools or software do you use for stock analysis?
Answer: “I’m proficient in Excel, SAP, and retail analytics software. I use these tools to track stock performance, identify trends, and optimise orders.”
8. How would you handle a difficult supplier?
Answer: “I would maintain professionalism, listen to their concerns, and negotiate solutions that align with company objectives while preserving the relationship.”
9. Can you give an example of working as part of a team?
Answer: “During a seasonal campaign, I collaborated with the buying and merchandising teams to ensure stock was delivered on time. My clear communication and willingness to support others helped the project succeed.”
10. How do you stay updated on fashion trends?
Answer: “I follow industry publications, attend trade shows, analyse competitor offerings, and monitor social media trends to make informed buying decisions.”
11. Tell me about a time you had to meet a tight deadline.
Use STAR model.
Answer:
Situation: “We had to launch a new winter collection in two weeks.”
Task: “Ensure all products were ordered and delivered on time.”
Action: “I coordinated with suppliers, tracked shipments, and prioritised tasks daily.”
Result: “The collection launched successfully, with no stock shortages, and exceeded sales targets by 12%.”
12. What are your strengths as an Assistant Buyer?
Answer: “I am highly analytical, detail-oriented, and have strong negotiation skills. I can spot trends early and communicate effectively with suppliers and internal teams.”
13. What are your weaknesses?
Answer: “I sometimes spend extra time perfecting reports, but I’ve learned to manage this by setting strict deadlines and prioritising essential tasks.”
14. How do you handle underperforming products?
Answer: “I analyse sales data, gather customer feedback, and work with the merchandising team to decide whether to discount, reposition, or discontinue the product.”
15. Can you explain a successful negotiation you’ve had with a supplier?
Answer: “I negotiated bulk purchase discounts with a fabric supplier, allowing my company to reduce costs by 15% while maintaining product quality.”
16. How do you measure the success of your buying decisions?
Answer: “By tracking KPIs such as sales revenue, stock turnover, and customer feedback, ensuring alignment with company goals.”
17. Tell me about a time you solved a problem creatively.
Answer: “I noticed an unpopular product line could be repurposed as a limited-time offer bundle, increasing sales by 10% and reducing stock waste.”
18. How would you handle conflicting priorities between two senior buyers?
Answer: “I would seek clarity on deadlines, evaluate the business impact, and communicate effectively to find a solution that satisfies both priorities.”
19. Why should we hire you as an Assistant Buyer?
Answer: “My analytical skills, trend awareness, and experience with supplier negotiations make me a strong fit. I’m highly motivated to contribute to Moss Bros’ continued success.”
20. Describe a time you received constructive criticism.
Answer: “A manager suggested improving my report presentation. I attended a data visualisation workshop and now produce clear, concise, and professional reports.”
21. How do you deal with high-pressure situations?
Answer: “I remain calm, break tasks into manageable steps, prioritise effectively, and maintain communication with stakeholders to ensure deadlines are met.”
22. What motivates you in a buying role?
Answer: “I’m motivated by identifying trends, influencing product selection, and seeing tangible results from well-informed purchasing decisions.”
23. How do you ensure ethical buying practices?
Answer: “I research suppliers, ensure compliance with ethical sourcing policies, and maintain transparency in all purchasing decisions.”
24. Do you have experience with seasonal planning?
Answer: “Yes, I have planned seasonal ranges by analysing previous sales, forecasting trends, and liaising with suppliers to ensure timely delivery.”
25. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: “Yes, I’d love to know how your buying team collaborates on seasonal planning and what opportunities exist for career growth within Moss Bros.”
General Interview Coaching Tips for Assistant Buyer Roles
Preparing for your interview is just as important as your experience. Here are key do’s and don’ts:
Do’s:
Research Moss Bros thoroughly.
Practice answers using the STAR model.
Dress professionally for the interview.
Show enthusiasm and knowledge of fashion trends.
Ask insightful questions at the end.
Don’ts:
Don’t speak negatively about previous employers.
Don’t memorise answers word-for-word; keep it natural.
Don’t arrive unprepared with no questions.
Remember, confidence is key. Practising with an interview coach or enrolling in interview coaching online can significantly improve your performance. Whether it’s job interview preparation, interview training, or personalised interview coaching, these resources help you refine answers, structure responses, and reduce anxiety.
For personalised support, you can book an interview coaching appointment with experts who will guide you through every step, from opening answers to competency questions and closing strategies. Visit https://www.interview-training.co.uk/ for tailored programmes that help you succeed.
