Havertys Account Executive interview questions & guide 2026

The questions below represent the patterns observed in Havertys interviews. You should expect a mix of behavioral inquiries designed to test your resilience, ethics, and sales instincts.

Sales & Customer Interaction

These questions test your ability to handle objections, manage difficult personalities, and maintain a professional demeanor under pressure.

• How would you respond to a customer that was trying to blow you off and had no intention of working with you?
• How do you approach a customer at the door?

Preparation for Havertys requires a balance of professional storytelling and a deep understanding of the retail sales environment. You should be ready to articulate not just your experience, but your "sales DNA"—your ability to listen, pivot, and close.

Sales Acumen – This refers to your ability to manage the sales cycle from greeting to closing. Interviewers want to hear specific examples of how you have identified customer needs, overcome objections, and utilized product knowledge to drive a sale.

Customer Empathy – You will be evaluated on your ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with frustrated or difficult customers. Demonstrate your patience and your commitment to turning a negative interaction into a positive brand experience.

Cultural Alignment – Havertys looks for individuals who are energetic, goal-oriented, and capable of working within a structured team. Research the company’s history and reputation to show you are genuinely interested in their specific market position.

The interview process at Havertys is generally straightforward, professional, and relatively quick. You can expect a sequence that typically begins with an online application and a personality or aptitude assessment. Following a successful assessment, you will likely engage in a phone screen, followed by one or more in-person interviews with store or district management.

The process is designed to gauge your fit for a high-intensity, commission-based environment. You should expect the tone to be direct—managers are often looking for immediate signs of confidence, clear communication, and a "go-getter" attitude. Because this is a role that requires high personal investment, the interviewers will look for candidates who are comfortable with the realities of retail hours and the performance-driven nature of the position.

This visual timeline highlights the progression from initial screening to final management meetings. Use this to ensure you are prepared for both the technical personality assessments and the interpersonal interviews. Note that while the core process is consistent, the number of management rounds can vary based on the specific location and district needs.

Sales Strategy & Execution

This area is the most critical for your success. You must demonstrate that you understand how to navigate the customer journey, from the initial greeting to closing the sale.

Be ready to go over:

• Objection Handling – How you address price concerns or hesitation.
• Rapport Building – Techniques for connecting with customers quickly.

As an Account Executive, your primary responsibility is to drive sales by creating a welcoming and informative environment for every guest. You will be expected to greet customers, assess their furniture and design needs, and guide them through the showroom. You are responsible for maintaining a deep knowledge of the Havertys inventory, including current promotions, financing options, and protection plans.

Collaboration is key; you will work closely with store management and other team members to ensure the showroom floor is maintained and that every "up" (customer interaction) is handled effectively. You will also manage administrative tasks, such as tracking your own sales performance, following up on customer orders, and ensuring post-purchase satisfaction. The role requires a high degree of self-motivation, as you are the primary driver of your own income through the commission structure.

A strong candidate for the Account Executive role is a blend of a high-energy salesperson and a detail-oriented customer service professional.

• Must-have skills:

  • Strong verbal communication and active listening skills.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
  • Comfort working in a performance-based, commission-heavy environment.
  • Professionalism and the ability to build rapport quickly.

• Nice-to-have skills:

  • Prior experience in furniture or high-ticket retail sales.
  • Experience with interior design concepts or floor planning.
  • Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales quotas.

Q: How difficult are the interviews at Havertys? A: Most candidates find the interviews to be straightforward and professional. The difficulty typically lies in your ability to clearly articulate your sales approach and handle situational, "what would you do" questions with confidence.

Q: Should I prepare for the personality assessment? A: You should be honest, but keep in mind that the assessment is looking for traits consistent with a successful, persistent, and customer-focused salesperson. Consistency in your answers is key.

Q: What is the typical timeline from application to offer? A: The process can move quite quickly, often within two to three weeks. However, this can vary based on the store's current hiring needs and the availability of management for follow-up interviews.

Q: Is there remote work available for this position? A: No, the Account Executive role is strictly an in-store position that requires your physical presence on the sales floor to assist customers.

• Research the location: Before your interview, visit the store as a "secret shopper." Observe how the sales team greets customers and try to get a feel for the floor layout and product offerings.
• Dress for success: This is a professional sales role. Wear professional business attire to your interview to signal that you understand the expectations of a premium brand.
• Prepare your stories: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your behavioral answers. This keeps your responses concise and impactful.
• Ask thoughtful questions: At the end of the interview, ask about the team’s culture, how success is measured, or what the manager enjoys most about working at Havertys.

The Account Executive role at Havertys offers a unique opportunity to build a career in a well-established company known for quality and service. By focusing on your ability to connect with customers, handle objections with grace, and maintain a high-energy, goal-oriented mindset, you will be well-positioned to succeed in your interviews.

Remember that Havertys values candidates who are transparent, professional, and genuinely interested in the customer experience. You can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford to sharpen your skills before your big day. Approach your interview with confidence, stay focused on your past achievements, and be ready to show them exactly why you are the right fit for their team.

The provided compensation data offers insight into the commission-based nature of this role. Candidates should interpret these figures as a guide to the earning potential, noting that components often include a base draw against commission, which rewards high performers. Understanding these variables is critical for your financial planning and for demonstrating an understanding of the business model during your interview.