Company interview guide

Decathlon

HQ — Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France·Private·Retail of Sporting Goods

Decathlon interview process guide: application screening, sport-passion interview, store or functional round, and HR discussion for retail careers.

  • 36 open jobs
  • 1976 founded
  • Villeneuve-d'Ascq headquarters
01
Company overview

About Decathlon

Decathlon is a French sporting goods retailer and, with over 1,600 stores across 69 countries, the largest sporting goods retailer in the world. In India, Decathlon operates a large network of stores, including in Bengaluru, offering equipment and apparel across a wide range of sports and fitness activities.

Decathlon India has grown into a major employer with a 10,000-plus workforce, combining large-format retail stores with an expanding e-commerce presence, design centres, and manufacturing partnerships, reflecting the company's global scale in sporting goods retail and product design.

Decathlon Careers on Jobaaj typically feature openings in store operations, retail sales, supply chain, e-commerce, and corporate functions, hiring both freshers and experienced retail professionals. The company values genuine enthusiasm for sport, teamwork, and a strong customer-service mindset.

Founded in1976
OwnershipPrivately Held
Global Employee count97,000+
HeadquartersVilleneuve-d'Ascq, France
Office LocationsWorldwide
CEOBarbara Martin Coppola
Type of CompanyPrivate
Nature of BusinessRetail of Sporting Goods
Founders Michel Leclercq
02
Step by step

Decathlon hiring process

1. Application and resume screening

Candidates typically apply through Jobaaj or the Decathlon careers page, and recruiters shortlist profiles based on retail experience or genuine interest in sport and fitness.

Even without formal retail experience, candidates who play or follow sports actively are often shortlisted for store roles.

2. Screening call

A recruiter conducts a short phone or video call to understand the candidate's background, communication skills, and passion for sports-related retail.

The call also checks basic availability for rotational shifts and weekend working, which is standard in retail store roles.

3. Sport-passion or store interview

A store or department leader assesses enthusiasm for specific sports, customer-service orientation, and comfort working on the shop floor.

Candidates may be asked to demonstrate product knowledge or explain a sport's basics to show genuine interest and confidence.

4. Functional or role-specific round

For supply chain, e-commerce, or corporate roles, a hiring manager evaluates domain knowledge through scenario-based questions relevant to the position.

This round typically probes analytical thinking around inventory, logistics, or online customer experience depending on the team.

5. Managerial round

A senior manager assesses ownership, teamwork, and fit with Decathlon's sport-driven, customer-first culture.

Discussion often covers how the candidate collaborates with colleagues during busy store hours or peak sales periods.

6. HR interview and offer

The final HR round covers compensation, location, and joining timelines, followed by an offer letter and onboarding.

HR also confirms uniform, shift, and store-location details before the offer is finalised.

03
What to expect

Decathlon interview rounds

Decathlon's interview process typically has three to four rounds for store and retail roles, with additional functional rounds for supply chain and corporate positions.

Round 1: Screening call

A recruiter spends 15-20 minutes reviewing your background, communication skills, and genuine interest in sport and retail.

  • Walkthrough of retail or customer service experience
  • Favourite sports and personal fitness interests

Round 2: Sport-passion or store interview

A store leader conducts a 30-40 minute interview assessing customer orientation, teamwork, and comfort on the shop floor.

  • Handling a customer unhappy with a product
  • Explaining features of a sports product to a first-time buyer

Round 3: Functional or role-specific round

For supply chain, e-commerce, or corporate roles, a hiring manager tests relevant domain knowledge over a 30-45 minute discussion.

  • Basics of inventory management in retail
  • Improving online order fulfilment speed

Round 4: Managerial round

A senior manager evaluates teamwork, ownership, and long-term fit over a 30-40 minute conversation.

  • Working in a physically active, team-based environment
  • Balancing multiple store responsibilities during peak hours

Round 5: HR interview

The final round covers compensation, location, and joining formalities, typically lasting 20-30 minutes.

  • Salary expectations and shift flexibility
  • Availability for weekend or store-hour schedules
04
Pay by role

Decathlon salaries

DesignationAverage salary
Regional Manager
Experience: 10+ years yrs
₹ 32.5 Lakhs /year
Typical range ₹23.4 L – ₹41.6 L/yr
Area Manager
Experience: 6 - 10 years yrs
₹ 18.2 Lakhs /year
Typical range ₹13 L – ₹23.4 L/yr
Store / Territory Manager
Experience: 3 - 7 years yrs
₹ 9.8 Lakhs /year
Typical range ₹6.5 L – ₹13 L/yr
Sales Executive
Experience: 0 - 3 years yrs
₹ 4.9 Lakhs /year
Typical range ₹3.3 L – ₹6.5 L/yr

Figures are estimates based on typical market ranges for this role and sector, not company-published pay. Actual offers vary by location, skills and negotiation.

05
Practise by topic

Decathlon interview questions

06
Asked in the room

Decathlon interview FAQs

Q1How many rounds does the Decathlon interview process typically have?

The process typically has three to four rounds, including a screening call, a sport-passion or store interview, sometimes a functional round, and a final HR discussion on compensation and joining.

Q2How long does the Decathlon hiring process usually take?

The process typically takes about one to two weeks from application to offer for store roles, while corporate or supply chain positions may take slightly longer with additional functional rounds.

Q3How would you handle a customer unhappy with a sports product they purchased?

A good answer covers listening to the concern without interrupting, checking the return or exchange policy, offering a suitable solution such as a replacement or refund, and ensuring the customer leaves with a positive impression.

Q4Why do you want to work at Decathlon?

Focus on your genuine passion for sport and fitness, Decathlon's global reputation as the largest sporting goods retailer, and how your customer-service or operational skills fit its team-based, activity-driven store culture.

Q5How would you balance multiple responsibilities during peak store hours?

Explain that you would prioritise customer-facing tasks first, coordinate quickly with teammates to cover key sections, keep communication clear during rush periods, and step back to reorganise once the peak subsides.

Q6What is the typical entry point and salary structure for freshers at Decathlon?

Freshers typically join as sports advisors or store associates; compensation usually includes a fixed component with store-linked incentives, following standard structures for large-format retail chains in India.

Quick facts about Decathlon

How many people work at Decathlon?
Decathlon employs approximately 97,000+. Headcount figures move over time and are indicative.
Is Decathlon a public or private company?
Ownership: Privately Held.
Who founded Decathlon?
Decathlon was founded by Michel Leclercq.
Who is the CEO of Decathlon?
As recorded on this profile, Barbara Martin Coppola leads Decathlon. Leadership can change - check the company's own site for the current position holder.
Hiring now

36 open jobs at Decathlon

Apply on Jobaaj, and use this guide to prepare before your first round.