Retail Interview Questions & Answers

Application was very straight forward - CV and cover letter. This was followed by a phone interview, a 5 minute (pre-recorded) video interview and an assessment centre.

The phone interview was quick and not too detailed at all - very straight forward. The video interview was 5 questions e.g why do you want to work here etc. - You have a minute to answer each.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Such a difficult question to answer for someone still at uni that has had little or no experience in actual workplaces.

Really know the company inside out. The whole business as well not just the UK and know what direction they are going in. They have subsidiary companies in the Nordics so be sure to mention them. Also be confident and display that you really would like to work for DC - an exciting and innovative company.

Day begins with basic introductions.
Then moves into a group task (teams of 3/4 join to solve a real-life business issue and create a presentation to give back to 2/3 interviewers).
This was followed by a personal presentation everyone had prepared (presented to 2/3 people).
Lastly there was a 3 on 1 interview which lasted an hour (1 candidate 3 interviewers).

Competency based phone interview based around knowledge of Ocado. Followed by full day assessment centre. Morning - presentation, two group exercises and competency interview. If successful in the morning you get through to the afternoon which is three more interviews with senior members of the team

Explain a time when you've dealt with ambiguity. What was the situation and the outcomes?

Seemed quite disorganised after the assessment centre as one of the current graduates who was helping to run the graduate recruitment had moved onto their next rotation- not their fault!
They said on the day I would hear in two weeks but after 4 weeks I decided to phone them, and it was difficult to get hold of the correct person, after leaving several messages. I didn't get onto the scheme but was told there was another role in the company which would suit me but didn't hear anything else from them.
Left me with a poor impression of the company and as a result did not chase up the other job, and have found a job elsewhere since.

One ice breaker group task to build a spaghetti and marshmallow tower which isn't assessed. Then the actual group which is nothing to do with knowledge of Ocado- it's a puzzle so you can't prepare for it.
Had to pre prepare a 15 minute presentation on a new Ocado product followed by 10 minutes of questions. Then there was an hour long competency interview with members from different departments. The three afternoon interviews were quickfire 15 minute interviews with senior members of the departments that the scheme rotates around.

There was an online application which asked several questions like "Why do you want to work here" and some comptency based questions too. You also had to include a cover letter and CV.

After that application there was a numerical reasoning test. You get to do some practice questions before hand, then the test is timed, and you have to complete as many questions as you can (correctly) in the allotted time. I didn't answer all the questions, but I got through - so just do your best to answer well and do the proper working out!

Then there was a telephone interview. It only lasts about 15 minutes because you only get 4 questions. They were quite similar to the online application and included, why would you be a good addition to Boots, and competency based questions.

This one was difficult because I wasn't expecting it (at the assessment centre) -
Describe a time, when you were part of a team, and you actively helped aq member of your team to grow.

Make sure you do your research on the company and the job role. You need to be able to say what you can bring to the role and the company as an individual.

The hardest parts are the unknowns - like the role play - so just try and use your initiative and stay calm. During the interview, make sure you give good examples, but don't talk too much or give more than one for each questions, because you get asked a lot of different things.

The best advice is to be prepared and then you can try and enjoy it on the day!

In the assessment centre there was an introductory presentation to start the day. This is a good chance to settle into the day, so try to enjoy it and listen well.

Then we went into individual interviews. These were one on one with one of the assessors. It was mainly comptency based questions, and there were a lot of them. The interview lasted for around 40 minutes. Several of the questions were based around teamwork, but different aspects (leading a team, part of a successful team, helping team to grow) so try to come up with different examples for each one, otherwise it will get very repetitive! The assessor had my CV in front of them, so the initial questions were asking you about things you have done and why you have done them. If you've done something unrelated to retail, make sure you can show how the skills you learnt are useful and will help you on the scheme.

After the interview we had a group task. There were 5 Assistant Managers profiles, and you had to decide who was the most impressive and the least impressive. You were given 10 minutes to read the information individually and make a decision. Then you got taken into a room with the assessors and had to discuss your ideas as a group. At the end of the task, you had to explain how you got to your group decision and why. Then they asked you questions about the task like, what do you think you did well on as a team? what would you have done differently? These questions were asked to the whole group, so make sure you answer something and don't let the others do all the talking. Show how you can be reflective of the group and be honest - if you think it went bad then tell them, and explain why and what you could do to improve.

Then we had a presentation, which we had to prepare before the day. These were individual, just in front of the assessors. You had 10 minutes to talk about how No. 7 could appeal (or currently does) to a younger audience. Do your research, visit multiple stores and really engage with the products. There is time for them to ask questions afterwards. Some candidates got asked things about their content, some got asked about the stores, or to give more information on a particular part of your presentation. We didn't get asked the same questions - so be prepared to talk about anything you say, or any questions they might come up about how you could improve.

Finally we had a role play task. This was also individual. You were taken into a room with one assessor who would be taking notes. Then another assessor knocked on the door and they were the angry customer. You were the store manager at Boots. They basically came to you with a problem about a product and the customer service they has received and you had to solve it. Stay calm and just react appropriately. Don't try and impress them with what you think they want, they want to see how you deal with things as an individual. Its quite intense, so just try and go with the flow as best you can.

Online Application:
You will be asked competency based questions (team work, organisation , leadership) as well as your reasons for working for Halfords and on their scheme.
You also have to submit a cover letter and CV.

Telephone interview:
More competency based questions - it is helpful to review what you said in your application as you don't want to repeat yourself.
Other questions included: your role model, motivations and influences, greatest achievement.
They praised me on my enthusiasm for Halfords and passion for retail.
Make sure you do your research on the company, as this can be impressive if you can include it in your answers.

Assessment Centre:
See below

Final Interview:
You meet with the head of retail, and head of retail (people) for a half hour interview. They had my CV in front of them, and asked me questions based on that. One was taking notes, while the other asked the questions. They asked me to describe why I had studied my degree, why my part-time jobs had been useful etc.
They also ask you to give examples of things you have done as part of your job or society - and they asked specifically from what I had on my CV, so make sure you come up with some competency examples for all of the things you include on your CV. They were really friendly and relaxing during the interview, but they seem to be quite specific about what they want and who they want, so they mark you harshly on how well you do. I think they want a 'type' of person. So don't be surprised if you do well in your interview but don't get offered a job.

If you had a newspaper advert, with 6 things on, what would they be?

What's the most interesting thing you found out when researching Halfords?

If you could have any super power what would it be and why?

What has been your greatest achievement? Why is this a good achievement?

I feel I did by best all the way through the process and got to the very end, but didn't fit the right type. So give it your all, and take it as good experience. They were really friendly, and you learn a lot (especially from the assessment centre) so use the experience wisely. I haven't been to an assessment centre so friendly before! But be aware, they are always watching you to give you credit or take it away, so you need to constantly be on the ball!

At the assessment centre we did a short icebreaker where we have to make a tower from straws, newspapers and marshmallows. They are looking for your team working skills and how you interact with the other people in the group.

Then you do a presentation (which you prepare before hand) about Halfords values based on an object personal to you. You do this to other people in the group - listen and ask questions after their presentations. Try and think of interesting links of your object to Halfords and be prepared to answer questions afterwards. Make sure you practice timings as they are harsh on that.

Then you go to speed interviews. There were 6 tables and you got 10 minutes at each one. Each table ask you different questions. Try and come up with good examples to competency questions which you can articulate well in a short period of time as the questions are quick fire. You need to make a good impression quickly so try not to be nervous!

Then you do a big group task called a 'pit stop' They are looking for how well you deal with the team but also with the data provided. You get an A4 sheet filled with target and sales data as well as key store information and you need to show you can understand and interpret it, without stepping on other people in the group. try and give yourself a task in the group, specific to you, so you stand out (eg. time keeper, scribe). Then you have to do a presentation to the assessors about the data you have interpreted. be confident, and make sure all of the group is involved. They will ask you questions and interrupt you to put you under pressure, so stay calm!

Finally, you do a role play task. You have ten minutes to prepare from a brief that you provide you with. Try and remember as much as you can from the sheet and use the time wisely - they commented that I prepared well, so they might mark your notes! Then you have to interact with one of the assessors (the customer) and solve their problems. try and understand everything they need help with before you advise them. They don't want you to be an expert of the Halfords equipment, but they are looking for your communication with the customer and how you deal with the situation, so take your time and go with it!

Aldi's recruitment process is as follows:

Online application (info about yourself, education, work experience)
Situational questions (v. basic)
Verbal, Numerical and Diagrammatical Tests
Video Interview (9 questions, 30 seconds to prepare for each)
Group Assessment Centre
Final Interview

"Describe a time that you have set high standards for yourself?"

My main advice is to fully research the company to give support in your answers but also to help you understand if you do present a suitable fit to the company and to the programme - it's your career!

I can't comment on that yet but I have read from others that it is more laid back than you think, although due to their criteria being so specific it is vital that if you get to the assessment centre you have to try and stand out from the rest and really prove that you've done your research on the company.
They want to see that you have the ability to lead others yet aren't too dominant and forceful in your approach - after all, it's important that you try to get on with others and build positive working relationships.

I've just finished the Aldi video interview. It's made up of 10 questions. You're given 30 seconds to prepare and think of an answer before recording, which starts automatically. Most question answers are 60 seconds and some are 30. I felt very nervous and under pressure to say everything in time.

A time you achieved something ambitious, how you did it and why you were proud of it.

Research the company. As far as I know the questions are different for everyone but I was asked what I was surprised to find out when researching the company. I was also asked why I wanted to work there so it was useful to be able to say I agreed with their policies etc

n/a

The first interview was over the telephone. It lasted for approximately 20 minutes, and was carried out by one of the members of the recruitment team. The tone of the interview was relaxed and friendly. I was asked a series of set questions, asking about knowledge surrounding the company itself. They were short, but tested the depth of research carried out prior to the call. It was not difficult if sufficient preparation was undertaken.

The face-to-face interview was with two members of HR, and myself. It lasted for around an hour, comprising of a series of competency based questions followed by around 15 minutes of general chat at the end. Again, the tone was professional but friendly.
I was asked to provide scenarios of when I had shown qualities such as leadership, and to give examples of my greatest achievements. The interviewers then asked specific questions about my CV; not challenging it, but asking for an expansion of parts they found interesting and asking for more detail.

"Provide an example of a time when you had to change your natural behaviour to suit the situation in hand."

Remember that you are not competing with the other graduates on the assessment day - the company can offer all of you, or none of you the job. Go with a friendly, relaxed attitude and let the assessors see your genuine personality.

We were divided into two groups of six. We were supplied with a packet of spaghetti and a bag of marshmallows, and in a 30 minute slot were challenged to compete with the other group to see who could build the tallest tower. Additional materials were supplied in the middle of the time, and we could use these if we wished.

In the beginning we were given a group interview where there were basic questions that were asked. Some of the questions that were asked were just basic interview questions. Also, when given a question, it was just going around in circles so each person would answer one question, and not the same person answering the question first every time.

Afterwards when given the position, we were to watch a video on the store and the rules that the associate is to follow if given the position. The video just talked about the rules and regulations. For instance, if someone was to steal what the person should do, or if someone was to ask for merchandise that was advertised on the Mancin, what does the model/associate do?

I got the call to work a couple days later. It was important to subtmit your availability as soon as you knew when you were going to be able to start. It is also really important to before hand try and figure out the days you are going to have off because the day you forget, it may be the day you will be scheduled.

What would be my biggest weakness and why?
How can I try and overcome that weakness?

I would say just be yourself, and just stay positive. It is important to have some background knowledge on the company, and even the progression of the company. I also feel that the managers will ask you random questions that may be from previous work positions you've had, just make sure you are up to date on what has happened, and what may happen in the position that will be offered.
I also will tell the person that the company may have strict rules and regulations that one is to abide by, so make sure those rules and regulations are followed by and just make sure you are following them the right way because the manager will remember the odd ball before the good one.

Customer Service, just keeping up to date on the floor setting. Making sure that customers are being talked to and just have been updated on the important sales and promotions that are going on.

1. Submit your CV and answer additional questions on Morrison's website
2. Invited to complete situational strengths test
3. Was successful and then invited to complete verbal and numeracy tests
4. Passed the tests and then invited for video interview - this was a video interview where questions come up on the screen you have 30 seconds to a minute to prepare and then 1 to 2 minutes to answer the questions. The questions asked were why did you apply to Morrisons, why are you attracted to the scheme and then some competency questions (that are in line with their core values such as one team, fresh thinking) and then a couple of scenario questions (again answer these questions in a way that shows you have their core values) and then two minutes at the end to talk about anything you want - I spoke about why I was right for the role and a great candidate.
5. After the video interview I received an email inviting me to the assessment day, the assessment day was from 9am to 3pm, and involved a one to one interview, group task, group presentation, buddy conversation, networking lunch and a tour around a Morrison's store.
6. Few days after the assessment day, I received a phone call from the graduate recruiter given me all detailed feedback and offering me the offer of a place on their Retail Graduate Scheme!!!

"Give an example of when you have brought out someones individuality?"
"What are opportunities would you seize within your first three months at Morrisons?"
"How do you react when you are faced with rapid change?"

Overall, the whole process was really good and at the assessment day the assessors were really nice and made you feel really relaxed and enjoy the day. My advice would be prepare for all types of questions such as strength, competency and scenario based and why Morrison's, why retail and make sure you answer in a way that is specific to the company not generic, as that will make you stand out.
Also, from my impression Morrison's core values are very important to them and you can tell this from the assessment day - make sure you know their values inside out, what they mean to them and show them throughout the assessment day such as their one team value - constantly show support for the other candidates and team work.

Finally, just be yourself as that way if you get the job you know that company is right for you and your personality and you will culturally fit - which from my experience with graduate interviews this is the main thing that they want and they want you to be passionate about the company and the role.

1. Group task - given the task on pitching two new projects as a part of a group presentation, an assessor watches you as a group when you're discussing how you are going to work together, find out information and how you come up with those ideas and work together.
2. One to one interview - competency and scenario based questions and questions about yourself (education and strengths). Nice and relaxed interview and if you prepare for questions and answer in line with Morrison's core values, you will be fine.
3. Networking lunch - talking to all the assessors (about 8 assessors) and other candidates (about 10 other candidates).
4. Presentation - Prepare presentation as a group, give the presentation together as a group and asked questions at the end by the assessor on your ideas and final conclusions. I would say this is the hardest part of the assessment day, as their are strict time limits on the presentation slides and you're being observed by 5 assessors, which can be quite intimidating, but just remember to relax and be yourself.
5. Buddy conversation - you are paired up with one other candidate and observed by an assessor having a conversation on looking back at the day and how you could improve, what you did well and giving your buddy tips and support.

The video interview consisted of about five questions. Your camera and mic are set up online and you are then ready to go.

There are a couple of informative videos, showing what to expect, how to dress (joggers on the bottom if you like but smart for the camera).

A practice question is given, and when you are ready you proceed to the formal interview. Each question is shown, then a countdown timer starts and on '0' the recording starts. I can't remember all the questions but these are the ones I can

What is the most interesting thing you have learned about Aldi from your research?

What qualities do you think the placement will bring out in you?

I'm sorry I really can't remember the rest

That's about it really, you answer the questions, and receive a confirmation email.

What is the most interesting thing you have learnt about Aldi from your research?

This was hard for me as I hadn't done much research so had to really think on the spot.

Really be yourself. Obviously you need to tailor your answers to what the company want to hear, but Aldi will be looking at your videos and if you don't smile/laugh a bit/show off some personality it will be very hard to get excited by your answers.

N/A