Retail Interview Questions & Answers

I had a phone interview where I was asked questions mostly regarding why I was interested in the company and sector. Be sure you know your answers beforehand - depth is better than breadth! I had a very solid idea of why I wanted to work for M&S, and was very passionate when I talked about it. Remember to be specific e.g. I talked about the conservation and sustainability schemes that M&S have, which makes them very unique in the field.

Having no experience in the sector, it was difficult to express why I decided that I wanted to work in retail, and why now. This was especially considering that I had not only applied to the retail field. However, I was very clear on why I wanted to work within retail.

Make sure you know why you applied for the job, and make sure you are very well aware of what is expected of you if and when you get the job. There is no point trying hard to get a job if you hate it once you get it.

Know why you are applying, make a list of the competencies and examples of when you have demonstrated each, and do your research on the company! M&S is a great company to work for, with a solid brand and very clear morals. Know them and love them!

There were four parts to the assessment centre. One group task with two parts, both discussing a decision you had to give input to. The first part was allocating new personnel to different departments over the Christmas period while also managing current staff to work on improvements based on feedback. The second part was to choose a charity to support for the year. Make sure your reasoning is heard and your opinion is clear, but do also let others speak. Remember that you are not competing for time. Saying nothing and speaking too much are equally unattractive traits. Remember to watch the time and guide the discussion towards a solution - if the group is straying, bring the conversation back on topic. The answer you come up with is not important at all - the process is what they are looking at.

The second task was a presentation; this is tough, because you are expected to be confident despite having no experience in the particular situation. Again, the answer you come up with does not matter. They are recruiting based on potential, not knowledge. They will teach you what you need to know. You just need to demonstrate that you can understand written data (you will be given an information pack full of statistics and graphs to prepare), reason well and present clearly. You should also be able to answer any follow up questions. Do remember that you have to speak for about 10 minutes! Though better to speak for 8 minutes and get your point across well, than ramble for 15!

The third task was a role play exercise. Here you are given a situation that could occur in the workplace, and you have to perform a certain task - e.g. for us it was giving an employee an appraisal and asking them to perform a task they are not eager to do. Remember to stay in role, commit 100% to the task, and make sure you do not just read off the paper! They will tell you what you should communicate to the employee, but do not just tell them bluntly. Tactful communication is very important in your role.

The final part was the interview. I have to say, for me this was by far the easiest part! Remember that they do not expect you to be the perfect package - if there is anything you don't know, just say so and tell them that you'd be eager to learn. They want you to be passionate about the company and committed to learning. They will ask you about certain competencies that you will require for the job, and will ask you to give an example of when you demonstrated each one. If you do your research and think of examples beforehand, you should not have a problem with this part. Remember also to show a bit of your personality - as long as you are appropriate, there is nothing wrong with a big of humour. Build rapport with your interviewer, and do ask all the questions you have - after all, they've gone through the process and sat in your seat before, too! And a lot of them have very interesting stories about the process. Do make sure you do not ask any questions that you could easily find on the website! That is an absolute faux-pas.

First was a phone interview which was questions about work experience and why I wanted the job. Then I had a branch interview to meet with the team of the branch I'd be working in and the manager there to see if I liked it and if they'd get on with me. After that I had the assessment centre which was from 9 until about 3. There were 7 of us there, 4 for the grad scheme and 3 for internships. The area manager of the area I'd applied for was there and took me for all of my different assessments. First was a group exercise where we all had a project to pitch and a budget so we had to choose between everyone's projects. Second we had to do a day in the life of a manager so had a load of sheets with different information and had to make a schedule for the branch for the day. Then we had a one-to-one interview with the manager about situational role-play to see how we'd interact with customers and if we had the people skills required. Finally it was just an interview about why we wanted the job, and a chance to ask questions about the role and the company. It was a really informal assessment centre and everyone was really approachable. They gave really good feedback on performance too, followed up by more feedback in the call offering the job.

The most difficult questions on the phone were about relevant experience as I'd never done anything similar before. I just highlighted transferable skills and tried to make experiences relevant. In the assessment centre the day in the life of task seemed to be difficult for everyone but I did it in about 15 minutes and was told it was a really good way of doing things. I think there's a variety of challenges that depend on all different skills so you just need to be ready to adapt quickly and turn things to your advantage.

Have a list of skills and experience written down for your phone interview so you have something to answer with in the situational questions. Be friendly and approachable, they're laid back and want people that fit in personality-wise not just academics. They really value social skills.

The first task was the group exercise. We had 30 minutes to pitch our case and argue it to the group. Once decided, the group had to nominate spokespeople to take the decision to the managers who questioned the decisions and asked us to justify them. I was nominated as spokes person but it wasn't too intimidating. They just look for people who get involved without talking over other people.
The day in the life of task was about 30 minutes then once you'd made the schedule you had to present it to the manager and justify it, along with get asked questions which may indicate flaws that you hadnt thought of in the plan.
The interviews and role plays were quite informal and they gave really good feedback.

I first had a 5-10 minute phone interview at the end of which I was invited to a recruitment day. The recruitment day began on time with a presentation on the company, it's values and the role I had applied for. The interview panel was made up of two store managers and a department manager (the role we were applying for) from one of the recruiting stores. We were then split into groups of three and asked to go onto the shopfloor and select a product. We then had to prepare a presentation on why we had selected the product and demonstrate it/ perform a sales pitch. If nothing else I improved my tent building skills.
After this we rejoined as a big group for a task. We were a town council and had to unanimously decide how to spend a grant, we each had been given an idea to put forward. After this we were left alone while the panel decided who would be staying for individual interviews in the afternoon and who had been unsuccessful. The two of us who stayed for the afternoon were taken for lunch with the panel before our interviews. The interview lasted around an hour, with a very broad range of questions. Later that day I was informed by phone that my application had been successful.

I cant remember many of the questions but there were lots that required me to reflect on past situations

Research the company before the interview as you will likely be asked about it. Be confident and energetic but most importantly listen to what is said to you, and think about what the interviewers want/are looking for.

The assessment centre was one of their stores, part of the day was spent on the shopfloor and part in an office section upstairs. Everything was arranged and set up before we arrived.

There are 3 stages pre-assessment centre:
1. Online application form, including competency questions. Tailor your answers to Tesco!
2. SHL verbal, numerical and situation tests. Standard schamdard.
3. Video interview: motivation and competency. You get a whole week to record and re-record, so be a perfectionist!

Describe a time when you stuck to your beliefs, even though it was unpopular.

1. Unseen presentation.

There are a few things you need to do. You're marked on them all. Firstly, stay calm, confident and hold your nerve under questioning. It helped me to think of the assessors as colleagues rather than examiners. Second, answer the question! Explicitly root what you're saying in all of the task's objectives and information, and in the company's values. Third, you'll need to think innovatively beyond the information you've been given. This is where understanding the industry and reading Tesco's yearly report will help! Fourth, know beforehand the general structure of a presentation. Don't forget to acknowledge the pros of the options you didn't take, and tackle the cons of the options and choices you did!

2. Group exercise

Half the marks here come from working with people well. That means you've got to put your points across and argue them out. Have opinions on each project and articulate them. Be willing to compromise. If you disagree with someone, remember to start your rebuttal by fairly summarising the person's viewpoint. Secondly, you need to draw everyone in. Ask each person for their opinion at some point. Ask or feedback on your ideas. Be positive, generous, let others speak. If someone's being unclear, ask them what they mean.

The other half of the marks come from saying intelligent things. Stay unswervingly focused on the objective, the criteria, the company's values. Keep those front, central, and explicit. But also make imaginative moves with the information you've been given. As with the presentation, that's much easier to do when you know about the industry.

3. Interview

Pretty standard competency and motivation questions. If you look these up and practice lots then you shouldn't be surprised by anything.

4. 3DCV

Tesco's not quiet about its own values, its passions, its style with colleagues and shoppers -- so make sure your attributes match theirs.

Also, they ask you to get creative. The easiest thing is to bring some objects and use them as talking points: the shoes you used to climb Kilmanjiro for charity (trying to make the world a better place), the boots you play football in (teamwork), the shoes you wore during an eye-opening summer placement (passionate and driven) etc. That works just fine.

The day was very relaxed. The assessors were fine and the graduate scheme coordinators are lovely. There were 3 (maybe 4) parts.

1. Unseen presentation. 40 minutes to prepare; 10 minute presentation; 15-20 minutes of questions afterwards. I was given a pack of information on three projects. My task was to pick one of three projects for the company to focus on, to explain why that one best aligned with the company's values and objectives (e.g. innovativeness, customer experience, turning a profit). I then had to outline how I'd implement the project practically.

2. Group exercise. 30 minutes to prepare alone; 30 minutes discussing in a group. This was very similar to the presentation. We were given a pack with information about six projects, and had to pick three of them according to some criteria and the company's values.

3. Interview. Motivation questions (why Tesco? why stores?) and competency questions.

4. 3DCV. A 10 minute presentation at the start of the interview. They ask you to talk about who you are, your achievements, strengths, values, passions, and style of interacting with others.

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.

My Interview was very relaxed and was entirely competency based. It was very similar to the telephone interview and lasted about half an hour. The questions I was asked were the ones you would expect in a competency based interview e.g. why Tesco? why the scheme? tell me a time when. . .This was quite easy for me as I had done many of these before. Nothing to worry about just be yourself!

One of the more difficult questions was tell me a time when you have had to change your course of action due to unforeseen circumstances. This wasn't as easy for me as I hadn't prepared an answer for this so had to make it up on the spot.

Try to Relax and listen carefully to the questions asked.

The assessment centre was a good experience and very professional but the main problem was Tesco made candidates share a room with another candidate the night before the assessment day. They say it is to 'get to know your potential future colleagues' but to me it was about saving money. It doesn't help you relax before the big day!

The first stage of my interview was a numeric and verbal test. This was done under timed exam conditions in one of Ocado's meeting rooms at Ocados headquarters in Hatfield. I wrote the test with three other candidates and we were monitored by the Operations Planning Manager. It was a relaxed atmosphere and we were permitted to use calculators. We could also ask questions during the test. We had about 20 minutes to complete the numeric test and another 20 minutes to answer the verbal reasoning part of the test. Following the assessment we were told we would be invited to an interview if we were successful.Later on the same day I got an email inviting me to an interview the following week.

My interview was also held at the Ocado headquarters in Hatfield. It was conducted by a member of staff who had started in a Warehouse position but had worked their way up to resource planner. The manager of Operations planning was also supposed to be present at the interview but got held up so we went ahead without her.
I started the interview with a logistics test where I had to plan the routes for Ocado delivery trucks. The test lasted 10 minutes and I handed the test back to the interviewer. We then had an initial chat about my background what I was currently doing. The interviewer then went on to start the interview by asking what I thought the role of Operations Planner involved doing. The question was quite easy to answer and I based my answer on the job description which I had read. The interviewer then went on to ask competency based questions and finally asked why I wanted to work for Ocado.

What would you say are your weaknesses.

My advice would be to arrive in good time. This allows you to prepare yourself mentally and be comfortable with your surroundings. By arriving early I managed to speak to other staff members such as the receptionist and security and asked questions about how they found it working at Ocado. You never know who they will go on to speak to. Speaking to other staff members shows you are keen and shows your ability to interact with others. Showing up early meant I had time to observe my surroundings and note certain aesthetics and design elements. I mentioned in my interview that I liked how the offices were designed with the use of vegetables and fruit to name offices instead of using room numbers. This shows to the employer that I am very observant. It also shows that I am aware of Ocados strong brand image. Another tip is to dress smart. Even for the numeric test and verbal test I made the effort to wear a smart office dress and blazer. You never know who will take your interview or conduct your test so it is best to make a good first impression whatever you are invited for. Do not think because it is just a test you can dress casual. Wear something smart anyway. I ended up meeting the Operations planning manager at my interview so it was well worth dressing smart. A further tip is to carry a calculator and pen. You will probably be able to borrow a pen but do not assume this so doesnt hurt to bring a pen just in case. Its unlikely they will supply calculators so make sure you take your own. Another tip is to go over some basic maths questions before the numeric test just to refresh your mind. It might help if you haven't practised maths in a while. A final tip would be to leave time at the end of your test to check over your work.
With regards to the competency interview a good tip is to research the company so thoroughly so you can try link every answer to an aspect of Ocado. So for example if they ask 'tell us when you have worked to a timetable' link it back to maybe how you will apply your skill to the role you apply for.

There was no assessment center.
However we did do the numeric and verbal test under timed conditions, individually but there was three of us in the same room. We were allowed to use a calculator for the numeric test.

Explain how you would procced. You receive this email:
I am not confident in the forecasts you have produced. They are not high enough and I want more stock.

My one-to-one interview took place at the assessment centre. After completing a presentation to an area manager, he then asked me a variety of questions relating to my background and motivation for the role. This was unusual due to the fact two other candidates were presenting and being interviewed in the same room as me while other assessors were circling the room. My tip here would be to focus on yourself and ignore what is going on around you. After asking about my University life and work experience he moved onto specifics about the role. Questions ranged from 'What do think the key skill of a retail manager is?' to 'How would you improve your current shop (I work in a charity shop)?' I was also asked if I had visited a Farmfoods store so would definitely recommend going to one beforehand. I was then asked how I would improve the store/what impressed me. He also asked about how I would deal with difficult/unmotivated employees.

How would you deal with an uncooperative employee?

Do your research on Farmfoods and retail in general. Make sure you visit a store and have ideas on what you would do to make it run better. Know your presentation inside out before you arrive as this is the one aspect you can control. Be focused during the interview and presentation as assessors are circling and other interviews are taking place so the room can be noisy. Just focus on your own performance. During the group task always look for the simplest/cheapest solution and don't over complicate answers.

Split into two groups of 3. Had to introduce yourself and say a fun fact. Then had to complete an icebreaker with the assessors by finding out information about them. Next was a group task in the groups of 3 where we were given two fictional issues in a store which we had to come up with solutions for and present back to the other group and assessors. Following this was a ten minute solo presentation which I had prepared beforehand (you have to send in your slides a month before attending) to a member of the senior management. After the presentation you complete an interview with this person. Returning to the main room, our group then completed a short spelling and situational judgement test. The assessment centre started at 1pm and was completed by 3pm.

Interviewed with the manager of the store I was applying to work in. The conversation has always been pretty casual, and the manager has tried to make me feel comfortable from the start. It lasted around 1 hour, and I have been asked various questions regarding my cv, previous work experience, difficult situations I found myself in (job wise) and how I delt with them, and other more generic questions about my skills for that job, hobbies, ecc..

Describe me the job position you're applying for as if you were interviewing yourself/What skills do you think you should need to do this job.

Stay calm and always answer the questions, even though you're not sure of what is the best answer. The interviewer will always try to throw you a bit off to see if you're capable of dealing with stressful situations, so just relax and speak your mind.

Didn't have to go to an assessment centre.