What makes waitrose the right job for me

If possible, discuss any experience you have working at a supermarket, managing inventory stocking shelves , and how you worked well in a team. You can also mention skills you have such as communication, working well under pressure, organizational skills, and attention to detail. Everyone has been late for a shift but make sure you have a good reason.

State you called your boss ahead of time to let her know what you have been late. You may be required to sand for long periods of time or lift heavy items. Ideally, you should tell the interviewer you have no problem doing this. Waitrose Interview Questions Interviews. Waitrose Interview Questions. Do Say. There is a fine balance between being accommodating and being a pushover. If I were unsure of the best decision, I would ask my supervisor for clarification.

The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth. Retail and customer service based roles will often require diplomacy when it comes to working with the public.

Discuss with the interviewer how you would handle an aggressive customer. If security needed to be called, I would do so. Everyone needs to remain respectful, and I would not hesitate to ask a customer to offer that respect, in return. Next Question. Personality fit is important to us at Waitrose. How would you describe your personality?

At Waitrose we have a very clear return policy. How would you handle a customer who was arguing with you about a potential return? What are your salary expectations?

Working in a retail environment, you will sometimes come across rude customers. How would you handle a customer who is aggressive towards you or a co-worker? We have a strong employee honesty program in place at Waitrose to prevent loss. What would you do if you discovered that a co-worker was stealing product or money? Loss prevention initiatives are incredibly important in the retail sector.

Discuss with the interviewer how you would handle a situation surrounding employee theft. Be sure to avoid sounding self-righteous in your answer. Be diplomatic and refer to company protocol in these situations. Example 1: "My reaction to employee theft would differ if I were a retail associate or a retail manager.

If I were a manager and caught an employee stealing, I would terminate them immediately. If I were an associate, I would report the incident according to company protocol. I would avoid approaching the employee as I would not want to make it a personal issue. Do you have a process in place for reporting these types of situations? Take me through your experience in retail.

What was the most challenging position you have held? Which was your favorite, and why? Walk the interviewer through your career history in retail. Be sure to highlight your favorite, and most challenging, positions. Discuss what made them so challenging and rewarding. Example 1: "I have worked in retail for the past eight years.

My most challenging position was with Company ABC. I found it so challenging because it was a different industry than I was accustomed. I learned a great deal during that time. This position was also my favorite because it was such a great challenge.

I like to be pushed beyond my boundaries. It keeps me motivated to be better. I would not normally choose to leave; however, I need to find a position related to my newly acquired degree. In my current position, the hours are great, my co-workers are nice, and I receive fair compensation. What type of work environment do you dislike working in? Are you pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments?

Have you experienced a position where the atmosphere wasn't conducive to your productivity? Be sure to know the type of environment offered in this position before the interview. Example 1: "I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the mentality is positive and teamwork is encouraged.

I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic. What type of manager brings out the best in you? The interviewer wants to see that you are self-aware and understand the type of manager or employer that brings out the best in you.

Some individuals prefer a close working relationship with a lot of accountability, while others prefer space and autonomy. If you are unsure of the management style of the interviewing company, try to leave your answer as open as possible. You can certainly ask the interviewer to describe their management style. Example 1: "I have worked with a wide range of personalities and management styles with great success. If I could express a preference, I feel that I am best with a manager who allows me autonomy while still investing time in me through mentorship and training.

Can you describe the management style here? Waitrose puts customer service first. How do you ensure that you always put the customers' needs first?

Retail environments are competitive, and business can go down with one honest mistake. Discuss with the interviewer how you ensure that your customers receive the best service from you. Example 1: "I have a rule always to treat my customers how I would want treatment in a store or establishment. Customer service is vital to a company's success.

Treat others as you want to be treated. It's a good rule to live by. In our retail stores we take pride in our merchandising and displays. Do you consider yourself to be a creative person, capable of making an attractive retail display? Do you have examples of displays that you have created? Do you have unique ideas that you can share with Waitrose in regards to their current merchandising?

Show the interviewer that you are interested in the creative aspect of creating an attractive retail display. Example 1: "I have a strong creative flair and enjoy creating attractive displays. I think I have enough experience in retail to understand what attracts a customer and what prompts them to purchase.

The displays I have seen in your stores are fascinating, and I would love to be a part of that creative flair. I have a natural flair for the creative and look forward to exercising that. At Waitrose we like to hire strong achievers. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond. Display to the interviewer that you can do more than the bare minimum.

Show that you can react appropriately when you see that your employer has a need that goes beyond your usual day-to-day expectations. Example 1: "Last week I noticed that my manager had not completed the schedule for the following week. Some of the staff were complaining that they didn't have their work schedule yet. Rather than going to my manager with the complaint, I offered to take on some of her workload so that she would have the time to complete the schedule.

We worked together for a couple of overtime hours that day and were able to catch her up on everything. It felt good to help but also benefited me by way of organization. She had a stroller, a couple of kids, and a lot of bags to carry. I offered to help her out to her car, and she gratefully accepted. It felt excellent to go above the call of duty that day. This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?

Most retail positions require a wide range of hours that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and split shifts. Assure the interviewer that you can commit to a wide range of hours. If there is anything in your schedule that may hinder your availability, be sure to address this. Example 1: "I am happy to offer a flexible schedule, and to work overtime as needed.

I do take an evening college course on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I would not be available those days, after 5 PM. I am available to work anytime and am happy to work overtime as well. I am also open to additional hours when I am not engaged in my college classes and coursework. What do you know about Waitrose? Why do you want to work for us?

Display your enthusiasm for the job by assuring the interviewer you have researched the organization and the role. What did you find in your research that made you excited to work for Waitrose? Example 1: "I have researched Waitrose a great deal and am very happy with the positive reviews I came across, online.

I would love to work for a company with such a great reputation. I love your product, and your company culture seems great too. Tell me 3 qualities you possess that make you a strong fit for this position with Waitrose. Before your interview, it is essential that you review the company's job description to give yourself a keen understanding of the qualities they desire in their successful candidate.

Tie these desired qualities into your answer to display you are a fit for the role. Example 1: "I have a lot of qualities that transfer well into a retail-based position. Be unique! Have you researched our company values? What makes you the best candidate for Waitrose? It is incredibly important to research the company's core values and mission statement before you interview with them.

Discuss with the hiring manager why you think you are the top choice for this role with Waitrose. Example 1: "I have researched your core values online and appreciate that you put your customers first while empowering your employees at the same time.

I think that I would be the best person for this job because I have a great appreciation for what Waitrose is achieving in the retail marketplace. Why is this job with Waitrose right for you at this time in your career? Discuss with the interviewer why you are looking to make a change, and how this particular role fits well with the changes that you are seeking. Be sure to give a more in-depth answer than the typical 'I am looking for growth' answer that so many interviewers hear.

Be thoughtful and draw upon the research you have done on the company. Example 1: "I have been passively seeking a new position for quite some time and haven't jumped on anything yet because I want to make sure it's the right fit. I feel that this job is right for me, at this point in my career, because it offers an opportunity for me to utilize my recent education in Communication while giving me an opportunity to advance in my management skills.

I hope once I complete my education that I can be given full-time hours for the summer. I am excited to work for Waitrose because of the flexibility you offer students, as well as the growth potential. In this role you will be required to handle customer transactions. On a scale of how strong are your mathematical skills? Strong math skills are an asset in any retail based role.

Assure the interviewer that you are comfortable with the math associated with handling cash transactions and performing inventory counts. Example 1: "I did very well in math during High School and am comfortable with the math skills required when it comes to accepting cash, balancing a cash float, and performing inventory-related tasks. This position requires you to wear a uniform to work. Have you worn a uniform in the workplace before? How do you feel about this?

Many retail-based organizations require their employees to wear a uniform. Talk to the interviewer about any times that you have been required to wear a uniform.

What are your thoughts on this? Be sure to keep your answer positive and avoid speaking poorly of the practice surrounding uniforms. I have seen the uniforms worn by the retail employees at Waitrose and see that it adds a strong level of professionalism.

May I see what your uniforms look like? At Waitrose we firmly believe in grooming our employees into management roles as they show potential. Are you interested in potential leadership roles with us?