Job offer between me and another person, help?

michellen34

Hi everyone,

I have been for an interview today (assistant Manager at a charity shop) and had a call tonight that the job offer is between myself and another person, they asked if I could go in next week for a work trial type thing for the day. I really want this job, so what I'd like to ask is, is there anything I can do to get the edge over the other person? I know thats sound's awful on the other person but I really need this job, I'm not even sure if we are not both going to be there together on the same day either, and that I would find a bit stressful, competing with someone else all day.
So if anyone could give me any tips that would be great :T
I did post about a month ago about help with my first interview in years after a long spell as a stay at home Mum, so I'm VERY rusty at this sort of thing.

Thanks in advance

Michelle x

michellen34

Sorry, I've posted this on the wrong board

michellen34

is there anyway i can get this post removed does anyone know please? as I've now reposted it on the jobseeking boards

MrsTinks

Done
Good luck!

vixarooni

i suppose you have to work hard at it and show real enthusiasm for the job, I would have thought on a day like that they will be looking at how quickly you pick things up, how eager you are to learn and if you look happy doing it. Interact well with the staff, welcome customers etc. Thats the sort of thing i would be doing. and asking a lot of questions!

good luck, i hope you get the job!

michellen34

Thanks Vixarooni, i will post back if i do or don't

PlutoinCapricorn

Could you visit a few other charity shops and ask about Assistant Managers and their roles? Branches of well-known chains are everywhere. Investigatory undercover visits to see if you can see a difference between the volunteers and the management seem like a good idea.

Preparing a list of questions is a very good idea, the sort of thing that someone who is on the level and genuinely interested in the job would want to know. Donations for example, what proportion is saleable? What is their pricing policy? How much of their income comes from donated items and how much from new goods? Do they ever offer anything valuable on eBay? Are electrical goods accepted? Do they open on Sundays, and if not are they considering it? How often do the local shops donate stock? How often is the Manager on site? Have they noticed any recession-related effects e.g. more people looking for clothes, but fewer donations. How many volunteers, are they reliable, how long do they stay? What facilities are there for the people who work in the shops?

Are there written policies and procedures? What about cash handling?

Once you are there, could you look for ways to improve the layout and displays? Are the books sorted - customers prefer this? Ask if they think that the relatively new practice of colour coding the clothes has any effect?

I am sure that once you get there, it will take care of itself: you will see many things to ask about.

AndysDad

I hope the other person isn't a MSE member otherwise you are 'Stuffed';)

michellen34

Plutoincapricorn.....thank you thats great!! Do you think if I went in with a pad and pen and jotted things down as they told me them, for example..when using the till what items go on what department etc, do you think that would be ok?

AndysDad lol, I know!!

Valli

WTG
see! I knew you'd get something - what a turn up - hope you get it.
Be EXTREMELY professional re timings - arrival, departure, break etc. Think VERY carefuly about what you wear (assuming no uniform) and also ask ask ask
written policies - what are they, where are they kept. etc
who has keys to the shop? emergency contact? will you have manager responsibility when manager absent? - In other words what responsibility you have and when. Smile. Look interested.
Yes go with the pen/paper
I wish you the VERY best of luck

michellen34

Valli, Thank you so much! I couldn't find my previous post when you helped me and I wanted to thank you for all the help and advice you gave me and the confidence boost! just couldn't for the life of me remember your username! lol, so thank you :T, I've written down everything that has been said and I'll take it in with me on Monday, Can't wait but it is awful to think that one of us won't get the job, Yikes. I wasn't sure about pen and paper and asking loads of questions etc as i didn't want to come across looking like a pain but since everyone has said to do that, I will and thinking about it, it does make me look interested.
I will post on Monday or as soon as I find out, I've got everything crossed!! lol
Thanks again Valli x