Marks and Spencer interview at JC

janb5

Hi,

Telephoned by JS to say they are continuing to interview for M & S Christmas jobs and I have an interview on Thursday at 10am:j

Has anyone else dont one of these and could tell me of any of the pitfalls etc Thank you.

scooby088

I had one years ago with index at the jc and it's just like having any other interview only in the jc.

santacruz_2

M&S do role plays, beware...you will have to act.

HandsInTheRuck

I had my M&S interview yesterday, was indeed a role play. Was more difficult than I thought it would be but I did get the job

RuthnJasper

Congrats to "Hands" - good luck!

To the OP - The most important thing is to be honest and open.

If the following question/scenario arises (happens): - If someone is pretending to be a customer and asks a question to which you don't know the answer, just be friendly and truthful and say "I'm ever so sorry Sir (or Madam, if it's a woman), I'm actually new here and I'm not exactly sure where to find that item. Please come with me and we'll find someone who can answer that question for you." Then guide them to the nearest person (make it up - pretend another interviewer, if there is one, is the more senior colleague. Or, guide the questioner to an imaginary person) and say "Excuse me, sorry to disturb you, please could you point me in the right direction of the ......?" After you have heard the real (or imaginary) reply, say "Thank you." and then escort the customer according to the directions you've received/pretended to receive. Following that, turn to your 'customer' and say "Is that alright sir/madam? Is there anything else I can help you with?"

(n.b. I have never worked, nor applied for a job with, M&S. However, I have been in a position in which I've had to offer general exam/job advice to private-school boys).

Top tips:

Be smartly presented (neat and tidy).

Be on time.

Smile!

Listen carefully to the questions that are asked and make sure you answer them.
(So many times, people concentrate on trying to sound intelligent, clever and helpful but - if you don't answer the question that you were asked in the first place - it doesn't matter if you are William Shakespeare, Stephen Hawking or Albert Einstein, you've screwed up).

Be friendly. Be honest. Be polite. (Don't use ANY swear-words).

If you don't understand a question, don't panic. It's perfectly OK to not understand. Just say "I'm not sure what you mean by that. Please could you clarify the question a bit for me?"

I am very sorry if any of the above sounds patronising - that is not my intention. I REALLY hope this post is helpful.

Please update the post with how you get on - I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!

With very best wishes,

Roo xxx

BillTrac

It's not just a job interview...it's an M & S job interview....:rotfl:

Seriously OP, I think if you worry about the interview should you be applying for the job?

If you think you can do it then relax, and go get it.

And don't forget to post about your success....:T

davelewis

I had an interview a few years ago and it was a role play. The interviewer left me in the room with some cards to look at (pics of thier food items) and then came into the room and pretended to be a customer organising a buffet. I had to suggest items for her to buy (food and drink). I did get the job but was not able to take it due to other commitments.

All the very best of luck in your interview.

RuthnJasper

BillTrac wrote: »

It's not just a job interview...it's an M & S job interview....:rotfl:

Dripping with the clearest, saltiest, perspiration... :rotfl::rotfl:

But we all get worried about different things, sweetie. Interview, first date, driving test, whatever. Always best to be yourself... whether you're nervous or not. x

janb5

BillTrac wrote: »

It's not just a job interview...it's an M & S job interview....:rotfl:

Seriously OP, I think if you worry about the interview should you be applying for the job?

If you think you can do it then relax, and go get it.

And don't forget to post about your success....:T

No I am not unduly nervous - just curious to see what form the interview will take.

So I rang JC today and was told that we will all complete a questionnaire lasting about 20 minutes. Those people who complete it as required will be asked to stay to be interviewed by M & S.

I will post back after Thursday...thanks everyone.

SevenOfNine

Sounds like you've been told what will be required to qualify for an interview, not what form the actual interview will take.

If you get that buffet card thing already mentioned in an earlier post, don't forget to ask if there are any vegans, vegetarians, or food intolerances/allergies to be catered for (ie my friend is a coeliac and cannot have wheat/gluten).

janb5

Hi- just to report that I have been asked back for interview on Tuesday:j Roll on role play!