Carpetright

kell.b

Tomorrow I've an interview at Carpetright for a part time assistant role. Know this is not my normal career path, as I've always done admin and worked in offices, but I'm having no luck so I've decided to try for anything.

I've got 3 things that I'm needing a bit of help with. When they ask have you any questions, what should I ask? I find that what I wanted to ask, hours, holidays, wages etc, have already been covered.

When they ask why do I want the job/ why have I replied, what should I say? The truth is I replied as it's local and I'm having no luck getting a job in my usual profession, but I don't think I can really say that.

Then what to wear. I don't have a suit jacket and I don't wear skirts. I'm thinking of wearing smart, black, trousers with a purple v-neck tank top with a black silk collar insert and short sleeves. What do you think? Also I don't have a smart jacket, but the interview is being held literally across the road so I won't get cold or wet as I'll have an umbrella. Does anyone think this will be a problem. Please don't anyone say go out and buy a suit or jacket I've been unemployed since Sept 2010 when I was made redundant so I've no money to purchase.

I'm just wanting a few tips to help me out, my last interview was over 4 and a half years ago, and this is the first one since my redundancy, but I'm naturally a confident, outgoing person so I'm not too nervous about it.

Thanks in advance.

vicshippers

I think that your outfit sounds just fine for what you're going for, you shouldn't worry about that at all!

You fantastic attitude has come across in your post, you just need to get that across at your interview too. The fact that they are seeing you even though you don't have any direct experience would indicate to me that attitude is important to them.

Why do you want the job? Carpetright is a reputable company that you could be proud to represent, you're interested in discovering more about the inner workings of a successful store and you like the challenge that a sales job could present. You want to push yourself and work with people. You love people.

What should you ask? To be honest I struggle with this one too and it kind of depends on how the interview goes. If you feel comfortable enough ask them if they enjoy working there maybe.

Remember to thank them for their time and for the opportunity at the end and try and keep smiling!

ESKIMO

kell.b wrote: »

Tomorrow I've an interview at Carpetright for a part time assistant role. Know this is not my normal career path, as I've always done admin and worked in offices, but I'm having no luck so I've decided to try for anything..

First of all, good luck. Wish you well. No shame in exploring alternative avenues to reach you career goals.

kell.b wrote: »

I've got 3 things that I'm needing a bit of help with. When they ask have you any questions, what should I ask? I find that what I wanted to ask, hours, holidays, wages etc, have already been covered. .

Tell them honestly, what you want and what you are looking for. - They will be able to glean this from your CV - your previous experience.

I assume the position you are going for is a sales based role? - Focus on that for the moment. Tell them what they want to hear.

Ask if there are any potitions/vacancies within administration - that you would be interested to work towards. Any scope for career progression? Additional training? Courses? or 'In-house' Industry Recognised Awards or Qualifications? Ask about bonuses/commissions - be naturally inquisitive. Not 'spurious' as they could think you were fishing or an 'undercover competitor'. - It does happen.

kell.b wrote: »

When they ask why do I want the job/ why have I replied, what should I say? The truth is I replied as it's local and I'm having no luck getting a job in my usual profession, but I don't think I can really say that..

Tell them what they want to hear. Preach it to them. Worry about the 'real reasons' later. You do want the job don't you?

Focus on what transferable skills you have to offer. Your prospective employer wants to know what value you can contribute to his/her business. - Play heed to this.

They want to know that you are product focused, motivated by sales and hitting your targets - OTE - On Target Earnings. You are competitive. Team leader. Work well in a team. A great communicator. Take pride in your personal appearance - smart, clean and tidy, good hygiene, nice warm smile to welcome customers and all that. A 'friendly' face. Approachable.

kell.b wrote: »

Then what to wear. I don't have a suit jacket and I don't wear skirts. I'm thinking of wearing smart, black, trousers with a purple v-neck tank top with a black silk collar insert and short sleeves. What do you think? Also I don't have a smart jacket, but the interview is being held literally across the road so I won't get cold or wet as I'll have an umbrella. Does anyone think this will be a problem. Please don't anyone say go out and buy a suit or jacket I've been unemployed since Sept 2010 when I was made redundant so I've no money to purchase.

Some of my female colleagues wear like a simple, smart ('figure-hugging') - flattering trousers, creases down the centre are very in as is the air-hostess scarf/neck-chief thingy-me-jig. Small 'dainty' earings - bring out your eyes and all that. V-neck very flattering!

kell.b wrote: »

I'm just wanting a few tips to help me out, my last interview was over 4 and a half years ago, and this is the first one since my redundancy, but I'm naturally a confident, outgoing person so I'm not too nervous about it.

Thanks in advance.

Just be honest, with them and with yourself. That is fair to both of you. You'll be fine. Stop stressing!

kell.b

I have sales experience as I have also worked at an estate agents, and through this role I have learnt what the customer is looking for in when furnishing a property. I'm used to dealing with people as I have been a receptionist and have 'front of house skills', and I'm used working as a team or an individual, so I can say how all these skills are transferrable, which is what I put in my covering letter.

I think most of my answers will be an expansion of the above and I will ask about career development and opportunities. I just hope they don't ask me about carpets, we only have carpet on the stairs!

Thank you all.