Marks and Spencer Interview

starrybee

Got an interview at M&S in a few days time ... it will be my first one ever - eek!!

Anyone got any tips or advice on the kinds of questions they ask, or what is involved in this "role-play" exercise I will apparently be taking part in? XD

Also could do with some ideas for questions to ask them at the end - I know the more you ask the more keen you look, but the only one I can think of is about is about opportunity for overtime...there must be loads more!

LadyMissA

Questions about training, promotion, hours, how many people in the team, who will you be responsible to etc

Good luck

laura8417

Good luck. I had an interview for Marks & Spencers and I had to help a lady try and find the perfect pair of knickers.
I didn't get the job.

alex21

When I had my interview (4 years ago tho) They gave you loads of cards with food items on them and you had to organise a buffet at very short notice on a limited budget. It wasn't too bad and should be second nature to everyone who has followed mse!! The hardest part was throwing myself into the exercise wholeheartedly. I get very self conscious in these type of role plays where I am totally fine in "real life" I did get the job!! I was advised that for M&S customer service is paramount. So really friendly, helpful, nothing is too much trouble Best of luck and let us know how you get on.

mynameisdave

Is your interview in store, office, distribution, other?

starrybee

Thanks everyone

The interview is for an instore position, just temporary over Christmas.

Wellery82

I'd ask a couple questions that allow you to sell yourself a bit more. Ie "What are the most important characteristics that make someone successful in this role", "What are the biggest challenges that you tend to face over the Christmas period in store?", etc. Get the answer and build in your experience of doing that.

Good luck

sharpy2010

starrybee wrote: »

the only one I can think of is about is about opportunity for overtime...

Ask that, and they'll think that ALL your interested in is the cash and not actually working for them.

I'd avoid that question, if I was you.

chelle230

I had an interview for M&S a few weeks back for the temp xmas job.
The role play was to help a customer sort food for a buffet on a limited budget, and for a couple of hours t ime.
They explain everything, then give you 5 mins prep time. If you get the same as me, concentrate on learning the products available, offers on, time to prep food, etc.
I have been in retail for a long time though (17 years) and management fro a few years, and scored a 4, which is top marks. Just be confident with yourself and the task, you'll be fine.

Then I had a short interview with one of the managers.

I did get the job and accepted, however I was offered a permanenet job afterwords elsewhere.

For your question at the end, you could ask about the possibilities of a permanent job once your temporary contract ends.

Good luck x

consumers_revenge

first you'll have to see yourself managing loads of stressed out christmas shoppers, how your going to help the little old lady find 25 presents whilst dealing with another parent has screaming children. Whilst dealing with huge queues at the tills and maintaining a smile.

remember this is not just any interview THIS is an M & S interview...

Good luck!

Reverbe

consumers this bears no relation to my experience of working at Christmas for M&S. My current company however have told me they have overcrowded too small stores, no heating, no air con so customers and staff either freeze or pass out/feel dizzy,customers who are continually extremely rude to staff ( i was hit by customers one day last week 7 times during my shift albeit accidentally and only ONE apologised. went home feeling like a NMW punchbag)and to other customers including some customer/customer altercations etc.. hmm gonna be fun...