Working in a supermarket. (Interview Tuesday)

loobyloo168

Hi all,

I have a job interview on Tuesday for a seasonal job in Iceland food store.

I had to give up self employment in July so iv been crazy applying for jobs (130 so far) and this is the first interview I have been called for so I need to impress.

I worked in retail before but this was in a Jewellery store so stock replenishment was totally different to what I expect a supermarket would be.

I'd like to know how do you know what cages you take out of the stock room to restock shelves ? Are you told by your manager as the day goes by or do you just work your way through the cages in the store room ?

I know this probably sounds stupid but I'm eager to impress as iv not claimed any form of benefits since leaving self employment so doing my best in this interview is so important, I don't want to sound like I have no idea if the jib role.

Many thanks in advance and fingers crossed !!

Notmyrealname

Don't be too overenthusiastic. Without supermarket work on your CV the interviewer would not expect you to know. Concentrate on what you have done and the skills you have learned in it.

ScaredCrow

I also gave an interview at a small supermarket (Co-Op), but unlike you I hardly have any experience in retail, only about two months in Argos which doesn't really count for much! My advice is just stay calm and as the poster above me said, don't try too hard and be too over enthusiastic about it, they've obviously invited you for an interview because they were interested by something on your CV/application form, so unless you lied on your application, I'm sure they already know you don't have any supermarket experience. Just go out there and be honest and do your best, it's all you can do, they'll train you up if you're successful don't worry about that yet. I do understand how you feel with really wanting the job though, I've been looking for so long too and it's so frustrating but usually I end up trying too hard and talking too much and trying to pretend I have more experience than I actually do and it always fails! I really want this Co-Op job too, it would be very convenient. Fingers crossed for us both! Best of luck.

Jefforz

I would just be yourself and look interested. I also found that agreeing with their views helpful too. For example, customer care is generally a big thing for retailers now.

So just emphasis that customers are the most important part of the business because if you treat a customer well they are likely to return.

jobbingmusician

Just my 2p worth - when I mystery shop a variety of supermarkets (not including Iceland) they always ask whether cages were getting in customers' way. This suggests to me that times for refilling from cages are probably carefully planned. I know it is very important not to leave a cage unattended for too long!

I think this might be a good(ish) question to ask them. I actually like your approach as you have obviously been giving some thought to how supermarkets work