The Great 'Christmas jobs - who's recruiting?' Hunt

gloriouslyhappy

Liz3yy wrote: »

After completing an online assessment I have been invited to an interview for a Xmas temping position at my local Boots. I have noticed also that the likes of Tesco and the Body Shop are also actively seeking people to cover the festive period so it would seem short term jobs are still out there if you look for them.

It's been years since I worked in a shop so I'm a little nervous to say the least about next week, any tips?

My tip is to think about the kind of person they're looking for, and think about the worst kind of shop assistant / customer service person you've encountered, then make a note of your own skills and attributes and where they fit in. Remember, skills can be taught, but if the right attitude isn't there, then you'd get that lazy annoying 'assistant' we've all come across who ignores you, keeps you waiting while they're on their mobile phone, or chews gum.

So emphasise your efficiency, friendliness and willingness to approach customers without being asked, to put them first and be attentive to their needs, to notice when stock is low or displays need tidying without being asked, and especially practical things like how you've planned to travel to work to make sure you're on time, examples of when you've worked in a team and under pressure (think Christmas Eve rush), and you should come across as just the person they're looking for. After all, you'd like to be served by someone like you! And if you're familiar with their shop, shop there yourself and like their products, that's a bonus to them worth mentioning at the interview.

Best of luck!

El_Rey

Apart from Royal Mail, does anyone know of any non-retail Christmas job vacancies?

El_Rey

Apart from Royal Mail, does anyone know of any non-retail Christmas job vacancies?

Gigervamp

McDonalds is recruiting.

Kirsty1718

Liz3yy wrote: »

After completing an online assessment I have been invited to an interview for a Xmas temping position at my local Boots. I have noticed also that the likes of Tesco and the Body Shop are also actively seeking people to cover the festive period so it would seem short term jobs are still out there if you look for them.

It's been years since I worked in a shop so I'm a little nervous to say the least about next week, any tips?

Sorry Lizzy I've only just seen this,if you haven't had your interview yet I agree with Jacques advice. Any interview I've had with boots has followed the same sort of process;
*A one to one interview where they ask about past experience-good to talk up any customer facing and teamwork experience here,usually ask about availability and I've also been asked to pick a product and say what I like about it and how I would sell it to a customer(perhaps good to do a bit of research just incase).
*Afterwards it's usually out onto the shop floor,I've always been asked to look at an area of the shop and say what I would do,for example,pull forward,clear any rubbish off floor,make sure signs are where they should be,etc. I've also been asked to find a certain product too(eg.the cheapest box of paracetamol),if you don't know the store well my best advice here would be to just stay calm and follow the signs. *Finally they usually give you a stint handing out baskets at the door,or handing out leaflets,this is usually just to make sure you're pleasant and can interact with customers,basically smile,smile,smile!

I hope I'm not too late,apologies again if I am,wishing you lots of luck!

iclayt

In my interview for Boots xmas staff a few years ago I was asked to give an account of my life since leaving school. I think they were looking for someone happy to chat a bit and be friendly. I also got asked to tidy up a shelf - check the labels are in the right place etc. I have to say, though, I hated working there and left as soon as I could. Don't assume you'll be put on the shop floor or the till either - I managed 3 weeks of 5am starts, freezing stock room, minimal training, militant uniform and appearance rules, too great expectations of what one person can manage (ie unpacking, stripping and restocking the shelves of an entire Christmas delivery by 8.30am daily - you've seen how much Christmas stuff they get in!)... Honestly I have had a LOT of jobs and this one was by far the worst place I have ever worked. All the temps I started with hated it there and left asap. Takes all sorts of experiences I suppose.

Anyway I applied for a job at Card Factory instead and got 20+ hours a week and was kept on at the end for a few more months - and loved working there. I was only in a small branch but they took on over a dozen temps - all they wanted was previous retail experience, or, failing that, evidence of being able to learn fast and work under pressure. It's incredibly busy, you're on your feet all day behind the cramped till, and you have to be accurate on a till and be able to restock quickly - on the plus side, extra hours are often available, and you're so busy a shift flies by. I've seen they are still advertising in my local branch now. I was recruited very early on, the start of October, but new people were being taken on as late as December.

Also worked in Waterstones one year, again, good experience - standard customer service type interview, along with favourite books/last book read etc, and was then asked to pick a few books off the shelf and then try to 'sell' one to another member of staff, and then have a go on their rather complex stock and ordering system. Again it can get quite busy, and the re-shelving and stickering everything can be tedious, but it's a nice environment to work in. A sign in my local branch says to look online for current Christmas vacancies.

Also try Poundland, B&M, Home Bargains etc - seen adverts for all these recently.