please help me prepare -argos interview x

dudleythegoat

You are all very kind so thank you.
I hadn't thought of stay at home mum having transferable qualities really. What would I say my greatest achievement. Was? Especially if they ask for a work related achievement. Cant think of anything. Id be ok if prepared but useless put on the spot!! I just go to jelly when caught off guard. My last job didnt ask for references so hoping this one might not? What's the chances..�� a few searches online brought up silly questions like,
what biscuit would you be and why?
what electrical.appliance would you be and why?
design a cover for new Argos book?
what animal are you like etc..


any examples of how you guys would answer these?!


I am short on cash so finding suitable clothes at suck short notice will be tricky but I will try.


I wonder what the chances of this leading to a permanent Job are. Anyone been taken on from temp?


cheers guys.


supportive bunch ��

DCFC79

Its possible it could lead to permanent, you would have to show your honest, maybe pick up extra shifts, show a willingness to learn things quickly, good timekeeping as well.

Do you have a friend/sister who could be a similar size who would let you use something suitable ?

If they ask for references explain when you last worked and you haven't kept in touch with anyone you worked with but you can provide 2/3 (or more I guess) personal references. They might only ask those who are successful for references but take a copy of the details for your references with you.

Another tip be on time for the interview, even if your 15 minutes early.

Another tip, are you looking for a plan B if you don't hear back ?

I don't have an answer for the below questions

what biscuit would you be and why?
what electrical.appliance would you be and why?
design a cover for new Argos book?
what animal are you like etc..

elsien

dudleythegoat wrote: »

Y
what biscuit would you be and why?
what electrical.appliance would you be and why?
design a cover for new Argos book?
what animal are you like etc..


any examples of how you guys would answer these?!

To be perfectly honest, if I got questions like the majority of these Id be wondering if I wanted to work for them anyway. Got bog all to do with real life skills.
However, it doesn't look as if Argos are quite that daft. Don't know if you found this when googling?


https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Interview/Argos-Interview-Questions-E12847.htm

So if someone asked you in general conversation rather than in an interview what your biggest achievement was, what would you say? Doesn't have to be work related.

dudleythegoat wrote: »

I think this is what is bothering me more, it knocks my confidence to imagine sitting in a room full of intelligent uni students with educational achievements and I don't even have a reference!

Just remind yourself that that they may have educational achievements coming out of their earholes, and not a grain of common sense between them. (I generalise massively, but then again, so have you )

You have proven work skills from previous jobs and quite possibly are the queen of multi tasking and organisation from running the family home. This is a job at Argos - they want people who will show up, work hard, not annoy the customers and not make a mess of their systems. Academic qualifications are irrelevant and may go against people in some circumstances if they are considered to be overqualified.

Can you do the job and can you work the shifts - that's what they're looking for.

DCFC79

OP re the achievement, did you overcome a task you thought would be a challenge eg baby related, maybe soon after it was born, did it suddenly hit you that you were a mother.

Remember when in the task and if you have 1 on 1 with anyone doing interviews keep eye contact, speak clearly and keep answers simple.

jobbingmusician

I think you can face any question if you think laterally. You want to show them that you are a useful person and a team player. So think - what is a useful biscuit? (I'd say a digestive because it can be used in lots of different ways, for example as a cheesecake base). What is a useful electrical appliance, or what do YOU think is most useful? Why? (A microwave saves people loads of time, a toaster is very inexpensive and simple but transformative, a computer connects people....)

If I was asked to design a cover, I might simply write 'We asked a staff member to design this cover. That staff member is me. I couldn't improve on a row of smiley faces. Because this is how I feel working for Argos, and it's how our customers feel about our bargains.' (And then a row of smiley faces.....)

I think if you think 'how can I show, in my answer, that I am a friendly happy team player' that it actually makes the questions easier. However, others may feel this is simplistic.........

martinthebandit

dudleythegoat wrote: »

a few searches online brought up silly questions like,
what biscuit would you be and why?
what electrical.appliance would you be and why?
design a cover for new Argos book?
what animal are you like etc


I wonder what the chances of this leading to a permanent Job are. Anyone been taken on from temp?

I didn't get any questions like that, most of mine were customer related like,

What would you do if you were going for your break and a customer stopped you and asked you a question?

My answer was 'help the customer and then go for my break'

A couple of months after I had left the manager did ring me and ask if I wanted a permanent job, so yes it can lead to permanent.

As for what to wear, black trousers and a blouse with clean shoes would be my advice. Think sensible, mature and ready for work.

dudleythegoat

You have all been so helpful, and I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. I have read over all your comments and Think I will again before my interview. Sorry for making such a fuss, nerves are crazy!
I will keep my eye on this thread incase anyone else has any info for me.
out of curiosity,would any of you who replied share your occupation? I would be interested to know.


thank again xxx��

DCFC79

Ive worked in retail before, now I test electrical products in the workplace.

I can answer questions about retail you have.

jobbingmusician

I'm the CEO of a charity. I have worked in retail before though!

Plutonomics

I'm always the same, worrying before interviews, just have to remember that it's completely normal and every other person in that room will feel the same, even the people interviewing you have been in the exact same position. Try and dress smart as this not only gives a good impression on the interviewers but also will make you feel more comfortable and most likely perform your best.

Good luck and hope it goes well! (it'll be over before you know and afterwards you'll wonder what you were even worrying about)