[katy1986]

I had an interview this morning at M&S. (I was previously posting as Ecky above). I had a two part interview. First was a more general section, asking questions like why do you want to work for us? etc

Then a role play situation with the interviewer.

The whole thing was fine.

Got offered the job there and then!

[baby_emmy]

Congrats!!

-x-

[Chris12345]

(Original post by baby_emmy)
Congrats!!

-x-

anyone know what the answers are to the questions "which is most like you" and "which is least like you" on the M&S online application form. Seems stupid how they can see if your suitable from just that. Ive tried 4 times and failed them all. Bunch of time wasters, no wonder their doing so bad.

[baby_emmy]

Well i had answers from when i applied 6 weeks ago, and at the time they were right - it's now since changed!!! Know what you mean about them doing badly - my line manager treated me like crap and my friends who still work there told friends from their school (my local M&S really relies on students for jobs!!) and so hardly anyone has applied this summer and they are really under staffed!!

Think it's a good idea to note down what you answered for each question, incase you put everything the same down again! Then if you pass you can tell us all the answers! Lol!

-x-

[omarshaffi]

I remember when I did my interview, and also answered questions on the phone I was finding them tricky but I had a method, and it must have worked as i was offered a job.

When ever you answer a question, you must put yourself in the position of a manager who wants nothing more than for him/her-self and M&S to suceed.

In other words, dont answer questions from the "part time employee" point of view but from a managerial point of view.

For example:

If you were asked why you want to work for us. Dont say becuase you want to earn money and its a an easy job.
Say something like, I want to work for one of the UK's leading department stores and want to earn a wage whilst gaining retail experience.

Good luck any1 applying

[pezz]

what kind of things did you say to "why do you want to work for us?"
katy was yours a group interview in any sense? what did you wear?

[nettle7]

If I had been asked I would have said that I respected the company because it epitomises Britishness and is well loved for its consistancy in quality of produce whilst responding to the changing times (e.g. Per Una) and also I respect the ethical progress it is making (freerange eggs, organics, fairtrade clothing)- the things I believe in- and thus would be proud to work for it.

I found it easy to work out an answer to that Q- as a company (despite the bastardness of their interviewing) I do respect them. Much harder for supermarkets I despise (Tesco springs to mind. I would have difficulty saying any good thing there)

Unfortunately, they never asked

[Praddles]

I've just got a job at M&S - didn't have to do a phone interview or anything - lets you book your interview online now at certain stores (although the time it gave me was different to the one my interviewer had so I ended up being half an hour late).

It was all one on one - no group interview. I was asked the normal stuff:

Why do you want to work for M&S?
What makes M&S better than it's competitors?
Give me an example of a time when you've had to work in a team.
Give me an example of when you've have to work individually to complete a task quickly.
How would you react in a situation where a customer is upset?

And others which I can't remember now. Wore a shirt and trousers (both from M&S coincidently!) - no tie.

Then I was taken down into the store and had 10 minutes to approach 2 customers - one who was looking at a product, and another who had just walked into the store, while being assessed. Being my luck, the woman who walked into the store wanted to buy lingerie, and being a guy I immediately felt a bit awkward. So I just took her to the department while making friendly small talk (weather, how often they come to M&S, etc) and once there I told her if she needed any help, a sales advisor would be happy to assist. It's simple stuff - you just need to be confident with customer services as they're assessing how good your people skills are. Help them as much as you can, try to recommend other products and be polite and friendly - anything you're not sure about, you can just ask your assessor.

[rico dan man]

all them senarios have never come to reality where i work, my new m and s uniform is good (all black), to my interview i wore a shirt, jeans and trainers.

[baby_emmy]

Store i use to work in (went to visit a friend), still haven't updated the uniform! Lol, it's still what i had to wear a year ago!

-x-

[pezz]

how long after getting the job did they contact you to start work? I've got the job but have been put on "hold" told me they'd ring me since they're rearranging people's working shifts...

[Praddles]

My induction is scheduled about 10 days after being offered the job at the interview. Start work in the same week.

[pezz]

did they tell you this on the day or just ring you after 10 days?

[Praddles]

They told me on the day.

[ajcool]

hi,
I have a assesment 'interview' coming and i was wondering what did you guys who have had their interview have to do in the role paying thing??, because i got a email from them saying :

"The assessment consists of one exercise that is designed to assess your ability to deliver great customer service. There will also be an opportunity for you to talk with a member of the Marks and Spencer team during a one to one discussion where you can ask any questions you may have regarding the job. This discussion does not form part of the assessment. The whole assessment should last around an hour."

did any of you guys who got the role playing thing or have to approach a customer get this email from m&s.

and did any of you have to both the role playing and have to approach a customer, or just one of them ?

thanks

[JP2403]

Hi,

I just completed the application online and was told to arrange time for interview assessment thing. However it said they didnt have any assessment times available at hte store that I applied to, so they told me to arrange a time at another store in the nearby area. I just wondered if this is normal? or if anyone else has had to do it?

I dont want to end up working in this store because it is an extra 40 mins added on to the journey I would have to do if I worked in my normal store.

Any one know?
Thanks

[Praddles]

(Original post by JP2403)
Hi,

I just completed the application online and was told to arrange time for interview assessment thing. However it said they didnt have any assessment times available at hte store that I applied to, so they told me to arrange a time at another store in the nearby area. I just wondered if this is normal? or if anyone else has had to do it?

I dont want to end up working in this store because it is an extra 40 mins added on to the journey I would have to do if I worked in my normal store.

Any one know?
Thanks

It's most likely they'll just interview you there and then let your local store know if you're a suitable candidate or not.

[ajcool]

hi,
I have a assesment 'interview' coming and i was wondering what did you guys who have had their interview have to do in the role paying thing??, because i got a email from them saying :

"The assessment consists of one exercise that is designed to assess your ability to deliver great customer service. There will also be an opportunity for you to talk with a member of the Marks and Spencer team during a one to one discussion where you can ask any questions you may have regarding the job. This discussion does not form part of the assessment. The whole assessment should last around an hour."

did any of you guys who got the role playing thing or have to approach a customer get this email from m&s.

and did any of you have to both the role playing and have to approach a customer, or just one of them ?

thanks

[Praddles]

I got that email, and I had to approach two customers on the shop floor. Didn't have to do the roleplay though, which is fine by me because I'd fell stupid doing it..

[Pocoyo]

I did this test online and it said i failed??????? I've done it twice now and have no idea how to pass it. Can someone help me out, i really need a job.

I am the sort of person who:

1 A Seeks to understand the actions of others
B Shows enthusiasm
C Is effective in problem solving
D Assesses own work in commercial terms

2 A Puts the customer first
B Is prepared to make tough decisions
C Is respected by others
D Focuses on the longer term

3 A Writes clearly and succinctly
B Adapts to change positively
C Builds effective teams
D Is positive about work

4 A Recognises the potential of others
B Is committed to achieving high standards
C Takes responsibility for own decisions
D Assesses the risks involved in decisions

5 A Sticks to recommended working procedures
B Keeps track of own activities
C Promotes team work
D Absorbs knowledge quickly

6 A Works hard to meet customer needs
B Is effective in written communication
C Recognises how people are feeling
D Takes calculated risks

7 A Allocates realistic time scales for activities
B Is reliable
C Takes care in self presentation
D Takes an energetic approach to work

8 A Draws appropriate conclusions
B Is flexible in approach
C Is effective in providing a strategic view
D Takes responsibility for the consequences of own actions

9 A Advises others on how they may best apply their talents
B Acquires new skills rapidly
C Remains focused when faced with difficulties
D Has strong commercial instincts

10 A Checks work for errors
B Is able to settle others in conflict
C Co-ordinates group activities
D Identifies urgent decisions

11 A Observes others' behaviours
B Encourages a culture of continuous learning
C Drives others towards goals
D Thinks in strategic terms

12 A Generates workable solutions
B Encourages co-operation within teams
C Recovers quickly from setbacks
D Encourages risk taking

13 A Delivers high quality service to customers
B Is aware of competitor activity
C Makes time for planning
D Can be trusted not to compromise on standards

14 A Warns others in advance of unplanned schedule changes
B Expresses self confidently in groups
C Stands by own decisions
D Structures work appropriately

15 A Is determined to succeed
B Demonstrates commitment to the development of others
C Is open to new ideas
D Takes calculated risks when appropriate

16 A Establishes good relationships with others
B Finds out the causes of problems
C Ensures the team remains focused
D Supports colleagues

17 A Shows drive and determination
B Makes the best use of learning opportunities
C Identifies opportunities to reduce costs
D Takes risks rather than missing opportunities

18 A Identifies talent
B Focuses on organisational plans
C Accepts accountability for own decisions
D Works to please the customer

19 A Is decisive
B Introduces fresh insights
C Keeps the attention of the audience when speaking
D Pays attention to planning

20 A Arrives at work on time
B Shows commitment to the organisation
C Remains objective under pressure
D Writes in a fluent manner

21 A Gives advice to others
B Relates to others at all levels
C Considers what the organisation will achieve in the long-term
D Avoids jargon in written communication

22 A Follows safety rules and regulations
B Remains composed under pressure
C Seeks responsibility
D Analyses relevant information

23 A Admits own mistakes
B Is effective in dealing with commercial issues
C Takes customer complaints seriously
D Gets the best out of individuals

24 A Changes the opinions of others
B Keeps sight of overall goals and objectives of the organisation
C Takes risks by adopting new directions
D Fits in well with the team

25 A Generates imaginative alternatives
B Is realistic about time scales
C Makes quick decisions under pressure
D Uses feedback to increase organisational effectiveness

26 A Motivates others to achieve goals
B Is effective in persuading others
C Quickly builds rapport
D Is prepared to take the initiative

27 A Wants to get ahead in the organisation
B Chooses appropriate words and expressions
C Identifies customer needs
D Follows instructions from others

28 A Defines team goals
B Effectively manages own emotions
C Recognises own mistakes
D Identifies the core of a problem

29 A Remains confident in ambiguous situations
B Connects well with the team
C Is profit conscious
D Takes calculated risks

30 A Works towards long term organisational goals
B Memorises facts and processes
C Produces clear project plans
D Presents a positive image of the organisation

For each question you have to choose one option which you feel you're "Most Like" and one you're "Least Like". I really have no idea. Can those that have passed this tell me the answers PLEASE!!!!

Thank you in Advance.