Debenhams Thread

Surely all those questions are just common sense?

do they tell you after the phone interview if you havnt been succesful or only if you have? thanks

As far as the assessment centres go, mine was for a role in a brand new store so they were hiring a greater number of people. However, firstly we had to sit round a large table and state one true fact about ourselves and one false one, the other people in the group had to then guess which was true and which was false by asking a series of questions. Secondly, I *think* we were given a hand out of the different departments within the store and the clothing brands within the store and the demographic of people that were most likely to buy from a certain department I think we talked about that and there was some sort of exercise around it.

It all ended with a one on one interview where they asked you more or less the same questions as they did in the telephone interview and the application form.

I would definitely say to present yourself as confident and where possible, initiate conversation with others. It helped me previously.

Anyway, good luck!

I'm not sure, from what I've read they might say 'you'll be contacted if you're successful but if you haven't heard from us within 21 days then consider you've been unsuccessful on this occasion.' but I'm not sure, she just told me after a couple minutes on hold that I was successful.

Have you got a telephone interview with them?

yeah ive got mine tomorrow, really nervous!
ohh okay thanks

* what do Debenhams do and what do we sell? Debnehams offer a range of premium products with a high reputation. (You only touched on what they sell)

* who are our Debenhams customers and what services do we offer? Anybody who comes through the door (then expand on the services).

* who are Debenhams main competitors on the high street? Any other department store. (There could be local department stores so don't touch on names unless asked IMO of course)

* what is the job likely to involve? (What you said +) Maintaining the companies service standards.

Yeah, I thought that too but it seems to obvious, why would you have to research for that? These are the answers I'll use but I didn't have to research for them :/ That's what makes me think maybe there's more to it.

* what do Debenhams do and what do we sell? Debenhams sell a range of clothes, shoes, beauty products and home accessories.

* who are our Debenhams customers and what services do we offer? I think Debenhams customers are mainly women and the services include Instore ordering service, a free personal shopper and bra fitting.

* what sort of organisation are we? A chain of department stores

* who are Debenhams main competitors on the high street? House of Fraser, Marks & Spencers and John Lewis.

* what is the job likely to involve? Working on the tills, helping in the fittings rooms, cleaning and sorting displays, restocking items and approaching customers that I see need some help .
* how can you best fit your skills to match the job? I feel my attention to detail will be a plus in idenifying when a customer needs assistance, my enthusiastic attitude towards helping others and completing tasks will be a great fit for this job and also having previous customer service experience will be a plus.

x

I posted a reply to your other thread about this also.

Honestly, relax. They just want to see that you will put the customer first. All the answers you have given are what they are looking for.

They want bubbly, cheerful approachable and friendly staff! Staff who will put themselves out there and bend over backwards to help people

Everyone will be nervous but by the time you get to the interview (the one to one bit) you will be clued up as to what kind of people they want.

Their main customers are over 25's I think and not just women, lots of men

Relax! It is honestly not that difficult! Just make sure that you stand out. Dress to kill and don't be shy! They want to see out-going and bubbly individuals. The 1 2 1 interview is your chance though. They will basically go through the questions from the online application. So, do all your research and you will be fine! Good luck. Don't hesitate to ask me any questions. I'd be happy to help.

I'm just so nervous I think I've 'over researched' the interview and freaked myself out because so many stores do different exercises and I just hope there isn't a role play or the 'sell' exercise on my assessment

What did you have to do on your assessment day? and do you get asked alot of 'give me an example of when...'

I actually went to 2 Debenhams assessments for different stores and got both jobs! Ok, so the first one I had to write 3 facts about myself. 2 had to be true and 1 had to be false. Then we completed an activity where we had to think of words that represented customer service. You will most definitely do an exercise on the shop floor. We had to go out and identify customer wows and rescues. So basically what was good about the store and what needed "rescuing". Lastly was the 1 2 1 interview. Everything will be explained to you thoroughly.

The second one was similar but instead we had to write 5 words to describe ourselves.

Don't be nervous!! Just be as enthusiastic and energetic as possible. Talk to the other candidates. Ask general questions like " are you working currently" or " are you at college". Just light conversation. The assessors will be watching to see how you interact with others.

Yes, there are alot of "name a time when" questions. But nothing to worry about. Do you have previous experience?

I have worked as a shop assistant in 2 shops a sunbed shop and a dvd rental and I've worked in a cattery. I don't have any retail clothing experience. But the woman on the phone said from my answers it seems like I have excellent customer service skills. I hope we have to do the 'wow' and 'rescue' exercise.

I think I have a few answers for 'give me an example when...' knowing my luck I'll get the ones I've not prepared for haha. I don't have an answer for when did you do team work though.

Thanks for your help btw

That is ok.

The questions are (off the top of my head)

A time you received/gave good customer service. What was good/bad.

What do you think makes good C-S

Who are Debs competitors. What makes Debs different from them.

When did you work in a team. (Just say during your time at (said work place) it was essential that you were aware of your team role so that there was fluidity and the customer received the best possible service at every point in there shopping experience)

Why Debs.

Then other eligibility q's. If I think of any more I will let you know. Just revise what is on the app. That is basically what they ask. Again, relax and be yourself! Good luck!

Oh, and make sure you look immaculate! Appearance does count!

Ahh I had answers written down for those questions so I feel a little better for the interview, expect the team one and what makes Debs different from the other competitors I'll get some answers written for them

Thanks and Thanks!

For the Debs is different q, say their exceptional customer service. Although, Next and M&s have similar clientele, the service you receive in Debs sets it apart.

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