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WATERSTONES Interview Tomorrow - HELP PLEASE!
I got a call today from the manager of Waterstones’ in Oxford Street and I have an interview tomorrow. Very nervous as I want this job a lot.
I handed in my CV, a cover letter and their application form. So what questions can I expect to be asked? Has anyone here had an interview at Waterstones’. How long and gruelling is it? Are they difficult interviews?
How should I answer questions like what is my favourite book? What 3 books would I take on a desert island? How would I improve store layout? And which books currently are the big sellers that I should research?
Does anyone know how many people they typically interview for each job available. Is it everyone who hands in a CV or just a few?
In addition, what should I wear? I know that the dress code for employees is quite casual. I am thinking of wearing a suit, shirt and tie, or maybe just shirt and suit with no tie. Any suggestions?
I made it clear in my application form that I am only temporarily available (for the whole of August), yet the job they have available is from mid July to the end of August. However, I go on holiday on Sunday and so won’t be able to work the first 2 weeks of that period. Do you think that will disadvantage me?
This is my first job interview so any generic interview tips would be helpful too.
In short, how can I prepare for this interview?
Thank you for your help in advance – sorry it was such a long post
p.s. I also have the problem that one of the refeeres I gave is my school housemaster; however, he will be uncontactable during the summer holidays - will this be a problem?
I handed in my CV, a cover letter and their application form. So what questions can I expect to be asked? Has anyone here had an interview at Waterstones’. How long and gruelling is it? Are they difficult interviews?
How should I answer questions like what is my favourite book? What 3 books would I take on a desert island? How would I improve store layout? And which books currently are the big sellers that I should research?
Does anyone know how many people they typically interview for each job available. Is it everyone who hands in a CV or just a few?
In addition, what should I wear? I know that the dress code for employees is quite casual. I am thinking of wearing a suit, shirt and tie, or maybe just shirt and suit with no tie. Any suggestions?
I made it clear in my application form that I am only temporarily available (for the whole of August), yet the job they have available is from mid July to the end of August. However, I go on holiday on Sunday and so won’t be able to work the first 2 weeks of that period. Do you think that will disadvantage me?
This is my first job interview so any generic interview tips would be helpful too.
In short, how can I prepare for this interview?
Thank you for your help in advance – sorry it was such a long post
p.s. I also have the problem that one of the refeeres I gave is my school housemaster; however, he will be uncontactable during the summer holidays - will this be a problem?
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
Mr Nonsense
I got a call today from the manager of Waterstones’ in Oxford Street and I have an interview tomorrow. Very nervous as I want this job a lot.
I handed in my CV, a cover letter and their application form. So what questions can I expect to be asked? Has anyone here had an interview at Waterstones’. How long and gruelling is it? Are they difficult interviews?
How should I answer questions like what is my favourite book? What 3 books would I take on a desert island? How would I improve store layout? And which books currently are the big sellers that I should research?
Does anyone know how many people they typically interview for each job available. Is it everyone who hands in a CV or just a few?
In addition, what should I wear? I know that the dress code for employees is quite casual. I am thinking of wearing a suit, shirt and tie, or maybe just shirt and suit with no tie. Any suggestions?
I made it clear in my application form that I am only temporarily available (for the whole of August), yet the job they have available is from mid July to the end of August. However, I go on holiday on Sunday and so won’t be able to work the first 2 weeks of that period. Do you think that will disadvantage me?
This is my first job interview so any generic interview tips would be helpful too.
In short, how can I prepare for this interview?
Thank you for your help in advance – sorry it was such a long post
I handed in my CV, a cover letter and their application form. So what questions can I expect to be asked? Has anyone here had an interview at Waterstones’. How long and gruelling is it? Are they difficult interviews?
How should I answer questions like what is my favourite book? What 3 books would I take on a desert island? How would I improve store layout? And which books currently are the big sellers that I should research?
Does anyone know how many people they typically interview for each job available. Is it everyone who hands in a CV or just a few?
In addition, what should I wear? I know that the dress code for employees is quite casual. I am thinking of wearing a suit, shirt and tie, or maybe just shirt and suit with no tie. Any suggestions?
I made it clear in my application form that I am only temporarily available (for the whole of August), yet the job they have available is from mid July to the end of August. However, I go on holiday on Sunday and so won’t be able to work the first 2 weeks of that period. Do you think that will disadvantage me?
This is my first job interview so any generic interview tips would be helpful too.
In short, how can I prepare for this interview?
Thank you for your help in advance – sorry it was such a long post
Well, I work in WH Smith, so not Waterstones, but I wore a full suit, with really neat hair etc. They asked me questions like:
"Why do you want to work here?" My answer: "The staff are always willing to help customers and are happy, it seem like a good place to work"
"Do you have any questions?" My answer: "Will there be the possibility to work extra shifts" etc
For my job, there were three positions, but they didn't interview everyone that handed in an application form.
The interview lasted 10 minutes - my Mum was really worried that I hadn't got the job because it was so short.
Smile, be polite, confident.
Good luck!
Reply 2
Always go for the suit shirt tie option when going for interviews. It gives off a very good impression.
Plan answers for all of the questions you have already asked yourself.
I can't give you help about what they would ask since I've never applied to WaterStones, but I applied to my local library, and they asked me:
It was a max of 10 mins in there! Thats all
General advise:
Stay calm! I'm sure you'll do great
Good Luck!
Plan answers for all of the questions you have already asked yourself.
I can't give you help about what they would ask since I've never applied to WaterStones, but I applied to my local library, and they asked me:
•
How do you think we can improve
•
What is attractive about a library
•
What other services do we offer
•
Favorite book and why
•
Why are you suited to this job
It was a max of 10 mins in there! Thats all
General advise:
•
Stay calm!
•
It's better to stay silent rather than say "Um"
•
Try talking as much as you can, the more you talk, the less questions they ask you and the better it is for you!
•
Try intertwining some of your past experience into the interview if possible
•
Smile
Stay calm! I'm sure you'll do great
Good Luck!
Reply 3
13
I have never had a job before (had work experience) and whenever I rang up to ask for jobs at other branches, they asked what retail experience I have? i.e. none. How can i get around this problem?
should i say something like, "although I have not previously worked in a retail environment, I believe that I would be quick to learn and have the skills and competencies required to succeed. I also have an understanding of the need for presentation and order as well as cheerful customer service." or something similar
thank you for your help so far....
should i say something like, "although I have not previously worked in a retail environment, I believe that I would be quick to learn and have the skills and competencies required to succeed. I also have an understanding of the need for presentation and order as well as cheerful customer service." or something similar
thank you for your help so far....
Reply 4
If you haven't had a job before, you don't need to mention it. They will be able to see that on your CV, but you don't need to bring it up again.
Say exactly what you said but take out "although I have not previously worked in a retail environment"
So you end up with:
"I believe that I would be quick to learn and have the skills and competencies required to succeed. I also have an understanding of the need for presentation and order as well as cheerful customer service."
Say exactly what you said but take out "although I have not previously worked in a retail environment"
So you end up with:
"I believe that I would be quick to learn and have the skills and competencies required to succeed. I also have an understanding of the need for presentation and order as well as cheerful customer service."
Reply 5
My sister had an interview at Waterstones and got the job. They asked her at the interview:
- What was you worst customer service that you have received
- What was your best customer service that you have received
- How would your friends describe you
- If a customer wanted a present for her aunt what would you recommend
- What would you contribute to the store
- What was the last book you have read
- What book have you read that has changed your views on life
- How did you deal with a bad customer - they asked her this cos she used to work in a restraunt for 1 year.
She dressed casual/smart for the interview, a black top and jeans with flat shoes, they called her back on the day saying she got the job, she gets paid £7.01p an hour, not fair lol, I need a job too. Her interview lasted round half an hour
- What was you worst customer service that you have received
- What was your best customer service that you have received
- How would your friends describe you
- If a customer wanted a present for her aunt what would you recommend
- What would you contribute to the store
- What was the last book you have read
- What book have you read that has changed your views on life
- How did you deal with a bad customer - they asked her this cos she used to work in a restraunt for 1 year.
She dressed casual/smart for the interview, a black top and jeans with flat shoes, they called her back on the day saying she got the job, she gets paid £7.01p an hour, not fair lol, I need a job too. Her interview lasted round half an hour
Reply 6
ThisCantBeChanged
My sister had an interview at Waterstones and got the job. They asked her at the interview:
- What was you worst customer service that you have received
- What was your best customer service that you have received
- How would your friends describe you
- If a customer wanted a present for her aunt what would you recommend
- What would you contribute to the store
- What was the last book you have read
- What book have you read that has changed your views on life
- How did you deal with a bad customer - they asked her this cos she used to work in a restraunt for 1 year.
- What was you worst customer service that you have received
- What was your best customer service that you have received
- How would your friends describe you
- If a customer wanted a present for her aunt what would you recommend
- What would you contribute to the store
- What was the last book you have read
- What book have you read that has changed your views on life
- How did you deal with a bad customer - they asked her this cos she used to work in a restraunt for 1 year.
Same for me. Although I work in British Bookshops.
Reply 7
how old do you have to be to work at waterstones? ive heard some say 18.....but why?
Reply 8
16
I worked in waterstone's for 5 years... Not sure what kind of help you need.. PM me if you need additional help to the one given in the thread
Reply 9
I had an interview in Waterstones this week (though not the same branch, or I probs wouldn't be posting!). I only had one question even vaguely about books (although I am an English graduate, so maybe they assume that I'd know some stuff? idk) - and that was something about a book that has had a big impact on you. Can't quite remember.
Other questions I got were based a lot around things like team-work and customer service - there wasn't just one question on each of these things, but a block i.e. "what do you think makes good customer service?", "how do you know when you've given good customer service", "give an example of when you've gone out of your way to help a customer" etc. Also stuff about working with difficult people, dealing with difficult customers. Ooh, and one about how much supervision you were under in your last job, and whether that level suited you. Generally, they were quite typical interview questions (have you checked out the interview thread?).
Quite a few of my questions took the assumption that I'd had a job before ("give an example of a time when you've used your initiative to boost sales" - that kind of thing). Maybe they'd use a different set if you haven't? I suppose the thing to do would be do think about how you would hypothetically deal with those situations?
She told me at the start that everyone had the same questions - don't know if that meant everyone just at that branch. She was certainly reading them off some official looking form.
Most of all - don't panic. My interview certainly was v relaxed, and although I got a bit tongue-twisted on a couple of questions, I jut kinda laughed it off, took a moment and then clarified. No big deal. She was really friendly. It was maybe about 1/2hr, though I couldn't be sure.
I'd probably not go for the tie if I were you - a nice shirt and decent trousers should be fine. I didn't go super-formal. Don't really think it's that kind of place. As long as you look clean and presentable, and like you've made an effort it'll be fine.
(Also: I put my personal tutor down c/o the english office at my uni - but obviously he won't be contactable either. I'm sure they realise that it's the summer holidays. Did you put someone else down?)
Good luck!
Other questions I got were based a lot around things like team-work and customer service - there wasn't just one question on each of these things, but a block i.e. "what do you think makes good customer service?", "how do you know when you've given good customer service", "give an example of when you've gone out of your way to help a customer" etc. Also stuff about working with difficult people, dealing with difficult customers. Ooh, and one about how much supervision you were under in your last job, and whether that level suited you. Generally, they were quite typical interview questions (have you checked out the interview thread?).
Quite a few of my questions took the assumption that I'd had a job before ("give an example of a time when you've used your initiative to boost sales" - that kind of thing). Maybe they'd use a different set if you haven't? I suppose the thing to do would be do think about how you would hypothetically deal with those situations?
She told me at the start that everyone had the same questions - don't know if that meant everyone just at that branch. She was certainly reading them off some official looking form.
Most of all - don't panic. My interview certainly was v relaxed, and although I got a bit tongue-twisted on a couple of questions, I jut kinda laughed it off, took a moment and then clarified. No big deal. She was really friendly. It was maybe about 1/2hr, though I couldn't be sure.
I'd probably not go for the tie if I were you - a nice shirt and decent trousers should be fine. I didn't go super-formal. Don't really think it's that kind of place. As long as you look clean and presentable, and like you've made an effort it'll be fine.
(Also: I put my personal tutor down c/o the english office at my uni - but obviously he won't be contactable either. I'm sure they realise that it's the summer holidays. Did you put someone else down?)
Good luck!
Reply 10
tokyorose888
how old do you have to be to work at waterstones? ive heard some say 18.....but why?
my sister is 17 and works at waterstones. 18? maybee because of pornnny/erotic books lol
Reply 11
13
thank you for your help everyone.
so tie or no tie?
and how should i answer the question - what can you offer? / why should you be given the job? when this is for a temporary retail job.
Thanks for your help again - i'll let you know how it goes. Fingers crossed as i really want it - it is the perfect job for me as it is only weekends so i still get my holiday whilst earning.
so tie or no tie?
and how should i answer the question - what can you offer? / why should you be given the job? when this is for a temporary retail job.
Thanks for your help again - i'll let you know how it goes. Fingers crossed as i really want it - it is the perfect job for me as it is only weekends so i still get my holiday whilst earning.
Reply 12
13
anyone?
Reply 13
how long did it take for waterstones to get back to you once you handed in the application?
Reply 14
Mr Nonsense
thank you for your help everyone.
so tie or no tie?
and how should i answer the question - what can you offer? / why should you be given the job? when this is for a temporary retail job.
Thanks for your help again - i'll let you know how it goes. Fingers crossed as i really want it - it is the perfect job for me as it is only weekends so i still get my holiday whilst earning.
so tie or no tie?
and how should i answer the question - what can you offer? / why should you be given the job? when this is for a temporary retail job.
Thanks for your help again - i'll let you know how it goes. Fingers crossed as i really want it - it is the perfect job for me as it is only weekends so i still get my holiday whilst earning.
I'd go for a tie.
Reply 15
I work in Waterstones at the moment, good advice has already been given though, so I doubt mine could be of any worth.
Reply 16
13
nothingspek
I work in Waterstones at the moment, good advice has already been given though, so I doubt mine could be of any worth.
what sort of questions did you have in your interview?
Reply 17
Mr Nonsense
what sort of questions did you have in yur interview?
Favourite book, and why. A book that has changed my life in any way.
Experience working in retail.
How to deal with tricky customers.
They asked me to roleplay; The interviewer being the customer and I the bookseller (that's the hardest one I guess, but I doubt they'll ask you to do it.)
Ahh, this was ages ago, I've forgotten most.
Reply 18
13
fieryiceissweet
how long did it take for waterstones to get back to you once you handed in the application?
1 week
the manager rang today and said can you come for an interview tomorrow at x o'clock
Reply 19
13
nothingspek
Favourite book, and why. A book that has changed my life in any way.
Experience working in retail.
How to deal with tricky customers.
They asked me to roleplay; The interviewer being the customer and I the bookseller (that's the hardest one I guess, but I doubt they'll ask you to do it.)
Ahh, this was ages ago, I've forgotten most.
Experience working in retail.
How to deal with tricky customers.
They asked me to roleplay; The interviewer being the customer and I the bookseller (that's the hardest one I guess, but I doubt they'll ask you to do it.)
Ahh, this was ages ago, I've forgotten most.
thanks
what sort of reasons did you give for your favourite book?
and what was the roleplay about?
how much will it matter that i have never worked before?
+ rep to you too - thanks for your help
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