John Lewis group interview

Hi, I’ve been invited to a John Lewis ‘assessment’. Does anyone have any advice and tips, this is my first interview and i’m trying not to be nervous!

Thanks in advance

Hi, my first interview was at John Lewis aswell - I did not get the job, but I definitely learned A LOT from the experience.

The group interview consisted of many scenario questions.
You have to discuss with others to try and come up with a solution for these problems that customers are facing, (you will have 15-20 minutes to do so),
and then you will tell your answers to the assessor.

For the scenario questions, make sure to mention:
Price Points, (ask customers what price they are looking for)
Recommendations, or alternatives, (If a product is not in-store, you can always help the customer find a product online, or find a similar product).
Ask the customer appropriate questions, so you have more of an idea of what the customers needs are.
If a customer is angry or upset, try to remain calm, and acknowledge that the customer is upset, and then ask how they would like to be helped.
I think that is all I can think of at the moment... I will let you know if there is more

General Interview Tips:
Try to remain calm and relaxed.
Smart, formal clothing. A girl turned up to the group interview in a crop top, and I turned up in smart clothing. (I am not sure how she got the job )

Because it is/ or might be a group interview, you might meet people who have some previous experienced in retail. Please do not let this put you off, in terms of you not having any experience at all, and might not know what to do in the customer-facing scenarios. (I know for a fact that this happened to me, and that my mind kept on gong blank, during discussions). Make sure to be confident to put your ideas towards the discussion, even if you think the idea is not that good, at least try and participate.

Make sure to ask questions, (No question is a stupid question)!
If you follow my advice, I'm sure you will do fine

After the interview is finished, you will be asked to fill out what hours and days you can work, you will also need to put down you phone number.

Bring a passport or Birth Certificate and your NI number with you.
They did not ask for my NI number, but just make sure to take it with you.

Overall, just try your best, make sure to be comfortable and relaxed.
Participate and present your ideas in the discussion.
Do not be afraid to disagree with others!

Research the company, Here are John Lewis' Values -
DO RIGHT: We act with integrity and use our judgement to do the right thing.

ALL OR NOTHING: We put everything we have into everything we do.

GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE: We put more in, so everyone gets more out.

BE YOURSELF. ALWAYS: We’re quirky, proud and at our best when we are free to be ourselves.

WE NOT ME: When we work together anything is possible.

I never had a one-to-one interview after the group interview, but just prepare for it, just in case. If you do have an one-to-one interview, the four values are good to mention.
Let me know if you have any questions

I wish you all the best!

Group interviews are somewhat scary but doable. Here are some useful general advice and tips. Answer all interview questions honestly. Wear smart and formal clothes. Be calm and remain totally positive. Research the company and make some brief notes. Prepare yourself as well for the actual career interview.
Read a few interview preparation books, and do a mock preparatory interview a week or so earlier as that will also help. Bring a pen so you can fill out any required paperwork. Contrary to popular belief, avoid asking questions directly, rather it is much better to disguise your question as a hidden request for a bit more information and speak clearly.
Here is a classic example
Describe your skills
Tell me about your company

THIS HELPS SO MUCH!

Thank you so much!

I’ll make sure to practice! thanks a lot!

How did the interview go? And have you heard back from them yet? )

The interview was great! It was very relaxed and I met the manager because I was early and he really calmed me down. The assessment was like a group thing where you discuss scenarios with other applicants and come to a conclusion so it was vital that i got my points across in the short time. I got an email saying i was successful the next day, and my offer and other information will come in the next two weeks

Congratulations! Getting your points across, definitely did the trick.
I hope you all the best with your new job!

By the way, how were the scenario questions? Were they difficult?

Thank you so much for your help! The scenario questions were somewhat difficult to think of answers, there was a scenario where you have to think of products as a gift for a customer’s brother, and the information given in the scenario was quite vague. This was why I liked having this as a group exercise because we could bounce off each other and form answers together, which definitely lifted some weight!

The interview was great! It was very relaxed and I met the manager because I was early and he really calmed me down. The assessment was like a group thing where you discuss scenarios with other applicants and come to a conclusion so it was vital that i got my points across in the short time. I got an email saying i was successful the next day, and my offer and other information will come in the next two weeks