Is my C.V really that bad?

Be friendly and attentive. Don't be arrogant whatsoever.

Eye contact and smile. Listen very carefully to what is said and asked of you.

Show enthusiasm and drive.

For this type of job interview, unless you're a complete plank you can't go too far wrong.

Prepare your answers to questions such as:

"Why do you want to work for B&Q?" and "What makes you suited to the role?" etc.

This means researching (briefly) the company's history and corporate values - this shows enthusiasm!

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company/store/job role. Again, this shows enthusiasm.

Something like: "What is the store's annual turnover?" or "How available is progession within the role?"

Not: "Do I have to work bank holidays?" or "Is there a union?" (These may seem 'negative'. You can always find these out later.)

If in doubt, pop down to your local store and people-watch. See what the current staff are like (good traits). Use your common sense.
 
Last edited:
I'm not going to uni this year, probably next year. For the interview I'm researching some of the company information like number of products, stores and sales. I'm quite familiar with most of the products they sell from hardware to garden equipment so I should be ok to talk about that.
I don't know what I could say really about what I could offer the company other than hard work and a general knowledge of a lot of their products. Willing to learn new things I guess.
 
Yateszy said:
Now I'm offered an interview on Friday, I've never had a real interview before so what can I expect? Any tips?
Click to expand...
When first introduced and someone sticks out their hand give a firm handshake looking them in the eye. I've been involved in interview processes where the candidate gives a limp handshake (sometimes almost a vague wave in your direction which brushes your hand :rolleyes: ) while looking at the floor. It immediately gives a bad impression. You don't need to crush their knuckles or shake their arm off, just a firm grasp and one shake while looking at them and saying something simple like "Good to meet you" or even just "Hello". A limp hand brush while avoiding eye contact and a mummer puts the interview off to a terrible start IMO.

Yateszy said:
How is that possible when you have no previous experience in retail? I've never worked for a shop before, however I am hoping to do some volunteering work soon maybe that could help.
Click to expand...
I do volunteering in a charity furniture store and if you're after some experience which is in a similar line to what your CV involves that might be worth a look. I wear vaguely smart stuff to work each day and was on my way to work when I stopped in to enquire about it and they seemed pretty happy to have the interest. Most of their unpaid helpers come from the local courts after being handed community service as their sentence so if you come across as polite, vaguely neat and not a junkie (a few enquire about part time jobs every now and again while eyeing the register...) you shouldn't have too much trouble finding some volunteer work. They had me fill in a form giving contact details, reasons why I signed up and 2 people who could vouch I'm not a character of ill repute but that's what anyone would ask for. I didn't even have to give employers, just a friend who'd put in a good word would have been enough.

Makes a nice change of pace from sitting at a desk 5 days a week in a small company. Also gives you experience in dealing with people who are 'unhappy' with something and consider you the cause of all that's wrong in the world.
 
I just had my interview and I think it went well and hope I get the job. The hours are 21:00 - 02:00 which I didn't know about until the interview, but I am happy enough with them because they don't clash with college. Really hope I did alight since they threw questions at me that I had to think of an answer on the spot, but I tried not to pause much and give decent answers.
I was also the last person to be interviewed.:D

Oh yeah this was an interview that I got with that rubbish C.V.:p
 
Yateszy said:
I've not had any news on the job since my interview on Friday, what should I do? Wait or ask what's going on?
Click to expand...

They probably have quite a few people to interview, if you don't hear anything for two weeks then drop them an email for some feedback.
 
Yateszy said:
Yes but don't know if it's too early to phone or what exactly to say. I've never had an interview before so don't know the process well.
Click to expand...
"Awight mate giz a job ye?"

Or maybe something like "I am enquiring if the position is still open, and if you have made a decision or have any feedback for me?"

I'd probably wait a bit longer actually. 1 week after the interview is about right.
 
Well they phoned to say I was unsuccessful. Not really surprised but a bit gutted as this seemed the perfect job. It was a lot of effort though to get nowhere, on the phone they just said the other candidates "scored higher" than me. The problem was they phoned me while I was sleeping so bad timing really.:cool:

I might try some garden centres or something like that, if I get nowhere I can just work for my dad and volunteer at a warehouse to get some experience.:)

I'm just glad I don't need to find a full time job for a good 5 years because I'm going to university so hopefully the economy is better after then.
 
Got a call from Next about a job interview for "Stockroom Assistant". Since I failed my B&Q interview because I scored less than the other candidates what should I do in this interview to give me a better chance of getting the job?

It's a new store opening so I might have a better chance. Very surprised to hear from Next and not sure what it would be like working there.:)

Also what the heck do I wear?
 
Last edited:
Yateszy said:
Well they phoned to say I was unsuccessful. Not really surprised but a bit gutted as this seemed the perfect job. It was a lot of effort though to get nowhere, on the phone they just said the other candidates "scored higher" than me. The problem was they phoned me while I was sleeping so bad timing really.:cool:
Click to expand...

If it's any consolation, I missed out on a job due to the same reason a while ago. I tend to work evenings and my body-clock is slightly out of whack most of the time because of it. I answered the phone, thinking it was a friend to be greeted by someone else only for me to jump up started making an "Uhhhhh" noise. I then heard a chap in the background say "No."

Luck of the draw really. I still maintain that chap is a banker, mind.
 
Yateszy said:
Got a call from Next about a job interview for "Stockroom Assistant". Since I failed my B&Q interview because I scored less than the other candidates what should I do in this interview to give me a better chance of getting the job?

It's a new store opening so I might have a better chance. Very surprised to hear from Next and not sure what it would be like working there.:)

Also what the heck do I wear?
Click to expand...

How long ago was the B&Q interview now? Ask for some constructive feedback.

Wear trousers, shirt, tie and smart shoes. A jumper, cardigan or blazer are optional - go smart.

Do you not have any ideas on where you felt you did well and where you may have been weak? Some potential answers to questions, for example.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom