First Job Interview

[HarpyHibby]

I've got my first job interview on wednesday for tescos and I'm a bit nervous about it! Does anyone have any general advice for interviews or has anyone had an interview for a retail store like tescos or asdas before? Cheers

[Twa Cairpets]

I've got my first job interview on wednesday for tescos and I'm a bit nervous about it! Does anyone have any general advice for interviews or has anyone had an interview for a retail store like tescos or asdas before? Cheers

1. First rule, don't lie or claim to have done something you haven't. Its not "The Apprentice", and in the real world any half-decent experienced interviewer will catch you out. (It's also bloody difficult after a while to remember what you've said. if its all true you've no problem).
2. Maintain eye contact when youre talking, keep your posture postive and speak clearly and confidently.
3. If you're asked a question you cant answer immediately, take a second to think rather than blurting out something just to fill a gap. (Obviously dont take ages, just a few seconds to think about your answer to the question).
4. Think about what you are likely to be asked, and what answers you want to give. As you are 17, no-one is expecting you to have loads of experience, so questions may be along the lines of "Why do you want to work for Tescos", What do you do in your spare time?" "Can you think of a situation where you've succeeded at something and what did you do to succeed?" "Whats your biggest strength and your biggest weakness". (If you're asked this last one, don't say "I dont think I have any" - everyone does. A good answer for young people is "at the minute my biggest weakness is lack of experience - I see this opportunity as a way of getting some valuable experience at a leading company" or some such but in your own words.).

I've interviewed lots of people for lots of jobs, and the biggest failing young people have is under preparation and lack of thought about what they are actually applying for. The candidates that have always stood out are those who are confident, polite and answer in full sentences, not just "Aye" or "Dont know".

Finally, if you have a decent interviewer, they will understand you are nervous. In fact if they say "how are you today", there's no harm in saying "Im a bit nervous - this is my first interview" It sets out a stall for honesty straight off.

Good luck!!

[Woody1985]

If it's a woman interviewing you, picture her naked. If it's a man, do not picture them naked (unless you want to).

You're now going to think about this post when you go to your first serious job interview and try not to laugh, resulting in a little s****** that will probably stop you getting the job. Sorry. :tee hee:

[Hainan Hibs]

Had quite a few interviews this year as a placement year is a part of my degree.

Best advice I can give is to prepare. Try to think of a good reason for wanting the job and think of questions they may ask you (what are your strengths and weaknesses, what is your biggest achievement etc) and prepare some answers.

Appearance actually does make quite a big impression on interviewers so obviously dress smartly, try to come across confident and remember to smile. Also sit up straight (I'll sound like your mum, or a patronising dick, but it does make a big difference:greengrin)

I work part time at Sainsburys and they asked me why I wanted the job (retail experience, like working with public (bull****:greengrin)), asked about work experience, however as your 17 they might ask about extra curricular activities at school.

Last bit of advice I'd give is try to relax and think of it as good experience. The next interview you have you will know what to expect.

[GlesgaeHibby]

I've got my first job interview on wednesday for tescos and I'm a bit nervous about it! Does anyone have any general advice for interviews or has anyone had an interview for a retail store like tescos or asdas before? Cheers

I'm guessing you're going for a job at the new Musselburgh Extra being built just now.

My best advice is to be chatty, honest and enthusiastic and you should be fine. Ask them questions too, always helps such as :

Can I get overtime?
How much will I get paid?
etc

[--------]

I've got my first job interview on wednesday for tescos and I'm a bit nervous about it! Does anyone have any general advice for interviews or has anyone had an interview for a retail store like tescos or asdas before? Cheers


1. First rule, don't lie or claim to have done something you haven't. Its not "The Apprentice", and in the real world any half-decent experienced interviewer will catch you out. (It's also bloody difficult after a while to remember what you've said. if its all true you've no problem).
2. Maintain eye contact when youre talking, keep your posture postive and speak clearly and confidently.
3. If you're asked a question you cant answer immediately, take a second to think rather than blurting out something just to fill a gap. (Obviously dont take ages, just a few seconds to think about your answer to the question).
4. Think about what you are likely to be asked, and what answers you want to give. As you are 17, no-one is expecting you to have loads of experience, so questions may be along the lines of "Why do you want to work for Tescos", What do you do in your spare time?" "Can you think of a situation where you've succeeded at something and what did you do to succeed?" "Whats your biggest strength and your biggest weakness". (If you're asked this last one, don't say "I dont think I have any" - everyone does. A good answer for young people is "at the minute my biggest weakness is lack of experience - I see this opportunity as a way of getting some valuable experience at a leading company" or some such but in your own words.).

I've interviewed lots of people for lots of jobs, and the biggest failing young people have is under preparation and lack of thought about what they are actually applying for. The candidates that have always stood out are those who are confident, polite and answer in full sentences, not just "Aye" or "Dont know".

Finally, if you have a decent interviewer, they will understand you are nervous. In fact if they say "how are you today", there's no harm in saying "Im a bit nervous - this is my first interview" It sets out a stall for honesty straight off.

Good luck!!


Can't say better than TC has here. Honesty, courtesy, and a neat and appropriate appearance go a long way. Just show them the person you are - don't try to be someone you're not.

All the best tomorrow, mate.

[heretoday]

Just be yourself! Tesco are looking for nice people to work for them.

Forget all the body language nonsense.

[Dinkydoo]

The only bit of advice I can give (except from repeating what has already been said above) is, if you are falling short of what they are asking for the best thing you can possibly say is "I'm very enthusiatic and keen to learn." Try to also give an example of where you've picked something new up quickly in the past.

That helped me a lot in getting my first job (had two failed interviews before hand). I started out as a trainee Business Admin Apprentice 3 years ago on £2.40 per hour, after getting some experience under my belt at a relatively young age I've steadily progressed year after year and am now finally starting to get more involved in the field where I ultimately want to end up.

[Pretty Boy]

Can't really add a whole lot to what has already been said.

The best advice is to think of your answer to every question carefully. If you can't think of an answer immediately, little tricks like repeating the question are useful. This buys you a couple of seconds to think and shows you have understood what is being asked. If you genuinely can't think of an answer straight off then there is no shame in simply asking to come back to it. A simple 'I'm sorry i can't think of an answer to that right now, could we come back to it please?' is better than given a completely irrelevant answer. I've been both the interviewer and interviwee many times and have both used and seen this used and its made little difference to the outcome.

And rememer you are motivated by new challenges and work well as part of a team but equally well on your own initiative!!

[HarpyHibby]

Thanks for all the replies, I only got the phonecall on Monday night and my interview is tomorrow so I've not had too long to prepare but I've tried my best! I've sat down tonight and wrote down a couple of answers etc to some of the questions that have been suggested on here! What I've taken from this so far is just to be myself, if tesco like me for who I am then they do and if they don't there's 'plenty more fish in the sea'. Cheers, I'll let you all know how I get on :)!

[greenlex]

My brother works for tesco. If he can do it then it should be a skoosh for you.

[Killiehibbie]

When they ask why do you want to work for Tesco? Tell them with Tesco being the number one retailer in the country you want to be part of thet success and help to maintain that position.
It sounds better than gies a joab.

[Speedy]

When they ask why do you want to work for Tesco? Tell them with Tesco being the number one retailer in the country you want to be part of thet success and help to maintain that position.
It sounds better than gies a joab.

I'm not advising this but I've always wondered if an interviewer would be more impressed with honesty, i.e. you need money, rather than giving them some mince about how they are an attractive employer which has grown from an small independent trader to a huge successful organisation.

[HarpyHibby]

I'm not advising this but I've always wondered if an interviewer would be more impressed with honesty, i.e. you need money, rather than giving them some mince about how they are an attractive employer which has grown from an small independent trader to a huge successful organisation.


I think you're right, my mate was telling me tonight someone he knew got a job in asda because he answered honestly when he got ask what he would do if he won the lottery. Most people would say they would give it to charity etc!

Interview went fine, only lasted about 15 minutes as the girl just worked through a workbook :)! Find out in10 days if I am unsuccesfull and 4 weeks if I'm succesfull! Thanks for all the advice

[Speedy]

I think you're right, my mate was telling me tonight someone he knew got a job in asda because he answered honestly when he got ask what he would do if he won the lottery. Most people would say they would give it to charity etc!

Interview went fine, only lasted about 15 minutes as the girl just worked through a workbook :)! Find out in10 days if I am unsuccesfull and 4 weeks if I'm succesfull! Thanks for all the advice

Am I missing something? How does that work? :greengrin

Glad it went well by the way.

[HarpyHibby]

Am I missing something? How does that work? :greengrin

Glad it went well by the way.

Not got a clue haha! Cheers.

[Killiehibbie]

I'm not advising this but I've always wondered if an interviewer would be more impressed with honesty, i.e. you need money, rather than giving them some mince about how they are an attractive employer which has grown from an small independent trader to a huge successful organisation.Tesco love all that crap.

[GlesgaeHibby]

Am I missing something? How does that work? :greengrin

Glad it went well by the way.

The new store at musselburgh is about 8 weeks away from opening. Telling people if they've been successful or not in 4 weeks gives plenty of time for induction/training before the shop opens.

[ArabHibee]

I'm not advising this but I've always wondered if an interviewer would be more impressed with honesty, i.e. you need money, rather than giving them some mince about how they are an attractive employer which has grown from an small independent trader to a huge successful organisation.

I don't think that kind of answer would go down well with most employers.


I think you're right, my mate was telling me tonight someone he knew got a job in asda because he answered honestly when he got ask what he would do if he won the lottery. Most people would say they would give it to charity etc!

Interview went fine, only lasted about 15 minutes as the girl just worked through a workbook :)! Find out in10 days if I am unsuccesfull and 4 weeks if I'm succesfull! Thanks for all the advice

Slightly different type of question though from 'why do you want to work here?'


The new store at musselburgh is about 8 weeks away from opening. Telling people if they've been successful or not in 4 weeks gives plenty of time for induction/training before the shop opens.

Still makes no sense to me. So if you don't hear anything after about 15 days you can safely assume that you have a job because its after the 10 day unsuccessful time? :confused:

[Pete]

I agree with a lot that has been written but here's where I wouldn't.

I would lie through my teeth. My first interview was when I was sixteen for an engineering apprenticeship and I told the guy I built a bike using wood and a battery-powered go-cart....both total lies. I got the job.
You have one chance to make an impression and in todays climate people want exceptional candidates for their roles so you have to bring something exceptional to the table.

To be honest, when I done that interview I already had a job offer as an apprentice mechanic on the table so I went into it with a relaxed attitude because I didn't care wether I got the job or not....different times!
I think it was a combination of the lies plus the relaxed attitude that got me the job. It's hard to be relaxed nowadays because jobs are so scarce but I think you have to go in with that "so what...I can take or leave this job" sort of attitude. If you get it right you will come over as self-confident and relaxed to those interviewing you and that's what people want.

You're only on this earth for a visit and the people interviewing you are no better than you are. That's my advice.

[Twa Cairpets]

I agree with a lot that has been written but here's where I wouldn't.

I would lie through my teeth. My first interview was when I was sixteen for an engineering apprenticeship and I told the guy I built a bike using wood and a battery-powered go-cart....both total lies. I got the job.
You have one chance to make an impression and in todays climate people want exceptional candidates for their roles so you have to bring something exceptional to the table.

To be honest, when I done that interview I already had a job offer as an apprentice mechanic on the table so I went into it with a relaxed attitude because I didn't care wether I got the job or not....different times!
I think it was a combination of the lies plus the relaxed attitude that got me the job. It's hard to be relaxed nowadays because jobs are so scarce but I think you have to go in with that "so what...I can take or leave this job" sort of attitude. If you get it right you will come over as self-confident and relaxed to those interviewing you and that's what people want.

You're only on this earth for a visit and the people interviewing you are no better than you are. That's my advice.

What a load of absolute unadulterated steaming cack.

This from the man who on another thread stated - and I quote verbatim: "Low-level anti-social behaviour has now become acceptable as nobody does anything about it. Therefore kids are pushing the boundaries more and more due to the fact they aren't checked in the first instances. I agree that good behaviour begins at home but the amount of adults I know with a rank bad attitude towards society in general disciplining their kids is frighteningly high and definately on the increase."

What a bloody hypocrite. It's ok for me to indulge in low level antisocial behaviour, but not for anyone else, unless of course you regard being dishonest as not been antisocial behaviour.

I've caught out people lying in interviews, and thats where its finished. If they're dishonest at first meeting, how dishonest are they going to be when they work for me? And its not about the interviewer "being better". it's about them being in a position of employment seniority.

[Pete]

What a load of absolute unadulterated steaming cack.

This from the man who on another thread stated - and I quote verbatim: "Low-level anti-social behaviour has now become acceptable as nobody does anything about it. Therefore kids are pushing the boundaries more and more due to the fact they aren't checked in the first instances. I agree that good behaviour begins at home but the amount of adults I know with a rank bad attitude towards society in general disciplining their kids is frighteningly high and definately on the increase."

What a bloody hypocrite. It's ok for me to indulge in low level antisocial behaviour, but not for anyone else, unless of course you regard being dishonest as not been antisocial behaviour.

I've caught out people lying in interviews, and thats where its finished. If they're dishonest at first meeting, how dishonest are they going to be when they work for me? And its not about the interviewer "being better". it's about them being in a position of employment seniority.

What a strange couple of paragraphs!

The guy asked for opinions, I gave him my experiences (which were succesful)...so what's your problem and why are you so bitterly quoting another thread? It comes across as quite sad.

Your comparison is ridiculous and confirms my suspicions that you don't live in the real world.

[Twa Cairpets]

What a strange couple of paragraphs!

The guy asked for opinions, I gave him my experiences (which were succesful)...so what's your problem and why are you so bitterly quoting another thread? It comes across as quite sad.

Your comparison is ridiculous and confirms my suspicions that you don't live in the real world.

Your opinion was lousy, particularly in the light of your views on the other thread quote. I chose to quote from that thread because it shows the inherent hypocrisy of your stance, and therefore calls into question the validity of your opinion.

If you regard pointing out your moral contradictions and confusion as sad, then it's surely a charge we're both guilty of, as we're both in the same website, contributing to the same threads.

Finally, I'd much rather inhabit my version of the world (real - by your standards - or not), rather than yours where everything is to be feared and the best way to get ahead is to lie.

[HarpyHibby]

I got a job in the new tescos so just wanted to say thanks for all the advice I got, which helped a lot! Only downside to it is that it signals an end to me playing football as I have to work Saturdays and also an end to watching the hibees! I'll now only be able to go 12oclock kick offs at home on a Sunday and the odd midweek game, but I suppose I'll have the rest of my life to watch the hibs!

[Hainan Hibs]

I got a job in the new tescos so just wanted to say thanks for all the advice I got, which helped a lot! Only downside to it is that it signals an end to me playing football as I have to work Saturdays and also an end to watching the hibees! I'll now only be able to go 12oclock kick offs at home on a Sunday and the odd midweek game, but I suppose I'll have the rest of my life to watch the hibs!

Fantastic mate:thumbsup: Also after viewing the Hibs Saints game you won't be missing much:greengrin

[GlesgaeHibby]

I got a job in the new tescos so just wanted to say thanks for all the advice I got, which helped a lot! Only downside to it is that it signals an end to me playing football as I have to work Saturdays and also an end to watching the hibees! I'll now only be able to go 12oclock kick offs at home on a Sunday and the odd midweek game, but I suppose I'll have the rest of my life to watch the hibs!

Congrats mate! What department you on?

[HarpyHibby]

Congrats mate! What department you on?

Non-food, but sure exactly what I'm doing yet :thumbsup:

[Saorsa]

I got a job in the new tescos so just wanted to say thanks for all the advice I got, which helped a lot! Only downside to it is that it signals an end to me playing football as I have to work Saturdays and also an end to watching the hibees! I'll now only be able to go 12oclock kick offs at home on a Sunday and the odd midweek game, but I suppose I'll have the rest of my life to watch the hibs!That might be a blessing in disguise they way we're going. Well done on getting the job though :thumbsup:

[ArabHibee]

:thumbsup: Well done you!! Onwards and upwards!!

[Dinkydoo]

I got a job in the new tescos so just wanted to say thanks for all the advice I got, which helped a lot! Only downside to it is that it signals an end to me playing football as I have to work Saturdays and also an end to watching the hibees! I'll now only be able to go 12oclock kick offs at home on a Sunday and the odd midweek game, but I suppose I'll have the rest of my life to watch the hibs!


Well done buddy! :thumbsup:

[heretoday]

Well done! We need more Hibbys in Tesco's and all other stores.

When you get to the top of the tree you can advise them to sponsor Hibs for a fantastic amount of cash.

[Peevemor]

Well done! We need more Hibbys in Tesco's and all other stores.

When you get to the top of the tree you can advise them to sponsor Hibs for a fantastic amount of cash.

Funny you should say that. I don't know if it's still the case but Tesco used to always prefer promoting people from within the ranks as opposed to bringing in academically qualified outsiders. One of my mates schoolfriends started there as a general dogsbody and after 25 years or so (it sounds a lot but he was still in his early 40s) ended up as one of the top 3 or 4 guys in Britain.

[heretoday]

Funny you should say that. I don't know if it's still the case but Tesco used to always prefer promoting people from within the ranks as opposed to bringing in academically qualified outsiders. One of my mates schoolfriends started there as a general dogsbody and after 25 years or so (it sounds a lot but he was still in his early 40s) ended up as one of the top 3 or 4 guys in Britain.

I used to work for Safeway (remember them?). Despite being a popular store with a good image it was brought low by crass management and bad advice from outside.

Tesco gets bad publicity at times e.g. the Linwood story and the sick pay policy but they don't ever lose sight of the ball.

Mind you their tomatoes and apples are sometimes a bit off.

[GlesgaeHibby]

Funny you should say that. I don't know if it's still the case but Tesco used to always prefer promoting people from within the ranks as opposed to bringing in academically qualified outsiders. One of my mates schoolfriends started there as a general dogsbody and after 25 years or so (it sounds a lot but he was still in his early 40s) ended up as one of the top 3 or 4 guys in Britain.

It's a bit of both just now. Tesco have an internal promotion scheme called 'options'.

Even if you come in on the graduate scheme, you have to start as a junior manager and work your way up.

A lot of the senior managers in the company joined at 16 as a part time job and realised they could go far and get a good job within the company. Once you get to senior team in Tesco they really look after you and have a great pension scheme.

[HibsMax]

Congrats! I recall that my first job I went for (Farmfoods I think?) and I failed. No idea why, they didn't tell me why.

I was reading through this thread again and just wanted to make one comment, re: lying at an interview. That might work in some instances but it's not something I would ever recommend....and that opinion has nothing to do with good moral character. If you lie at an interview and you happen to pique the interviewer's interest you have to keep on making stuff up. What happens if you happen to start talking about something you really know little about and he / she is an expert? You will be found out very quickly. I've interviewed a bunch of people and although I wouldn't say I have been lied to directly, I have asked the question, "On a scale of 1-10, 1 being lowest, how would you rate your <insert skill here> expertise?". The number of people who answer with, "Oh, about 7 or 8" and then fail to answer the easiest of questions is unreal. When that happens I usually tune out pretty quickly. I love honesty, even if it's a person saying, "Sorry, I don't know anything about that.". I don't expect anyone to know everything.

And don't ask about pay either. LOL. Most employers will realise ahead of time that you're not doing this out of the kindness of your heart. Of course you need to know what the compensation package is but if that's your first / only question, it could be the end of the road.

[ArabHibee]

I used to work for Safeway (remember them?). Despite being a popular store with a good image it was brought low by crass management and bad advice from outside.

Tesco gets bad publicity at times e.g. the Linwood story and the sick pay policy but they don't ever lose sight of the ball.

Mind you their tomatoes and apples are sometimes a bit off.

I had my first job interview (not counting my paper round) there for an after school job. Never got it. :grr: Wasn't that bothered when I found out you needed to wear american tan tights and I was an ankle socks girl! :greengrin

[heretoday]

I had my first job interview (not counting my paper round) there for an after school job. Never got it. :grr: Wasn't that bothered when I found out you needed to wear american tan tights and I was an ankle socks girl! :greengrin

We had to deliver leaflets in the vicinity of the store advertising discount goods. I've still got two full sets of waterproofs, two Safeway woolly hats and a cracking waterproof jacket - light, warm but in a hideous shade of pastel green! You can only wear it after dark.