Guest Author

  
Company Overview: Boots the pharmacy chain started in 1849, and is now part of Alliance Boots which is an international pharmacy and beauty Group. Their mission is ‘to make people look and feel better than they ever thought possible’. They are committed to customer care, and offer their customers the points card ‘Boots Advantage’ so that people can collect points from shopping at Boots and spend them on another purchase. They also have an ‘only at Boots’ range where the products are exclusive to Boots.

Boots have 2,500 health and beauty stores across the country; statistically 90% of the UK population are thought to be within 10 minutes of a Boots store! They are continuously looking to expand their pharmacy stores in particular so that there is one in every community. Boots also have an online shopping store.

How to apply

Their website www.boots.jobs brings you to a homepage with links to a wealth of information about working at Boots. The ‘Search and apply’ link is at the top of the page and this leads you to a further link for ‘Boots Jobs in UK and Ireland’. There is the option to register with their jobs website or you can ‘search for openings’ to look at the list of current vacancies. There are also tabs at the top of this page to specifically look at vacancies by job type, for example their Head Office jobs or Pharmacy jobs.

The ‘search for openings’ link brings you to a number of search criteria such as location or hours per week, or simply clicking on ‘search’ at the bottom of the page will bring up all vacancies. Clicking on each job position brings you to a job description and skills they are looking for. You can then hit ‘Apply for role’ button to apply online or ‘Save’ the job to re-visit later.

Interview Advice

Boots are known for their range of beauty and pharmaceutical products so visit a Boots store before the interview to get a feel for what they sell, and do your company research on their website beforehand. They are looking for people with attention to detail so this is a way that you can show that. Come to the interview very well presented and arrive on time.

Show that you understand why great customer service is important, and how you have used customer service skills in the past. Be open and friendly in the interview, as you will be working as part of a team at Boots so they will want to know that you have great interpersonal skills.

Salary

Salary ranges are not specified for each job vacancy so this is something to think about before the interview. Let the interviewer bring up this topic first!

Benefits

The benefits of working for Boots include:

In-store discounts
Competitive salaries
Holidays

Boots are not very specific about the benefits package you will receive so this is something that you can ask about at interview stage.

  
Company Overview: Aldi’s headquarters is in Germany. Their motto is to ‘spend a little, live a lot’ and they have often been named ‘Best Supermarket’ for their value and quality of their products. They are open about how they achieve this; they buy in bulk and pass on the savings to the customer. Their advertising is deliberately kept minimal which is another cost saving efficiency. They also recognise the need to be responsible and their Corporate Responsibility Policy outlines how they source products responsibly with care for nature and the environment. Their values are simplicity, consistency and responsibility.

Aldi have also topped customer supermarket satisfaction surveys and won several awards for their locally sourced products.

How to apply

Their website www.aldirecruitment.co.uk has four main job areas: Graduates, In-Store and Distribution vacancies, Placements and Apprenticeships. Clicking on each job type will bring you to a selection of their current vacancies summarised by job title, location and salary. Clicking on ‘More about this position’ will bring you to a short job summary with details of benefits, and an ‘Apply Online Now’ link. This will allow you to apply directly online.

Interview Advice

Aldi are looking for ‘outstanding’ graduates so if you are applying for this type of position, come prepared with a mental list of all your achievements at university; not just accolades and awards but describe any obstacles you have overcome. Think about why you should be given the job and what makes you stand out from other candidates. The interviewer will be looking for someone with initiative and fresh ideas so think about what you can bring to the company but do your research first.

You will be working as part of a team at Aldi so give examples of where you have previously worked as a team. The company look for people who are committed and prepared to work hard, so think of examples where you had to put in extra hours to complete a job but communicate this in a positive light. Explain how this was rewarding and what you learned from it.

Customer service skills will also be key, so think about where you have delivered excellent customer service previously and how you can apply these skills to your position at Aldi.

Salary

The salary for each job position is given when using their website www.aldirecruitment.co.uk

Benefits

The benefits of working for Aldi can include:
28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays)Flexible working hoursOvertime availablePension schemeTraining is providedGood luck.

  
Company Overview: Waitrose is one of the leading supermarkets offering quality and specialist foods to consumers as well as a ‘basics’ range to address affordability. They have over 230 stores throughout the country. Waitrose source food with care from local suppliers, and as a company they have Waitrose farms. They champion British farming and British produce, and focus on variety and freshness with their food and grocery ranges. Waitrose also stock products exclusive to them; for example their famous Heston range.

Waitrose was founded by John Lewis, who has a chain of successful clothing and home ware stores. Both companies operate online, with Waitrose offering a range of garden and flower products for sale in their online stores.

How to apply

Their website www.waitrosejobs.com is full of information about working for the Waitrose and John Lewis partnership together with schemes such as the Waitrose Apprentice programme. There is a link to ‘Waitrose Jobs’ which takes you to further links to their Head Office jobs and non-Head Office vacancies. There is then an option to define your search criteria by location and/or job type, or just clicking ‘Find’ will bring up a full list of their current vacancies. Each job position indicates its location and salary for that role.

Clicking on each job title brings you to a short job description and an ‘Apply Now’ link at the bottom of the page where you can apply directly online.

Interview Advice

Waitrose are looking for people with great customer care skills and attention to detail, so come to the interview very well presented and arrive 10 minutes before the interview. The company emphasis is on quality so although you will be required to work quickly, you will also be expected to provide specialist knowledge to customers who need your full attention so show that you understand this is important.

Think of examples of where you have given great customer service, and familiarise yourself with Waitrose stores before you come to the interview. Doing your research about the company and its values will also impress the interviewer, and think about why you would make a fantastic addition to their team.

Salary

Salary ranges are indicated alongside each job vacancy on their jobs website.

Benefits

The benefits of working for Waitrose include:
Training programmesAnnual bonusPension schemeIn-store discount after 3 months’ serviceMinimum of 22 days’ annual holidayLife assuranceFor a full range of staff benefits this is detailed on the Waitrose jobs website.

  
Now a day’s most companies want some kind of application form completing when you are applying for a job with them but frequently now these applications are all online so it is important to follow the next ten steps to ensure you do a successful application.

#1 Have all your details with you before starting to do an online application

It may seem obvious to some it is important to make sure that before you start completing an online application form that you have all the information you are likely to need in front of you before starting. This includes your CV which is up to date, your personal details, your job advert or description, your referee details, any visa information or ID details that proves your eligibility to work in the UK.

#2 Save as you go along so that a session does not time out

Most online applications allow you to save as you go along and maybe even re visit it at a later time before the actual deadline so that you don’t have to be under pressure to do it all in one go and get the opportunity to keep re visiting bits and editing it as you go along.

#3 Up to date employment details

Make sure that you have your CV up to date so that you can clearly put your employment details into the application form without having to find the information before typing. It is important to update this after each job you have had so that it is fresh in your mind and you don’t have to spend hours thinking about the things that you used to do or be responsible for.

#4 Research the company

Know the company you are applying to inside out. This is very important. There is nothing worse than you coming across like you do not know what the company does. Make sure that once you are comfortable that you know everything you can do that you allow this to be read through the application form that you are completing. For example if there is a personal statement section make sure you slip bits into it about what you know and how you would like to work for that particular company.

#5 Know the job description inside out

It is important to know what the company is looking for. Have you been through each point in the job description and assessed in relation to your skills what you can do and how you think you can do it. What previous experience have you had and how does your experiences and skills relate to what the company are looking for. Make sure that you can answer any questions you need to about the job description and try not to cover up elements that you are unable to do, turn them in a positive, a learning curve.

#6 Set aside some time to do the application form properly

It is important that to do an application form properly that you set aside some time which is quiet and free from distractions. You need to be able to think clearly when trying to create a good impression through your skills and writing alone.

#7 Mirror the company image and way of writing

Look at a company website and see how they write, what is their style and how do they come across. Try to mirror the way they come across by writing in a similar way (as long as it makes sense and is appropriate) and by doing this it shows that you are on the same level as the company and have paid particular attention to this.

#8 Know your salary details and any specific dates that are required for the form

You will need to know specific salary details for an application form as well as dates of employment, gaps in employment, dates of sickness etc. All these things will be found out through a reference so it is important to be as accurate as you can be so that you do not get caught out, for example if you have been off sick for a week with flu in the last 6 months, try to explain that and the circumstances around this.

#9 Equality and ID

Be prepared that you may be required to complete an equality form as part of your application process and that you may be required to upload or state your forms of ID to prove that you are legally allowed to work in the UK and do not need a Visa or Permit to do this.

#10 Checking and Double Checking

Finally check and double check before submitting the application form. Check your spellings, grammar, context in which you have written things in. Make sure it reads well and if you are able to get someone to read through if for you and make any necessary suggestions. Proof reading is very essential to create a good impression.

image by: thaynes

  
Looking for a fresh start in 2013? Discussions about Marks and Spencer careers and online applications form in 2013.

Why not consider a position with Noble department store Marks and Spencer. One of the best known retailers in the world often has a range of vacancies available to hard working people. As one of the oldest retailers in the UK you can be assured of a secure career with Marks and Spencer, with some of the finest benefits available from a company in the current market. Marks and Spencer has many large department stores over the country which sells a variety of goods from electrical to clothing, home wares and furnishings. They also have a number of Marks and Spencer food stores that sell fresh and frozen foods and grocery items only.

There are a variety of jobs available at Marks and Spencer from Shop floor staff, Counter staff, Cashiers to Management and Logistics staff. Most stores also have an onsite café. Marks And Spencer like to reward their staff in a variety of ways.  Staff receive a 20% discount AND they also get an additional card that can be given to a friend or family member. There is a very generous pension scheme, as well as a very generous share scheme, and many discounts on holidays, financial products and memberships.

The recruitment site is available at http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/mscareers/apply_now and contains much information about the company profile, job types and the available vacancies that you can apply for. It will also tell you more about the kinds of benefits that you can expect if you are successful in getting a career with Marks and Spencer.

To find a job, visit the site and use the search option to find a position you are interested in. You can then look to see if you are interested in the position and can apply directly from the site. The site will even show you the shift pattern that you will be working so that you have more information available to you in advance. You apply by filling in the short form with your details and for most positions you will initially have a telephone interview, which would be followed up with an in store interview.

Click here to read more about Marks and Spencer careers.

  
Company Overview: JK Wilkinson opened the first Wilkinson store in 1930 and there are now more than 335 stores across the globe. Wilkinson also operates in Asia. The company describes itself as delivering ‘extraordinary shopping’ and places the customer shopping experience at the heart of their mission. They have five core values: to shape the future, pull together, show passion, to be unique and to make it fun.

Charity work is also important to the company, and they hold several fund raising events annually. Wilkinson aim to establish long lasting links to local charities, and engage their staff with this by asking which charities they would like to support. These currently include Cancer Reseach UK and the RNLI Lifeboat charity.

How to apply

Their website www.wilko.jobs has some helpful information on how to apply, working at Wilkinson and a job search facility. By scrolling down the page you will come to more than one ‘search and apply’ link. There is an option to register with the website, or you can just carry out a search of their current vacancies. There is the option to narrow the search criteria by key words, job type or location or you can hit the ‘search’ button to bring up all vacancies. Hitting the ‘Apply’ button against your job of interest will bring you to a full job description and another ‘Apply’ button to apply directly online.

Interview Advice

Wilkinson come across as very open and friendly so come to the interview well presented but let your personality shine. Come prepared with examples of how you have worked as a team previously including activities outside of work, as you will be working as part of a large team at Wilkinson. Good customer service skills will be essential so show that you understand this and give examples of where you have delivered outstanding customer service.

Wilkinson describes their company as a fun place to work, and have strong links to charities. If you have any previous experience of charity work even if it was just doing a fun run then this would be a good example of organisational skills, interpersonal skills and commitment to activities outside of work. This will make you stand out from other candidates.

Salary

Salary ranges are not specified on the jobs website, so think about your expectations before the interview. Let the interviewer bring up this topic first!

Benefits

The benefits of working for Wilkinson include:
Minimum of 28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays)13% staff and family discount cardsChildcare vouchersEmployee Assistance ProgrammePension schemeDiscounts on a variety of products and days outDiscounts on healthcare schemesA full list of all their staff benefits is available on their jobs website www.wilko.jobs

  
Company Overview: Morrisons is the UK’s fourth largest supermarket and focuses on selling fresh groceries. It has over 400 stores and promotes service and value at the heart of what they do. Morrisons has won several Retail Industry Awards, winning four awards in 2013. The supermarket recognises the need to be responsible and has evolved some of their processes over the years to produce less waste and packaging.

Morrisons has over 400 convenience stores; named their Morrisons M stores. In 2014 they are launching their online service which means that customers can order their shopping over the internet from Morrisons and have it delivered to their home.

Morrisons describes itself as ‘friendly’ and ‘making great food for everyone’.

How to apply

Their website www.morrisons.jobs brings you to a short video about working for Morrisons, and underneath this is a job search facility. You can enter any criteria in this box, but entering nothing and hitting the ‘search’ button will also bring you to a list of all their current vacancies. There is an advanced search facility on the left hand side of this page where you can narrow the search results down by location, for example.

Clicking on each job title will bring you to a brief job description, location and contract type. Interested applicants can then apply online directly by hitting the ‘Apply for this position’ button.

Interview Advice

Come to the interview on time and smartly dressed, with an open and friendly attitude. It’s likely that you will be working as part of a large team, so the interviewer will want to see that you have great interpersonal skills. Customer service skills are essential for many of the job positions at Morrisons, so show that you understand the importance of great customer service. Come to the interview prepared with examples of where your actions have led to an excellent customer service outcome, and don’t be afraid to mention any accolades or awards you have won in the past in this area.

Previous retail experience should be mentioned and what you have learned from this. Show enthusiasm for the post you are applying for, and do your research beforehand about the company mission and values.

Salary

Salary ranges are not usually specified against each job position on their website, so come to the interview with a range in mind. Let the interviewer bring up this topic first!

Benefits

The benefits of working for Morrisons include:
A 10% discount card for yourself and your familyEntitlement to an annual profit share30 days’ holiday including public holiday, rising to 34 days after 5 years’ serviceShare save schemePension scheme and life insurance schemeDiscounts and cash back offers for holidays, utilities and various productsGood luck.

  
Savers jobs can be ideal for those who are passionate about retail. The supermarket has over 230 stores across the UK. Savers sell to a discount market and focus on selling quality products at very low prices.

The company says that all employees must understand what the discount market means  for the shoppers.

You must also know about your competitors, what are they doing in their businesses.

Generate sales by diplaying the products in an attractive way on the shelves.

Be enthuastic about what you are doing.

What are the benefits of working for Savers?

– 25 days annual paid holidays
– Life insurance
– Discounts for staff at Savers and other sister companies.
– Pension scheme (contributory)
– Uniform
– A competitive salary

Savers also have a flexible working policy, and will positively consider applications for part-time staff at specific times of they day, which may suit prospective employees with dependents.

All new employees will receive training so even if you don’t have work experience in retail you can still aplly for job vacancies.

Your CV should reflect your retail skills and if you have worked in a supermarket before don’t forget to show it under the work history section of your CV. This will help a lot but as mentioned before it’s not essential.

Click here to learn more about Savers Job Interviews.

Contact:

Tara Haywood

Savers Resourcing Manager

Email: [email protected]

Click here to go to Savers careers site.

  
KFC Application Form

KFC is one of the largest fast food chains across the UK. Applicants need no previous experience to apply for any of the team member jobs within KFC, but experience is essential if you wish to apply for a supervisor or management role.

How to apply for a KFC job

The application via KFC is quite straight forward, you have two options available for you. The first one is to apply online on their website, you will need to register and add all your personal details. After you have completed this, you will be asked what role you would like to apply for and then you will take part in an online competency task where you will be asked about real life working situations and how you would handle them. If you are already aware of a job vacancy in a store near you, your more than welcome to take a copy of your CV and covering letter addressed to the store manager. They may require you to fill an application form out too, if so, then attach this to your CV and covering letter once its complete.

Interview

The interview stage at KFC is very basic, it’s generally with the store manager who will ask a few personality questions regarding the role you are applying for. The store manager will also give you a run down on a general working day within the store, and explain your expected details. Usually they would let you know on the day if you have been successful for the role, although this does depend on how many applicants they have to interview.

Benefits of working for KFC

As a KFC employee, you will be entitled to an on shift meal allowance, which depends on how many hours you are working on that day. You will also receive training to step up along the KFC career ladder.

Salary

The salary at KFC starts at national minimum wage, which is currently £6.08ph for over 22 year olds.

  
Royal Mail jobs and careers thread. you can also download Royal Mail application form if available.

Are you looking for great job possibilities then you have come to the right place! The Royal Mail is such a company, which holds a lot of potential for new comers. There are many options listed in the royal mail job vacancies. One should carefully think of one’s career job prospects, weigh the options and then finally apply for the job.  One must also sarcastically think that almost every house in UK gets a mail thus there are people needed for the smooth running of the organization. There is a real need for skilful people to fill out the job vacancies offered by the Royal Mail.

The mainstay of the Royal Mail business is the sorting and delivering of different kinds of mails. The Royal Mail is indeed one of the employers in the country. Royal Mail is always need of newcomers thus there is a constant call for new young people to join the work criteria. One always think of a mail job as being a postman but believe me, there are a lot of options to choose from in this work field. Looking through delivering mails, sorting mails of different kinds or of different addresses, or making sure that a truck full of mails gets delivered are some of the options to choose from. One can play a real important and vital role in these Royal Mail job vacancies.

If you are looking for key positions then Royal Mail has something to offer to you too. The most common job for the Royal Mail is the job of a local postman or post woman. The work of these people is to get sorted out mails and deliver the mails to the correct addresses. If you are intent on being a driver, then there is some work for you as well. One can be a driver and can drop mails from one post office to another thus facilitating the process.  One can also transport mails from a railway station or a business centre to another. If you dislike working outdoors then you can do indoor work like the clerical works. The clerical work is just to sort out different mails and transfer them to the trucks who deliver them to the local postman. The local postmen deliver the mails to the people concerned. The most interesting job offer that Royal Mail offers is the job of a being a data keyer. A data keyer is a person who carefully scrutinizes the pictures of mails, which are being sent. Data keyers are important because in some mails automated machinery does not work. These people also work in mail address data corrections.

Royal Mail plays an important role in the UK as almost every address gets a mail every week. It also places a high premium on serving the rich communities of the UK. Therefore, there is a need to recruit good people for this job.  One should realise that working in Royal Mail is itself a royal thing to do. Making people happy with the mails of family relatives who are far brings an inner emotional joy, which is hard to express in words.