If you are thinking of applying for the Marks and Spencer graduate scheme, then it is a good idea to be prepared for the interview process, should you get that far.
You will have to take part in a group exercise and do a presentation. You will have a role play exercise and then an interview at the end. You will have breakfast and lunch provided and have a tour of the building.
The group discussion lasts around an hour. You will then get an hour to write an individual report which you will have to present for ten minutes to one assessor. You will have a role play in front of two assessors which lasts around half an hour. The interview is last and takes around 45 minutes.
An example of a role play is to do an appraisal with a horrendous employee. Afterwards you get asked how well you felt it went and how you would do it differently if you had to repeat it.
All of the information that you need will be provided on the day, which means that it is not easy to prepare. However, you will need to prepare for the interview part. Make sure that you are aware of exactly what is required and have some examples prepared as to when you have demonstrated the skills.
It is a long day as it can take eight hours. You will therefore need to be well rested and well prepared. You will have to eat in front of other candidates and assessors as well, which could be difficult for some people, so be prepared for that.
What you are required to do, may vary between assessment centres as well as specific assessors and so even if you research what other people have experienced, it may not reflect what will happen at yours.
Interview Questions
Why M&S?
Why do you want to work for M&S?
Why you are looking to leave your current employee?
How would you react when faced with an angry, irate customer complaint ?
Why Marks and Spencer?
Why would you give a manager opportunity to fail, when you were briefed that they were a problem?
What can you offer a customer if they do not have fresh butter squash in stock?
Do you think the quality of our men’s wear products are as high as our home department products?
What was your favorite subject in university?
What would you say you would like the most and least about working here?
Why Marks & Spencer? What is the worst and best thing about working in retail?
Can you recommend a product?
Are you good at teamwork? Have you ever faced difficulty?
Have you previous retail experience?
Why do you want to work for M&S?
Tell me about yourself
What do you think the job will entail?
How have you demonstrated innovation?
Have you had any previous experience?
If you were an M&S sandwich, what would you be and why?
Why should we hire you?
Why are you interested in working for us? Why are you good for this role?
What do you think will be the most interesting part of the job and what do you think will be the most boring part?
What would i do when faced with a customer query?
How did you travel here today?
Give an example on how you made a customer feel special.
How do you overcame a bad situation in a team?
Why do you want to work for Marks and Spencer?
Tell me about a time where you disagreed with something?
Why you left your last job?
Why do you think you would be a good sales assistant?
What kind of products do you like in M&S?
When did you inspire someone?
What do you think a good customer experience is?
Why do you want to work for our company?
What was your biggest failure?
Describe what makes a good customer service experience
Good luck.
