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
