TrialsIsHard Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 Basically, I have an interview at Waitrose on Wednesday but it's a group one. Now I've never had a group interview, and can't really see the point of them? Does anyone have any experience in the, and could give me some pointers on what to/not to do? Also, what am I likely to be asked? Bearing in mind that Waitrose are renowned for customer service. Was told that they go on for a 'few hours' on the phone, so have no idea what to expect! Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isitafox Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 Years ago I had a 'group interview' for a job at Safeway and all it meant was there was about 7 or 8 of us all turned up and had to do a basic exam (to prove we weren't complete donuts), sat round the table and did the introduce yourself and tell us one interesting thing about you etc... Wasn't a formal interview as such but this was quite a while ago now so things may have changed, in fact, this answer is probably completely useless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.Wood Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 Look smart, bring lunch, try to balance being loud and noticed with not being a willy, try and be nice to your fellow interviewees dont just sit in a corner and not talk to anyone (may not apply to you, but you are a trials rider so 99% of being socially awk), have fun! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew62 Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 I don't know but all the girls who work at my local Waitrose are slamming hot! Probably wouldn't hurt to sex it up a bit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrialsIsHard Posted June 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 Wasn't a formal interview as such but this was quite a while ago now so things may have changed, in fact, this answer is probably completely useless. I'm really hoping mine is like this, I've spoken to the head of recruitment (who I assume it's going to be with) and she seems friendly and informal so.. dont just sit in a corner and not talk to anyone (may not apply to you, but you are a trials rider so 99% of being socially awk) This is my biggest fear, hence why I wanted a single interview. I refuse to cut across people and interrupt, but that might result in me not coming across strong enough. After all I am a trials rider! I don't know but all the girls who work at my local Waitrose are slamming hot! Probably wouldn't hurt to sex it up a bit. Yeah same with mine (Bonus!). I'm fairly sure that Waitrose employ a wide range of people, as I've seen old guys 60+ stacking shelves, as well as banging blonde women. So it's about time a dashing young lad like myself was hired Thanks for the replies guys, keem them coming! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewEH1 Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 (edited) I don't know but all the girls who work at my local Waitrose are slamming hot! Probably wouldn't hurt to sex it up a bit. I think I need to change where I shop, worth the 10 minute drive across town? But, back on topic...I just had a group interview for a 'civil servant' position and there were five of us in a group and we did three different activities. Two of them were more teamwork based so were looking at how you work with others and the last one was a group discussion. Nick pretty much hit it on the head, put your opinion over but also listen to others and be proactive if there is any teamwork related activities. Oh and don't stress about it on the day, try and have some fun and it will help you be more outgoing and less of a wall flower! Edited June 3, 2013 by AndrewEH1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anzo Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 Generic interview advice - avoid saying "ermmmm". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadManMike Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 Generic interview advice - avoid saying "ermmmm". Which is nearly impossible, as I found out a few weeks back. I went one stage further though and went full retard as well as multiple erm situations. Ouch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich J Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 Expect discussions on customer service, what to do in situations and stuff. Just try to pipe up first but avoid interrupting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dann2707 Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 I've said this before in another interview thread (actually yeah it was to Sam K about his apprenticeship) but research the company and know facts and figures to impress them with, that you've previously looked at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrialsIsHard Posted June 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 Generic interview advice - avoid saying "ermmmm". Yeah I've thought about this a lot, gonna try to have some kind of answer that will buy me a few seconds thinking time that isn't 'errrrrrrr'. Something like 'Well..pause.' Expect discussions on customer service, what to do in situations and stuff. Just try to pipe up first but avoid interrupting. This is what I want, as opposed to shit like. 'what's your biggest downfall?' Where you have to be vaguely honest, but not completely dissuade them from considering you! I've said this before in another interview thread (actually yeah it was to Sam K about his apprenticeship) but research the company and know facts and figures to impress them with, that you've previously looked at. People that work there are 'partners' instead of just employees, so I'll have a look into how I can bring that up. Cheers! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich J Posted June 3, 2013 Report Share Posted June 3, 2013 You get a share of the profits at the end of the financial year. Perhaps think about why that is a benefit to employees? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrialsIsHard Posted June 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 You get a share of the profits at the end of the financial year. Perhaps think about why that is a benefit to employees? I've been giving this some thought, surely talking about my financial gain isn't advisable? I was thinking more along the lines of sharing the benefits when the company does well, and sharing the responsibility when it does badly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich J Posted June 4, 2013 Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 I've been giving this some thought, surely talking about my financial gain isn't advisable? I was thinking more along the lines of sharing the benefits when the company does well, and sharing the responsibility when it does badly? I meant as in why does it push employees to work harder over working in a similar role elsewhere. I've no idea how its broken down, I imagine it being a percentage of your total hours but working harder leads to more profit for the company which then comes back to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukasMcNeal Posted June 12, 2013 Report Share Posted June 12, 2013 Had a group interview today had to do the thing where you make a structure from spaghetti and marshmallows, and also the introduce the person next to you task. Couple of hours later got a call and the job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew62 Posted June 12, 2013 Report Share Posted June 12, 2013 Had a group interview today had to do the thing where you make a structure from spaghetti and marshmallows, and also the introduce the person next to you task. Couple of hours later got a call and the job! My very first day of University and that was the challenge we had to do. The bridge had to span a metre gap and then be able to support a remote control tank being driven over it. We could use spaghetti and jelly babies. This was an intro for a product design course, every group failed to support the tank being driven over it apart from mine but I was disqualified. My idea rather than make a complex structure which would no doubt fail I boiled the spaghetti and applied heat to the jelly babies until they melted. I mixed the jelly baby liquid with the spaghetti with some of the starch liquid left in and allowed it to dry and solidify. It worked but it was seen to bend the rules to much. I argued only heat was applied but it was to no avail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD™ Posted June 12, 2013 Report Share Posted June 12, 2013 Was there a limit to the amount of spaghetti and jelly babies you could use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew62 Posted June 12, 2013 Report Share Posted June 12, 2013 Yeah, like 4 or 5 packs of each. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrialsIsHard Posted June 12, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2013 Couple of hours later got a call and the job! Congrats man, I also got my job! Turns out they only invited 3 people as we were the favourites based on their pre-interview questions and what not, so we had individual ones and I got the job on the spot! This thread has been really helpful though, thanks to all who posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.