Waterstones

genie

I've got a job interview for Waterstones in a couple of weeks and I was wondering what are they like to work for and any tips for the interview. I've not been for an interview for a job in retail before so don't really know what they could ask. I have lots of experience in dealing with the general public. Will there be lots of scenario type questions?

Thanks!

nesf

I've heard they can be a bit "corporate" but that's only secondhand opinion so I don't know really.

Gillo

It's gonna be like most other retail jobs, customer service while pushing sales. They'll ask you about a tricky customer / client you had and how you turned it around to been a good customer experience.

One thing though, if you put down reading as a hobby (like lots of people do) you are really gonna have to know your stuff.

DOLEMAN

I used to work in a bookshop. They were a pretty large chain.

My interview was very easy. Basically - am I OK standing on my feet all day, why am I applying for the job, what would I consider to be good customer service, what type of books do I read, do I have good time keeping skills.

Nothing difficult at all really.

Your appearance and manner will be more important than other non-retail interviews.

genie

Thank you!

genie

I had the interview on Monday and had to answer a long list of questions set by Waterstones on customer service etc., mostly scenario questions; why did I want to work at Waterstones etc. Was also asked what book I was currently reading. I thought the interview went well but whether I'll get the job is another thing! They were interviewing all this week.

Another thing, none of the jobs were advertised anywhere. It seems that if you want a job with them you have to send your CV to the individual shop. Not sure if this is the case in Ireland.

Hope this helps someone!

Kinetic^

Yeah this is the same as HMV (same company), they weren't advertising but I just dropped one in years back and got a call the next day.

genie

Got the job!