Learnist.org

  
Superdrug Application Form

Superdrug is the second largest beauty and health retailer on the high street, with 887 stores across the UK. They offer a number of roles within their store, head office and their distribution centres.

How to Apply

To apply at Superdrug, you can either complete an application form which can be found on their website, or take it a fully updated copy of your CV in store. It’s also advised with your application form to print off a copy of your CV and a covering letter. The more information they have about you, the better chance you have of getting an interview.

Interview

The interview process is a 1:1 affair, where you will be asked a number of questions about yourself, your personality and your experiences. They may also ask you questions regarding your application and/or CV so make sure you know exactly what is written on these.

You will be asked to take some form of ID to prove your right to work in the UK; passport, driving licence, birth certificate, passport etc. Dress smartly as first impressions have a huge impact on your application. Try to be yourself, happy, positive as that’s what they are looking for.

Salary

For a store manager, your salary will be between £17,000 and £18,000pa, for an assistant store manager, your salary will be between £14,000 and £18,000pa, for a general sales assistant, your salary will be national minimum wage, which is currently £6.08ph.

Click here to visit Superdrug job site to learn more about their careers and apply for vacancies.

  
Company Overview: New Look is a fashion retailer whose mission it is to make ‘people look and feel great’. It focuses on girls and women’s’ fashion but also has a smaller range of clothing for men. The first store was open in 1969 and it now has 1,150 stores worldwide plus an online store available to 120 countries. New Look has embraced social networking and has over 2 million Facebook fans plus 152,000 Twitter followers.

New Look produces clothes priced at the low to middle income market, making the latest fashions affordable for their customers. They react quickly to trends and upload 800 new products to their online store every week! New Look wants people to be excited by their clothes, and in the past decade have extended their clothing range to teens, maternity and plus size.

How to apply

Their website www.newlookcareers.co.uk is designed to be fun, with an ‘Apply Now’ link on the notepad list on the left panel bringing you to a jobs search facility. The notepad list also has handy links to further information about the company, which is well worth a look before applying. After hitting the ‘Apply Now’ link, you can search for New Look jobs by location, job type and salary or alternatively just hitting the ‘Search’ button defaults to searching for all available vacancies. Each vacancy has a short job description with the application deadline, but hitting on the job title brings you to an extended job description together with details of the skills they are looking for an the range of benefits that come with that job. You can then use the ‘Apply Now’ link at the bottom to apply directly online.

Interview Advice

New Look want their staff to ‘live and breathe the brand’ so do your company research thoroughly before interview stage. Show that you understand the company mission and what market they aim their clothing ranges at. Show bags of enthusiasm for the job and tell the interviewer what you would bring to the job should you get the position. If you are passionate about fashion, let this shine through!

Come to the interview well dressed and if you enjoy fashion, don’t be afraid to put a trendy twist on your outfit. New Look are looking for people with ideas and who embrace change, so come to the interview with examples of where you have led change in your previous work or in any voluntary work outside of college/work.

Lastly, New Look put customers at the heart of everything so show that you understand the importance of excellent customer service. Come to the interview with examples of where you have given great customer service and specifically what your actions were in achieving this.

Salary

Salary ranges for available jobs aren’t specified so think about this before the interview, although let the interviewer bring up this topic first.
   
Benefits

The benefits of working for New Look can include:
50% staff discountBonus schemeLife insurance and medical healthcare20 days’ holiday (this varies across job positions)Group Pension SchemeGood luck.

  
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.