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.
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