Posted on

Job Interview Questions for Harrods

Harrods uses a very strict and detailed job application and interview process for roles at all levels.

You will first be asked to complete an online application (and to upload your CV) From this successful applicants will complete a telephone interview where you are asked questions relating to the experience you recorded on your application.

If you pass this round you will be invited to the Harrods assessment center to complete group and individual interview sessions/tasks.

There are 3 interview main stages:

1 with Human Resources

2 Line Manager Interview (one to one)

3 a Medical Check.

You will be asked to get involved in a group task – you need to really get involved here and encourage others to also get involved. The assessors at this stage are looking for “team work”

Following this, you will be asked to complete a role play. Often this is helping a ‘shopper’ to buy an outfit or to spend £500 they received as a birthday present. The assessors are looking at your confidence and customer service skills.

Prior to the one to one interview section you will also have to stand up in front of the other applicants to present yourself. This is often a 5-minute speech about you and why you want to work for Harrods.

Job Interview Questions for Harrods

        • Job Interview Question 1: What is your retail experience?
    • Job Interview Question 2: Why do you want to work for Harrods?
    • Job Interview Question 3: What skills and qualities can you bring to Harrods?

      • Job Interview Question 4: What does excellent customer service mean to you? Give me an example of when you have used your customer service skills?
    • Job Interview Question 5: What drives you to excel in work?
    • Job Interview Question 6: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
    • Job Interview Question 7: Give me an example of being part of a team, what was the end result?

Interview questions and answers

You will be asked knowledge questions on the department you want to work in IE

        • Job Interview Question 8: What is fois gras?
    • Job Interview Question 9: Name three types of caviar
    • Job Interview Question 10: Name three types of cheese or meat
    • Job Interview Question 11: Do you have any questions to ask me?

Good interview questions to ask interviewers at the end of the job interview include questions on the company growth or expansion, questions on personal development and training and questions on company values, staff retention and company achievements.

Posted on

Job Interview Questions for a Barber

Job Interview Questions for a Barber

Often out of 300 applicants only 6 candidates will be interviewed. In most interviews, but this varies depending on the job sector and employer, you will be asked around 10 questions during a 45-minute interview.

The key to passing job interviews in preparation and practice, this sounds obvious but is often overlooked with the average interviewee spending around only 60 minutes preparing for their job interview.

For a barber position, the employer will be looking for examples and descriptions, to showcase the interviewee’s knowledge and experience, of how an applicant can cut and trim hair, beards and moustaches, as well as customer service skills, basic numeracy and the ability to create loyal customers.

Job Interview Questions for a Barber

Below are 10 common asked barber job interview questions and an explanation of how to answer each question

Job Interview Question 1: What is your barbering experience?

If applying for an apprenticeship in barbering you need to answer this question by stating your qualities, skills and work ethic. Work ethic in this sector is key, as many barbers work long days and weekends.

Focus your interview answer on customer service skills by referencing customer service job role, dealing with awkward customers and cash taking. In addition, you need to show your passion for the barbering role – the reason you want to work in the barbering sector

For experienced barbers, open this question by stating your duration in the industry “Ive been a barber for well over X years…” and follow this up by describing the type of haircuts you excel in – remember each barbershop works (in the main) with a certain customer base.

Job Interview Question 2: How many clients do you typically see in a day?

The ‘how many customer’ interview question shows one thing – the employer is focused on turnaround (and therefore profit) This isn’t a bad thing, it is simply a business model. If you are looking for a barbering position where you take your time, discuss different hairstyles, and enjoy chatting to the customer, then working for an employer who asked this question probably isn’t for you.

To be successful here, answer the question with facts; ‘my average cuts per day is X..’ this makes it clear what income you will bring to the business. You can also add on how you are skilled in up-selling hair products or that you haven’t had any negative feedback from customers.

Job Interview Question 3: How do you connect with your customers to ensure repeat bookings?

In the barbering world, customer loyalty is king. Being able to retain customers increases profit. Answer this question by explaining how, in all previous roles, you have always been able to build up a strong customer following. Then explain how you did this, as an example, by understanding personalities – some customers expect to be talked to, while others prefer to have a hair cut in silence. By working in the way the customer prefers, as well as giving an excellent haircut, the customer feels comfortable and will want to return for their next trim.

Job Interview Question 4: How would you deal with a customer who didn’t know what they wanted?

Many barbers get caught out with this question. If this question is asked (often in designer barbershops where customers are looking for an exciting look) you can simply present the interview answer as a process ‘If a customer is unsure of their cut, I would initially discuss their head shape, hair type and colour, offering suggestions. Alternatively, I would show them different hair designs in a hair magazine or ask them who they want to look like, this often results in them choosing a style quickly’

Job Interview Question 5: What styles/cuts do you know?

Employers will ask this question to understand your level of knowledge relating to the barbering industry. Here you can simply list all the cuts/styles your are perfect in, ending with an offer to do a free cut for a customer (to show your expertise – this often goes down well)

Job Interview Question 6: What are your Barbering qualifications?

Now more than ever barbers are asking applicants their qualification level. If you have a relevant qualification state what the qualification is and what you learned from the course.

If you don’t have a qualification I would recommend bring evidence of your skillset – a portfolio of haircuts you have designed.

Job Interview Question 7: What is the biggest challenge in the barbering sector?

Competition. Ok, you had the short answer, but you have to make this more specific. Look at the local level, do you have lots of competition? Who is it, what type of barbers are they, etc

Give the interviewer a detailed breakdown of the problem, then end by stating how your (skill set) will help to overcome this barrier

Job Interview Question 8: Why do you want to work in this particular shop?

Barbers know that, as a job seeker, you are approaching other barbers. The employer also knows that staff retention, due to customer loyalty is key. You need to reassure the barber that if hired, you are there for the long term. Explain what it is you like about their particular barbershop

Job Interview Question 9: What is their key demographic in this area, and how can we attract business from them?

By knowing the local demographic a barber can predict the type of customer and cuts that the locals would request. Having this understanding and the ability to cut/design hair in this way is the key to a successful barbering business.

Again, like the question above, do some research – get to know who lives in the area, the type of haircuts the masses are having and present your research, stating how you are an expert in this style of haircuts.

Job Interview Question 10: How would you describe your personal style as a barber?

Most barbershops are small business with 1-5 employees. Everyone needs to get on. This question is asked in relation to matching the applicant’s style to the customer base but also to check the team dynamics.

When answering this question you should be honest and present the natural version of you – if you are a match you will enjoy your new position.

BONUS QUESTION – Job Interview Question 11: Do you have any questions to ask me?

Good interview questions to ask interviewers at the end of the job interview include questions on the company growth or expansion, questions on personal development and training and questions on company values, staff retention and company achievements.

Also ask about the customer base,  haircut styles and the number of average customers per day.

Posted on

Job Interview Questions for John Lewis

Job Interview for John Lewis

To start with the recruitment team at John Lewis is looking for TEAMWORK. The first task is a group task. You are sat in small groups of around 6 applicants, first, you get the John Lewis tour.

Following this, you are asked to introduce yourself to your table/group and ask questions of other people (ask “what do you do out of work?” “what made you attend today?” “are you currently studying?”)

This first task is completed with a John Lewis recruitment team member observing and taking notes, which is why you need to ask questions to the other applicants.

The second stage of the group task is to build a lego house within your team. You need to get stuck in with the task and encourage others to join in, as again you are being marked on this task to see how interactive you are.

This is then followed by a one to one job interview:

John Lewis Job Interveiw Questions.

        • Job Interview Question 1: What is your experience in retail or customer service?
      • Job Interview Question 2: What specifically appeals to you about working in John Lewis?
      • Job Interview Question 3: What would your friends say about you?

        • Job Interview Question 4: What does John Lewis sell?
      • Job Interview Question 5: Tell me about a time you went out of your way to help someone you didn’t know?
      • Job Interview Question 6:How would you promote account cards?
      • Job Interview Question 7: How would you handle an angry customer?

Interview questions and answers

        • Job Interview Question 8: Give an example of excellent customer service?
      • Job Interview Question 9: How would you encourage a customer to return to the shop?
      • Job Interview Question 10: Do you have any questions for me?

Posted on

Women in Engineering Forlorn hopes and barriers beneath

Today’s guest post is by Pratish Amin a professional writer who is been writing content on Career, job markets and Education Sector.

Once in a while, we read articles, stories and news about female achievers, in the areas of entrepreneurship, sports, politics, etc., but it is only once in a while, not quite often. Things like these are even harder to come across, especially when it comes to Engineering and Technology. Is it just us thinking that in India, there is a huge lack of women’s participation in the areas of E&T?

“No” says reports.

India has scored the lowest rank in terms of female participation, as per a report from Elsevier, when it comes to workforce access, knowledge economy and, among many other facets, Engineering. Several reasons are put forth as the reasons for the lack of active female participation in these areas, but almost all such studies have a few things in common such as the selection procedures of engineering institutes, in-college environment and cultural attitude spread across the country.

Engineering Selection Procedures

According to a study by “Aspiring Minds”, the selection procedure in effect among engineering universities and colleges of India contributes the most in shattering the engineering dreams of many Indian women.

The selection processes followed across the nation by engineering colleges mainly comprises of either self-regulated cut off marks or individual admission methods that are discreet and are involuntarily avoiding female participation in engineering courses. These procedures are believed to lack testing an individual’s interests, skills and confidence of the candidates, which should have been the deciding factors of a successful engineering career.

So, what can be possibly done to reverse this situation and allow more aspiring female engineers to enroll in these colleges?

A revamped selection procedure where all the above-mentioned parameters such as interests and talents are thoroughly scrutinized could impart a huge change in the engineering education system of India. A huge increase in the number of female engineers can be witnessed and also in India’s engineering achievements, the economical contribution of women, etc.

Though it all lies in the hands of the Governing bodies and the concerned authorities who draw policies for Engineering colleges, self-interest and toughened competition from female candidates too can change this situation to a considerable level.

In-College Environment

In all the reports about Indian women’s participation in the engineering field, the course of study shifts directly to the next possible barrier – the classroom environment. A surprising result was yielded every time as the result of in-class environment studies, making this one of the most interesting reason discussed in these studies.

The classroom environment of engineering colleges is proven to grow more confidence among female engineering students than male students or female students of any other courses. When asked about gender equality and ease of getting along, they say that they feel confident in their classroom setting as their intelligence, interest and skills get well recognized by their faculty.

Moreover, the percentage of male engineering students who feel isolated in their classrooms was higher than the female’s, as per the result of a study conducted among around 5000students. And when it comes to respect, both male and female engineers feel that they receive proper respect from their peers in every manner.

It seems that the classroom environment in institutes is indeed an added advantage than a barrier for female students in pursuing engineering courses.

Cultural Attitude

Right from ancient times, societies in India, end-to-end, are dominated by males and hence, female contribution towards developing a society was being very low to none. Even in this modern-day, where voices of gender equality are heard from all the parts of the world, active female contribution in the Indian societies are unbelievably lower than many other developed and developing countries.

A recent study indicates that the percentage of female parliament members as well as the percentage of Indian families that have a woman as their major income source is way less than 10%. This was after a one-third increase in the overall female contribution to their society from the year 2001 to 2011. The only possible way to change this situation is to make resources easily accessible to female entrepreneurs and let them take part actively in the nation’s workforce.

Increasing the number of female students in Engineering colleges could be believed to increase female contribution to a society to considerable levels. This could also lead to an increase in the number of female workforce across industries, consequently leading to an increased number of families having women as their major source of income.

Some Soothing facts

The study by “Aspiring Minds” indicates that the education system of India, especially engineering does not have the “chilly” climate as the western countries do. Also, the study shows a steady increase in the confidence level of aspiring female engineers who prepare for entrance exams like CAT & IITJEE. Results of such engineering entrance examinations are showing that women are slowly moving to the top in scores and the numbers of female candidates enrolling to engineering colleges are in the rise.

Also, while the percentage of female students studying life sciences, medicines and biology are increasing in a fast pace, the percentage of female students opting for engineering courses is stumbling around 32%. But, this rate is considerably higher when compared to UK and other countries where several studies about gender parity in engineering education were conducted.

It has been witnessed that women who enter into any field are quite confident about their ability to work and bring out the best.
The same goes in the engineering field where they find themselves more confident and motivated. However, there are certain things that make female engineers fall behind men engineers, especially in terms of environmental aspect, feeling respected and academic settings.

The Point?

Though the selection process and social attitude about women were the only visible barriers in making their engineering dreams come true, the recent increase in the number of female engineering students, their confidence level in the classroom setting, feeling of being respected by their peers and other such factors show that many women have succeeded in crossing these barriers.

Self-confidence and hard work are all needed for any woman to achieve her engineering degree. If you were waiting for things to change before you take a step towards your engineering education, this is time you step in and change things up on your own!

Author bio:

Pratish Amin is a professional writer who is been writing content on Career, job markets and Education Sector.

Posted on

Job Interview Questions for An Estate Agent

Estate agent is a thriving job sector.

Roles are advertised with traditional high street estate agents and with online estate agents.

Both types of employers are looking for a similar set of skills, therefore, interview questions are easy to predict for applicants applying for roles with multiple company’s.

In the main interview questions are designed to check the following competencies:

  • The process of taking photographs and measurements of a property, with a view to create a strong copy to increase offers
  • Communication and persuasion skills  when working with customer and clients
  • Negotiation skills for sale completions
  • Knowledge of the market to better help value a property
  • Industry legislation and rules
  • The understanding of the latest trends

To stand out in a job interview an experience applicant to create authority by discussing any specialist areas they work in:

  • Residential sales
  • Commercial sales
  • Lettings
  • High value properties
  • Farms

The competitive nature of estate agent job sector means that applicants need to highlight their level of sector knowledge and experience to be viewed as employable.

As the estate agent role is a professional job, where many duties relate to communication, working with stakeholders and negotiation, employers also assess an applicants confidence and communication level.

Estate agent manger interviews will have  mixture of sector related questions, as shown below, and additional a selection of manager interview questions.

Estate Agent Interview Questions

We have listen the most commonly asked estate agent interview questions.

Once an invitation to interview has been received, applicants should review the job criteria for each specific role, with a view to tailor answers that meet the values, vision and duties of each individual organisation.

Job Interview Question 1: Tell me about your experience as an estate agent?

Split the ‘experience’ question into three sections:

  1. How you started out – ‘I started working as an estate agent in (add year) at the time I was responsible for (add specific duties)….
  2. Your journey – ‘More recently when the sector moved on to virtual viewings and an online market place I was able to take advantage of this by  (explain how you took advantage of the online opportunity)… ***if new to the sector explain the advantages of taking someone on with experience from a different sector.
  3. The benefits – ‘…With over (number of years) experience and a (add qualification) my key skills include (add unique selling point)’

Job Interview Question 2: How do you go about collecting information about a property?

Specific job duty questions are asked to check the applicants level of understanding of the job role.

Employers, here, are expecting a detailed answer that covers all the basics:

  • Taking measurements
  • Using camera skills to take flattering photographs
  • Estimating value based on other recent purchases
  • Researching local information; nearest school, shops and transport links
  • Checking the sellers ideal sale price

The interview question must state all the basics and should end with a unique selling point – how does the candidate use the collected data to increase sales – this could include being skilled in persuasive copy or having a photography qualification that results in desirable pictures.

train as a life coach

Job Interview Question 3: What is important to know when taking photographs of a property?

With photographs being the main source for potential buyers to book a viewing, and an in-depth understanding of how to take property photos’ can an interviewee the edge over the competition.

‘For me the photograph is key in terms of increasing viewings. I recently (practiced, read-up, gained a photography qualification) as I understand the importance of this skill in our industry. As an example, taking a picture with the lights on, even in the day time makes the property look warmer and more welcoming. Since utilising this skill I have seen views for my properties raise by (add percentage)’

Source; Tips for property photos’

Job Interview Question 4: What are the common problems and barriers when talking to the sellers about their property and its special features?

Sellers, in the main, want to get a higher then market value price.

This is especially true for high-end or unique properties. But this properties have a niche market, and timing can be a factor for a potential sale or price.

Employers are looking to see how an estate agent can ensure a quicker sale at a realistic price.

When answering the interview question explain the communication 3 stage process:

  • Ask the seller what they want
  • Sharing intelligence on current demand
  • Comprising and negotiation

Job Interview Question 5: How would you estimate the value of the property?

Even with online property estimation tools estate agent recruitment teams will ask the ‘estimation’ question.

The answer should be broken down into key distinctive parts:

Part 1 – a property estimation based on the property condition, location and other recent property sales. This is the main answer to the question.

Part 2 – an explanation of how you build a relationship with a seller to ensure your company puts the property on their books. This is because often a customer will go with the lowest cost estate agents or the one that states the highest property value (as the customer believes this is how they will make the largest profit)

Job Interview Question 6: How has social media and the web changed the way you market and promote properties?

Everyone is aware of RightMove and how their online platform has the market share of property views.

To stand-out, applicants need to give a better level of insights. During the interview answer  the applicant should talk about:

  • their understanding of the number of views of page 1 of a search compared to page 2 or 3 and what they do to ensure their properties rank high
  • the quality and framing of properties to increase a click through rate
  • how persuasive copy and increase viewings
  • the use of drones footage, inside videos vs photographs
  • ways to increase customers to the estate agents own website via social media

Job Interview Question 7: What is your approach when representing the sellers in negotiation with prospective buyers?

The main skill of an estate agent is to close the sale.

Interviewers are wanting to hear about how you negotiate with the hardest customers. During the job interview answer, use a real-life example to showcase your negotiation skills.

  • Set the Scene

Why was the buyer hard to work with?

What where their concerns?

Where there other interested parties?

  • Action

What tactic did you use to negotiate successfully?

How did you increase demand?

Which skills did you utilise?

  • Outcome

What was the outcome?

What was the sales cost compared to the asking price?

Did this lead to any referrals from the customer?


job interview coaching

Job Interview Question 8: What is your experience when liaising with mortgage brokers, solicitors, surveyors and other estate agents?

A key skill of an estate agent is their relationship building, collaboration and communication skills.

In this role, much time is spent collaborating with other professionals to help smooth the sales process.

The interview answer should start with a generic statement:

‘In all my previous roles I have worked and communicated with a range of stakeholder; solicitors, mortgage brokers and (add relevant stakeholders)..’

And end with an example:

‘…an example of this was when (state situation and problem) To solve this I (discuss actions you took, referencing skills used) which ended with (desirable outcome)’.

Job Interview Question 9: What do you advise clients to help them decide what they want to buy?

There will always be a couple of questions around supporting the buyer.

When working with a buyer the estate agents need to:

  • Check property criteria
  • Criteria order of preference
  • Max spend

In the job interview answer explain how you build trust, check the buyers requirements and how you help them match properties to their criteria.

Good answers also include insights into your day to day approaches:

  • Remember the buyers Childs name helps to build rapport
  • Stating you have shared a new property with them first creates a connections
  • Explaining how you will try to get them the best deal helps with sales

Job Interview Question 10: Do you have any questions for me?

  • Is the company looking to expand?
  • What has been the biggest barrier over the past 12 months
  • Is there any additional training for new staff members?
  • Who is the biggest competitor?
  • What is the average duration of  an employee?

Posted on

Job Interview Questions for A Carpet Fitter

Job Interview Questions for A Carpet Fitter

          • Job Interview Question 1: What is your experience in carpet fitting?
        • Job Interview Question 2: How would you approach measuring up floor space and estimating the amount of material required?
        • Job Interview Question 3: What is the first step when fitting carpets?

          • Job Interview Question 4: Why is it important to remove doors prior to fitting a carpet?
        • Job Interview Question 5: When would you use glue or nails?
        • Job Interview Question 6: Why would you liaise with the contractor?
        • Job Interview Question 7: What is a fast-track flooring systems?

Interview questions and answers

          • Job Interview Question 8: What is your knowledge of health and safety regulations?
        • Job Interview Question 9: What differnet styles of carpet cuts do you know?
        • Job Interview Question 10: Do you have any questions for me?