Are you prepping for an interview with Tesco? We’ve got your back. This article is going to be your secret weapon for acing that interview and bagging that job role you’ve set your sights on. We’re going to be discussing the most common questions that pop up in a Tesco interview, and we won’t leave you hanging – we’ll also give you some stellar sample answers to boot. Whether you’re applying for a cashier position, a floor manager role, or anything in between, these questions are relevant. So don’t sweat about the salary negotiations just yet. Focus on acing these questions first. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s get you prepped and confident for your Tesco interview!
Contents
Looking for More Questions / Answers…?
Then, let me introduce you to a fantastic resource: “Interview Success: How To Answer Tesco Interview Questions”. Penned by the experienced career coach, Mike Jacobsen, this guide is packed full of interview tips. This 105-page guide is packed with over 100 sample answers to the most common and challenging interview questions. It goes beyond simply giving you answers – it guides you on how to structure your responses, what interviewers are seeking, and even things to avoid during interviews. Best of all, it’s available for instant download! Dive in and give yourself the competitive edge you deserve.
Click here to learn more and get your copy today
Tesco Interview Tips
Know Your Role
The first step to a successful interview is understanding your role inside and out. If you’re applying for a cashier job, learn all about what a cashier does on a daily basis at Tesco. If you’re aiming for a floor manager role, familiarise yourself with what they’re responsible for.
Research Tesco
You’re not just applying to any old supermarket – it’s Tesco! Show them you’re serious by learning about the company, its history, values, and latest news. This will show that you’re really interested in joining their team and not just looking for any job.
Understand Tesco’s Core Purpose and Values
Tesco’s core purpose is to serve Britain’s shoppers a little better every day. They have values they expect their employees to uphold, such as ‘No one tries harder for customers’ and ‘We treat people how they want to be treated’. Make sure to mention these in your interview to show that you share their philosophy.
Prepare for Common Interview Questions
It’s a good idea to think about your responses to common interview questions. For example, “Why do you want to work at Tesco?” or “Describe a time when you provided excellent customer service.” We’ll discuss these in more detail later in the article and in our guide
Show Positivity and Enthusiasm
Remember, interviewers aren’t just interested in your skills and experience. They’re looking for someone who will be a great fit in their team. Show positivity, enthusiasm, and a genuine interest in the role to make a lasting impression.
How Best To Structure Tesco Interview Questions
B – Belief
This is where you express your values or principles in relation to the subject matter of the question. For example, if you’re asked about handling a difficult customer, you might start with “I believe that every customer deserves respect and understanding, no matter how tough the situation might be.”
S – Situation
Here, you set the scene. Describe the context or circumstances in which the event took place. For example, “There was one busy Saturday evening when I was working as a cashier at my previous job, and a customer came in just minutes before closing time.”
T – Task
This is your part in the story. What responsibilities did you have in that specific situation? You could say, “As the only cashier still on shift, it was my responsibility to handle all customer transactions while ensuring they had a positive shopping experience.”
A – Activity (or action)
Now, you get into the meat of the matter – what did you do? Be specific and detail the actions you took. For instance, “I reassured the customer that I was happy to help. I quickly but carefully processed their shopping, all the while maintaining a friendly conversation to make them feel valued.”
R – Results
Finally, share the outcome. Quantifiable results are best, but not always possible. You might say, “The customer left satisfied and thanked me for my patience and professionalism. The next week, my manager told me the customer had phoned in to compliment my service, which improved our store’s customer feedback score that month.”
Remember, Tesco values excellent customer service, and using this B-STAR method can help you show that you not only have the skills, but you understand why they matter. It’s a surefire way to make your Tesco interview answers stand out.
What You Should Not Do When Answering Questions
Do not avoid the question.
Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).
Do not downplay the situation.
Do not overhype the situation.
Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.
Do not reject the premise of the question.
Do not have a passive role in the situation.
Do not give a one-sentence answer.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action.
Tesco Interview Question & Answers
“Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult colleague. How did you handle it?”
Click here for 4 more example answers to this question…
Responding to “Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult colleague. How did you handle it?” lets you demonstrate your interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. Be sure to focus on the resolution rather than dwelling excessively on the conflict.
Absolutely, I can recall a situation when I was working as a shift supervisor at a fast-food restaurant. I had a colleague who was very resistant to receiving feedback, which was crucial as we were often working in high-pressure situations and clear communication was essential.
One day, during a busy lunch rush, this colleague made a mistake with an order, and when I attempted to give him constructive feedback, he became defensive and argumentative. This was not only impacting our efficiency but also the atmosphere among the team.
I recognized that addressing this issue in the heat of the moment wouldn’t lead to a productive conversation, so I decided to wait until after the shift. Later, I invited him to discuss the situation privately.
In this discussion, I used the ‘sandwich’ method for delivering feedback – I started by acknowledging his strengths and the good work he usually did, then I discussed the areas where improvement was needed, and I closed the conversation on a positive note, expressing my confidence in his abilities.
I made sure to focus on the specific behaviour that needed to be changed rather than criticizing him personally. I also made it a point to listen to his side of the story and understand his perspective. It turned out, he was dealing with some personal issues and was not aware that his behaviour was impacting the team.
After our conversation, there was a noticeable improvement in his receptivity to feedback. The situation taught me the importance of timely communication, empathy, and the right delivery method when dealing with difficult situations. It also reaffirmed my belief that often, open dialogue can resolve many issues in the workplace.
“Are you comfortable working flexible hours, including weekends and holidays?”
Click here for 4 more example answers to this question…
“Are you comfortable working flexible hours, including weekends and holidays?” is about assessing your availability and commitment. If you’re flexible, communicate this clearly, and if you have certain restrictions, be honest but focus on how you can still fulfill the job requirements.
Absolutely, I’m fully prepared to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays. I understand that retail environments, especially companies like Tesco, need to be customer-centric and operate outside the traditional 9-5 schedule. I have always been comfortable with this aspect of the job.
In my previous role at a department store, I was frequently called upon to work at different hours, and I found that it actually added an interesting dimension to the role. Each shift has its own pace and customer patterns, and being able to work across different shifts allowed me to understand the customer flow and dynamics better.
During holiday seasons, we often had extended hours and I was more than willing to put in extra time because I understand the importance of these periods to the company’s bottom line. I would apply the same commitment and flexibility here at Tesco.
In terms of my personal life, I have arranged things in such a way that working flexible hours, weekends, and holidays will not be a problem. I have reliable transportation and a supportive family that understands the demands of my work. So you can count on me to be there when Tesco needs me. I believe in being fully committed to my work and I am prepared to do what it takes to ensure customer satisfaction.
However, I also appreciate that Tesco values the work-life balance of its employees. I understand that the rota is planned well in advance and the schedules are done fairly, allowing employees to plan their personal commitments too. This balance is one of the reasons I’m interested in joining the Tesco team.
In summary, I’m not just willing but actually look forward to working in a dynamic, customer-facing environment with flexible hours. I believe that my positive attitude, adaptability, and dedication will make me a strong fit for this role.
“Tell us about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.”
Click here for 4 more example answers to this question…
In response to “Tell us about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.”, share a specific story that demonstrates your dedication to customer satisfaction. This question is about your initiative and understanding of customer service.
Absolutely, I’d be happy to share an instance from my previous role at a local bookstore where I had the opportunity to go above and beyond for a customer.
There was a regular customer who was a passionate collector of mystery novels. One day, he came in looking for a very rare, out-of-print book to complete his collection of a specific author’s work. Despite our extensive inventory, we didn’t have that particular book in stock. I could see he was really disappointed, as he’d been looking for this book for a long time.
Instead of just apologizing and moving on, I decided to make an extra effort to help him out. In my own time, I began a search for the book, reaching out to numerous other bookshops, used bookstores, and online platforms. After several days, I was able to locate a copy of the book in a used bookstore located in another city. I called the store and arranged for them to send the book to our shop.
When the book arrived, I immediately reached out to the customer and told him the good news. He was overjoyed and deeply grateful for the effort I’d put into helping him find the book.
Not only was it a rewarding experience to help a customer in such a way, but it also reinforced my understanding of how going that extra mile can truly enhance a customer’s experience. The man became one of our most loyal customers, often citing the service he received that day as the reason for his continued patronage. To me, this story encapsulates the true spirit of customer service. It’s not just about meeting the needs of the customers, but exceeding their expectations whenever possible.
“How would you contribute to the team environment at Tesco?”
Click here for 4 more example answers to this question…
When you’re asked “How would you contribute to the team environment at Tesco?”, focus on your teamwork skills, personal attributes, and specific ways you’ve contributed to a positive team environment in the past. This question is about collaboration and fit within the team.
In my past roles, I’ve found that my ability to collaborate effectively, and my commitment to fostering a positive team environment are key strengths that I bring to any work situation. I believe that these attributes will enable me to make a substantial contribution to the team environment at Tesco.
In terms of teamwork skills, I am a firm believer in open and honest communication. I’ve found that this is the bedrock of good teamwork. For instance, while working in my previous role at a retail store, I always made it a point to discuss any issues or problems with my team members directly and respectfully, fostering an environment where everyone felt heard and valued. This encouraged proactive problem solving, which led to a significant decrease in customer complaints and a noticeable increase in overall customer satisfaction. I intend to bring this same approach to the Tesco team, promoting open communication and proactive problem solving.
My personal attributes also lend themselves to team environments. I am adaptable and flexible, understanding that in the retail sector, change is often the only constant. For example, during a busy holiday season in my previous job, there were several last-minute schedule changes. Despite these unexpected alterations, I was able to quickly adapt and provide the necessary support to my team. As part of the Tesco team, I would continue to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in the face of change.
Additionally, I have a strong commitment to learning and growth, both personally and as a team member. In my previous position, I initiated a weekly knowledge sharing session where my colleagues and I could share tips and best practices related to our work. This not only helped in improving our individual skills but also strengthened our collective team performance. I would love to implement something similar at Tesco, fostering an environment of continual learning and growth.
“What would you do if you found a product priced incorrectly?”
Click here for 4 more example answers to this question…
For the question, “What would you do if you found a product priced incorrectly?”, the interviewer wants to understand your honesty and decision-making process. Discuss the steps you’d take in line with company policy and ethical standards.
Coming across an incorrectly priced item is not an uncommon occurrence in the retail sector, and the course of action to be taken in such scenarios often requires keen judgment, a clear understanding of company policies, and impeccable integrity.
From my past experience working in the retail industry, I understand the importance of accurate pricing for both the company and the customer. On the company side, incorrect pricing can impact profit margins, inventory control, and potentially lead to discrepancies in financial reporting. For customers, it can lead to confusion, disappointment, or even mistrust if they feel they have been misled.
If I were to encounter a product with incorrect pricing at Tesco, my first step would be to validate the discrepancy. Retail environments can sometimes be hectic, and it’s not uncommon for items to be mistakenly placed in the wrong section or for price tags to be inadvertently switched. I would, therefore, first compare the price of the item on the shelf with the price listed in our digital inventory system.
Assuming that my verification confirmed the pricing error, my immediate next step would be to report the issue to my immediate supervisor. It’s essential to keep the management in the loop regarding any anomalies to ensure that the rectification process aligns with company policies and standards.
In my previous job, I found a high-value item listed at a significantly lower price. Following my verification and reporting to my supervisor, we discovered that the pricing error was due to an entry mistake made by a new member of the inventory management team. We corrected the error in the system, and I personally oversaw the update of the price tag on the shop floor. Furthermore, we also used this instance as a learning opportunity and re-emphasized to the team the importance of meticulousness when entering pricing data.
Should I encounter a similar situation at Tesco, I would adhere to the same principles. Verify the discrepancy, report to my supervisor, correct the mistake promptly, and then identify ways to prevent similar errors in the future. I believe in taking a proactive approach to problem-solving, and I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and integrity in all aspects of my work.