River Island interview questions

After applying online I heard back quite quickly. The actual process took another 6 weeks. Then there is a 4 week training period before you start your store. The HR lady kept in contact with me the whole time to reassure me the hiring manager was interested. For my first time manager role interview, I prepared a lot of answers and researched the company a lot. There was also a SWOT analysis of the store. I designed mins on Photoshop which showed interest and enthusiasm.

I applied online; the online application is so simple and easy to fill out! I received a call the next day requesting a phone interview which I booked in for the following day. That lasted about 30-40 mins. I spoke to a lovely woman from HR, she was so friendly and instantly made me feel at ease!! I was asked a few questions about myself (I had just moved to the area etc), then I was asked a few questions about my experience. I was instantly given feedback there on the phone which was great!! No waiting around for calls!! I was then told more about the role and the store I was applying for as well as the company itself. I loved this touch as it gives you a chance to have a bit more of an insight and to make sure the role is right for you! We then arranged an interview with the store manager for a few days time. You are then sent a pack, confirming your interview and a brief for doing a SWOT report on a store. It is a really detailed email with tips and information on what your presentation could include, but you're given the freedom to be creative. TIP: This is your chance to be commercial!!! That is a trait needed for this role and this is your opportunity to present just how commercial you are. Don't just draw up a quick A4 with notes. Be creative, spend time in the store you're analysing and don't be afraid to find fault; as long as you can back up a negative with a strong opportunity/improvement, you'll impress. I was away that weekend so I went to a store near to where I was staying (I didn't have to do the report in the store I was applying for). I then had a few days to really work on it and ensure it was right. TIP: Take photos in the store, it backs up your claims and adds to your presentation (this is a personal choice of course, it's just what I included). I then had my 1:1 with the store manager. When I arrived I was asked to pick an outfit you can wear from day to bar with a budget of £100. I had 5 mins and was then asked to explain why I chose what I did. Then we went to the office for my interview which was your typical retail management interview; experience questions followed by competency questions. I also presented my report (I made a copy for the store manager to keep). She then asked me to come to the floor and do a quick SWOT on her store (spent about 10 mins on this). She also gave me feedback straight away which was really positive and I was told I would be contacted within the week. I got a call a few days later with an offer and they had agreed to my salary request too. You are sent so much info and support throughout the process. I've never actually been through a process quite like it. I start next week and the lady from HR still keeps in touch to keep me in the loop and make sure everything is okay. I even received a note in the post congratulating me.. very nice touch!! I'm really looking forward to starting now!!