So I've got a job interview.

freehub

At Halfords.

I went in there about 7 weeks ago and handed my CV in, today received a call. It's my first job interview and am well nervous. They never said if it was formal or informal and I never thought to ask! So unsure if I should go in trousers and shirt.

On the phone he said if I could brush up on my knowledge of Halfords, and bikes, then that'd be great, so that's some homework I'll have to do tonight and tomoz, so yes, super nervous, as usual worried that IF I get the job, I won't end up like a total numpty and get something so simple wrong. Or end up selling something fitted wrong or the wrong part.

I'd hope that if I get the job it'll be in the bike area as that'd be an excellent first job doing something good.

rick_chasey

Go as formal as you can.

Much better being overdressed than underdressed.

Make sure you go in knowing what to say. Don't say anything that can back you into a corner, unless you've covered that in the prep you've done before you go in.

inkyfingers

I would go dressed in a smart shirt and trousers and shoes (not trainers), shows pride and willingness to make an effort.

Good luck!

bompington

freehub wrote:

if I could brush up on my knowledge of Halfords, and bikes

Surely not both necessary in the same job?

freehub

Kool, good job I've got some shoes somewhere, never used em really, same for the trousers.

I'm worried I will get asked something that I will struggle to answer.

bompington wrote:

freehub wrote:

if I could brush up on my knowledge of Halfords, and bikes

Surely not both necessary in the same job?

Lol, I would honestly be find with it if that was what I was doing, brushing up , I just need an actual job!

When they say brush up on my knowledge of Halfords, I don't quite know exactly what they want, unless they want me to research the history of the company, and all that. I know they sell Chris Boardman bikes through Halfords Bike Hut stores and Carrera bikes

re-cycles

As above, go smart, a shirt & tie will do the job.
One little bit of advice is to think of a few questions that you can ask at the end of the interview. I've interviewed plenty of folks in the past and hate it when people don't ask questions! If the job is full time then consider asking about ongoing training, the possibility of responsibilty and professional development. Its worth checking out what cycling schemes are going on in the local area and bringing that up in the interview (maybe ask if they've got any input into the scheme?), as a decent manager would like to see you looking to expand sales into new areas.

zanes

What I usually find is places just want you to have an overview of the company, bit of history, what they do, what their USPs (Unique Selling Points) are, basically just that you've shown a reasonable amount of interest/research in looking for this job (aren't just running down a list of similar sounding jobs on a aggregating site or something.

And go as formal as possible, show that you're serious about the job, even if it's just a temping/summer job etc.

rick_chasey

Just know as best you can what the job actually is.

Don't go in saying you love cycling if you're going to spend 60% of your time working on kit-car stuff. Similarly, if it's just a till job, then a passion for bikes won't be much use.

What do Halfords sell, their USP, etc...

freehub

It is a temping/ summer job, although if I'd be tempted to no go to uni and take a gap year doing work here. The reason being, the course I am going to do at uni is not what I want to do, and it was an absolute shambles applying to uni this year, totally messed up part by me and the uni.

I was thinking of asking them in the interview what sort of training would be given, as It is something I'd be hoping would be given.

Yes I'm not getting my hopes up totally, I know it's possible it might just be a till job, or in another department, I do fine car stuff interesting though if I happened to be in that area. He did mention bicycles though, and when I handed the form in, the guy asked me what my preference was for, and I said bicycles, twas on my CV in detail too.

Ben6899

Will,

Have a look at these links, if you haven't already.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halfords

http://www.halfordscareers.com/

And good luck! Oh by the way... which branch? One 'over here' or in Manchester?

freehub

It's the Selby branch.

sheffsimon

freehub wrote:

It is a temping/ summer job, although if I'd be tempted to no go to uni and take a gap year doing work here. The reason being, the course I am going to do at uni is not what I want to do, and it was an absolute shambles applying to uni this year, totally messed up part by me and the uni.

I was thinking of asking them in the interview what sort of training would be given, as It is something I'd be hoping would be given.

Yes I'm not getting my hopes up totally, I know it's possible it might just be a till job, or in another department, I do fine car stuff interesting though if I happened to be in that area. He did mention bicycles though, and when I handed the form in, the guy asked me what my preference was for, and I said bicycles, twas on my CV in detail too.

No way you should do this course then.

It might dictate what you spend the rest of your life doing, plus being up to your knackers in debt at the end of it.

Bin it, take a year out doing this job or whatever, and re-apply.

Ben6899

You'll be fine at the Selby branch. They still drive Flintstone-type cars in Selby, right?



And a MASSIVE +1000 to what SheffSimon says regarding Uni and the course you're not really bothered about.

TommyEss

Re. training - ask them if you can do the CyTech course.

As mentioned, better over- than under-dressed, have a fair idea of what Halfords are about - remember they do more than just bikes (unless it's a Bikehut store!??)

Tell them about your riding too - they'd be impressed with someone who's actually in the sport, racing etc.

softlad

freehub wrote:

Kool, good job I've got some shoes somewhere, never used em really, same for the trousers.

you don't wear shoes or trousers..?? If you're just standing there in your pants and bare feet, that might put the customers off....

Tom Butcher

Was going to make the same crack.

Agree best to go overdressed than under - a shirt and tie at least - shows a bit of effort and if you are serving customers they'll want you to look presentable.

Agree about the university course - there is no rush - don't know your age but if you are 17/18 unless you are absolutely 100% sure you know what you want to do then take a few years working and see what you like.

freehub

Just turned 21 I have.

Pross

Whatever you do, when they ask what you know about Halfords DO NOT repeat anything you have read on here!! :shock:

It might also be worth avoiding the fact that you will assume any foreign customers who bring an expensive bike in to be fixed has stolen it (although anyone taking an expensive bike to be fixed at Halfords is clearly deranged).

Unless you are specifically being interviewed for a job in their cycling department make sure you show at least some knowledge of car parts and accessories. For example it may be a good idea to know that cars (and buses) on the continent tend to have the steering wheel on the left

simonaspinall

Using words like 'contribution' and showing you think in the long-term are good.

Management training
Customer care
Being the cyclist's go-to guy
Pride in your work
...and the fact that you'll be helping a lot of people onto their first bike and giving them confidence - and in your hands, i'm sure they'll walk away with a well set-up bike. Good commission I hope and most importantly it's job satisfaction helping people into a great sport/activity

You may also get a pretty penny staff discount on the boardman range, though best to ask about that after you start

softlad

freehub wrote:

Just turned 21 I have.

nice Yoda impression....

Cleat Eastwood

softlad wrote:

freehub wrote:

Kool, good job I've got some shoes somewhere, never used em really, same for the trousers.

you don't wear shoes or trousers..?? If you're just standing there in your pants and bare feet, that might put the customers off....

Unless you're selling a helmet.

freehub

What will they want me to know? That they have a Halfords Bikehut road racing team, they also have some Nationwide Auto centers MOT that are re-branded Halfords, they have shops in Poland and the Czech rebublic as well as ireland and this country?

Just little bits of info like that?

redddraggon

They'll ask stupid questions like

"What do you think you will bring to this job?"

"Why do you want this job?"

"What experience do you think you have that will help in this role?"

"What was the best experience you've had so far in your life?"

etc etc etc

(I think you are screwed)

craker

redddraggon wrote:

They'll ask stupid questions like

"What do you think you will bring to this job?"

"Why do you want this job?"

"What experience do you think you have that will help in this role?"

"What was the best experience you've had so far in your life?"

^^^ Think of an answer to these questions. Any nonsense is better than a sort of mumbled 'dunno'.

Be confident, be honest and tell them how you like to rebuild cars and bikes as a hobby. Or something.

tebbit

To the question "what will you bring to the job?"

Do not answer "I'm hung like a blue whale and will f**k you till your eyes change colour."

That would not be a good answer.

redddraggon

There's loads of questions they could ask you, you just need to make sure you have your wit with you that day.

Examples of more questions:

List of interview questions relating to the new job / company

1. Why do you want this job?
2. What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
3. What can you contribute?
4. Why do you want to work for this company?
5. What do you know about this company?
6. What interests you about our product (or service)?
7. What can we (the new company) offer that your previous company cannot offer?
8. You have not done this sort of job before. How will you cope/succeed?
9. Why should we employ you?
10. How long do you think it would be before you were making a significant contribution to the team/company?
11. How ambitious are you?
12. Would you compete for my job?
13. What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing?
14. What are you looking for in a new job?
15. What would you like to avoid in your next job?
16. Are you too old for this job? [Shouldn't be asked in countries with age discrimination legislation.]
17. Are you too young for this job? [Shouldn't be asked in countries with age discrimination legislation.]
18. You may be over qualified for this position?
19. Are you prepared to relocate?
20. Are you willing to travel?
21. What level of salary are you looking for now?

List of interview questions relating to your current / previous job

1. How much does your last job resemble the one you are applying for?
2. What are the differences?
3. What do you think of the last company you worked for?
4. Why did you join your previous company?
5. Did they live up to your expectations?
6. Why are you leaving now?
7. Explain the organizational structure in your last company and how you fitted into it?
8. What did you think of your manager/supervisor?
9. How did you get on with your previous manager/supervisor, coworkers and subordinates?
10. What did you do on a day to day basis?
11. Did you increase sales or profits in your last job?
12. Have you reduced costs at your last company?
13. Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily in your last job?
14. What problems did you encounter in your last job?
15. What annoyed you about your last job?
16. What did you earn in your last job?

Career related interview questions

1. Why did you choose a career in …?
2. Why are you changing careers?
3. What are your career goals?
4. How long have you been looking for a new job?
5. Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company?
6. What would your ideal job be?
7. Are you considering any other positions at the moment?
8. If you have changed jobs a lot you may be asked how long you would stay in the new job.
9. Have you ever been fired?
10. How often are you off sick?
11. What will your referees say about you?

List of interview questions relating to you

1. How would you describe yourself?
2. How would others describe you?
3. Do you consider yourself successful?
4. What was your greatest success?
5. How did you achieve it?
6. What has been your biggest failure?
7. How could you improve yourself?
8. Are you a leader?
9. How do you handle criticism?
10. What sort of manager are you?
11. What makes a good manager?
12. Do you work well with others? Or are you a loner?
13. Do you need other people around to stimulate you or are you self-motivated?
14. Are you accepted into a team quickly?
15. Can you act on your own initiative?
16. How do you run a meeting?
17. What motivates you?
18. What management style gets the best results out of you?
19. Do you know how to motivate other people?
20. Are you competitive?
21. Are you aggressive?
22. What do you dislike doing?
23. Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?
24. Can you work under pressure?
25. How many hours are you prepared to work?
26. Do you mind working for someone older than yourself? Younger than you? Of the opposite sex?
27. What interests do you have outside work?

nolf

+1 on the questions listed above.
While an answer to all of them isn't necessary, an idea of what you;d say is good.

In terms of knowing about Halfords:
Who are they (do they have a mission statement or a statement of intent, e.g microsofts "a computer in every home").

Just a quick glance at the careers website of halfords shows:

"Can do attitude" is a phrase they use, therefore take a proactive attitude to everything!
If they ask you "can you fix so and so", if you genuinely can't, like nowehere near, answer with something like "not yet".
Just illustrate that while there are gaps in your knowledge, your pro-active attitude and positive demeanour will more than make up as you hanker after additional knowledge, to do the best job for your customers you can.

From Halfords strategy
"The marketing strategy focuses on the communication of discounted product promotions to increase footfall and enhance the perception of Halfords as a price leader, whilst also promoting its sub-brands, such as Ripspeed and Bikehut, to increase and diversify the customer base.

Halfords' trading strategy is aimed at increasing the number of products purchased by customers on each visit to a store through dynamic use of store space in order to sell products which are seasonally relevant or which are otherwise being specifically promoted. The Directors have also increased staff participation in sales-related incentive schemes and have implemented specific incentives at peak trading periods."

What it means: market sales products
Halfords brand image is price competitive
Attempts to diversify, to get more diverse customers
Specific promotions, and good store layout increases customer numbers

Highlighted bit: great way of showing off knowledge, "I want to be part of Halfords because of their sales related incentive schemes, and am hoping to make extra money through it!"

That may be overkill but it only too me 5 mins to do that.
If you don't take your job application seriously, neither will they.

Homer J

Questions you need to ask

1.How much holiday do i get?
2. How long do i get for lunch?
3. What time do i finish?
4. Do i really have to work weekends?
5. When is the next pay rise?
6. Will i be supplied with a company bike?
7. Will the above be carbon?

Cleat Eastwood

And tell them you cant work past 6 oclock cos that when your ASBO starts.

Chip \'oyler

Just go in looking gormless and they'll offer you the job no problem.

And the beauty of doing that is that you don't have to practice

softlad

They may also ask you to name members of the current shadow cabinet, or perhaps questions relating to Greece's national debt problem.

You should also expect to be asked for your views on solving the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, or what impact Castro's death would have on political stabiliy in Cuba...