Friday, 27 March 2015

How I got a job at.... BENEFIT!

It has always been my dream to work on a counter and be surrounded by make up and I recently got some very exciting news (if the title doesn't give it away) I got a job at benefit! I am working in John Lewis.

When I was looking for advice I came across some horror stories about the whole process that scared me when I was going. I am here to tell you IT'S NOT THAT BAD!

I'm going to take you stage by stage on how my application process went:

Stage One- The online application.
I applied online for a part time position- Keep an eye out for positions and apply!
The application was pretty short itself and only took 5-10 minutes (mine took longer because I took so much care doing it)
They will ask for a CV and cover letter, make sure you write a cover letter and make it brand specific e.g. 'I would love to work for Benefit because...' And a couple questions about scenarios and one question I remember is "how would your best friend describe you?" or something. But obviously you will see this when you apply.

Stage Two- The phone interview.
I got a phone call the next day, the lady was really nice and explained she would be able to be able to tell me if I was successful at the end of the call. She asked basic scenarios questions such as how would you give someone the benefit experience? One question she caught me out on was "Which benefit product do you relate to the most and why?" That was a hard one so keep in mind something like that may pop up. Also know you favourite products of theirs and what you use.. if you don't use them don't lie. I was successful and got an audition at my local debenhams store about a week later (maybe less). She will then tell you some information like when and where your audition is and what to wear. Make sure you wear all black else you will be sent home, a girl in my audition got sent home as she couldn't be on the counter without all black on.

Stage Three- The audition.
I arrived at my interview around 20 minutes early and got sent away as the area manager wasn't there yet, I arrived at the same time as another girl so we walked around the centre together and chatted. We went back and got taken up to the restaurant the area manager kindly bought us all a drink, we were met by two other girls that turned up a little later. I volunteered to go first and the area manager asked questions and you are scored on your answers. They are basic customer care questions from what I can imagine and if you have worked in retail you should be able to answer them. You are then shown the products downstairs and given a little bit of information about them. You then go out and traffic stop customers (This is the bit I was most worried about). The main objective is to remember that you are not disrupting them. You are simply offering a free service with the UK no.1 Premium brand... who would say no to that? Try and sit as many people down as possible and make sure you're giving them all great service.

Stage Four- Store Approval.
If you are successful you will get a phone call back, which is when you may or may not need a store approval to work in the store you have been assigned to. Mine was super relaxed and it was just a couple questions to get to know you.

Top Tips: 

  • Look like you belong to the counter, in how you are dressed and your make up. If you have no idea what to do with your make up/what to wear go to a benefit counter look at their make up and how they dress and fit in. It makes it easier for them to imagine you on counter. 
  • Don't be shy, Benefit is such a lovely company to work for and it's all about the experience for the customer. So they want some one who can deliver that.
  • Ask questions if you have them, it'll make you seem more eager even if its just about how they got to where they are.
Good luck 

xo
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