Retail Industry Assessment Tests, Recruitment Process & Interviews Online Preparation – 2024
Working in the Retails Industry
The retail industry is one of the largest, most diverse industries out there. Retail encompasses department stores, grocers, small boutiques, and even automobile sales. Even as the face of business changes and storefronts begin to close, the retail industry continues to flourish through online stores. Working in retail is not just working as a salesperson in a store. There are jobs in fulfilment centres, positions in logistics, and marketing, and in inventory management. There are positions for people with little to no experience, as well as for those with specialized degrees. Internships are available as well as graduate scheme positions in management and entry-level corporate jobs. Other positions in the retail industry include:
- Cashiers
- Customer service associates
- Visual merchandisers
- Department managers
- Store managers
- Loss-prevention
What Is the Interview Process at Chains of Retails Stores?
Application Process
Some retail locations may still have paper applications available, however, the majority of retailers have begun turning to an online application system. Some stores have kiosks where job-seekers can fill out an application, or you can search their website and apply through the careers section. The website will have all open positions listed, as well as locations that are hiring. As with most online applications, you can create an account, so you are able to save your information and receive job alerts if desired. For non-degreed positions, you will just need to fill out an application and submit a resume if you have one. Higher-level positions will require a CV and cover letter. The retail industry receives an extremely high volume of applicants for most positions. You want your cover letter to stand out, so your application catches the recruiter’s eye. To aid in the process some retailers will give an assessment test as soon as part of the application process.
Retails Shops Psychometric Tests
The online assessment test may be given either as soon as your application is submitted online or after the recruiter has looked at your application. This is dependent on the retailer, and the position you applied for. Each position has a particular set of skills that job candidates will need to demonstrate. Positions such as cashier, need employees who are customer-service oriented. Management positions require the ability to motivate a team and solve conflicts. The assessment tests are given to help determine if you will fit into the corporate culture and if you possess the necessary skills to be successful in the position for which you have applied. They are also used as a tool for shortlisting applicants because of the overwhelming amount of applications that many larger retailers receive. Tests that are commonly given in the retail industry are:
- Personality Exam – To hello determine how well you will suit the company, personality tests are often given. These will determine your dominant personality traits and build a profile, that is compared to a profile the company has established for that position.
- Numerical Reasoning Test – To measure your proficiency in working with numerical data, you may be given a numerical reasoning test. This test consists of graphs and tables you will need to interpret. The test is multiple-choice.
- Situational Judgment Test (SJT) – The situational judgment test will help demonstrate how you perform in work-related situations. You will be given a few scenarios and several responses, you will have to determine which of the given responses is closest to the way you would react.
- Logical Reasoning Test– This test is used to measure a candidate’s ability to think logically. You will be shown shapes that form part of a sequence. You will need to figure out how to complete the sequence.
- Mechanical Aptitude Test – For those who will be working in a warehouse, you will need to show your level of mechanical ability. The mechanical aptitude test will measure your knowledge of basic mechanical concepts. You will need to solve problems using your mechanical knowledge. This test is multiple-choice.
Interviews at Multi-Store Retail Chains
The interview process may start with a phone screening. The telephone interview will be brief, lasting around 15-20 minutes. They will ask questions about your experience and background and clarify any information from your application they may have questions about. If the phone screening goes well, you will be invited to go in for an in-person interview with the hiring manager. This interview will go much more in-depth. You will be asked behavioural questions, so they can get an impression of your working style. You will also be asked situational questions to help build a picture of how you will behave on the job. The recruiter may have you role-play some scenarios. These interviews are usually based on the STAR method. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. You will be asked about a situation, explain the task you needed to perform, which actions you took, and the results. This is a good way to provide context to your answers and demonstrate personal growth. Some questions you may be asked during the interview include:
- Have you ever had to work with an unhappy customer? How did you help resolve the issue?
- What is your favourite part about working in retail?
- Where do you want to take your career? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Are you able to work with a diverse group of people?
If you have any questions about the position or the company, do not be hesitant to ask. Interviews are more effective when they flow like a natural conversation. Coming prepared with your own questions will also show that you are serious about the position and are eager to learn as much as possible. Establishing a rapport with the interviewer will show that you will fit in well with the retailer and are good with people. It will also help you stand out in their minds when it comes to making a final decision.
How to Prepare for Retails Industry Assessment Tests?
The online tests will make or break your chances of getting hired, so preparing for them is an important part of the job-seeking process. Preparing for personality tests can seem difficult since there are no right or wrong answers. Studying the company and its core-values will give you insight into the personality traits they find most desirable in their employees. Be honest when you answer but remember that most people have a work persona. Tests that are based on hard skills are easier to prepare for. There are resources available to help you practice your numerical reasoning skills, and for helping you sharpen your mechanical skills if you know you will need to take a mechanical reasoning test.
If you are applying for a position through a hiring kiosk, you may be given the tests immediately. If you are sent a link to take them at home, you can ensure that your test-taking environment is conducive to allowing you to concentrate. If you can choose where to take the tests, make sure you are in a quiet area where you will not be distracted. Read the directions thoroughly, so you do not make mistakes due to misunderstanding. Try not to allow your nerves to take over, and you will make it through the online tests and into your dream retail position.
The Biggest Retailers in UK
The Biggest Retailers in Australia
| Fantastic Furniture |
Adore Beauty |
SurfStitch |
JB Hi-Fi |
Kogan |
| Bunnings Warehouse |
Officeworks |
Vistaprint |
EB Games |
Catch |
| Chemist Warehouse |
David Jones |
Microsoft |
Sephora |
Rebel |
| Amazon Australia |
Best & Less |
Spotlight |
Target |
Mecca |
| Supercheap Auto |
Forever New |
Cotton On |
Ozsale |
Bonds |
| Marks & Spencer |
Naked Wines |
Priceline |
Showpo |
Myer |
| Nourished Life |
GraysOnline |
Booktopia |
Beserk |
IKEA |
| Harvey Norman |
Woolworths |
Jeanswest |
Kmart |
ASOS |
| The Good Guys |
The Iconic |
Birdsnest |
Big W |
BCF |
| Dan Murphy’s |
City Beach |
Anaconda |
Coles |
HP |
