We've created a list of useful tips to ensure that you make the most of your application.Your application will be reviewed by our trained staff to ensure that it meets our minimum criteria, so it's important that you don't forget the basics and make your first impressions count.
How can you best promote yourself to Sainsbury's?
Tell us all about yourself! What you do in your spare time. Have you undertaken further education or courses? The recruitment application page is for you; this is your opportunity to sell yourself. An opportunity to tell us about yourself.
An opportunity to tell us about yourself
We can only proceed with your initial application on the basis of the information you provide us with. The following tips are offered to give you the best possible chance of succeeding to the next stage.
- 1.Application for all vacancies is by online application form.
- 2.Ensure your application is well organised, and is set out in a logical and easily understandable way. Your skills, education and qualifications should be listed.
- 3.On your application, include everything that is relevant.
- 4.Keep a clear picture in your mind of the job for which you are applying, and the skills you have that most closely match the job requirements.
- 5.Take some time to think about your accomplishments. Include voluntary activities, jobs, projects, assignments, travel and team activities, school, college, sporting or other outdoor activities. Include any of your past achievements, and why you're interested in the role.
- 6.Detail any experiences you have in dealing with people or customers that is relevant to the role you are applying for.
- 7.What do you do in your spare time? Have you undertaken further education? Can you show evidence of continued professional development or how you keep informed of developments in the industry?
- 8.Then identify and list your personal qualities.
- 9.Make sure your completed application form is up to date.
- 10.Do a final check of your completed application form for spelling mistakes and errors.
Testing
If your application is successful, you may be invited to complete assessment tests. We use a variety of assessment methods, each carefully designed to measure the skills and capabilities necessary to be successful in the role though the format of the questions in your assessment will be based upon the job you have applied for. You will be invited to undertake the tests online or in a classroom environment before your interview. Testing consists of timed exercises that look at your ability and potential. The tests we use are a mixture of verbal comprehension, personality questions and numerical skills. We may also include a work style assessment, which is another tool designed to find out a bit more about you. It adds to our understanding, but is not the basis of a decision as to whether you would be successful or not; after all, we don't look for a particular type of personality, but value diversity.
Interview Preparation
Good preparation is by far the best way to eliminate interview nerves. We want to see what you are capable of and whether you would be suited to the position. Following these simple guidelines will help you give the best possible account of yourself on the day:
- 1.Make sure you can talk confidently about everything on your application form.
- 2.Research the position and list the skills required. Review your own background and think of specific examples that match them. Prepare to talk about what you have learned and how it helped you move forward.
- 3.Learn as much as you can about us. Visit and read information on our corporate website (www.sainsburys.co.uk). Keep an eye on national newspapers and the business press.
- 4.Prepare a list of questions. They should help you to assess whether the role, and our company, forms the right career path for you.
- 5.Take your time if needed to answer questions fully and pay attention throughout.
- 6.Practice and prepare well. It will give you confidence and make you feel more at ease.
- 7.Finally, always be yourself; it's the best way forward.
Assessment centres
You may be invited to attend an assessment centre. The content of the assessment centre will depend on the skills required in the role you applied for. However it could consist of some of the following:
- 1.Role-play exercise
- 2.Competency-based interview
- 3.Group exercise
- 4.Presentation
- 5.Ability tests
You will receive a full brief from the recruiter prior to the assessment centre to ensure you know what will be expected of you and what you will need to prepare in advance. On the day try to relax; we want to see your individual personality as well as whether your skills are a match for the role.
