Job Interview Preparation Notes

Practice flashcards covering STAR interview answers, workplace examples, system processes, and core interview strategies.

Which example and location should be used to demonstrate high volume and accuracy in Q1?

Specsavers, at a busy city-centre store in Newcastle with tightly scheduled appointments.

What specific tasks at Specsavers required high accuracy under time pressure?

Taking optical measurements, including for different lens types, and accurately recording frame and lens details.

Which system is cited in Q2, and what core functions is it used for?

The Strikes EPOS and ordering system, used for orders, delivery booking-in, transfers, broken-stock claims, pricing, and stocktakes.

What is the step-by-step process when a delivery arrives at Strikes?

Scan each item, compare it with the delivery note, flag overs, unders, or breakages, print the relevant paperwork, and follow the process for making a claim.

How should you explain your approach to learning a new system if asked?

Learn the process step by step, ask questions when something is unclear, check the correct procedure rather than guess, and practise until using it confidently and accurately.

What action was taken when information was missing on a Strikes customer delivery order (Q3)?

After spotting missing information on the printed delivery form, the candidate contacted the customer directly to confirm the details before proceeding, rather than guessing or processing incomplete paperwork.

In the care work backup example for Q3, what actions were taken regarding an unclear medication record?

The candidate did not administer medication, contacted the main office, NHS 111, and the person who administered it, confirming that the maximum dosage had already been given and preventing a potential overdose.

What steps were taken when a delivery arrived at Strikes without a purchase order (PO) number (Q4)?

Contacted the supplier and found the PO was closed, contacted head office to establish it was a back order the store could not accept, arranged for supplier collection/uplift, and completed the back-office paperwork.

How did the candidate adapt when covering shifts for unfamiliar individuals as a Care Assistant (Q5)?

Read care plans and handover information to understand needs, routines, preferences, and safety considerations, followed guidance, approached each person respectfully, and asked colleagues or head office for clarification when needed.

How did the candidate successfully handle working with a colleague they did not initially click with at Copperclay (Q6)?

Stayed professional, focused on the person receiving care, recognised the colleague's strengths, remained open to learning from her, and concentrated on their shared goal of providing good care.

In Q7, how did the candidate identify and resolve the issue with the customer's out-of-date membership card at Strikes?

Checked the account details, discovered the renewal had been mistakenly applied to her husband's card instead, raised it with relevant staff, and had head office transfer the renewal so both cards were valid.

What was the candidate's MA Illustration final project, and what outcome was achieved (Q8)?

A gallery exhibition exploring identity and being yourself to promote self-acceptance, which was organised alongside employment and earned a distinction.

What development feedback was received in the school role, and how was it implemented (Q9)?

Feedback indicated that teachers across the wider school needed to be kept informed about supported students; the candidate responded by linking relevant teachers into daily reports and seeking direct conversations with them.

Why is the candidate interested in IPN and this specific role?

Because of existing experience in the pet industry, an enjoyment of customer service, organisation, and working with systems, combined with order processing, problem-solving, and the search for a long-term development opportunity.

What is the candidate's current role and main responsibilities at Strikes?

Pet Department Lead, responsible for managing stock and orders, booking in deliveries, resolving discrepancies, and helping customers.

What is the step-by-step memory chain for handling an unhappy customer?

Listen without taking it personally -> stay calm -> clarify what has gone wrong -> explain what I can do -> involve the right person if needed -> keep the customer informed and follow up.

What four core strengths are highlighted for the interview?

Communication, accuracy, organisation, and adaptability.

What should you do if asked a question and you do not know the answer?

Do not guess; check the relevant information or procedure, ask the appropriate colleague if needed, and keep the customer informed while finding the correct answer.

What are five optional questions to ask the interviewers?

1. What does a typical day look like? 2. How is training structured? 3. What is the balance of phone, email and order processing? 4. How is hybrid working arranged? 5. What does success look like in the first six months?