Marks & Spencer interview questions

A friend was leaving the role and suggested that I contact her manager via email (I think usually vacancies appear on the M&S website). I was called to the branch for a two and a half hour interview (30 minute introductory "chat", 1.5 hour styling which was assessed by the VM manager and section coordinator, 30 minute store tour with questions) During the styling segment, I was asked to style 3 mannequins (2 women, 1 man) using a selection of clothes from a large rail of clothing and baskets of accessories. All had to be at the same event/doing the same thing, e.g. all going to a wedding, all going to Sunday brunch etc. All seemed very casual. The styling section got a bit stressful as I ran out of time, but the two staff assessing were really nice and even allowed me an extra five minutes to get everything sorted.

Interview process consisted on an online assesment, testing your values and a 1:1 interview. On interview day there was a general interview, asking about me and skills. Fairly easy, just be friendly, happy and be yourself. Interview also consisted of a role play to test customer service. You are given a senario where something has gone wrong for the customer and you are to respond appropriatly, i.e. tell the customer your sorry, that you will call around other stores for their items etc, if they want to wait in the cafe... They are not looking for experience in customer service position but rather your personality and ability to learn and work hard. Quite easy, make sure you know the company values and good customer service etiquite, most importantly be friendly, confident and approachable.