Sainsbury's Interview Questions
Sainsbury’s Interview Questions

If you are looking for Sainsbury’s Interview Questions you have come to the right place.

We all know interviews are stressful and competition is intense.

However, with a small amount of preparation, you can ace the interview.

Here we will discuss how to successfully answer Sainsbury’s Job Interview Questions.

Please note these are practice interview questions and we are not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post.

Sainsbury’s Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tell us about yourself?

  • It’s okay to discuss your hobbies and interests; but, keep it brief. Try to focus on relevant work experience. Remember that having relevant work experience will put you ahead of the competition.

2. Why do you want to work for Sainsbury’s?

  • State that you love the product and service you receive, and because of this, you would be proud to represent them.
  • Mention why you feel Sainsbury’s is better than its competitors.
  • One of the values is respect for the environment.  Talk about how you would like to work for a company that is dedicated to the environment.

3. What is your greatest strength?

  • The best way to respond to this question is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for. With this in mind, review the job description and reassure the interviewer that you have the experience and skills to do the job.

4. What is your greatest weakness?

  • It would help if you did not deny you have a weakness or state strengths as a weakness. For example, do not say “I am a perfectionist” or “I work too hard and neglect my friends and family”. State a fault required for the role but not a dealbreaker if you don’t have it.
  • When you state your weakness, make sure you say what you are doing to overcome that weakness. For example, I have a fear of public speaking and enrolled in a public speaking class to overcome my fear.

Company Information

5. What can you tell us about Sainsbury’s?

Interviewers ask this question to weed out applicants hoping to get an interview by randomly applying to hundreds of jobs. Instead, they want to meet with applicants who have done their research about the company. Here are a few facts about Sainsbury’s

About Sainsbury’s

  • They are one of the largest supermarkets in the United Kingdom.
  • The company was founded in 1869.
  • As of Jan 2023, Sainsbury’s has over 60,000 supermarkets and 80,000 convenience stores
  • The company operates on five values which are: best for food and health, sourcing with integrity, respect for the environment, making a positive difference in the community, and being a great place to work.

6. Who are Sainsbury’s Competitors?

Customer Service Interview Questions

7. How would you deal with an upset customer?

State you would deal with an upset customer in these steps.

  • Listen and let the customer vent.
  • Show the customer you care.
  • Don’t blame the customer or the company.
  • Try to solve the problem or find someone who can.
  • Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
  • Finally, one must not take it personally.  If you get upset, you will take it out on future customers.

8. How would you define excellent customer service?

  • The staff is friendly and always willing to help the customer find what he or she needs.
  • Customers are not waiting in line for long periods at checkout.
  • The store display is well-kept and presented with adequate inventory.

9. Tell us about a time you went above and beyond for a customer?

  • Customers love it when you go above and beyond for them, which will, in turn, generate more business. Try to think of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer. For example, when I was a server at a restaurant, we did not have a specific dessert in the restaurant. Luckily, the restaurant next door had it and I was able to get it for the customer.   
  • Here’s another example: I worked at a fast-food chain in my last job.  There was a senior citizen at the restaurant and he had finished his meal. The rain started, and he started to worry because he didn’t have an umbrella. Luckily, I had an umbrella, so I walked him to his car, sheltering him from the rain.

10. Why do you believe customer service is so important?

Great customer service can

  • Increase customer loyalty.
  • Grow the amount of money each customer spends per visit.
  • Increase how often a customer buys from you.
  • Generate positive word-of-mouth about your business.


Additional Interview Questions

11. Where do you see yourself in five years?

12. Why should I hire you?

For this question, you will want to take a second look at the job description and find the skills they are looking for.  For example, suppose you were applying for the position of Counter Assistant.   After reading the job description below is what I found:

  • Whether you’re working on our deli, meat, fish, or bakery counters, you’ll take pride in delivering the very highest standards of customer service. (skill: people skills)
  • Ensuring your counter is always well stocked and immaculately presented will also be key. (skill: attention to detail)
  • An excellent communicator with natural people skills, you’ll combine an enthusiastic and flexible approach with a helpful, ‘can do’ attitude. (skill: good communication skills)

So when asked why should I hire you state

  • Say you have good people skills which will allow you to provide great customer service.
  • Mention you pay great attention to detail and will always make sure your counter is always well stocked and well presented.
  • State you have excellent communication skills which will help you work well with customers and in a team.

13. What hours can you work?

  • The more flexible you are with your hours, the better your chance of getting hired, so be flexible!
  • Let the interviewer know you can work on weekends and/or holidays if possible.

14. How did you find this job?

  • Interviewers ask this question because they want to hire someone specific in their job hunt.
  • Employers want to hire someone who knows what they want. Therefore, state you have been actively monitoring jobs on the company’s website and that you are happy to get the interview.
  • Note you have to be honest when answering this question as they may already know how you applied for this position.

15. What motivates you?

Possible answers are:

Do Say

  • Meeting deadlines, targets, or goals
  • Mentoring and coaching others
  • Learning new things
  • Coming up with creative ideas to improve something, or make something new
  • Working well as part of a team
  • Finding a way to solve a problem, or overcome a challenge

Don’t Say

  • Money 
  • Employee Discounts

16. How was your attendance at your last job?

  • Be honest when answering this question as the interviewer may check references.
  • Emphasize that you understand the importance of starting your shift on time.

17. Why did you leave your last job?

Interviewers ask this question for the following reasons.

  • Did you leave for a good reason?
  • Did you leave voluntarily?
  • Did you leave on good terms?
  • What are your work values?

Here is a sample response

“I enjoyed my last job at Company XYZ, however, I felt growth was minimal and I was no longer learning. I want to explore new challenges”.

18. If you could be one animal what would it be?

Possible Answers are

  • Dogs show loyalty.
  • Ants are hard workers and team players.
  • Dolphins are smart.
  • Elephants are strong.
  • Gorilla is gentle but powerful, a good parent, and a good leader.

Questions to Ask at the End of the Interview

19. Questions to ask during a Sainsbury’s Interview?

  • What do you like best about working here?
  • How do you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
  • What about this position is the most important?
  • How do you measure my success, and what could I do to meet your expectations?
  • Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve? What can I do to get up to speed quickly?
  • What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?

Sainsbury’s Interview Tips

  • They may ask about your salary requirements. Be sure to research salaries for the job you are looking for.
  • Arrive 10 minutes early.
  • Don’t speak too fast as you will sound nervous.
  • Don’t speak too slowly as you will sound boring.
  • Turn off your smartphone.

Sainsbury’s Interview What to Wear

Entry-Level Position

Entry-Level Position

  • Dress business casually if you are interviewing for an entry-level position.  Do not wear shorts and avoid wearing jeans.
Management Position

Management Position

  • Dress formally or business casual if you are interviewing for a management position.  Blazers and dark trousers are a safe choice, as well as wrap dresses for females. Avoid sportswear clothes. 
Colors

Colors

  • Blue tells employers that you’re credible and trustworthy.
  • Black shows leadership and is great if you’re going for a senior position.
  • Red sends a message that you are assertive and will work well in a field like sales.

  • People consider wearing orange to a job interview unprofessional, linking it to being the worst color choice.

Sainsbury’s Interview Maths Test

  • Many applicants report doing a maths test.  The maths tests are not complicated and basically, they will just ask basic addition and subtraction questions.  The important thing to remember is don’t panic and you will do fine.

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