Submitted a standard online application form. Then invited to complete an online assessment based on skills, which was straightforward and not too difficult. I was the invited to an interview at the store I applied for, with my potential manager. This was a 1-1 interview, standard competency questions based on desired skills and company values. This was structured, the interviewer used a sheet with the questions on to make notes. I found the questions relatively straightforward, expected for the role and easy to answer following STAR. This was followed by a task which involved reading information about a fictional store and giving feedback on how you would tackle the issues in the short, medium and long term as an Assistant Manager for the store. I believe this was marked by the interviewer using a checklist as they seemed to be ticking boxes as I gave points. I'd had a lot of practice interviewing and was fully prepared for the task and competency question so I found this interview fine. The interviewer was relaxed and it was quite casual, lots of chatting and you were made to feel at ease. I felt the interview went well, and the interviewer assured me many times throughout and after my interview that I performed well in the questions and task, with great examples for both. However, when discussing a holiday request I mentioned I was unaware of where I was going as my partner had booked this as a birthday surprise. I was taken back when the interview then used the opportunity to ask my age. I was thrown back and on the spot, struggling to avoid the friendly question I told them my age. As a very young employee in my field, I find questions around my age a disadvantage to me. I performed well on the online assessments and the interview, as well as having a great deal of experience in this field with great work based examples of my work and skills. I therefore found this question quite sneaky and inappropriate, I regret giving an answer. Within a week I received a generic email from HR telling me I was unsuccessful. I had already been offered the job which suited me best, but was still disappointed by the lack of communication and feedback. I expected a personal call back to discuss reasoning or give feedback, so this was surprising. Overall a straightforward and relaxed interview process. I would rate this the easiest/most relaxed out of all the retail management interviews I have attended.

The process was very clear, they ask simple interview questions. All you need is to be prepared. To be an assistant manager is tough but you must let them know that you are willing to go through the difficulties and that you are eager.