Archive for the 'Careers' Category

Employee Rights: What breaks are you entitled to?

Published by Tiposaurus on June 7, 2012 in Employee Rights. 0 Comments Tags: , .

The amount of time you get is determined by your employer – it may be in your contract or might just be how your employer treats others with your job.
There are legal minimums though (in the UK).

  • An adult over 18 is entitled to a 20 minute break if they’re working more than 6 hours in a go.
  • Those who are between 16 and 18 are entitled to a 30 minute break if they’re working more than 4 and a half hours in one go.

This break must be all in one go, and in the middle of a shift (not at the beginning or the end).

An adult is usually entitled to a break of 11 hours between working days, while for a young worker (someone above school leaving age but aged below 18) this is 12 hours. And an adult is entitled to 24 hours free of work once a week or 48 in a fortnight, while a young worker is entitled to 48 hours a week clear of work.

However, there are exemptions to these rules (for example agriculture workers during a peak time).

Hints for a first interview at PricewaterhouseCoopers

Published by Tiposaurus on June 7, 2012 in Getting a job. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

A first interview for a graduate position with PwC usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour, and takes place at the office you’re applying to with a manager there. It is usually quite a relaxed interview, a bit like a chat, in which they lead a discussion about points on your application form.

You should expect to be asked questions about your courses at university (“What modules did you like?” or “What did they involve?”), as well as any additional experiences and interests outside university.  If there is anything unusual on your application form then be prepared to talk about that.

Other topics you might be asked questions on:

  • How you manage your time between university and your other interests.
    •  “Was there ever a time where you weren’t able to do all the work that you had?”
  • Employment and voluntary experience – general questions or inquiries about particular details.

There is also a question or two where you are asked to display some knowledge of business or issues in the business stream, for example:

  • Is there any business news you’ve read about recently?
  • Talk about an issue in Accountancy from the last 5 years. (Audit)
  • Do you know of any recent issues or news in VAT/Indirect Tax? (Indirect Tax)

To prepare for these, it’s probably best to read financial newspapers every so often for a period prior to the interview and keep up with any major news. Be able to talk a bit about some recent issues, and be prepared to be asked follow-up questions (for instance if you talk about a takeover bid, “what does company X have to gain from this?”).

This information was prepared from my own experience and that of others. Hopefully this will give a couple of hints to anyone preparing for an interview, but remember that interview practices may change and this list is by no means conclusive.  Good luck.

Questions to prepare for a Retail Interview

Published by Tiposaurus on June 7, 2012 in Getting a job. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Got an interview for a shop assistant position at a retailer, such as Tesco or M&S? Hopefully this article will give you some idea of what questions to expect.

Customer service is important, and if you have had retail experience then you may be asked about times you’ve dealt with a difficult customer, or if you haven’t had any experience, you may be asked hypothetical questions about such a scenario.

Some questions to expect:

  • Why would you be a good employee?
  • Why do you want to work here?
  • What do you know about <company>?
  • What woud you do if a customer asked you where something was?
    • (Take them to it, never just tell them)
  • What would you do if you suspected someone was stealing?
    • (Don’t approach them, keep an eye on them and tell security)
  • What would you do if you faced a difficult customer?
  • What are your ambitions? / Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
    • (Show some ambition, but they won’t want to hire someone that intends to leave soon.)
  • Have you ever worked as part of a team before? What was your role?
  • What would you do if you had a disagreement with someone in your team?
  • Is there anything you would like to know about us?

In your answers you should try to appear customer focused, diplomatic and pleasant to work with.

Also remember to ask questions at the end if you get the chance (and you will). Even simple questions about how busy their store is, how many other people work there, and what you’ll be doing are better than asking nothing, however make sure you don’t seem completely ignorant of the company and the position you’re interviewing for.  Good luck.

Job Profile: Stockroom Assistant at Argos

Published by Tiposaurus on June 7, 2012 in Job Profiles. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

As an Argos stockroom assistant, you take the picking ticket as it comes through, take the item off the shelf and send it down the conveyor belt.

Some items can be heavy, but in that case you aren’t expected to lift it on your own – you should ask for help.

You may also have to count stock.

Employer Profile: B&Q

Published by Tiposaurus on June 7, 2012 in Employer Profiles. 0 Comments

Originally called Block & Quayle, which was later shortened to B&Q.

Part of the Kingfisher retailer group, who used to own Woolworths, however they were sold in 2001.

Staff Discounts: 20% at B&Q, 10% at other Kingfisher stores.