• Tweet

Applications, Interviews & Assessments

• "I was assessed in the latter stages by Heads of Buying, Heads of Merchandising and other senior management. Questions geared around personal ambitions, behaviours and transferable skills into merchandising." -- Merchandising Administrator, Graduate
• "Two interviews (standard). Assessment day for this role n/a. Assessment day for the grad scheme was very tough but a great experience. Very challenging questions about vision, leadership, etc. Overall, very challenging process but that's what you need both for the interviewer and the interviewee." -- Project Manager, Implementation, Midlevel
• "There are 5,500 applicants and 16 positions for the whole of the UK. [NB. Applications and intake varies year to year].Two day assessment centre with multiple group activities/presentations." -- Department Manager, Graduate

• "I first applied online attaching my CV, then filled in an online assessment, then went on an assessment day. The assessment day was a lot of pressure as you are aware how many candidates there are for a few selective jobs. The day was also informative and I left there really wanting to have a life long career with John Lewis." -- Personnel Procedures Manager, Graduate
• "Online application, followed by an assessment centre. It lasted over two days and you’re required to pass day one to get onto day two. Day one involved working in groups on four different exercises. Day two involved an interview... Questions in the interview focussed around flexibility, mobility and how my past experience could be applied to my current job." -- Section Manager, Graduate

Tips & Advice for Graduates

• "A 2:1 is the academic requirement for Buying and Merchandising Schemes. Candidates that are attractive are ones that are proactive, ambitious, ones who understand why the Partnership is different, and are commercially aware." -- Merchandising Administrator, Graduate
• "Looking for people orientated candidates that can clearly demonstrate leadership skills and commercial thinking. John Lewis recruits from all universities and all degree disciplines." -- Department Manager, Graduate
• "To be part of the graduate scheme, the type of candidate that is looked for is one that has leadership skills. The key element to being a successful manager with us is to be able to lead, enthuse and engage a team. These leadership skills are expected to be apparent from your first day within your new branch because even if you don't have the knowledge at that stage, you should be able to work with people and lead them. John Lewis is looking for dynamic leaders of the future." -- Personnel Procedures Manager, Graduate

• "Candidates should be prepared to be part of something far bigger than just the ‘day job’ in so much as we're part of a Partnership not just a ‘turn up and do your job’ company. You need a 2:1 from uni for the graduate scheme." -- Project Manager, Implementation, Midlevel
• "Strong, confident (ability to deal with customers and manage teams), potential leaders in the business, honest and energetic. Academic requirements are a 2:2 on the retail management scheme, and 2:1 on the other schemes. Tips for future candidates are to research the company well, and part-time experience with the business before applying (i.e. with Waitrose or John Lewis) works strongly in your favour." -- Section Manager, Graduate
• "Driven, enthusiastic leaders who are capable of learning very quickly and taking on a large amount of responsibility." -- Department Manager, Graduate

What made you choose your firm?

• "The unique Partnership Model." -- Merchandising Administrator, Graduate
• "Excellent career structure and clearly defined career path." -- Section Manager, Graduate
• "I wanted to be part of this unique co-owned business that cares about its people and that has work ethics at the same time as developing into a commercial business manager in a high performing organisation." -- Personnel Procedures Manager, Graduate
•  

• "There isn't a better one in retail." -- Project Manager, Implementation, Midlevel
• "The work/life balance." -- Department Manager, Graduate
• "The reputation it had in investing in its people." -- Department Manager, Graduate
•