Boots Assessment Test, Video Interview, Assessment Centre 2023. Practice. Full Preparation Guide.

Summary

Interested in applying for the Boots 2023 internship or graduate programs? Maybe you’re exploring professional opportunities with Boots? Find everything you need in this comprehensive guide.

The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment and preparation guide and practice for those applying to global jobs, internships and graduate programs including the UK at Boots

Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessment tests, interviews and assessment centre exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the recruitment and assessment process. 

Check here for Free and Premium aptitude assessment tests and video interviews to practice and prepare for Boots recruitment.

If you are aiming to apply to Boots or have a Boots assessment test coming up, our text below is the best place to start.

Not sure if you should practice preparing for Boots assessments? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

Boots recruitment process in a nutshell:

How to prepare for the Boots assessment process and tests to get the job?

1. Complete your Boots Online Application

• Fill in your personal and educational information, professional experience, and any applicable education or training
• Submit an online application together with a cover letter and CV 
• Refer to Boots’ values in your resume and application answers

2. Boots Online Assessment Test

The tests may differ slightly depending on what you applied for. The Boots online assessments include:

• Situational Judgement Test
• Numerical Reasoning Test
• Verbal Reasoning Test

You may get rejected already after these aptitude tests; these tests sift out 50-80% candidates at this stage. The only proven way to get to the next round is practice.

3. Record mock video interviews of yourself

Prepare for your Boots telephone and video interview by running mock interviews answering typical interview questions. Your answers need to flow and be timely. Avoid filler words. For Boots interview practice, use:

• a smartphone
• Zoom or
• our video interview practice platform

Our video interview practice platform contains predefined competency and industry questions and emulates experience you will have in platforms used for employers’ interviews. Always record your answers and watch them to develop your interview technique, timekeeping and words used. 

Repeat recordings until you feel satisfied. Use the STAR method for your answers and practice each answer several times. 

4. Prepare for the Boots Assessment Centre exercises

 You will be required to attend an assessment day at Boots’ Support Office at its Nottingham headquarters. The Boots assessment centre will include the following exercises:

• Face-to-Face Interview
• Case Study
• Group Exercise

Continue reading to get answers to these critical questions:

1. What is the Boots hiring process?
2. How do I pass the Boots assessment test?
3. How to ace the Boots telephone interview? 
4. How do I prepare for Boots assessment day?

Practice for your Boots online aptitude tests with us to improve your results and get ahead of your competition.

Before we dive into the Boots hiring process, let’s go over the basics of what you’ll need to know about the company.

Who are Boots?

Boots is part of Walgreens Boots Alliance’s Retail Pharmacy International Division, the world’s first pharmacy-led health and wellness company.

In the UK and other nations and regions, such as Ireland, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, and Thailand, Boots is a chain of pharmacies and a retailer of health and beauty products. It began expanding and providing services in 1849.

No7, Boots UK, and Boots Opticians have over 52,000 team members, including 4,500 pharmacy professionals, and operate 2,200 outlets with 1,000 Boots Beauty Specialists. They are the UK’s leading high-street and online beauty destination, with 1000 new beauty lines from 100 companies introduced this year.

Below are some of the key business areas and job functions available at Boots that you can apply for:

To ace your application to any of the roles at Boots, research into the company is essential. You should be aware of the company values, mission and vision statements. 

What are the Boots Company Values?

The Boots 4 core values are:

1. Courageous: Boots encourages employees to take risks, learn from mistakes, and maintain integrity.

2. Connected: Boots values strong connections with customers, colleagues, and communities, collaborating to create positive change.

3. Committed: Boots delivers high-quality products and services, values hard work and accountability, and continuously improves.

4. Curious: Boots encourages employees to seek new knowledge, explore ideas, and stay up-to-date, values creativity and innovative solutions.

As well as understanding Boots’ values and vision, we recommend you do some further extensive research on Boots. Check out our short video below on how you can research Boots to help prepare you with your application:

With this, it’s time to jump onto the Boots Recruitment and Assessment Process.

Let’s get started!

Boots Recruitment and Assessment Process

There are hundreds of applications made for each available position – so you need to prepare well and smash every stage of the recruitment process. 

What is the Boots assessment process?

Whilst the assessments used may vary depending on the entry-level or programme, the Boots recruitment process is typically made up of the following stages of assessment:

1. Boots Online Application
2. Boots Online Assessments
3. Boots Telephone Interview
4. Boots Assessment Centre

Without further ado, let’s dive into the Boots hiring process, starting with the application form! 

Boots Online Application Form

What is the Boots Online Application Form?

Boots offers online applications for all roles, which can be found on their career website updated daily. It’s important to include all necessary information in your application to make a good impression for your Boots recruiters.

What will the Boots Online Application Form involve?

The Boots application form requires you to fill in the following details: 

• Personal information 
• Education and qualifications 
• Contact information 
• Soft skills 
• Upload your Resume and relevant Cover letter

Check out the below example Boots application window. Depending on the position and location, you may be asked further questions such as a right-to-work permit and sponsorship requirements.

During your Boots application process, you will also be required to submit a CV/Resume along with a cover letter or personal statement. This is an opportunity to explain why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the role. 

You may also be required to answer a few open-ended questions such as salary expectations, preferred place of work etc. at this stage.

To increase your chances of getting your application accepted, you would need to put in some extra effort in building a Resume or CV.  

Top 3 most common CV mistakes to avoid in your Boots application:

1. Picture: Some managers may automatically reject your CV to avoid factors including discrimination. Alternatively, you may submit an ID photo during the online application.

2. Experiences: Try to avoid listing all of your previous experiences and instead focus on ‘relevant’ work experiences as these are much more valuable. The only exception would be if you have a small amount of ‘relevant’ work experience. In this scenario include other experiences to flesh out this section.

3. Errors: While this may be more obvious than the previous tips. It is crucial that your CV is error-free. To ensure this check your CV for errors such as spelling mistakes before you send it off as first impressions count!

For even more CV tips to ace your Boots application, check out our short video below:

After your Boots application is accepted, you will receive an invitation to the Boots assessment tests, where you can demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

Boots Online Assessments

What are the Boots Online Assessments?

Boots often use Kenexa aptitude tests in their recruitment process to assess your competencies and skills. Your Boots assessment tests may vary depending on the role, however will typically include:

• Boots Situational Judgement Test
• Boots Numerical Reasoning Test
• Boots Verbal Reasoning Test

Keep reading as we cover each of these tests, starting with the Boots Situational Judgement test.

Boots Situational Judgement Test

What is the Boots Situational Judgement Test?

The Boots Situational Judgement Test assesses your ability to solve problems and make decisions in work-based scenarios that you’re likely to encounter. Your task is to choose two of the four or five potential solutions to the problem and determine which one you are most and least likely to do.

Discover even more about what you can expect in a Boots situational judgement test with this quick video:

Check out our sneak peek example of a Boots-style situational test designed by our experts to give you an idea of what you can expect in the real test:

Boots-Style Situational Judgement Test Example

4 Top Tips to Pass your Boots Situational Judgement Test

1. Practice situational judgement tests ahead to get used to the types of questions. 

2. Read the instructions carefully before the Boots situational judgement test, understand the format and response selection, and note time limits and important details.

3. Research the Boots work culture and company values, to determine the favoured approach in specific situations.

4. Always keep the requirements of the role in mind as similar questions may have different preferred responses depending on the job.

The next Boots online assessment we will discuss is the Boots Numerical Reasoning test, so let’s start. 

Boots Numerical Reasoning Test

What is the Boots Numerical Reasoning Test?

The Boots numerical reasoning test evaluates your mathematical abilities using charts, tables, and word problems. You will be required to answer multiple-choice questions using basic mathematical operations, ratios, percentages, and calculator functions. 

The Boots numerical reasoning test consists of 20 questions, however there is no time limit. It is still advised to complete as quickly as possible!

Discover the top 3 reasons employers such as Boots use numerical reasoning tests with this short YouTube Video:

Top 5 Tips to Pass the Boots Numerical Reasoning Test

Boots use these tests in order to narrow down their applicants so that they meet all of Boots’ criteria. Improve your chances of success by using these top 5 tips:

1. Refresh your basic maths skills including: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios and currency conversion.

2. Practice numerical reasoning questions beforehand to understand the format. Take these practice tests in a similar environment to help prepare for the real test.

3. Use practice test reports and worked solutions to develop your understanding of typical numerical questions and boost your skills ahead of the Boots test.

4. For the Boots assessment, keep the necessary tools close by. Ensure to have a pencil, some paper to make notes on and a calculator with you.

5. Find a good balance between speed and accuracy. Whilst this test isn’t timed, it’s useful to answer questions quickly and effectively.

Boots-Style Numerical Reasoning Test Example

Solved it? Check the bottom of the page for the answer!

The last of the main 3 assessments in the Boots online assessment tests round is the Boots Verbal Reasoning test. Let’s check out the details of this below. 

Boots Verbal Reasoning Test

What is the Boots Verbal Reasoning Test?

The Boots Verbal Reasoning Test determines your ability to comprehend and analyse written information for roles that require strong communication skills. You are required to analyse whether given statements are true, false, or impossible to say based on the information in the passage of the text.

Take a break from reading and watch this short informative video about verbal reasoning tests similar to the Boots online tests:

But how do I pass the Boots verbal reasoning test? We’ve got you covered with these 6 top tips to help you ace the Boots verbal test.

6 Top Tips and Tricks to Ace the Boots Verbal Reasoning Test

1. Practice verbal reasoning test questions to understand the layout of these questions and develop strategies that suit you to crack the actual test.

2. Invest some time in reading before sitting for the actual test. Aim to learn a new word each day.

3. Spend time completing crosswords, or other word puzzles. You can also read newspaper articles and scientific magazines to practice your verbal skills.

4. Understand the answer options. When answering verbal reasoning test questions you will select from True, False or Cannot Say.

5. Answer based on the passage only. Avoid using your own knowledge or external information!

6. Check your environment. Ensure that you have plenty of rest the night before and that for the test you are in a closed and quiet environment

Feeling confident? Try your best at the example Boots verbal reasoning test question below!

Boots-Style Verbal Reasoning Question Example

Got the answer? Check it out at the bottom of the page.

Boots Telephone Interview

What is the Boots Telephone Interview?

If you have successfully passed the online tests stage, depending on the job position you have applied to, you will be invited to a telephone or video interview which will last approximately 30 minutes.

The Boots telephone interview is a screening interview that the company conducts over the phone to assess your suitability for the role you have applied for.

This interview will be competency based (CBI) and the interviewer will ask questions around your past experiences, skills, and ability to handle workplace situations.

6 Top Tips to Ace your Boots Interview 

1. Research the Boots’ goals, services, and values before the interview to showcase your enthusiasm and preparation.

2. Take a look at the job description: Make a list of the main duties and requirements from the job description and explain how your qualifications fit the position.

3. Prepare for common interview questions by planning your responses in advance and practicing with confidence.

4. Have your resume and notes on the company and position ready during the interview for more thorough responses.

5. Speak clearly and confidently by enunciating your words and speaking slowly to ensure the interviewer can understand you.

6. Prepare a list of questions in advance to ask the interviewer when they ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview.

Boots Interview Questions and Answers

Here are some of the most commonly used interview questions during the Boots interview process and our tips on how you can best answer them:

Question: Tell us about yourself

Good answer:

I’ve always been passionate about caring about health. I believe in the importance of improving people’s health and wellbeing, and have 4 years of experience in the healthcare field through work as a pharmacy assistant in my local town. I have also pursued various educational opportunities to further my knowledge of the healthcare industry outside of the job, and I’m currently volunteering as a carer, helping people with days out and day-to-day activities.

I believe my experiences and qualities make me a great fit for Boots as I always strive to find new ways to support my local community.

Question: What are your Strengths and Weaknesses?

Good answer:

I excel at effective communication, active listening, and working well in teams. I am detail-oriented, enjoy projects, and have a strong work ethic and adaptability, which have led to my success in various roles.

A small weakness that I have had is the ability to adapt to sudden changes, as I focused on the detail of existing strategies. To improve this, 2 months ago I had started to take lessons in more dynamic thinking and have since started to adapt this approach to many different situations at and outside of work. As a result, I have grown in confidence on how I deal with changes at work.

Question: Why do you want to work for Boots?

Good answer:

I’m attracted to Boots for its commitment to improving customer health, innovative market leadership, and positive workplace culture. Working at Boots would provide me with exciting opportunities for me to develop my personal and professional skills, as well as giving me a chance to make a positive impact on customer health and well-being for my local and wider community.

For further tips on how to answer this common Boots interview question, don’t miss our quick video: 

Enhance your interviewing abilities with over 39 interview sets from top companies such as Boots, Deloitte, Google, Amazon, and Barclays using our collection of 60+ practice interview sets including CBI to help you prepare for and ace common questions. 

The final stage of the Boots assessment process is the Boots Assessment Centre. Keep reading to find out what you can expect.

Boots Assessment Centre

What is the Boots Assessment Centre?

The Boots assessment centre process varies by role, but typically involves several activities. This virtual assessment is the final stage of your evaluation, where senior staff evaluate your performance in simulated work scenarios. The exercises you may encounter include:

• Face-to-Face Interview
• Case Study
• Group Exercise

 Below we will discuss each of these stages in detail, with useful tips. 

What is the Boots Face-to-Face Interview?

Boots face-to-face interviews are conducted by the recruitment team to evaluate your skills, experience, and suitability for the role. The competency-based interview process focuses on your desire to work for Boots and assist any customers in need. It will require you to use the STAR+R technique to answer.

What to Expect in a Boots Face-to-Face Interview

• Previous experience questions may include discussing how it relates to the role and providing specific examples of achievements that demonstrate suitability.

• Knowledge of Boots questions may involve asking about the company’s values, products, and mission, so researching the company beforehand is crucial.

• Your skills and competencies: Interviewers may ask about your skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

• Your motivation and fit: They will also want to evaluate your motivation for applying and cultural fit, so be prepared to discuss career goals, alignment with Boots, and personal values.

• Situational questions assess problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenging situations. You may be presented with hypothetical scenarios and asked to respond.

This is also a great opportunity to ask your own questions to your interviewer. But what questions can I ask in my Boots interview? 

Here are our top 5 interview questions that you should ask your interviewer:

What is the Boots Case Study?

During the Boots assessment centre, you may be requested to engage in a case study activity. For this case study exercise, you will be given background material and data to check through during the case study activity.

You will then be required to create a presentation or report describing your conclusions and suggested solutions.

3 Key Tips to ace your Boots Case Study

1. Pay close attention to the details: The case study will contain a lot of information, so analyse the passages and data carefully. Take notes and highlight important points to ensure you understand the situation.

2. Use a structured approach to present a clear and organised solution by breaking down the problem into smaller components, identifying key issues, and outlining possible solutions.

3. Practice your presentation skills: Present your findings and proposed solution in the case study activity to demonstrate your communication skills. Practise your presentation in advance.

What is the Boots Group Exercise?

The Boots Group Exercise is a group task which you will be required to complete as a team. You will be divided into different teams and given a particular task or case study, and you will have to work on it as a team, discuss the problems and present your conclusions.

5 Top Tips to Ace the Boots Group Exercise

1. Make sure to listen to everyone’s ideas and opinions, and encourage everyone to participate.
2. Use effective communication techniques such as active listening and constructive feedback.
3. Assign roles based on individual strengths and expertise.
4. Use visual aids in your presentation to make it more engaging and memorable.
5. Practice your presentation beforehand to ensure that it is polished and professional.

Remember, working effectively as a team is key to the Boots group exercise. Show that you are able to collaborate and communicate well with others.

Spare a few minutes to unlock more on group exercises with an example and tips and tricks you can use to pass the Boots group exercise format.

Once you’ve impressed in your Boots assessment centre and interviews, you will shortly receive an offer by phone with a hiring manager, with an email with links to the onboarding portal. Congratulations!

But wait, before you go!

Are you a student or school leaver wanting to start a career with Boots? Then check out our dedicated section below, for more information on Boots Early careers & Development.

Boots Students and Graduate Programmes

Are you a student or a recent graduate prepared to launch your career? Or are you seeking a change of career or a new challenge? There are many opportunities at Boots for you to learn, grow, and build your career. These include:

• Training and Development
• Apprenticeships
• Students and Graduates
• Work Experience

Let’s discuss each of these below!

Boots Training and Development

Enrolling in Boots training and development programs enable access to diverse knowledge, regardless of your position.

You’ll gain resources to improve skills and confidence, through tailored training or self-development tools. There are numerous career advancement opportunities and paths within the firm.

What are the eligibility criteria to enrol for the Boots Training and Development programme?

Different Boots training and development programs may have varying eligibility criteria. However, some general principles to consider include:

1. Age: The majority of Boots’ training programmes need participants to be at least 16 years old.

2. Educational Requirements: Educational requirements for Boots training and development programs may vary. For example, some programs may require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others may require a degree or certification in a relevant field.

3. Work experience: Some programs may require prior industry experience. For example, a management course may require some previous supervisory experience.

4. Language proficiency: Some courses may be taught in English, so proficiency in the language may be necessary depending on the program.

5. Work permit: Non-citizens or residents may require a valid work permit or visa to participate in the program.

Since Boots is a large company with a broad range of goods and services, there are many areas in which you can expand your skills. Here are a few examples:

• Pharmacy
• Beauty
• Retail
• Logistics
• Digital

There may be additional fields that are relevant to your interests and abilities given the company’s wide range of roles and career pathways.

Boots Apprenticeships

There are numerous methods to complete an apprenticeship at Boots, including joining them directly on an apprenticeship programme or, if you already hold a position with them, a variety of opportunities to pick up new skills and learn on the job.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Boots Apprenticeships programme?

The eligibility criteria for Boots Apprenticeships may vary depending on the specific program, but some general requirements are:

1. Age: Applicants must be at least 16 years old, although some programs may require a higher minimum age.

2. Education: Candidates should have a minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths. Some apprenticeships may require higher academic qualifications, such as A-levels or equivalent.

3. Residency: Applicants should have the legal right to live and work in the UK.

4. Experience: Some apprenticeships may require relevant work experience or previous qualifications in a related field.

5. Skills and qualities: Candidates should have good communication and interpersonal skills, be reliable, enthusiastic, and willing to learn.

Note that some Boots Apprenticeships may have extra eligibility requirements, so candidates should review the program’s job description and requirements before applying.

Boots offers apprenticeships in a variety of fields, including:

• Healthcare
• Optics
• Business and Retail
• Digital and Technology
• Manufacturing and Logistics
• Finance and Legal

Boots Students and Graduates

The Boots Students and Graduates is a program that offers opportunities for university students and recent graduates to gain work experience and start their careers within the healthcare and retail industry. 

Depending on the programme, these programmes can range from a few weeks to several months, and some may even lead to a permanent role within the company.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Boots Students and Graduates Programmes?

Boots offer a range of Student and Graduates Programmes. The eligibility criteria for each programme may vary, but here are some general guidelines:

1. Students must be studying for a degree or equivalent qualification, and expected to graduate within the next two years.

2. Graduates must have completed a degree or equivalent qualification within the last two years.

3. Candidates must be able to work legally in the UK.

4. Candidates must possess strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

Specific programs may have extra requirements, so check the Boots website for more details on your chosen program’s eligibility criteria.

Boots offers entry-level roles such as:

• Pharmacy Advisor
• Assistant Manager
• Store Manager
• Digital Product Manager
• Finance Analyst
• HR Advisor
• Optometrist
• Optical Assistant

Boots Work Experience

This program accepts individuals 16 and above, interested in healthcare and retail industry careers.

The duration of the work experience program can vary depending on the specific role and the requirements of the individual.

During the work experience component, you will:

1. Learn about the business and its operations
2. Gain practical skills and knowledge related to your field of study or interest
3. Collaborate with colleagues on projects and tasks
4. Receive guidance and feedback from mentors and managers
5. Develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
6. Gain insight into the company culture and values

Boots offers work experience programs in various fields across its business operations. Some of the areas include:

• Pharmacy
• Opticians
• Retail
• Digital
• Boots’ corporate headquarters

Keep reading below for more answers to even more frequently asked questions about the Boots assessment process!

Boots Assessment FAQs