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Do you want to work at M&S? This guide is for you! Learn all the essential details about the M&S hiring process, including the M&S application process, the M&S online assessments, and the M&S interview process.
Our website offers scientifically validated practice assessment tests, interviews, and assessment centre exercises you can use to practice and prepare for job assessments and recruitment processes.
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Not sure if you should practice for the M&S recruitment process? Research has shown that 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.
A recent study (Bradley et al 2019) found that candidates who do not practice assessments tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study considered the Top 100 global employers.
In a nutshell:
M&S screens candidates using the following online assessments:
Practicing beforehand can boost your chances of scaling through this stage of recruitment, as over 50-80 students do not make it past this stage.
Prepare for the M&S interview by recording yourself answering common competency-based questions for sales and store management roles. Be sincere and try to highlight your skills and experiences.
Practice for the M&S interview using:
The M&S assessment centre is the final stage of the M&S hiring process, which involves the following exercise:
Keep reading to find answers to the following important questions:
Be sure to practice assessments similar to Marks and Spencer’s by clicking on any of the tests in the table below to give yourself an edge!
Go Premium and gain unlimited access to all the assessments listed above and more to pass your M&S tests and interviews first time!
That’s a brief summary of what you will need to get the M&S job. Let’s now discuss the key details and uncover crucial tips to help you every step of the way to landing your M&S job in the UK!
Let’s dive right in!
Marks and Spencer plc, also known as M&S, is a major multinational retailer headquartered in London. Founded as far back as 1884, M&S specialises in the sale of clothing and food products, with over 1,000 stores in the UK alone.
M&S was the first British retailer to cross the threshold of pre-tax profit of over £1 billion. The company currently boasts a workforce of over 90,000 people across the UK and beyond and continues to recruit more workers every year.
Some M&S job areas you can apply to include:
Tailoring your application cover letter to Marks and Spencer values can give you an edge in the application process.
Let’s take a good look at these M&S values.
Building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment are core tenets of M&S values and culture. The company’s core values are expressed in the following statements:
Inclusion and diversity:
M&S seeks to embrace inclusion and diversity as an organisation. The company takes action to support under-represented groups at work and help them progress into senior roles.
Employability:
M&S understands the importance of respecting and valuing each other’s differences and helping each other grow. They also support people who look for work and may be at a disadvantage.
People principles:
Being a responsible employer and establishing minimum standards concerning recruitment, reward, employee relations, employment engagement, and how employees can communicate their views are valued at M&S.
Colleague wellbeing:
M&S recognises that the success of its business and that of its colleagues are mutually dependent. The company keeps seeking to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace that nurtures healthy minds and lifestyles.
These are the Mark and Spencer values that you can leverage in your application letter. Having considered this, let’s now discuss the M&S application process.
Completing the Marks and Spencer job application form is the first step in the application process. You first have to create a user account to gain access to the M&S job application form. M&S will require you to provide some personal information when completing the M&S application form.
This includes:
M&S Application Form
Source: M&S
Applying these tips can be a game-changer in your application.
The M&S recruitment team will contact you to sit for the Marks and Spencer jobs online assessment if you make it through this stage.
The Marks and Spencer online assessment is the next stage in the recruitment process after the M&S online application. The Clevry/Criterion assessment M&S uses varies according to job role or region but it may include any or all of the following:
Let’s take a look at the first M&S graduate scheme online assessment on the list: the numerical reasoning test!
The M&S numerical reasoning test is designed to examine your ability to comprehend, analyse, and interpret numerical workplace systems and practices, especially if you are applying for a finance or audit role.
The duration of the M&S numerical online assessment usually depends on the role. However, they typically last between 10-30 minutes.
Practice FREE numerical reasoning test questions with GF to give yourself an edge over other candidates or attempt this M&S-style numerical reasoning question we’ve created below!
M&S-Style Numerical Reasoning Test Example
Did you get the answer correctly? Check the bottom of the page to confirm!
Don’t miss our top 5 tips you can use to pass the M&S numerical reasoning test below!
Looking for more practice M&S-style numerical reasoning questions?
Let’s now consider the M&S verbal reasoning test, and learn key details you must keep in mind!
The M&S verbal reasoning test evaluates your ability to understand, interpret, and generate written information. This Marks and Spencer online assessment involves reading passages, reports etc. and providing answers to the questions.
The M&S verbal reasoning test usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. The questions come with 3 or 4 answer options, where only one of which is correct.
Stay ahead by practicing FREE verbal reasoning test questions with GF, or take a shot at the M&S-style verbal reasoning test question below, designed by GF experts.
M&S-Styles Verbal Reasoning Test Example
Check the bottom of the page to be sure you got the answer correctly!
Check out our top 5 tips to ace the M&S verbal reasoning test below!
Looking to kick-off your verbal reasoning assessment practice right away?
Applying these tips can boost your chances on the M&S verbal reasoning test. Let’s now take a look at the M&S situational judgement test.
The M&S situational judgement test assesses your strengths and decision-making skills. M&S will present you with real workplace scenarios and ask you to respond by choosing from a range of options. The test will determine if your values align with those of Marks and Spencer.
The M&S online situational judgement assessment is typically not timed, so you are allowed to complete it at your own pace. You should also note that there are no right or wrong answers in this test, and your success will depend on what M&S values are.
Here is a glimpse of what to expect from the M&S situational judgement test, as created by our experts.
M&S-Style Situational Judgement Test Example
Don’t miss our top tips to pass the M&S situational judgement online test!
Start practicing for your M&S situational judgement test right now!
The last possible test is the M&S personality questionnaire, which is quite a unique assessment. Let’s check it out!
The M&S personality questionnaire is a unique test that examines your suitability for the role you applied for. M&S will give you different statements, such as “I make new contacts easily” or “I am great at problem-solving,” and ask you to choose which describes you best.
These tests in the M&S retail personality questionnaire vary in their structure and design, but most of them will follow the format designed by our experts below.
M&S-style Personality Questionnaire Example
Don’t miss out on our top tips to help you ace the M&S retail personality questionnaire!
Looking to prepare for your M&S personality questionnaire?
These are great, helpful tips to help you pass your M&S online assessment tests. Let’s now check out the next stage of the Marks and Spencer hiring process: the M&S competency interview.
The M&S competency-based interview is held one-on-one with a member of the hiring team from Marks and Spencer. It is usually in the format of a telephone call and offers you a great opportunity to demonstrate your interest and suitability.
This Marks and Spencer interview involves competency-based questions in line with the position you applied for.
Keep reading for our top M&S interview tips!
Good Answer:
Situation:
In my previous role as a customer service representative for a clothing retailer, a customer called in angry once as their online order of a pair of shoes, which they needed for an upcoming event, had arrived in the incorrect size.
Task:
It was my responsibility to calm the customer, find a solution to get them the correct size on time, and ensure they felt valued.
Action:
First, I apologised for the inconvenience and acknowledged their frustration. I then verified the order details, reached out to the manager, and discovered we had the correct size at a nearby store. I offered expedited shipping at our expense as quickly as possible.
Result:
The customer was very grateful and relieved for the prompt and helpful service.
Reflection:
This experience reinforced in me the importance of active listening and empathy when dealing with upset customers.
In my previous role as a marketing manager in a sports drink company, I was tasked with launching a new sugar-free product for our target audience.
I was responsible for developing and executing a social media marketing campaign to drive excitement and brand awareness for the new product launch.
I lead a team to conduct thorough research on social media trends and platforms popular with our target audience. We then created engaging content that highlighted the product’s health benefits and refreshing taste. We also employed influencer marketing strategies to promote the product.
The social media campaign exceeded expectations, and we achieved a significant increase in brand engagement. Our website traffic intensified, leading to a successful product launch with strong initial sales.
In retrospect, I would say the success of the project underscored the power of data-driven marketing strategies. It also impressed on me the importance of teamwork in project management.
Get interview ready with our video interview practice tool! Register with GF now and practice competency-based questions to prepare for your M&S interviews.
Let’s now consider another and final crucial part of the recruitment process: the M&S assessment centre!
The M&S assessment centre or M&S observation exercise, is a hub designed to evaluate a range of skills and competencies, including problem-solving, leadership, communication, and teamwork. This Marks and Spencer observation exercise is usually held physically at select M&S offices.
The M&S assessment centre typically covers the following activities:
Here’s what you need to know about these exercises.
The M&S role-play exercise also known as the M&S retail instant chat scenarios assessment is created to evaluate your communication and problem-solving skills. This M and S assessment will require you to reenact workplace scenarios with other candidates and even the assessors.
That’s all the key details for the M&S role-play exercise. Let’s now take a look at the next one: the M&S group exercise.
The M&S group exercise splits candidates into groups to complete a task, solve a problem, or provide an analysis. M&S will allow you some personal time to go through the brief before preparing with your group.
This Marks and Spencer assessment seeks to assess your teamwork and interpersonal skills, as well as your leadership potential relevant to the workplace.
That’s all for the various assessments in the M&S assessment centre. However, if you are applying for the M&S Graduate Programme, you will be interviewed one final time after the assessment centre exercises.
Let’s see what this final interview involves!
The M&S final interview is specifically carried out to evaluate the suitability of candidates applying for the M&S Graduate, School-Leavers, and Industrial Placement programmes one last time at designated M&S stores.
During the M&S final interview, the recruiters will mostly ask questions related to marketing and the retail industry. Here are some example questions you may be asked at the M&S final interview:
To pass the M&S final interview, ensure you properly research the retail industry, M&S business performance and that of its competitors. Tailor your responses to your accurate findings, as this will demonstrate your passion and suitability for the role.
Congratulations if you make it through this stage of the M&S recruitment process! The M&S hiring team will be in touch to give you your job offer at M&S.
That’s all about the M&S application process and recruitment. Here are the various M&S careers you can apply for!
Marks and Spencer offers different schemes for both graduates and undergraduates. The career opportunities include:
Let’s check out each one of these programmes and what they are about.
There are three schemes under the M&S Graduate Programmes, all designed to give you access to key areas of the business. The M&S graduate scheme application process is the same as the regular application, though with some specific requirements.
The schemes include:
The M&S Retail Leaders programme is a graduate scheme M&S offers to candidates seeking to delve into store management. You will gain experience in interacting with customers and managing day-to-day processes in the store.
You do not need a specific degree for the M&S Retail Leaders programme. You will, however, need to be passionate about store management and customer relationships. You must also have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme, which lasts for 12 months.
The M&S Food Business Programme lasts for four months. It is created for candidates interested in food production and sales, as they will be placed at an M&S food store. Upon completion of the programme, they will have the opportunity to move into the commercial or product stream.
No specific degree is required for the M&S Food Business programme, but you’ll need to have a numerical or analytical mind if you choose to delve into the commercial stream. For a product, you will need to have an eye for detail and be innovative.
You must also have the right to work in the UK for the duration of this Marks and Spencer graduate scheme.
The M&S Clothing & Home Business Programme is tailored for candidates interested in buying, design, merchandising, and supply chain. Spanning a duration of four months, you will get hands-on experience and learn what it takes to run a successful clothing and home business.
To apply to the M&S Clothing & Home Business programme, you will be expected to have a degree related to the stream you are applying for. You must also have the right to work in the UK for the full programme duration.
The schemes under the M&S School Leavers Programme are:
In the M&S Retail Leaders programmes, you will have the opportunity to complete a Level 6 (degree equivalent) apprenticeship. You will gain experience on how to run a store efficiently and work across multiple departments to understand the business.
For the M&S Retail Leaders programme, you will have good functional literacy and numeracy skills (A-C/9-4) in GCSE English and Maths or equivalent.
You must also have been a resident in the United Kingdom for at least 3 years before the start of the programmes or have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
The M&S Buying & Merchandising scheme is specifically for candidates seeking to go into fashion. It spans 18 months, and during the period you will rotate through teams in both the Buying and Merchandising departments.
To apply to the M&S Buying & Merchandising scheme, you must have GCSEs in Maths (4-9/C-A*) and English (4-9/C-A*) and must not have already completed a Level 4 qualification or above in Fashion Retail, Buying, or Merchandising.
You must also be a resident of the United Kingdom for at least 3 years before the commencement of the programme or have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
The M&S Industrial Placements include placements in a particular industry, such as the Clothing and Home Design scheme. This 2-week m&s internship is designed for candidates interested in clothing and home products to learn key areas of fashion design at M&S.
To be eligible for the M&S Industrial placements scheme, you must be an undergraduate in your penultimate year of study with the right to work in the UK for the full period of the scheme.
The M&S Direct Entry is for professionals seeking a career at M&S through the various job roles available from time to time at the company. Check out available job openings and submit applications on the M&S official website.
That’s all for working at M&S. If you have further questions, here are some frequently asked questions about M&S recruitment that other aspirants are asking.
Getting a job at M&S is not difficult as long as you pass the assessment and meet the requirements. You can also find available openings on the M&S website, where you can apply.
The average Marks and Spencer salary ranges from £17,295 for an Assistant to £88,340 for a Senior Product Manager per year.
Dress in smart, clean clothes and shoes. Your appearance should be professional and befitting of the role you are applying for.
Yes, M&S offers pension plans to its employees on a full-time contract.
No, M&S currently requires their employees to work full-time at its various available stores and offices.
Do you want to pass your M&S assessment tests first time? Sign up now and take numerical, verbal reasoning and situational judgement practice tests today with GF, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe. Practise with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests. Correct answers to example questions. Numerical Reasoning Test: C Verbal Reasoning Test: B
Do you want to pass your M&S assessment tests first time? Sign up now and take numerical, verbal reasoning and situational judgement practice tests today with GF, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.
Practise with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
Correct answers to example questions.
Numerical Reasoning Test: C
Verbal Reasoning Test: B
Start Preparing Today
