Tesco interview questions are designed to assess whether you possess the skills and experience necessary to work for one of the world's largest retailers. The company offers attractive employment opportunities for people of various ages and backgrounds, so the competition can be quite fierce.
In this article, we will examine some of the most common Tesco interview questions, show you how to answer them, and discuss the best ways to prepare for an interview.
Key Takeaways
The interview process at Tesco involves several stages, including interviews, assessment tests, and practical exercises. Video interviews are also common in certain programmes.
Typically, Tesco interview questions assess your teamwork and interpersonal skills, as well as your ability to work under pressure or with flexible hours.
To prepare for an interview at Tesco, make sure to learn about the company, understand your role, dress appropriately, come up with good questions, and arrive on time.
What Does the Interview Process Look Like at Tesco?
The interview process at Tesco begins when you submit your CV, after which you may be invited to participate in interviews (phone and in-person) and take online assessment tests. These tests may include a variety of verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, logical reasoning, and situational judgement exercises.
Once you’re done with the Tesco online assessment, you might be called to the Tesco Assessment Centre to complete practical exercises. If you pass all tests, you can begin your onboarding process and start your new career.
However, the Tesco job interview process can vary depending on the role or the programme you’re applying for.
For instance, the Tesco graduate scheme interview consists of the following steps:
Tesco Graduate Scheme Interview Steps
Apply online and answer the required questions.
Complete the gamified assessment that tests numerical and verbal reasoning skills and asks behavioural questions.
Record answers for a video interview, which will be assessed by an AI.
Complete tasks at the Virtual Discovery Centre to learn more about how Tesco operates.
Participate in a phone call to receive the outcome of your application.
11 Most Common Tesco Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Tesco interview questions entail a mix of regular and behavioural interview questions that aim to determine whether you possess the right qualities to work in retail.
Let’s examine some of the most common ones, along with ideal answers for Tesco interviews.
#1. Why do you want to work at Tesco?
Recruiters ask this question to understand your motivations for applying and check whether you’ve done enough research into the company. A good answer should show that you have and demonstrate how its values align with your own.
Here’s how a good answer would sound:
Good Answer
“The main reasons I want to work at Tesco are its commitment to exceptional service and dedication to sustainability.
Tesco sets a standard in retail, consistently striving to improve customers’ experience, which is something I want to contribute to and be a part of. Also, its recent environmentally-friendly practices truly resonate with me, particularly the Planet Plan and its effort to reduce food waste and support sustainable farming initiatives.”
#2. Have you previously worked in retail?
Although your CV should showcase your previous work experiences, recruiters might still ask you this question to prompt you to speak about your professional background. In other words, simply stating that you have isn’t enough; you should elaborate and discuss your responsibilities or achievements.
Here’s how to answer this Tesco interview question:
Good Answer
“Yes, I have. I worked in the GoodFood grocery store for two years, gaining experience in customer service, stocking shelves, and operating a cash register. I received a staff recognition award twice for my outstanding performance and dedication to the job.”
Alternatively, if you haven’t worked in retail before, you can say this:
Alternative Answer
“I haven’t, but I’ve gained experience working in teams during my studies and learned how to interact with various people. I’m highly adaptable and a quick learner, so I am sure that I will adjust to Tesco’s dynamic environment in no time.”
#3. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
The question about your greatest strengths and weaknesses aims to evaluate your self-awareness and determine the value you bring to the company. As a result, you should discuss a relevant strength and a weakness that doesn’t make you appear incompetent or lazy.
Also, when talking about your weaknesses, make sure to mention that you work to improve yourself. That way, you’ll demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to life.
Here’s how you could structure your answer:
Good Answer
“My greatest strength is my ability to quickly establish rapport with people, even when I’ve just met them. In my past position, I was praised for my approachability and friendliness, which helped me break the ice with even the most difficult customers.
As for my greatest weakness, I tend to take on too many responsibilities and often overexert myself. That’s why I sometimes feel burned out and can’t give my undivided attention to each task. However, I’ve recently started learning to prioritise and say no when I know I can’t fully commit.”
#4. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult customer.
This is a common behavioural interview question at Tesco, designed to check how you react in difficult situations that might arise in your line of work. The best way to answer it is by using the STAR method and following the situation, task, action, and result structure.
Here is what that might look like:
Good Answer
“In my previous role, a frustrated customer came in with a product that turned out to be faulty and demanded a refund. They were understandably frustrated, so I needed to calm them down, convince them not to leave a bad review, and, hopefully, preserve a positive relationship.
First, I apologised for the inconvenience and offered a replacement instead of a refund. I also gave them a discount on their next purchase as compensation. My response satisfied the customer, whose loyalty to us significantly increased after this experience.”
#5. What motivates you?
This question gives you an opportunity to talk about your goals or passions and relate them to the position you’re applying for.
So, you might say something like this:
Good Answer
“I’m motivated by fast-paced, dynamic environments that challenge me and help me learn new skills. I also enjoy working in a team; collaboration with others energises me and helps me push through difficult days. As a result, I think Tesco is a perfect opportunity for me— after all, working with customers is never monotonous.”
#6. What is your biggest achievement?
When discussing your biggest achievement, make sure to relate it to the Tesco position you’re applying for. For instance, talk about how your contributions made a difference when working in retail or how you’ve maintained and built new relationships with customers.
Here’s what you could say:
Good Answer
“My biggest achievement was helping with organising stock during a busy holiday period at XYZ company. Many of my colleagues were on leave, so I had to stay after hours to make sure everything was ready for the next day, when we expected an influx of customers. I succeeded and received praise from my manager, as well as a staff recognition award for that month.”
#7. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond.
Tesco employees occasionally face long working hours, so recruiters ask this question to see whether you’re ready to put in extra effort when necessary. However, many candidates find it difficult to answer, thinking they should be talking about a groundbreaking contribution.
That’s not the case, though. You can discuss any occasion when you put in more effort than you needed to, even if the overall impact of your actions wasn’t that significant. What matters is to demonstrate commitment and initiative.
Here is how you might answer this Tesco interview question:
Good Answer
“My colleague called in sick during a very busy shift, and my manager had no one else to call to cover for them. My shift was ending in half an hour, but seeing the situation, I offered to stay longer and help out until an alternative solution was found.
It was a long and difficult day, but the customers were satisfied, and so was my manager. He thanked me for my hard work, and I received a significant raise in the next quarter.”
#8. Describe a time you worked in a team and the role you played.
Teamwork skills are crucial in a company like Tesco, so you can expect to be asked about your experience working with others. Try to recall specific contributions you’ve made in a team and describe them using the STAR method.
Here’s what your answer might look like:
Good Answer
“At my previous job, I worked in a team of retail assistants. Our job was to restock the shelves while simultaneously assisting customers during a particularly busy period. At my initiative, we divided the responsibilities and maintained constant communication during the day to ensure everything went smoothly.
As a result, we successfully met all our daily targets, and management was very pleased with our performance. They gave us similar responsibilities on two other occasions, and we received substantial bonuses.”
#9. How do you prioritise tasks with overlapping deadlines?
Working in a fast-paced environment may require you to juggle multiple high-priority tasks at the same time. This is often the case at Tesco, where you may be asked to assist customers, operate checkouts, and maintain the store's cleanliness simultaneously.
Here’s a good answer to this Tesco interview question:
Good Answer
“In this situation, I consider the task’s urgency and the people involved in its completion. I prioritise assignments that affect other people and those with fixed, unchangeable deadlines. If there’s anything I can complete quickly, I tackle that first and then take on more complex tasks.
If I feel that I can’t manage everything on time, I communicate with my managers or clients to request extensions and seek help if needed. I think open communication is crucial in these situations, and my requests have generally been met with understanding.”
#10. Why should Tesco hire you?
The question: “Why should we hire you?” is common in most companies, and Tesco is no exception. When answering, highlight your strengths and relevant skills, and relate them to the company’s requirements.
Here’s how you may answer:
Good Answer
“Tesco should hire me because I’m reliable, quick to learn, and customer-oriented. I also possess excellent conflict resolution skills, which I demonstrated in my previous position, where I often had to deal with unsatisfied clients. I always listened to their problems, apologised for the inconvenience, and tried to find a solution that addressed the issue and maintained the company’s good image.”
#11. This position might require flexible hours. Can you commit to that?
Tesco’s employees may be required to work on weekends and during holidays, or occasionally switch their shifts with colleagues. As a result, they must be flexible and prepared to meet employers’ demands.
Here’s a good answer to this question:
Good Answer
“Yes, I can commit to flexible hours. I understand that the store gets busier on weekends and holidays; I experienced this in my previous retail job. As a result, I’m prepared to work different shifts or longer hours to support the team and make sure the customers get the best service possible.”
25 Specific Tesco Interview Questions
Aside from the most common Tesco interview questions, we’ve compiled lists of specific questions you may be asked depending on the role you’re applying for.
Let’s take a closer look:
#1. Tesco Management Interview Questions
As part of Tesco’s management team, you could be put in charge of managing shifts and teams, overseeing recruitment and store operations, or training and supporting new staff. These are responsible roles that require excellent leadership and communication skills, so the questions tend to focus on these areas as well.
Here are some frequent interview questions for Tesco management positions:
Frequent Interview Questions
“Tell us about your previous management experience.”
“How do you motivate your team?”
“What is your preferred leadership style?”
“How do you handle underperforming staff?”
“How would you deal with a sudden staff shortage on a busy day?”
“How would you improve performance in your department?”
“Describe a time you made a mistake as a manager. What did you learn?”
“How do you ensure excellent customer service across the store?”
#2. Driver Team Interview Questions
The driver team delivers goods to Tesco stores or groceries directly to customers’ homes. As a result, this team’s members must be excellent drivers with highly developed time management and organisational skills.
Here are some Tesco interview questions recruiters might ask when you’re applying for this team:
Driver Team Hiring Questions
“Do you have a valid driver’s licence?”
“Have you ever had a breakdown or an accident on the road? How did you handle it?”
“How do you plan your routes to stay on time?”
“What would you do if you arrived at a customer’s home, but no one was there to accept the delivery?”
“How do you handle common issues, such as traffic delays or damaged items?”
“What would you do if you were running late on your route?”
#3. Tesco Technology Interview Questions
Tesco’s technology teams ensure a seamless customer experience by leveraging modern technologies, including the Tesco app and self-checkouts. They also provide support to delivery teams, helping them consistently reach their destinations on time.
If you want to become a part of Tesco’s tech team, you’ll likely be asked the following:
Tesco Tech Role Interview Questions
“What technologies and tools are you most comfortable with?”
“How do you approach debugging a complex issue?”
“How do you keep up with the latest tech trends?”
“Tell me about a time you introduced a new idea or solution.”
“Describe a time you had to adapt to change quickly.”
“How would you handle a high-priority service outage?”
#4. Tesco Internship Interview Question
Tesco can be your first step on a career ladder, thanks to its various internship and apprenticeship programmes. The company encourages young people to apply and gain valuable work experience that can bolster their CVs or lead to permanent employment.
Here are some Tesco interview questions you might encounter when seeking an internship:
Interview Questions for Tesco Internships
“Why did you choose this specific internship?”
“Tell me about a time you received negative feedback.”
“How would you decide which product to promote in stores?”
“Give an example of a time when you solved a problem creatively.”
“What makes great customer service, in your opinion?”
How to Prepare for an Interview at Tesco: 5 Effective Tips
To prepare for an interview at Tesco, you should learn about the company, understand your role, dress appropriately, prepare good questions, and make sure to arrive on time.
Now, we’ll examine these tips in more detail.
#1. Research the Company
The first step is to research the company and understand its mission, values, goals, and common practices. Once you do, you’ll be better prepared to answer job interview questions, especially the ones asking why you want to work there and why they should hire you.
The same applies to Tesco; browse through the website thoroughly and pay special attention to the About Us section or their annual reports. Also, take a look at reviews on other websites, especially if they’re left by former or current employees.
#2. Understand Your Role
The next step should be learning as much as possible about your role within the company.
Reread the job description, find the explanations on the website, and, most importantly, look into people who are already in these positions. If you can, reach out to them. Their answers will likely be the most valuable information you can get.
#3. Dress Appropriately
The way you dress can significantly impact your performance at an interview, so make sure you look professional and well-put-together. You don’t typically have to wear formal clothing to a Tesco interview, but you should still put effort into presenting yourself well.
This doesn’t apply to corporate roles; in these cases, it’s best to stick to business casual or even professional attire. Ultimately, being a little overdressed is better than being too casual, so don’t hesitate to wear a suit if it helps you feel more confident.
#4. Prepare Good Questions
Aside from good answers, you also need to have a few sharp questions at the ready. That way, you won’t be caught off guard when recruiters ask you if you have any questions for them, and you’ll leave a better impression overall.
#5. Be Punctual
Make sure to be on time. In fact, come 10–15 minutes earlier just to be safe and account for potential traffic jams.
If something unexpected happens, causing you to be late, contact recruiters to let them know, apologise, and give an approximate time of arrival. Apologise once again upon your arrival, but don’t overexplain; instead of dwelling on this mishap, focus on your strengths, skills, and professional experiences.
Create a Job-Winning CV for Tesco Positions
Before you can secure an interview at Tesco, you need to impress recruiters with your standout job application. Create one using our CV builder and submit it to your potential employer right away.
You can do this by following our builder’s steps, entering the required information, and picking the design and style that you prefer. Or, you can select a CV template that suits your needs from the start and only add the necessary details; it’s entirely up to you.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide to Tesco interview questions will help you pass with flying colours and secure an invitation to join the company. Just remember to prepare and rehearse your answers beforehand; this will help you sound more confident and genuine.
And if you need help securing an interview in the first place, take a look at our CV examples to help you write a perfect application. We have options for many different industries and roles, so you’ll surely find something that suits you.
Tesco Interview Questions FAQ
#1. How hard is it to pass a Tesco interview?
It’s not too hard to pass a Tesco interview, according to most candidates’ experiences and ratings. In fact, as long as you prepare well and show enthusiasm for the role, you’ll likely do well and receive an offer.
#2. Do Tesco interviews include technical or role-specific questions?
Tesco interviews can include technical or role-specific questions, some of which we’ve listed in this article. These questions are designed to test your experience and knowledge necessary to perform well in particular positions; for instance, as a driver or a member of the tech team.
#3. What skills is Tesco looking for?
Tesco is looking for a range of customer-oriented skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, persuasion, and negotiation. However, time management, organisation, and team skills are also vital, while technical roles may require hard skills related to programming and coding.
