🛍️ Visit the Store Before Your Interview

Retail recruiters frequently report the same frustration:
The interviewer asks, “Have you visited one of our stores?”
The candidate answers, “No.”

This is a major red flag.

If you want to work for a retailer or hospitality brand, visiting at least one site is non‑negotiable. Failing to do so can appear disrespectful and signals a lack of genuine interest.

Rule number one: Visit at least one store or site before the interview, ideally more than one.

📊 Conduct a Mini SWOT Analysis

A store visit isn’t just a walk‑through. Strengthen your preparation by completing a simple SWOT analysis:

Strengths: What does the store do well?

Weaknesses: What could be improved?

Opportunities: What could increase sales or enhance customer experience?

Threats: What external factors could impact performance?

Focus primarily on strengths and opportunities. No employer wants to hear a long list of criticisms.

For a deeper guide, see our article: How to Perform an Outstanding SWOT Analysis.

📰 Check Recent News and Press Coverage

A quick online search can reveal valuable insights:

• Recent achievements
• New store openings
• Awards
• Leadership changes
• Strategic announcements

At interview, highlight the positives. Avoid bringing up scandals unless the interviewer raises them first.

🌐 Study the Company Website

Spend time exploring:

• The company’s mission and values
• Their product or service offering
• Current campaigns
• Leadership team

Know the CEO’s name.
Interviewers often refer to senior leaders casually - “Michael said…” and you don’t want to be the candidate who asks, “Who’s Michael?”

💹 Understand the Company’s Performance

If the company is publicly listed:

• Check the share price
• Review recent financial results
• Note any major strategic updates

If it’s privately owned, look for:

• Press releases
• Industry commentary
• Growth announcements

This shows commercial awareness and genuine interest.

🔎 Research Your Interviewer

If you know who will be interviewing you, look them up on:

• LinkedIn
• Company website
• Professional profiles

You may discover shared interests or useful conversation points. This isn’t about stalking, it’s about being informed.

📱 Review Your Own Social Media

Employers will almost certainly look you up.

• Remove or privatise anything controversial or unprofessional
• Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and up to date
• Avoid public posts that could be misinterpreted

Facebook, in particular, has cost many candidates opportunities.

🕒 Double‑Check Your Interview Logistics

This sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked:

• Confirm the interview location
• Plan your route
• Allow extra travel time

Being late may be forgiven, but it will leave you flustered and that affects performance.

❓ Prepare High‑Quality Questions

Interviewers almost always invite questions. Strong questions demonstrate curiosity and commercial thinking.

Good topics include:

• Expansion plans
• Competitive strategy
• Customer experience priorities
• Local trading challenges

Avoid asking about:

• Salary
• Holidays
• Benefits
• Negative press

These belong later in the process.

🏪 Know the Competitor Landscape

You will often be asked who the company’s competitors are.
Be accurate and respectful.

Examples:

• Cartier ≠ H Samuel
• Tesco ≠ Lidl (in positioning)

Always position the employer positively when discussing competitors.

🔥 Be Ready to Discuss Other Applications

If you’re interviewing elsewhere, it’s fine to say so.
But when asked which company is your first choice, the interviewer expects one answer:

Them.

Even if you’re unsure, enthusiasm matters.
A job offer boosts confidence and gives you options.
No offer means no choice and a missed opportunity.